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

Starling interviewed on the US election and Europe in BBC World News

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
Starling interviewed on the US election and Europe in BBC World News

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
Starling interviewed on the US election and Europe in BBC World News

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

Nov 6, 2020

Starling interviewed on the US election and Europe in BBC World News

By Atlantic Council

Forward Defense Deputy Director Clementine Starling discusses the implications of the US election for transatlantic relations in an interview with BBC World News.

Europe & Eurasia National Security

In the News

Oct 20, 2020

Duclos in Institut Montaigne: Trump or Biden: Rebuilding the Transatlantic Relationship
Democratic Transitions Elections

In the News

Oct 15, 2020

The Guardian highlights Washington, London support for Scowcroft Center’s D10 idea

By Atlantic Council

On October 15, The Guardian published an article discussing the future of the US-UK relationship after the November election. The article highlights support among leaders in Washington and London for a D10 of leading democracies, an idea developed by the Scowcroft Center.

Politics & Diplomacy United Kingdom

New Atlanticist

Oct 15, 2020

COVID-19 and British unity

By John M. Roberts

The coronavirus crisis is straining British unity as officials in the North of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland clash with Boris Johnson's government over lockdowns and economic support measures.

Coronavirus Politics & Diplomacy

NATO 20/2020

Oct 14, 2020

Christen a carrier strike group

By Michael John Williams

Using the HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales as its backbone, a NATO carrier strike group is an opportunity for high-end interoperability under European leadership.

Europe & Eurasia Maritime Security

UkraineAlert

Oct 13, 2020

Britain and Ukraine unveil new strategic partnership

By Bate C Toms

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent state visit to the UK was the most consequential foreign relations act of his presidency to date and saw the unveiling of a new strategic partnership.

Cybersecurity Maritime Security

UkraineAlert

Oct 12, 2020

UK and Ukraine sign historic post-Brexit free trade deal

By Vasyl Myroshnychenko

The jury is still out on the economic impact of Brexit, but Ukraine emerged in early October as an unlikely early beneficiary of Britain’s EU exit by signing a landmark partnership agreement including free trade.

Economy & Business Trade and tariffs

In the News

Sep 24, 2020

Herbst and Cagan in Morning Consult: Opposition to Nord Stream 2 sanctions is misguided

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Germany

New Atlanticist

Sep 22, 2020

Navalny is Merkel’s ‘red line’ crisis

By Jeremy Stern

How Merkel responds to the poisoning of Alexei Navalny and critiques of support for Nord Stream II will likely have cascading effects on international politics. Germany’s decisions, even on seemingly discrete events, can alter the global balance of power.

Europe & Eurasia European Union

New Atlanticist

Sep 18, 2020

Johnson faces a COVID lockdown and trade lockout

By John M. Roberts

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has found himself in an extraordinary crisis, as a second wave of COVID-19 lockdowns is interacting with what would normally be considered a totally separate matter, the future of trade deals with the European Union and the United States and Britain’s reputation as a nation committed to upholding international law.

Coronavirus European Union
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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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