Western Europe

FEATURED COMMENTARY & ANALYSIS

The odds on Brexit not happening are shortening

New Atlanticist
Oct 2, 2024

A man in a hurry: Keir Starmer’s early approach is making waves at home and abroad

By
Ed Owen

The new UK prime minister’s much-anticipated speech at the Labour Party’s recent gathering in Liverpool is a window into where the country may be headed.

Economy & Business
Elections

New Atlanticist
Oct 2, 2024

Three state elections have backed Germany into a corner

By
Jurek Wille and Friedrich Conradi

The recent successes of populist parties in Germany’s state elections could signal an imminent shift in Berlin’s policies on climate, immigration, and aid for Ukraine.

Elections
Germany

New Atlanticist
Sep 26, 2024

France’s new government aims to calm the political storm. What will it mean for foreign policy?

By
Léonie Allard, Jean-Loup Samaan

Prime Minister Michel Barnier is likely to follow the path of President Emmanuel Macron, but the big question is whether the delicate political context in Paris will allow ministers to focus on crises in Ukraine and Lebanon.

Europe & Eurasia
France

EVENTS

Public Event
Thu, May 1, 2025 • 1:00 pm ET

Underwater mayhem: Countering NATO energy & critical infrastructure threats

Energy & Environment
Energy Markets & Governance
Europe & Eurasia
European Union

Online Event
Wed, April 30, 2025 • 4:00 am ET

Microsoft’s Brad Smith on digital resilience during geopolitical volatility

AN #ACFRONTPAGE EVENT—Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft, shares insights on maintaining trust and promoting competitiveness in a time of trade and geopolitical volatility.

Artificial Intelligence
Central Europe
Cybersecurity
Eastern Europe

Online Event
Tue, February 25, 2025 • 9:00 am ET

Debriefing Germany’s federal elections

Elections
European Union
Germany
Politics & Diplomacy

Program

The Europe Center promotes the transatlantic leadership and strategies required to ensure a strong Europe.

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Content

New Atlanticist

Nov 21, 2018

The odds on Brexit not happening are shortening

By Peter Westmacott

Brexiteers don’t think it marks enough of a clean break with the European Union (EU) while Remainers think it leaves Britain with the worst of all worlds.

European Union International Organizations

In the News

Nov 20, 2018

Charai in National Interest: Sinews of Partnership: Reflections on the Trans-Atlantic Discord in Paris

By Atlantic Council

France Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Nov 16, 2018

Emmanuel Macron can make France great again

By Nicholas Dungan

Macron’s approval ratings stand at an all-time low with over seventy percent of French people polled not expressing confidence in his leadership.Yet great hopes have been pinned on Macron and he has worked hard to fulfill them.

European Union France

New Atlanticist

Nov 14, 2018

May’s Brexit deal: with Cabinet nod secured, next stop parliament

By David A. Wemer

Based on early reports on the details of the draft deal, the United Kingdom would remain in a customs union with the EU throughout a transition period and until there is an agreement on a permanent trade deal.

European Union International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Nov 13, 2018

No good Brexit options

By Peter Westmacott

The only certainty is that Britain will be worse off if it leaves the EU, in whatever form. Since the referendum, Britain has changed from being the fastest-growing economy in the G7 to the slowest.

European Union International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Nov 9, 2018

World War I commemoration gives Emmanuel Macron an opportunity to shine

By Dan Haverty

The opportunity to step into the role of de facto leader of Europe presents an inherent challenge. Macron will likely become a target of scorn for populists across Europe who will invariably use his failures as a symbol of the flawed European project as a whole.

France Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Oct 31, 2018

Merkel’s greatest legacy May be her unerring sense of style

By Thomas Klau

Can Germany’s leader for thirteen years last in the chancellery for another three? At this stage it is more than doubtful. Merkel herself left the door discreetly open to an earlier exit.

Elections Germany

New Atlanticist

Oct 30, 2018

As Angela Merkel begins her exit, what next?

By Jörn Fleck and Alex Baker

No matter who succeeds Merkel as leader of the CDU, it is difficult to imagine that person would be content with Merkel staying on as chancellor until her terms ends in 2021. That person will want the opportunity to connect with voters and chart his or her own course for the party.

Elections Germany

New Atlanticist

Oct 29, 2018

Angela Merkel will not seek re-election as Germany’s chancellor in 2021

By Ashish Kumar Sen

"While one should never underestimate Merkel, it may be time to start thinking about her political obituary," said Atlantic Council distinguished fellow, Fran Burwell.

Elections Germany

New Atlanticist

Oct 26, 2018

#ElectionTracker: No, the United States isn’t the only country getting ready to vote

By David A. Wemer

As seemingly all attention focuses on voters from the Atlantic to the Pacific don’t lose sight of some other contests around the world. Here is a look at the races we are watching in the runup to the US midterms.

Brazil Elections