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.

All in-depth research & reports

Report

Nov 10, 2025

Germany’s policy on China: From win-win to strategic competition

By Valbona Zeneli

Germany’s China policy has shifted from economic optimism to cautious competition—balancing trade interests with mounting security concerns. Once built on deep interdependence, Berlin now prioritizes “de-risking” and resilience in its approach to Beijing.

China Economy & Business

Report

Nov 10, 2025

Hungary’s policy on China: Doing Beijing’s bidding

By Zoltán Fehér

Under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungary has emerged as China’s closest ally within the EU, aligning its foreign policy with Beijing’s global agenda and repeatedly obstructing EU efforts to counter Chinese influence.

China Economy & Business

Report

Nov 10, 2025

Czechia’s policy on China: Swinging between engagement and de-risking

By Zoltán Fehér

Although Czechia emerged as one of the EU’s early hawks and whistleblowers on China, its overall stance has shifted markedly over the past two decades—oscillating between engagement and balancing, with the fluctuations largely driven by domestic political divisions and sustained Chinese influence efforts.

Central Europe China

Report

Nov 10, 2025

The European Commission’s role in steering Europe’s strategic outlook

By Zoltán Fehér

Over the past decade, the European Commission has led the EU’s pivot toward balancing and “de-risking” China. Trade and investment have been at the heart of this strategy, not only because of the Commission’s authority in these domains, but also because they are the primary channels through which China challenges Europe’s economic and political interests.

China Economy & Business

Report

Nov 10, 2025

The geopolitical trends shaping the EU’s policies on China

By Zoltán Fehér, Valbona Zeneli

European policies on China are shaped by four major geopolitical trends: intensifying US-China competition, uncertainty about sustained US engagement in Europe and globally, China’s support for Russia’s war on Ukraine, and Beijing’s growing economic and technological challenge to the EU.

China Economy & Business

Report

Nov 10, 2025

France’s policy on China: Strategic autonomy and less naïveté

By Zoltán Fehér

Over the last decade, France’s long-standing engagement with China has transformed into a more nuanced and cautious dynamic, reflecting a growing emphasis on balancing. This shift is guided by France’s pursuit of strategic autonomy, its effort to “de-risk” economic and security ties, and the broader geopolitical realities unfolding in the Indo-Pacific.

China Economy & Business

Report

Nov 10, 2025

Navigating the complexity of European policymaking on China

By Zoltán Fehér, Valbona Zeneli

EU policymaking on China is complex not only in structure but also in practice. It unfolds across multiple layers of governance, where EU institutions and member states pursue overlapping—and at times conflicting—priorities, making strategic alignment toward Beijing a persistent challenge.

China Europe & Eurasia

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

Issue Brief

Mar 14, 2025

The Three Seas Initiative stands at an inflection point

By Emma Nix, Ian Brzezinski

The Three Seas Initiative is preparing for a critical summit in Warsaw in 2025. What opportunities exist to ensure the Initiative can accomplish its goal of ensuring a Europe whole, free, secure, and at peace?

Central Europe Economy & Business
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen give a statement before a meeting with EU Commissioners in Brussels, Belgium, January 11, 2023.REUTERS/Johanna Geron

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