Europe Center Research & Reports

The Europe Center conducts research to guide the actions and strategy of key transatlantic decision makers on the issues that will shape the future of the transatlantic relationship.

Europe Center Research & Reports

Report Nov 10, 2025

Is Europe waking up to the China challenge? How geopolitics are reshaping EU and transatlantic strategy

By Zoltán Fehér, Valbona Zeneli

China’s rising global ambitions challenge both US and European interests. By examining the EU’s gradual shift toward “de-risking” and gaps in transatlantic policy, this report offers insights for developing a more coherent and coordinated strategy to address Beijing’s economic and security challenges.
China Europe & Eurasia
Europe Center Research & Reports

Report May 20, 2025

The European Union Growth Plan for the Western Balkans: A reality test for EU enlargement

By Valbona Zeneli, Richard Grieveson, Isabelle Ioannides, Dimitar Bechev

EU enlargement faces a test case in the Western Balkans. The current plan offers real benefits before accession, creating incentives for reform, but questions of enforceability and the relatively low amount of financial support threaten the success of the EU’s political influence in the region.
Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia
Europe Center Research & Reports

Issue Brief Mar 5, 2025

The EU must become a strategic player in defense—alongside NATO

By Justina Budginaite-Froehly

The European Union and NATO need renewed alignment on defense to meet the new geopolitical moment. Refocused cooperation would provide a critically needed burden sharing to eliminate vulnerabilities and prepare Europe to withstand new realities.
Defense Industry Europe & Eurasia

All in-depth research & reports

Issue Brief

Nov 19, 2010

Adapting the US-EU Summit for a Globalized World

By Fran Burwell and Annette Heuser

As President Obama prepares to meet with European leaders for the first U.S.-EU Summit since the enactment of the Lisbon Treaty, the Atlantic Council and the Bertelsmann Foundation have prepared a joint strategy arguing that such meetings can only advance policies of interest to Washington and Brussels if the gatherings are restructured and less exclusive. […]

European Union International Organizations

Report

Sep 1, 2010

Preventive Detention and the “War on Terror”: Keeping the Response to Terrorism within the Law

In September 2010, the Atlantic Council published a paper titled “Preventive Detention and the ‘War on Terror’: Keeping the Response to Terrorism within the Law;” an analysis of U.S. and European dialogue on the subject. The paper is a result of several workshops and discussions in the ongoing series Transatlantic Dialogues on International Law. Download […]

Europe & Eurasia United States and Canada

Report

Dec 1, 2009

Forging a Strategic U.S.-EU Partnership

The Atlantic Council’s Transatlantic Relations Program outlines a comprehensive plan for renewing U.S.-EU relations in Shoulder to Shoulder: Forging a Strategic U.S.-EU Partnership.Download the PDF

European Union International Organizations

Report

Jun 1, 2009

Confidence Building between Turks and Iraqi Kurds

The Obama administration’s “responsible redeployment” from Iraq is made even more urgent by the requirements resulting from worsening conditions in Afghanistan and Pakistan. For redeployment to occur on scale and on schedule, the United States seeks an end-state in Iraq that is stable and at peace with its neighbors. Simmering sectarian violence is inevitable, but […]

Iraq Turkey

Report

Mar 9, 2009

Beyond Closing Guantanamo: Rebuilding a Transatlantic Partnership in International Law

In one of his first acts as president, Barack Obama signed an executive order closing the Guantanamo Bay prison camp within a year.  According to a new paper published by the Atlantic Council, Beyond Closing Guantanamo, this is a step in the right direction, but the new U.S. administration should undertake several additional measures aimed […]

Europe & Eurasia United States and Canada

Report

Oct 3, 2008

Post-Conflict Georgia

Shortly after the release of the Atlantic Council’s report, Restoring Georgia’s Sovereignty in Abkhazia, Russia invaded Georgia and war broke out over the breakaway region of South Ossetia. The United States and its European partners were put to the test; Moscow’s recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia not only challenged Georgia’s sovereignty, but by demonstrating […]

Russia The Caucasus

Report

Jul 24, 2008

Restoring Georgia’s Sovereignty in Abkhazia

 This report recommends a package of immediate measures to the Georgian and Abkhaz sides to prevent the escalation of violence. As part of a multi-year strategy, it also suggests steps that Georgians, Abkhaz, and international stakeholders can take to lay the ground for future negotiations. In addition, the report proposes a diplomatic initiative by the […]

European Union International Organizations

Report

Jan 11, 2008

U.S.-Turkey Relations Require New Focus

A series of expert working papers released today by the Atlantic Council call for Turkey and the United States­ ­to give grea­ter priority to working in a trilatera­l f­ormat with Europe on energy sec­urity, co­unter-terrorism, and building regional stability in the broader Middle East.  The United States and Turkey have drifted apart­ since the end […]

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Report

Jan 5, 2008

Enhancing Democracy Assistance

This report recognizes that democracy assistance is essential to the promotion of US foreign policy and global interests, and offers political and technical recommendations in order to enhance democracy assistance. Download the PDF

Politics & Diplomacy United States and Canada
Cyber Attack CEOs

Report

Dec 19, 2007

Cyber Attack: Risk Management Primer for CEOs

No business, government, nongovernmental, or other organization of whatever size is invulnerable to cyber attacks. Business owners and executives, including managing directors, cannot afford to put at risk the security and stability of their operating and financial systems, confidential information, intellectual property, and business transactions to cyber predators through lack of knowledge or initiative.Download the […]

Cybersecurity Security & Defense
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