Central Europe

Central Europe

Three decades since the end of the Cold War, twenty years since NATO’s first enlargement beyond the Iron Curtain, and fifteen years since European Union and NATO accession, the states of Central Europe remain full and active members of both organizations, and they are key players in the transatlantic community. Foreign influence from Russia and China, concerns over regional adherence to the rule of law, and economic insecurity require continued and renewed US engagement.

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FEATURED COMMENTARY & ANALYSIS

A three-pillar strategy for institutional reform in Central and Eastern Europe

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
A three-pillar strategy for institutional reform in Central and Eastern Europe

New Atlanticist Nov 4, 2025

Trump has an opportunity to unblock Ukraine’s EU accession in his meeting with Orbán

By James Batchik

Getting Hungary to drop its opposition to Ukraine’s European Union accession would be a strategic coup for Ukraine, Europe, and Washington.
Conflict Eurozone
A three-pillar strategy for institutional reform in Central and Eastern Europe

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

Program

The Europe Center promotes the transatlantic leadership and strategies required to ensure a strong Europe.

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Content

Issue Brief

Sep 22, 2025

A three-pillar strategy for institutional reform in Central and Eastern Europe

By Stephen Nix and Megan Tamisiea

This paper is the first in the Freedom and Prosperity Center's "Future of Democracy Assistance" series, which analyzes the many complex challenges to democracy around the world and highlights actionable policies that promote democratic governance.

Central Europe Democratic Transitions

UkraineAlert

Sep 18, 2025

Putin’s Polish probe demands decisive response to restore NATO deterrence

By Zahar Hryniv

Putin’s recent drone escalation in the skies over Poland is an unmistakable signal that NATO’s credibility is under threat. Western leaders must now respond decisively to deter further Russian aggression, writes Zahar Hryniv.

Conflict Drones

UkraineAlert

Sep 16, 2025

Ukraine’s skies are Europe’s first line of defense against Russian drones

By Alina Zubkovych

As NATO leaders respond to Russia's recent drone incursion into Poland, they should recognize that Ukraine's skies are now European first line of defense against Putin's growing drone fleet, writes Alina Zubkovych.

Conflict Defense Technologies

UkraineAlert

Sep 11, 2025

Belarus hosts Russian war games as Putin’s drones probe Poland

By Hanna Liubakova

On September 12, Belarus and Russia will begin their largest joint military exercises since the start of Putin's Ukraine invasion, just two days after at least nineteen Russian drones penetrated neighboring Polish airspace, writes Hanna Liubakova.

Belarus Conflict

New Atlanticist

Sep 10, 2025

Experts react: Poland just shot down Russian drones over its territory. Is Putin ramping up his war on Europe?

By Atlantic Council experts

The Russian drones may have strayed from their original flight paths, or the Kremlin could be launching an aggressive new gambit against NATO.

NATO Poland

New Atlanticist

Sep 3, 2025

Dispatch from Kyiv and Warsaw: Security is the first answer to Russia’s aggression

By Shelby Magid, Mercedes Sapuppo

A visit to the capitals of Ukraine and Poland puts recent diplomacy in Moscow, Anchorage, and Washington to end Russia’s war in Ukraine in perspective.

Conflict Poland

UkraineAlert

Sep 2, 2025

Hungary has alternative energy options but chooses to rely on Russia

By Aura Sabadus

Ukraine’s recent strikes on the Kremlin's Druzhba oil pipeline are not only an attack on Russia’s war economy. They are also a wake-up call for Hungarians highlighting the role being played by their country in the funding of Russia’s invasion, writes Aura Sabadus.

Conflict Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

EnergySource

Aug 6, 2025

Energy is key to Romania’s trade resilience

By Uliana Certan

While the new US-EU trade agreement may pose economic risks for Romania, it also presents a strategic opportunity to stabilize its economy by leveraging its unique energy profile.

Central Europe Eastern Europe

New Atlanticist

Aug 5, 2025

Poland’s new president could become a major European ally for Trump

By Marek Magierowski

Conservative Karol Nawrocki, who takes over as Poland's president on August 6, may help convince the US president of the danger posed by Russia.

Elections Poland

EnergySource

Aug 4, 2025

What a new nuclear deal with Hungary means for US influence in Europe

By Jennifer T. Gordon

Hungarian and Polish firms agreed to build up to ten US-designed small modular reactors. The deal could signal a step toward bringing Hungary closer to the US and EU.

European Union Geopolitics & Energy Security
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Experts

Fellow

Andrew A. Michta

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Central Europe Eastern Europe

Millennium fellow

Chels Michta

Military Intelligence Officer, US Army

Millennium Leadership Program

Central Europe Eastern Europe

Board director

Georgette Mosbacher

Co-Chair, Three Seas Programming

Europe Center

Central Europe Economy & Business

Staff

Eva Mulholland

Project Assistant

Europe Center

Central Europe Eastern Europe

Fellow

Cameron Munter

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center South Asia Center

National Security Conflict

Fellow

Sona Muzikarova

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Central Europe Economy & Business
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