Western Europe

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

Our research on the location of Russian central bank’s foreign exchange reserves featured in Axios

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
Our research on the location of Russian central bank’s foreign exchange reserves featured in Axios

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
Our research on the location of Russian central bank’s foreign exchange reserves featured in Axios

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

In the News

Mar 3, 2022

Our research on the location of Russian central bank’s foreign exchange reserves featured in Axios

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Mar 3, 2022

Chemali quoted in Washington Post on Russian reserves held abroad

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Mar 2, 2022

Lichfield quoted in CNN Business on Russia’s import substitution policies following western sanctions in 2014

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Mar 1, 2022

Lichfield quoted in NBC news on Germany-Russia relations

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Mar 1, 2022

Friendlander quoted in Wall Street Journal on the impact of sanctions on the Russian people

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Mar 1, 2022

Will Germany’s geopolitical awakening last?

By Roderick Kefferpütz

For Germany’s new government, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a geopolitical baptism by fire.

Crisis Management Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Mar 1, 2022

Sullivan joins Asharq News to discuss NS2 bankruptcy
Arabic Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

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
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Experts

Fellow

Valeska Esch

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

European Union Germany

Staff

Jörn Fleck

Senior Director

Europe Center Transform Europe Initiative

Digital Policy Economy & Business

Staff

Denise Forsthuber

Deputy Director, Strategic Engagement and Operations

Europe Center Transform Europe Initiative

Central Europe Eastern Europe

Fellow

Nik Foster

Nonresident Fellow

Global China Hub

China Energy & Environment

Fellow

Daniel Fried

Weiser Family Distinguished Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative Eurasia Center

Eastern Europe Democratic Transitions

Fellow

Jérémie Gallon

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Economy & Business English
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