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

O’Toole quoted in Financial Post on economic impact of sanctions

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
O’Toole quoted in Financial Post on economic impact of sanctions

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
O’Toole quoted in Financial Post on economic impact of sanctions

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

Feb 22, 2022

O’Toole quoted in Financial Post on economic impact of sanctions

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Feb 22, 2022

O’Toole quoted in Foreign Policy on deterrence sanctions

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Feb 21, 2022

Ambassador Fried interviewed on CNN on Putin’s offenses

Watch the video here.

Conflict Economy & Business

In the News

Feb 21, 2022

Friedlander quoted in The New York Times on the sanctions rollout

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Feb 21, 2022

Ambassador Fried quoted in Washington Post on Biden’s trade and investment actions against Russia

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Feb 17, 2022

Twenty questions (and expert answers) about what’s happening with Ukraine and Russia

By Atlantic Council experts

As the crisis in Eastern Europe continues to unfold, we tapped our expert network to answer the burning questions about the implications for Russia, Ukraine, and the wider world.

Conflict Crisis Management

Britain Debrief

Feb 17, 2022

#BritainDebrief – What role is Western intelligence playing in the Ukraine crisis? A Debrief from Sir John Sawers

By Ben Judah

Sir John Sawers, the former Chief of MI6, joins #BritainDebrief to discuss the role of intelligence agencies in responding to the crisis in Ukraine.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Feb 10, 2022

A perpetrator of Syrian crimes against humanity went free in France. Here’s why it shouldn’t happen again

By Michel Duclos

If the scope for changing the course of events in Syria is limited, it’s honorable to take a stand against the abominable crimes of the Bashar al-Assad regime. It would be a great pity for France to be seen as a safe haven for Assad’s accomplices.

Europe & Eurasia France

In the News

Feb 9, 2022

Wieslander on “Finlandization” of Ukraine in New York Times

By Anna Wieslander

“‘Finlandization’ would appear to rule out [the possibility of NATO membership for Ukraine] and allow Moscow a heavy hand in Ukrainian affairs — concessions Kyiv and NATO have rejected as unacceptable, ” wrote the New York Times. “All of this goes against what Ukraine has been striving for,” said Anna Wieslander, director for Northern Europe […]

Europe & Eurasia France

New Atlanticist

Feb 9, 2022

Will Germany’s new leader be reliable enough for Washington? 

By Rachel Rizzo

Chancellor Olaf Scholz must recommit Germany to the transatlantic alliance. That's no easy task.

Germany Politics & Diplomacy
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Experts

Fellow

Hanna Dohmen

Nonresident Fellow

Global China Hub

China Chinese

Fellow

William Drozdiak

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Europe & Eurasia France

Millennium fellow

Katrin Eggenberger

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture of the Principality of Liechtenstein

Millennium Leadership Program

Central Europe Eastern Europe

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Katerina Elias-Trostmann

Director, Climate & Nature for Latin America, Salesforce

Millennium Leadership Program

Brazil Climate Change & Climate Action

Fellow

Tobias Ellwood

Distinguished Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative

Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense

Staff

Peter Engelke

Senior Fellow, GeoStrategy Initiative

GeoStrategy Initiative Global Energy Center

Technology & Innovation
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