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

What about inflation and the Russia-Ukraine crisis?

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
What about inflation and the Russia-Ukraine crisis?

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
What about inflation and the Russia-Ukraine crisis?

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

Econographics

Feb 28, 2022

What about inflation and the Russia-Ukraine crisis?

By Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou

The Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is rattling the global economy and markets.

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

New Atlanticist

Feb 28, 2022

What’s driving Putin’s invasion of Ukraine? A former NATO chief who met him explains.

By Lord George Robertson

Lord George Robertson explores what changed the mind of Vladimir Putin, who once asked when Russia would be invited into NATO.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Feb 27, 2022

Experts React: What’s behind Germany’s stunning foreign-policy shift?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our Europe Center experts weigh in on Germany’s about-face on military spending, arming Ukraine, and the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

Conflict Defense Policy

Inflection Points

Feb 27, 2022

Ukraine has finally prompted the West to shift course on Putin

By Frederick Kempe

The Zelenskyy delegation’s chance to succeed in talks at the Belarus border with a Russian delegation would be far greater if Putin were confident that the West has Ukraine’s back.

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Feb 25, 2022

Ambassador Fried interviewed by ABC News on Russia escalating conflict

Watch the full interview here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Feb 25, 2022

Tran quoted in Reuters on oil and gas prices following Western sanctions

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Feb 25, 2022

Friedlander interviewed by CNBC on Russia’s dark money

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Britain Debrief

Feb 24, 2022

#BritainDebrief – What can Britain do to help Ukraine? An Emergency Debrief from Tom Tugendhat, MP

By Ben Judah

As Russia launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Senior Fellow Ben Judah spoke with Tom Tugendhat, MP, Chair of the UK Foreign Affairs Committee, on what Britain and its allies can do for a special emergency #BritainDebrief.

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Feb 24, 2022

Friedlander interviewed on Marketplace with Kai Ryssdal on sanctions imposed by the Biden administration

Listen to the interview here.

Economy & Business European Union

In the News

Feb 24, 2022

O’Toole quoted in Politico on sanctions price spikes

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia
Load More

Experts

Staff

Maia Nikoladze

Associate Director, Economic Statecraft Initiative

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Digital Currencies Eastern Europe

Staff

Emma Nix

Assistant Director

Europe Center

Central Europe Eastern Europe

European Leadership Accelerator Participant

Salam Nukta

Innovation, Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship Professional, Warsha Consulting

Millennium Leadership Program

Education Entrepreneurship

Fellow

Nicholas O’Connell

Nonresident Fellow

Europe Center

Civil Society Elections

Fellow

Ed Owen

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Millennium fellow

Richard Pass

CEO and Co-Founder, Future Forces

Millennium Leadership Program

Entrepreneurship Security & Defense
Load More