Western Europe

Western European nations are at the heart of the transatlantic relationship. These countries are considered architects of the rules-based order, having played prominent roles at the Bretton Woods Conference, the founding of NATO, and the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, the predecessor to the EU. As the transatlantic community faces internal strife, external pressures, and a new era of great power competition, US engagement with its Western European allies has never been more important.

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FEATURED COMMENTARY & ANALYSIS

Does Germany Really Want to Save the Euro?

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

Does Germany Really Want to Save the Euro?

New Atlanticist
Aug 28, 2025

Germany wants to double its defense spending. Where should the money go?

By
Atlantic Council experts

After decades of Berlin underinvesting in its defense, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has plans to transform the Bundeswehr into Europe’s strongest military. 

Defense Policy
Europe & Eurasia

Does Germany Really Want to Save the Euro?

New Atlanticist
Aug 19, 2025

Europe needs to keep up the momentum for Ukraine after its White House show of force

By
Jörn Fleck, James Batchik

Among other steps, European leaders should press forward on defining what security guarantees for Ukraine look like.

European Union
France

Program

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

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Content

New Atlanticist

Nov 28, 2011

Does Germany Really Want to Save the Euro?

By Julian Lindley-French

Does Germany really want to save the Euro? The great Austrian strategist Count Metternich once famously said that when Paris sneezes, Europe catches cold. Today, he would probably substitute Berlin for Paris.

Economy & Business European Union

New Atlanticist

Nov 22, 2011

Germany’s Military Reform: An American Perspective

By Peter Flory

In the May 2011 German Defense Policy Guidelines (DPG), Germany sets as its goal a force that is capable of “[s]afe guarding national interests, assuming international responsibility, and shaping security together.”  As an American, I would ask no more and no less from our German ally.

Germany

NATOSource

Nov 22, 2011

NATO is a shell of its former self

By  J.L. Granatstein,the Ottowa Citizen

United Kingdom United States and Canada

New Atlanticist

Nov 21, 2011

Dead Politics: Europe’s Enemy Within

By Julian Lindley-French

One of the great doyens of nineteenth century British foreign policy Lord Salisbury could turn a phrase or two. Speaking of Britain in the 1870s he may well of been speaking of Europe (and the British bit of it) today when he said “…the commonest error in politics lies in sticking to the carcases of […]

European Union Germany

NATOSource

Nov 20, 2011

Do Not Attack Syria

By Aaron David Miller, the International Herald Tribune

From Aaron David Miller, the International Herald Tribune:  The Arab League suspends Syrian membership; the king of Jordan calls for Bashar al-Assad’s departure; Turkey appears ready for more aggressive anti-Assad measures; defectors from the Syrian Army are attacking regime targets.

United Kingdom United States and Canada

NATOSource

Nov 20, 2011

Will NATO Intervene In Syria?

By James Joyner, the New Atlanticist

From James Joyner, the New Atlanticist:  Among the explanations given for why the West intervened in Libya but has thus far stayed out of the far greater crisis in Syria has been the lack of regional support for action. That excuse appears to be nearing its expiration date. As NATOSource reported earlier today, the Arab League has […]

United Kingdom United States and Canada

NATOSource

Nov 18, 2011

Arab League asks Britain and France to develop a robust international response for Syria

By Deutsche Welle

From Deutsche Welle:  Britain and France have been approached by senior Arab League officials about taking the lead in a Libya-style contact group which would coordinate the next phases of action against President Bashar al-Assad, and plan for what many regard as his inevitable departure from power.

United Kingdom

NATOSource

Nov 17, 2011

Syrians would accept Turkish intervention: Brotherhood leader

By Simon Cameron-Moore, Reuters

United Kingdom

NATOSource

Nov 17, 2011

British intell services foiled Gaddafi attack on the leadership of Libya’s NTC

By Cassandra Vinograd, the AP

United Kingdom

NATOSource

Nov 15, 2011

Russian envoy visiting NATO capitals to warn of retaliatory “military steps” against missile defense system

By Kim Sengupta, the Independent

United Kingdom United States and Canada
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Experts

European Leadership Accelerator Participant

Martin-Sebastian Abel

Co-Founder & Managing Director, TransitionPlan

Millennium Leadership Program

Central Europe Economy & Business

Fellow

Didier Acouetey

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Anca Agachi

Nonresident Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Africa Conflict

Fellow

Léonie Allard

Nonresident senior fellow

Europe Center

Africa Chinese

Millennium fellow

Kirk Allen

Digital Communications Lead, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

Millennium Leadership Program

Middle East NATO Partnerships

Fellow

Gérard Araud

Distinguished Fellow

Europe Center

English Europe & Eurasia
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