ECFR
@ecfr.eu
European Council on Foreign Relations: the only pan-European think-tank. We foster coalitions for change and promote debate on Europe's global role.
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While Estonia’s is protected due to weakened Russian capabilities, stronger European defence cooperation and its own preparedness, NATO’s European members should be reassured but not complacent, argue @jyshapiro.bsky.social and Jennifer Kavanagh in a new report on the Russian threat in Estonia. A 🧵
Trump and Lukashenka’s new found dialogue leaves the EU in a bind. However, there is a middle ground to be found between passively waiting for regime change in Belarus and risking a fallout with Washington, writes Vasil Navumau. @ecfreuropeansec.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/45bay6H
https://bit.ly/45bay6H
bit.ly
December 24, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Trump and Lukashenka’s new found dialogue leaves the EU in a bind. However, there is a middle ground to be found between passively waiting for regime change in Belarus and risking a fallout with Washington, writes Vasil Navumau. @ecfreuropeansec.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/45bay6H
https://bit.ly/45bay6H
Quickly bringing in the Western Balkan candidates, Ukraine and Moldova to counter Russia or China poses many dilemmas for the EU, writes Vladimir Shopov.
ecfr.eu/article/the-...
ecfr.eu/article/the-...
The next ‘big bang’: How the EU can fast-track enlargement amid geopolitical tensions – European Council on Foreign Relations
Quickly bringing in the Western Balkan candidates, Ukraine and Moldova to counter Russia or China poses many dilemmas for the EU
ecfr.eu
December 23, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Quickly bringing in the Western Balkan candidates, Ukraine and Moldova to counter Russia or China poses many dilemmas for the EU, writes Vladimir Shopov.
ecfr.eu/article/the-...
ecfr.eu/article/the-...
The EU must recalibrate to the new strategic environment driving the Lobito Corridor project specifically, and relations in southern Africa more generally, writes Alex Vines. @ecfrafrica.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/3N8Ol2Y
https://bit.ly/3N8Ol2Y
Caught in the Corridor: Angola, Europe and America – European Council on Foreign Relations
The EU must recalibrate to the new strategic environment driving the Lobito Corridor project specifically, and relations in southern Africa more generally
bit.ly
December 23, 2025 at 11:14 AM
The EU must recalibrate to the new strategic environment driving the Lobito Corridor project specifically, and relations in southern Africa more generally, writes Alex Vines. @ecfrafrica.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/3N8Ol2Y
https://bit.ly/3N8Ol2Y
Hungary’s media landscape exists in a grey zone, where journalism’s boundaries are set by the whims of regulatory power. Under Trump, America is heading in the same direction, writes @cwherrmann.bsky.social.
https://ecfr.eu/article/the-orbanisation-of-american-media-is-here/
https://ecfr.eu/article/the-orbanisation-of-american-media-is-here/
The Orbanisation of American media is here – European Council on Foreign Relations
Hungary's media landscape exists in a grey zone, where journalism's boundaries are set by the whims of regulatory power. Under Trump, America is heading in the
ecfr.eu
December 23, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Hungary’s media landscape exists in a grey zone, where journalism’s boundaries are set by the whims of regulatory power. Under Trump, America is heading in the same direction, writes @cwherrmann.bsky.social.
https://ecfr.eu/article/the-orbanisation-of-american-media-is-here/
https://ecfr.eu/article/the-orbanisation-of-american-media-is-here/
This year was shaped by US President Donald Trump’s trade war and his National Security Strategy. Revisit ECFR’s top three publications on the Trump administration that influenced political debate in 2025. Thank you for following our work—see you next year!✨
https://bit.ly/48XCqMS
https://bit.ly/48XCqMS
December 22, 2025 at 5:12 PM
This year was shaped by US President Donald Trump’s trade war and his National Security Strategy. Revisit ECFR’s top three publications on the Trump administration that influenced political debate in 2025. Thank you for following our work—see you next year!✨
https://bit.ly/48XCqMS
https://bit.ly/48XCqMS
Only Europe can save Ukraine from Putin and Trump—but will it?
Whether using frozen Russian assets, ramping up defence production or deepening the relationship with the EU, it is up to us to secure Ukraine’s future—and our own, writes Timothy Garton Ash.
https://bit.ly/4q5lKtV
Whether using frozen Russian assets, ramping up defence production or deepening the relationship with the EU, it is up to us to secure Ukraine’s future—and our own, writes Timothy Garton Ash.
https://bit.ly/4q5lKtV
Only Europe can save Ukraine from Putin and Trump—but will it? – European Council on Foreign Relations
Whether using frozen Russian assets, ramping up defence production or deepening the relationship with the EU, it is up to us to secure Ukraine’s future—and our
bit.ly
December 22, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Only Europe can save Ukraine from Putin and Trump—but will it?
Whether using frozen Russian assets, ramping up defence production or deepening the relationship with the EU, it is up to us to secure Ukraine’s future—and our own, writes Timothy Garton Ash.
https://bit.ly/4q5lKtV
Whether using frozen Russian assets, ramping up defence production or deepening the relationship with the EU, it is up to us to secure Ukraine’s future—and our own, writes Timothy Garton Ash.
https://bit.ly/4q5lKtV
Reposted by ECFR
#UkraineWar: Seven things to know about the #EU’s €90bn loan to #Ukraine, by @agathedemarais.bsky.social | @ecfr.eu
www.pubaffairsbruxelles.eu/opinion-anal...
www.pubaffairsbruxelles.eu/opinion-anal...
Seven things to know about the EU’s €90bn loan to Ukraine - PubAffairs Bruxelles
European Council meetings are rarely nerve-racking, but the one that took place on 18th-19th December broke the mould. Two topics were at the top of the agenda: a long-awaited free-trade agreement wit...
www.pubaffairsbruxelles.eu
December 22, 2025 at 12:10 PM
#UkraineWar: Seven things to know about the #EU’s €90bn loan to #Ukraine, by @agathedemarais.bsky.social | @ecfr.eu
www.pubaffairsbruxelles.eu/opinion-anal...
www.pubaffairsbruxelles.eu/opinion-anal...
Reposted by ECFR
💡 Curious about Angola-Europe relations? Take a look at one of our latest event recordings - live from Luanda. We reflected on #Angola's strategic interests, regional role and expanding engagement in multilateral fora. @ecfr.eu
🎥 👇
🎥 👇
Navigating multipolarity: Angola’s middle power ambitions – European Council on Foreign Relations
In 2025, Angola has gained increased visibility on the global stage through its presidency of the African Union and hosting the US-Africa Business Summit as wel
buff.ly
December 22, 2025 at 9:21 AM
How do people feel about Europe? Do they perceive the EU as more than just a common market? And how do they see its role in the future?
🔗 Check our policy brief to find out: https://bit.ly/3VxF9X7
🔗 Check our policy brief to find out: https://bit.ly/3VxF9X7
December 22, 2025 at 8:00 AM
How do people feel about Europe? Do they perceive the EU as more than just a common market? And how do they see its role in the future?
🔗 Check our policy brief to find out: https://bit.ly/3VxF9X7
🔗 Check our policy brief to find out: https://bit.ly/3VxF9X7
Estelle Huang writes on the threats posed by China’s maritime grey-zone activities towards Taiwan’s and Europe’s security. Europeans need to work with Indo-Pacific partners to expose and counter China’s evolving tactics. @ecfrasia.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/4j3Mvwx
https://bit.ly/4j3Mvwx
Clumsy ships, big risks: China’s evolving maritime playbook – European Council on Foreign Relations
China’s maritime grey-zone activities threaten Taiwan’s and Europe’s security. Europeans need to work with Indo-Pacific partners to expose and counter China’s e
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Estelle Huang writes on the threats posed by China’s maritime grey-zone activities towards Taiwan’s and Europe’s security. Europeans need to work with Indo-Pacific partners to expose and counter China’s evolving tactics. @ecfrasia.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/4j3Mvwx
https://bit.ly/4j3Mvwx
Here are seven takeaways on what the EU’s decision to grant a €90bn loan to Kyiv using the EU budget means for Europeans, Ukraine and the fate of Russian reserves, writes @agathedemarais.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/3MMgbSH
https://bit.ly/3MMgbSH
Seven things to know about the EU’s €90bn loan to Ukraine – European Council on Foreign Relations
Ukraine receives a vital lifeline, but it is not coming from immobilised Russian reserves.
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Here are seven takeaways on what the EU’s decision to grant a €90bn loan to Kyiv using the EU budget means for Europeans, Ukraine and the fate of Russian reserves, writes @agathedemarais.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/3MMgbSH
https://bit.ly/3MMgbSH
Reposted by ECFR
What can we make of the EU decision to issue a €90bn loan to Ukraine - without tapping into Russia's immobilised reserves? In my latest piece for @ecfr.eu I outline seven takeaways from the decision and why there is (much) more to it than meets the eye [Thread - 1/9]
ecfr.eu/article/seve...
ecfr.eu/article/seve...
Seven things to know about the EU’s €90bn loan to Ukraine – European Council on Foreign Relations
Ukraine receives a vital lifeline, but it is not coming from immobilised Russian reserves.
ecfr.eu
December 19, 2025 at 4:05 PM
What can we make of the EU decision to issue a €90bn loan to Ukraine - without tapping into Russia's immobilised reserves? In my latest piece for @ecfr.eu I outline seven takeaways from the decision and why there is (much) more to it than meets the eye [Thread - 1/9]
ecfr.eu/article/seve...
ecfr.eu/article/seve...
A Russia-Ukraine peace deal that capitulates to Putin risks destabilising the Western Balkans, emboldening Serbian territorial claims and undermining EU credibility, writes Engjellushe Morina.
https://bit.ly/4s4AqLz
https://bit.ly/4s4AqLz
Ukrainian border, Balkan future: How Trump’s peace deal could impact Kosovo and Serbia – European Council on Foreign Relations
A Russia-Ukraine peace deal that capitulates to Putin risks destabilising the Western Balkans, emboldening Serbian territorial claims and undermining EU credibi
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 12:03 PM
A Russia-Ukraine peace deal that capitulates to Putin risks destabilising the Western Balkans, emboldening Serbian territorial claims and undermining EU credibility, writes Engjellushe Morina.
https://bit.ly/4s4AqLz
https://bit.ly/4s4AqLz
🎧New week, new podcast!
@markhleonard.bsky.social brings together Ellie Geranmayeh and @hlovatt.bsky.social, to unravel the geopolitical changes and diplomatic efforts shaping Middle Eastern politics.
https://bit.ly/4aXPTqt
@markhleonard.bsky.social brings together Ellie Geranmayeh and @hlovatt.bsky.social, to unravel the geopolitical changes and diplomatic efforts shaping Middle Eastern politics.
https://bit.ly/4aXPTqt
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 6:20 AM
🎧New week, new podcast!
@markhleonard.bsky.social brings together Ellie Geranmayeh and @hlovatt.bsky.social, to unravel the geopolitical changes and diplomatic efforts shaping Middle Eastern politics.
https://bit.ly/4aXPTqt
@markhleonard.bsky.social brings together Ellie Geranmayeh and @hlovatt.bsky.social, to unravel the geopolitical changes and diplomatic efforts shaping Middle Eastern politics.
https://bit.ly/4aXPTqt
Trump and Lukashenka’s new found dialogue leaves the EU in a bind. However, there is a middle ground to be found between passively waiting for regime change in Belarus and risking a fallout with Washington, writes Vasil Navumau. @ecfreuropeansec.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/45bay6H
https://bit.ly/45bay6H
Bromance in Belarus: What Europeans need to know about the Trump-Lukashenka team-up
Trump and Lukashenka’s new found dialogue leaves the EU in a bind. However, there is a middle ground to be found between passively waiting for regime change in Belarus and risking a fallout with…
bit.ly
December 18, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Trump and Lukashenka’s new found dialogue leaves the EU in a bind. However, there is a middle ground to be found between passively waiting for regime change in Belarus and risking a fallout with Washington, writes Vasil Navumau. @ecfreuropeansec.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/45bay6H
https://bit.ly/45bay6H
@engjellushem.bsky.social writes on the EU accession of Albania, Moldova, Montenegro and Ukraine within the next 5 years. The EU must avoid indefinite gradualism and institutional reform cannot be deferred. Full accession should be the paramount focus.
https://bit.ly/4pKSfhf
https://bit.ly/4pKSfhf
Accelerate the accessions: Why faster is better in EU enlargement policy
The Ukraine war has revived EU enlargement for Albania, Moldova, Montenegro and Ukraine, but they face obstacles. Accelerating membership for these frontrunners would unlock the process before rivals…
ecfr.eu
December 18, 2025 at 4:37 PM
@engjellushem.bsky.social writes on the EU accession of Albania, Moldova, Montenegro and Ukraine within the next 5 years. The EU must avoid indefinite gradualism and institutional reform cannot be deferred. Full accession should be the paramount focus.
https://bit.ly/4pKSfhf
https://bit.ly/4pKSfhf
The EU must recalibrate to the new strategic environment driving the Lobito Corridor project specifically, and relations in southern Africa more generally, writes Alex Vines. @ecfrafrica.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/3N8Ol2Y
https://bit.ly/3N8Ol2Y
Caught in the Corridor: Angola, Europe and America
The EU must recalibrate to the new strategic environment driving the Lobito Corridor project specifically, and relations in southern Africa more generally…
ecfr.eu
December 18, 2025 at 4:24 PM
The EU must recalibrate to the new strategic environment driving the Lobito Corridor project specifically, and relations in southern Africa more generally, writes Alex Vines. @ecfrafrica.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/3N8Ol2Y
https://bit.ly/3N8Ol2Y
While Estonia’s is protected due to weakened Russian capabilities, stronger European defence cooperation and its own preparedness, NATO’s European members should be reassured but not complacent, argue @jyshapiro.bsky.social and Jennifer Kavanagh in a new report on the Russian threat in Estonia. A 🧵
December 18, 2025 at 11:42 AM
While Estonia’s is protected due to weakened Russian capabilities, stronger European defence cooperation and its own preparedness, NATO’s European members should be reassured but not complacent, argue @jyshapiro.bsky.social and Jennifer Kavanagh in a new report on the Russian threat in Estonia. A 🧵
Reposted by ECFR
The EU-Mercosur deal is not about economics, but about geopolitics - today looks like a good day to re-up this @ecfr.eu piece on the geopolitical case for the agreement
The bigger picture: The case for an EU-Mercosur free trade deal | ECFR
Deepening ties with Mercosur countries makes perfect sense as part of the EU’s de-risking efforts to diversify economic ties away from China. Further delays in signing a free trade deal would push…
ecfr.eu
December 18, 2025 at 11:01 AM
The EU-Mercosur deal is not about economics, but about geopolitics - today looks like a good day to re-up this @ecfr.eu piece on the geopolitical case for the agreement
Here's ECFR’s most popular reads of 2025, reflecting stark and changing dynamics of the world. Trump has been back in the White House for a whole year, Russia is still waging war in Ukraine and Europeans are trying to reassert their influence in a multipolar world.
https://bit.ly/48XCqMS
https://bit.ly/48XCqMS
The year in review: ECFR readers’ top choices of 2025
Donald Trump has been back in the White House for a whole year, Russia is still waging war in Ukraine and Europeans are trying to reassert their influence in a multipolar world. ECFR’s most popular…
bit.ly
December 18, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Here's ECFR’s most popular reads of 2025, reflecting stark and changing dynamics of the world. Trump has been back in the White House for a whole year, Russia is still waging war in Ukraine and Europeans are trying to reassert their influence in a multipolar world.
https://bit.ly/48XCqMS
https://bit.ly/48XCqMS
How do people feel about Europe? Do they perceive the EU as more than just a common market? And how do they see its role in the future?
🔗 Check our policy brief to find out: https://bit.ly/3VxF9X7
🔗 Check our policy brief to find out: https://bit.ly/3VxF9X7
December 18, 2025 at 8:00 AM
How do people feel about Europe? Do they perceive the EU as more than just a common market? And how do they see its role in the future?
🔗 Check our policy brief to find out: https://bit.ly/3VxF9X7
🔗 Check our policy brief to find out: https://bit.ly/3VxF9X7
While leaders are trying to push the Mercosur agreement over the line, some EU countries are attempting to delay the vote. As @agathedemarais.bsky.social wrote a while ago, further delays in signing a free trade deal would push Latin America closer to China’s orbit—for good.
ecfr.eu/article/the-...
ecfr.eu/article/the-...
The bigger picture: The case for an EU-Mercosur free trade deal
Deepening ties with Mercosur countries makes perfect sense as part of the EU’s de-risking efforts to diversify economic ties away from China. Further delays in signing a free trade deal would push Lat...
ecfr.eu
December 17, 2025 at 3:09 PM
While leaders are trying to push the Mercosur agreement over the line, some EU countries are attempting to delay the vote. As @agathedemarais.bsky.social wrote a while ago, further delays in signing a free trade deal would push Latin America closer to China’s orbit—for good.
ecfr.eu/article/the-...
ecfr.eu/article/the-...
Majda_ruge and Célia Belin write on the Trump’s 2025 NSS that it reinforces US-led geoeconomic competition and castigates Europe’s cultural and economic decline. Europeans must strengthen their unity, competitiveness and defence capacity on their own terms.
https://bit.ly/4pJ3SoX
https://bit.ly/4pJ3SoX
Why Trump’s National Security Strategy is a geoeconomic trap for Europe
Trump’s 2025 National Security Strategy reinforces US-led geoeconomic competition and castigates Europe’s cultural and economic decline. Europeans must strengthen their unity…
bit.ly
December 17, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Majda_ruge and Célia Belin write on the Trump’s 2025 NSS that it reinforces US-led geoeconomic competition and castigates Europe’s cultural and economic decline. Europeans must strengthen their unity, competitiveness and defence capacity on their own terms.
https://bit.ly/4pJ3SoX
https://bit.ly/4pJ3SoX
ECFR's editorial director and senior policy fellow, Jeremy Cliffe @jeremycliffe.bsky.social, writes in Agenda Publica about Trump's National Security Strategy.
"For a Europe looking out for its own well-being, a "return to hard facts" is the only possible response."
https://bit.ly/3Yv8F0W
"For a Europe looking out for its own well-being, a "return to hard facts" is the only possible response."
https://bit.ly/3Yv8F0W
Against Donald Trump, a Europe that abandons its illusions and wields its coercive power
For Jeremy Cliffe, editorial director at the ECFR think tank, the administration’s National Security Strategy confirms that both Europe and Washington misunderstand their relationship. In his analysis...
bit.ly
December 17, 2025 at 9:57 AM
ECFR's editorial director and senior policy fellow, Jeremy Cliffe @jeremycliffe.bsky.social, writes in Agenda Publica about Trump's National Security Strategy.
"For a Europe looking out for its own well-being, a "return to hard facts" is the only possible response."
https://bit.ly/3Yv8F0W
"For a Europe looking out for its own well-being, a "return to hard facts" is the only possible response."
https://bit.ly/3Yv8F0W
The UN Security Council has passed a resolution to enact Trump’s Gaza plan. To sustain the fragile ceasefire, Europeans need to work with Arab partners to implement it in a way that addresses its flaws and secures Palestinian sovereignty, writes Beth Oppenheim.
https://bit.ly/48QMSpn
https://bit.ly/48QMSpn
Taming Trump’s Gaza plan: A European-Arab initiative for lasting peace
The UN Security Council has passed a resolution to enact Trump’s Gaza plan. To sustain the fragile ceasefire, Europeans need to work with Arab partners to implement it in a way that addresses its…
bit.ly
December 16, 2025 at 2:14 PM
The UN Security Council has passed a resolution to enact Trump’s Gaza plan. To sustain the fragile ceasefire, Europeans need to work with Arab partners to implement it in a way that addresses its flaws and secures Palestinian sovereignty, writes Beth Oppenheim.
https://bit.ly/48QMSpn
https://bit.ly/48QMSpn