Southern and Southeastern Europe

Southern and Southeastern Europe

Southern and Southeastern Europe play a critical role in the transatlantic community, given their close proximity to the EU’s Southern Neighborhood and NATO’s Southern Flank. The region has faced significant economic challenges in recent years, along with an influx of migrants and foreign interference. While these concerns persist in some countries, the region has seen rapid economic growth, a revival of democratic institutions, and new opportunities for leadership in major international organizations.

Explore
Hydrocarbon developments in the Eastern Mediterranean

Report Nov 10, 2025

Italy’s policy on China: The Belt and Road gamble and its aftermath

By Valbona Zeneli

From the Silk Road to the Belt and Road Initiative, Italy’s relationship with China has shifted from early enthusiasm to cautious recalibration. Once Europe’s gateway for Beijing’s ambitions, Rome now frames its China policy around transatlantic solidarity, balancing economic opportunity with strategic prudence.
China Economy & Business
Hydrocarbon developments in the Eastern Mediterranean

Report Nov 10, 2025

Greece’s policy on China: Debt-era deals and recalibration

By Valbona Zeneli

From the port of Piraeus to Brussels, Greece’s China policy has evolved from enthusiastic engagement and post-crisis dependency to strategic caution. Today, Athens’s is balancing economic pragmatism with transatlantic security commitments.
China Economy & Business
Hydrocarbon developments in the Eastern Mediterranean

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

Program

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

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Content

Report

Aug 1, 2016

Hydrocarbon developments in the Eastern Mediterranean

By Charles Ellinas, with John Roberts and Harry Tzimitras

The Eastern Mediterranean’s hydrocarbon discoveries have massive consequences for the region, even though when considered on a global scale they are relatively small. What are the the technical and geopolitical obstacles to and opportunities for creating a vibrant hydrocarbon market in the Eastern Mediterranean?

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Jul 28, 2016

Montanino Quoted by The Financial Times on Italian Banks

By Andrea Montanino

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Italy

In the News

Jul 28, 2016

Montanino Quoted by The Financial Times on Italian Banks

By Andrea Montanino

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Italy

In the News

Jul 27, 2016

Shaffer Quoted in Foreign Policy on Cyprus’ Natural Gas Industry

By Brenda Shaffer

Read the full article here.

Southern & Southeastern Europe

In the News

Jul 13, 2016

Montanino Joins CNBC to Discuss the Italian Financial System

By Andrea Montanino

Italy
NATO exercise Trident Juncture, Nov. 4, 2015

NATOSource

Jul 4, 2016

NATO Summit Special Series: Spain and Portugal

By Alex Ward

NATO’s focus eastward, while important, is no longer sufficient for the future safety of allies, partners, and other European states.

Cybersecurity NATO

Bremain vs Brexit

Jul 4, 2016

Castello-Catchot Quoted by El Pais on Spain’s Role in Brexit

By Carles Castello-Catchot

Read the full article here.

Southern & Southeastern Europe

Bremain vs Brexit

Jul 4, 2016

Castello-Catchot Quoted by EFE on Obama’s Trip to Spain, Poland After Brexit

By Carles Castell-Catchot

Read the full article here.

Poland Southern & Southeastern Europe

UkraineAlert

Jun 28, 2016

Memo to NATO: Wake Up Before Putin Turns the Black Sea into a Russian Lake

By Stephen Blank

By invading Ukraine and annexing Crimea, Russian President Vladimir Putin has transformed the security situation in the Black Sea. Upon capturing those territories, Moscow lost no time in seizing Ukrainian energy facilities in the Black Sea and accelerating its ongoing military modernization there. As a result, Moscow has built a combined arms force of land, […]

NATO Russia

Bremain vs Brexit

Jun 24, 2016

Europe’s Soul-Searching Moment

By Ana Palacio

There is an old rule in lawyering, never ask a question if you are not certain of the answer. Three years ago, in a selfish gambit to solidify his personal mandate for a second term as prime minister, David Cameron did just that. His reward: thirteen extra months in 10 Downing Street entirely consumed by […]

Europe & Eurasia European Union
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Experts

Fellow

Daniel E. Mouton

Former Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Fellow

Cameron Munter

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center South Asia Center

National Security Conflict

Fellow

Gabriele Natalizia

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Europe & Eurasia Italian

Fellow

Nicholas O’Connell

Nonresident Fellow

Europe Center

Civil Society Elections

Fellow

Stjepan Orešković

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Croatian Economy & Business

Staff

Jacopo Pastorelli

Program Assistant

Europe Center

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia
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