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

Kroenig and Ashford debate how to handle Russia and discuss Biden’s interim strategic priorities

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
Kroenig and Ashford debate how to handle Russia and discuss Biden’s interim strategic priorities

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
Kroenig and Ashford debate how to handle Russia and discuss Biden’s interim strategic priorities

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 19, 2021

Kroenig and Ashford debate how to handle Russia and discuss Biden’s interim strategic priorities

By Atlantic Council

On March 19, 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 discuss how the United States can deter Russian election meddling, the merits of the Biden administration’s interim strategic priorities, and the logic […]

China Elections

In the News

Mar 17, 2021

Wieslander moderates “Nordics and the High North: A collective defence and detterence outlook” at the British Embassy in Stockholm
Europe & Eurasia European Union

In the News

Mar 12, 2021

Dungan appears on Bloomberg to discuss protests in France over proposed pension reforms

On December 10, 2019, Nicholas Dungan spoke with Bloomberg’s David Westin on “Bloomberg: Balance of Power” about protests over French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposed pension reforms.

Europe & Eurasia France

UkraineAlert

Mar 11, 2021

Biden must persuade Germany and Austria to stop the “Schroederization” of Europe

By Anders Åslund and Benjamin L. Schmitt

US President Joe Biden needs to address the issue of Western politicians accepting Kremlin-linked jobs following their retirement from public service, argue Anders Åslund and Benjamin L. Schmitt.

Corruption Geopolitics & Energy Security

UkraineAlert

Feb 25, 2021

Biden must freeze Putin’s pipeline and prevent this “bad deal for Europe”

By Benjamin Schmitt

By taking steps to block the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, US President Joe Biden has a real opportunity to build a new transatlantic security consensus while revitalizing the US-German relationship.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Germany

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Feb 23, 2021

Kholos Brooks featured by Moment Magazine

By Atlantic Council

On February 23, FD NRSF Michelle Kholos Brooks joined Moment Magazine for a Zoominar on her award-winning play "Hitler’s Tasters." The play centers around the women who tasted Hitler’s food and explores the experiences of young women in war.

Germany Media

In the News

Feb 18, 2021

Khakova quoted in Voice of America on Nord Stream 2
Europe & Eurasia Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Feb 17, 2021

Friedlander spoke with Handelsblatt on Germany’s potential options to postpone the operation of Nord Stream 2

By Julia Friedlander

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Eurozone

In-Depth Research & Reports

Feb 12, 2021

Toward a future EU-UK relationship in foreign policy and defense

By Gen. Stéphane Abrial, Sir Peter Westmacott, Olivier-Rémy Bel

The UK and the EU will continue to share the same geography, the same strategic environment, and the same values, a reality recognized on both sides of the Channel. As the UK moves on from the Brexit process, it should find in the EU a partner sharing the same values and aspirations.

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

Press Release

Feb 10, 2021

Atlantic Council’s UK Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge returns for its fourth year

BT returns as strategic partner for virtual cybersecurity strategy challenge for UK students

Cybersecurity United Kingdom
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Experts

European Leadership Accelerator Participant

Martin-Sebastian Abel

Co-Founder & Managing Director, TransitionPlan

Millennium Leadership Program

Central Europe Economy & Business

Fellow

Didier Acouetey

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Anca Agachi

Nonresident Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Africa Conflict

Fellow

Léonie Allard

Visiting Fellow

Europe Center

Africa Chinese

Millennium fellow

Kirk Allen

Digital Communications Lead, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

Millennium Leadership Program

Middle East NATO Partnerships

Fellow

Gérard Araud

Distinguished Fellow

Europe Center

English Europe & Eurasia
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