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

There is no alternative to US Treasuries

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
There is no alternative to US Treasuries

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
There is no alternative to US Treasuries

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.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAM

Content

Sunset at the Treasury Department

Econographics

May 23, 2023

There is no alternative to US Treasuries

By Josh Lipsky

In the wake of a US default, investors searching for safe assets may have no viable alternative to US Treasuries.

China Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

May 20, 2023

Experts react: A ‘game changer’ G7 summit in Japan

By Atlantic Council experts

As leaders of the Group of Seven countries gather in Hiroshima, Atlantic Council experts share their insights on what is coming out of the summit about Russia, China, the global economy, and more.

Economy & Business European Union

Transcript

May 17, 2023

Grant Shapps on UK energy security: ‘We must not be reliant on unreliable partners again’

By Atlantic Council

The UK secretary of state for energy security and net zero outlined his department's plans for implementing the Powering Up Britain package that aims to help the country enhance its energy security and deliver on its net-zero commitments.

Crisis Management Energy & Environment

Blog Post

May 16, 2023

State of the Order: Assessing April 2023

The State of the Order breaks down the month's most important events impacting the democratic world order.

China Economy & Business

UkraineAlert

May 11, 2023

Britain becomes first country to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles

By Peter Dickinson

Britain has confirmed it is providing Ukraine with long-range missiles. The decision is a major milestone in international efforts to support the Ukrainian fight back against Russia’s ongoing invasion, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Freedom and Prosperity

New Atlanticist

May 10, 2023

Ukraine’s friends must show ‘we’ve got the grit’ in supporting its fight, says UK foreign secretary

By Katherine Golden

James Cleverly argued at an Atlantic Council Front Page event that if the West is saving its stockpiles in its "military cupboard" for a rainy day, "this is the rainy day."

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

May 10, 2023

CBDC tracker and Kumar cited by Bank of England on number of countries pursuing CBDCs and China’s e-CNY

Read the full speech here.

China Digital Currencies

Transcript

May 9, 2023

James Cleverly on the UK’s support for Ukraine and foreign policy ‘refresh’

By Atlantic Council

The UK foreign secretary joined the Atlantic Council to talk about the UK's national-security strategy, support for Ukraine, and China policy.

Conflict Crisis Management

UkraineAlert

May 4, 2023

Ukraine seeks more German support on Russia’s invasion and EU accession

By Alyona Getmanchuk

Many Ukrainians have been disappointed by Germany's cautious approach to countering Russian aggression against Ukraine and Berlin's preoccupation with avoiding anything that might provoke Putin, writes Alyona Getmanchuk.

Conflict Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

New Atlanticist

Apr 28, 2023

How the EU and UK can start to collaborate in a post-Brexit world

By Jörn Fleck, Ben Judah

As EU ambassadors to London gather to discuss the future of the relationship, here are six ambitious but realistic ideas for cooperation.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia
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Experts

Fellow

Deborah Cheverton

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Industry

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Noel Coenraad

Strategy Advisor, Vattenfall AB

Millennium Leadership Program

Energy Transitions Germany

Fellow

Jason Davidson

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Europe & Eurasia European Union

Fellow

Samuel Denney

Nonresident Fellow

Transatlantic Security Initiative

English Europe & Eurasia

Millennium fellow

Oumar Diallo

Director, Fintech and Innovation, Financial Markets Authority

Millennium Leadership Program

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

Staff

Philippe Dickinson

Deputy Director

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Chinese East Asia
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