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.

Explore

FEATURED COMMENTARY & ANALYSIS

Gadzala Tirziu in The New York Sun on the vernacular and vision of French President Macron

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
Gadzala Tirziu in The New York Sun on the vernacular and vision of French President Macron

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
Gadzala Tirziu in The New York Sun on the vernacular and vision of French President Macron

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

In the News

May 31, 2022

Gadzala Tirziu in The New York Sun on the vernacular and vision of French President Macron

On May 13, Scowcroft Center nonresident senior fellow Aleksandra Gadzala Tirziu published a piece in The New York Sun on the new term that has emerged in Ukrainian vernacular – “to do a Macron” – and the history and origins of Macron’s visions for Europe.

Europe & Eurasia France

UkraineAlert

May 31, 2022

Memo to Henry Kissinger: Appeasing Putin means enabling genocide

By Stephen Blank

Appeasing Russia will not end the war in Ukraine or secure peace in our time. On the contrary, it will embolden Putin, prolong Ukraine’s pain, weaken the West, and destabilize the entire world, writes Stephen Blank.

Conflict Disinformation

Experts react

May 26, 2022

The buzz in Europe’s halls of power about Ukraine’s EU bid

By Atlantic Council experts

Our Europe experts break down what to expect from the European Council's special meeting on issues related to the war in Ukraine.

Central Europe Europe & Eurasia

Britain Debrief

May 22, 2022

#BritainDebrief – What future for Northern Ireland? A Debrief with Kellie Armstrong MLA

By Ben Judah

Senior Fellow Ben Judah spoke with Kellie Armstrong, Alliance MLA for Strangford, to discuss how the crisis in Stormont may be defused.

Elections European Union

UkraineAlert

May 21, 2022

Appeasement is the worst possible policy for both Ukraine and Russia

By Dennis Soltys

Western advocates of appeasement in Ukraine such as French President Emmanuel Macron fail to appreciate the deep-rooted imperial ambitions underpinning Vladimir Putin's campign to extinguish Ukrainian independence.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

In the News

May 16, 2022

GeoEconomics Center research on China’s new role in driving global recessions featured in Yahoo Finance

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

In the News

May 9, 2022

GeoEconomics Center report on the future of UK banking and finance cited in Telegraph

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Britain Debrief

May 8, 2022

#BritainDebrief – Which Western leaders have done enough for Ukraine? A Debrief from Kira Rudik

By Ben Judah

Senior Fellow Ben Judah interviews Kira Rudik, member of the Ukrainian Parliament and leader of the Voice Party, about which of Ukraine's allies have helped the most.

Arms Control Central Europe

UkraineAlert

May 6, 2022

Countering the Kremlin: America must not wait for European unity

By Olexander Scherba

Vladimir Putin's ongoing invasion of Ukraine marks the culmination of Russia’s long campaign to corrupt Europe. The EU condemns the war while at the same time sponsoring it, writes Olexander Scherba.

Conflict Corruption

UkraineAlert

May 1, 2022

Finally! German MPs back heavy weapons for Ukraine in historic vote

By Vitaly Sych

The German Bundestag on April 28 finally agreed to supply heavy weapons to Ukraine in an historic vote that marked a departure from months of caution in Berlin and efforts to avoid confrontation with the Kremlin.

Conflict Corruption
Load More

Experts

Fellow

Andrew Bernard

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

NATO Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Phyllis Berry

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Europe & Eurasia France

Fellow

Erik Brattberg

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Danish Digital Policy

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Stephanie Burrell

Head of Sustainability, Smart DCC

Millennium Leadership Program

Civil Society Energy & Environment

Staff

Giovana Cardoso

Associate Director, Development

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Brazil Human Rights

Millennium fellow

Tim Carlton Jones

Head of International Affairs, UK, Edelman

Millennium Leadership Program

Education Middle East
Load More