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

Stefanini in POLITICO: What Biden lost in Afghanistan

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
Stefanini in POLITICO: What Biden lost in Afghanistan

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
Stefanini in POLITICO: What Biden lost in Afghanistan

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

Aug 16, 2021

Stefanini in POLITICO: What Biden lost in Afghanistan

By Stefano Stefanini

Ambassador Stefano Stefanin was quoted in POLITICO on the impact of the Afghanistan withdrawal on the United States' global credibility and the response from NATO allies.

Afghanistan Europe & Eurasia

Britain Debrief

Aug 16, 2021

#BritainDebrief – Britain and the collapse of American Afghanistan: A debrief from Tom Tugendhat MP

By Ben Judah

Senior Fellow Ben Judah speaks to Tom Tugendhat MP, Chair of the UK Parliament's foreign affairs select committee, to discuss the fall of Afghanistan and what it means for British foreign policy.

Afghanistan Conflict

Britain Debrief

Aug 12, 2021

#BritainDebrief – The collapse of American Afghanistan and the view from Kabul: A debrief from Bruno Maçães

By Ben Judah

For this #BritainDebrief, author Bruno Maçães speaks with Ben Judah to discuss the Taliban's sweep across Afghanistan and what it reveals about Europe's foreign policy.

Afghanistan Conflict

Britain Debrief

Aug 11, 2021

#BritainDebrief – Is Biden making a terrible mistake in Afghanistan? A debrief from Rory Stewart

By Ben Judah

With the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, former MP and Secretary of State for International Development Rory Stewart joins #BritainDebrief to share his views on the West's policies toward Afghanistan.

Afghanistan Conflict

Blog Post

Aug 10, 2021

State of the Order: Assessing July 2021

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

Americas China

New Atlanticist

Jul 30, 2021

How the New Atlantic Charter can save the free world

By Daniel Fried, Ash Jain

To succeed, the Biden administration must bring on board other US allies and establish new institutions to turn these principles into action.

International Norms International Organizations

In the News

Jul 30, 2021

Friedman in The Atlantic: Germany Found a Way to Reduce Polarization. Could It Work in the US?

"The country’s robust investment in public media has helped it reduce political divisions," writes Uri Friedman in The Atlantic

Germany Politics & Diplomacy

Britain Debrief

Jul 28, 2021

#BritainDebrief – A foreign correspondent’s view: US culture war in Britain? A debrief from Yasmeen Serhan

By Ben Judah

On this #BritainDebrief, staff writer for The Atlantic Yasmeen Serhan discusses the impact of domestic US culture wars on Britain.

Civil Society Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Jul 23, 2021

Kroenig and Ashford debate geopolitics and the Olympics

By Atlantic Council

On July 23, Foreign Policy published a biweekly column featuring Scowcroft Center deputy director Matthew Kroenig and New American Engagement Initiative senior fellow Emma Ashford discussing the latest news in international affairs. In this column, they debate Olympic defection, the effectiveness of sanctions over the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, democratic backsliding in Tunisia, the prospects for a […]

Belarus China

Britain Debrief

Jul 23, 2021

#BritainDebrief – A foreign correspondent’s view: Is British democracy at risk? A debrief from Annette Dittert

By Ben Judah

For this #BritainDebrief, journalist Annette Dittert sits down with Ben Judah to explore the healthy of democracy in Britain.

Civil Society Media
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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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