Western Europe

FEATURED COMMENTARY & ANALYSIS

1914 – The Failure of and the Need for Diplomacy

New Atlanticist
Oct 2, 2024

A man in a hurry: Keir Starmer’s early approach is making waves at home and abroad

By
Ed Owen

The new UK prime minister’s much-anticipated speech at the Labour Party’s recent gathering in Liverpool is a window into where the country may be headed.

Economy & Business
Elections

New Atlanticist
Oct 2, 2024

Three state elections have backed Germany into a corner

By
Jurek Wille and Friedrich Conradi

The recent successes of populist parties in Germany’s state elections could signal an imminent shift in Berlin’s policies on climate, immigration, and aid for Ukraine.

Elections
Germany

New Atlanticist
Sep 26, 2024

France’s new government aims to calm the political storm. What will it mean for foreign policy?

By
Léonie Allard, Jean-Loup Samaan

Prime Minister Michel Barnier is likely to follow the path of President Emmanuel Macron, but the big question is whether the delicate political context in Paris will allow ministers to focus on crises in Ukraine and Lebanon.

Europe & Eurasia
France

EVENTS

Public Event
Tue, May 27, 2025 • 9:00 am ET

The Rt Hon Lord Mandelson on Britain in an enduring transatlantic relationship

Economy & Business
Europe & Eurasia
Politics & Diplomacy
Security & Defense

Public Event
Tue, May 6, 2025 • 12:30 pm ET

Belgium’s defense minister on Europe’s evolving security landscape

Europe & Eurasia
NATO
Security & Defense
Western Europe

Online Event
Tue, May 6, 2025 • 10:00 am ET

What to expect from Germany’s next government

Elections
Europe & Eurasia
European Union
Germany

Program

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

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Content

British soldiers blinded by tear gas, April 10, 1918

NATOSource

Jan 29, 2014

1914 – The Failure of and the Need for Diplomacy

By Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Guardian

The history of the outbreak of war 100 years ago and of the collapse of the fragile balance of power in Europe in the summer of 1914 is a disturbing tale of the failure of the governing elites and the military, but also of diplomacy.

Europe & Eurasia European Union

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian

NATOSource

Jan 28, 2014

France’s Counterterrorism Operations in Africa Deserve US Support

By Editorial Board, Washington Post

[M]ore than 1,000 French soldiers are still fighting Islamic militants in Mali. Another French intervention force has been dispatched to restore order in the Central African Republic.

France Sahel

Vice President Joe Biden at the 2013 Munich Security Conference

NATOSource

Jan 28, 2014

US Should Challenge European Allies with ‘Frank Talk’ about Defense

By Clemens Wergin, International New York Times

In recent decades, many European states have largely outsourced their security to the United States, which provided a defensive umbrella and protected global trade routes vital for European commerce and energy supplies.

Germany Iran

German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen in Afghanistan

NATOSource

Jan 28, 2014

Defense Minister: Germany Needs to Take More Responsibility Around the World

By René Pfister and Gordon Repinski, Spiegel

New Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen says that it is time for Berlin to take more responsibility. She also dreams of a European army.

Africa Europe & Eurasia

Allies concerned about a diminished US global presence

NATOSource

Jan 23, 2014

Get Ready, the Indispensable Americans are Pulling Back

By Gideon Rachman, Financial Times

[T]he most important emerging theme in world politics is America’s slow retreat from its role as global policeman.

France Israel

In the News

Jan 22, 2014

Dungan Quoted on Hollande’s Economic Reform Agenda

By Nicholas Dungan

Transatlantic Relations Senior Fellow Nicholas Dungan is quoted in the Financial Times on French President Francois Hollande’s efforts to reform France’s economy:

France

NATOSource

Jan 21, 2014

New NATO Headquarters in Financial Trouble

By Fidelius Schmid and Christoph Schult, Spiegel

NATO is building a new headquarters for one billion euros. But the construction consortium is in financial difficulties and the project is at risk of being halted.

Germany NATO

NATOSource

Jan 21, 2014

Europe’s Sole Military Force: Giving France Respect Where it is Due

By Gregor Peter Schmitz, Spiegel

In Damascus, Tehran, Tripoli and even Washington, Paris is taken very seriously indeed.

Africa Europe & Eurasia

Event Recap

Jan 21, 2014

France and the United States: companions in competitiveness

Competitiveness is a strategic issue and should be viewed as such my national governments. In his latest report, Companions in Competitiveness: How France and the United States Can Help Each Other Succeed in the Twenty-First Century, senior fellow Nicholas Dungan emphasizes that short term strategies are insufficient to address the relative loss of competitiveness in […]

France

Prime Minister David Cameron visiting British troops in Afghanistan

NATOSource

Jan 16, 2014

UK Prime Minister Says Robert Gates ‘Wrong’ About British Defense

By Telegraph and BBC

From Raf Sanchez, Telegraph: David Cameron has sharply rejected a claim by the former US defence secretary that the government’s military cuts will prevent Britain from being a “full partner” with America.

United Kingdom United States and Canada