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

Akhtar joins CSSPR to discuss a report on nuclear responsibilities

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
Akhtar joins CSSPR to discuss a report on nuclear responsibilities

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
Akhtar joins CSSPR to discuss a report on nuclear responsibilities

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

Apr 12, 2021

Akhtar joins CSSPR to discuss a report on nuclear responsibilities

By Atlantic Council

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

Issue Brief

Apr 8, 2021

Beyond the war: The history of French-Libyan relations

By Farah Rasmi

On February 23, 2011, French President Nicolas Sarkozy declared to the world his revulsion at the brutalities taking place in Libya: “The international community cannot remain a spectator to all the massive violations of human rights,” he said. Much had changed in the relationship between Sarkozy and Colonel Muammar al-Qaddafi since the latter’s visit to France in 2007. Much has also changed in Libya and the rest of the world since these declarations were uttered and the ensuing intervention by NATO began.

Conflict France

UkraineAlert

Apr 6, 2021

Upgrading Ukraine’s Air Force could deter Russia

By Stephen Blank

Reinforcing Ukraine's Air Force would be a powerful way to deter Russian aggression against Ukraine and indicate to Moscow that the Western world will no longer tolerate Russian military adventurism in Eastern Europe.

Conflict Russia

UkraineAlert

Mar 30, 2021

Putin plots Ukraine peace talks without Ukraine

By Peter Dickinson

Ukrainian diplomats have voiced alarm over Russian plans to hold Ukraine peace talks without Ukraine’s participation. The news has revived fears that Moscow aims to bypass Kyiv and reach agreement directly with the West over Ukraine’s geopolitical future.

Conflict France

UkraineAlert

Mar 21, 2021

Germany’s Greens vow to block Putin’s pipeline

By Diane Francis

Germany's Greens have confirmed plans to block Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline if, as expected, they form part of the new German coalition government following Bundestag elections in September 2021.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Germany

Inflection Points

Mar 21, 2021

Boris Johnson transforms ‘Global Britain’ slogan into an inspiring strategic plan

By Frederick Kempe

Has British Prime Minister Boris Johnson finally found his country the global role that has eluded it since it lost its empire? Or is the country's newly unveiled strategy an insufficient cover for the historic Brexit blunder that will forever stain his legacy?

Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense

EconoGraphics

Mar 19, 2021

Happy St Pats to Ireland: Boom, bust, and recovery for Europe’s most resilient

By GeoEconomics Center

This week, the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center dressed in green and took a moment to reflect on the Irish economy, one of the most resilient in the European Union.

Digital Policy Eurozone

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
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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

Nonresident senior 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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