European Union

Growing from its start as the European Coal and Steel Community, the European Union today has twenty-seven member states and is the only democratic, intergovernmental, supranational organization in the world. It has risen as a key actor and norm-setter in areas as diverse as trade, energy security, digital policy, and defense. In an era of great power competition, the United States has a national interest in the EU reinvigorating faith in the European project among Europeans and the rest of the world.

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

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New Atlanticist

May 21, 2025

Europe is striking back at Russia’s shadow fleet. Here’s what to know about the latest EU and UK sanctions.

By Atlantic Council experts

This week, Brussels and London unveiled new sanctions against Russia and the fleet of oil tankers and other vessels covertly trading in Russian oil. Atlantic Council experts assess the moves.

Conflict European Union

In the News

May 21, 2025

Kumar quoted by AFP on how Trump is shaping US ties with G7 countries

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Economy & Business European Union

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

In the News

May 20, 2025

Kumar quoted by AFP on how Trump’s tariffs are weighing on the G7 finance ministers’ summit

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Economy & Business European Union

New Atlanticist

May 20, 2025

Portugal’s shift to the right is accelerating. What does that mean for its future?

By Andrew Bernard

The center-right Democratic Alliance won the May 18 election, while the far-right Chega party continued its rise. With the main center-left party losing seats, there is now an absolute majority on the right.

Elections European Union

In the News

May 20, 2025

Lichfield quoted in NYT on how the G7 finance ministers’ summit may unfold

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Economy & Business European Union

In the News

May 19, 2025

Lichfield quoted in Reuters on tariff discussions at the G7 finance ministers’ summit

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Economy & Business European Union

New Atlanticist

May 19, 2025

Experts react: What message did Romanians send by electing Nicusor Dan?

By Atlantic Council experts

The mathematician and mayor of Bucharest came out ahead of his right-wing rival on May 18. Atlantic Council experts sum up the election results and the implications.

Eastern Europe Elections

New Atlanticist

May 15, 2025

Can the EU-UK summit lead to a new post-Brexit partnership?

By Ed Owen

With shared challenges at home and abroad, the United Kingdom and European Union have an opportunity to renew their trade and security ties.

Defense Industry Economy & Business

In the News

May 11, 2025

Irdi quoted in Formiche on defending democratic values

By Beniamino Irdi

On May 11, Transatlantic Security Initiative nonresident senior fellow Beniamino Irdi was quoted in Formiche on his statements made at a hearing on foreign interference in EU elections.

Europe & Eurasia European Union

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