Western Europe
Op-Ed: The EU Is Criminalizing Migrants, Return Regulation Makes It Legal
By endorsing offshore “return hubs” and criminalizing undocumented migrants, the EU’s new Return Regulation threatens to dismantle decades of asylum protections.
EU Warns Energy Crisis Will Outlast the War in Iran
EU Energy ministers held an emergency meeting as oil and gas prices surge. Brussels prepares to revive crisis measures from 2022.
Russia Expels British Diplomat in Attempt to Restrict British Power
In response to a claimed act of ‘economic espionage,’ Russia has expelled British diplomat Albertus Gerhadus Janse van Rensburg. This comes as part of an ongoing move by the Russian Federation to limit British power in Russia, increasing restrictions on who is eligible to be a diplomat in the region.
US-Iran Standoff in Strait of Hormuz Threatens Economic Crisis for Starmer
As the U.S. and Iran argue over the Strait of Hormuz, Downing Street faces rising household bills and plummeting poll numbers just weeks ahead of May's local elections.
EU’s Foreign Policy Shake-Up Meets Resistance From Within
Von der Leyen’s call to ditch the rules-based approach to foreign policy has drawn pushback from EU diplomats, member states, and her own colleagues.
European Nations Retaliate to Iranian Attack, Deploying Naval Vessels
In an effort to support allies engaged in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, France has deployed a dozen naval vessels to the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and potentially the Strait of Hormuz. This move comes after drones were intercepted while flying towards Cyprus last week.
Starmer Pivots on Iran War, Creating Domestic and International Dissent
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s delayed approval for the US to use UK bases has put a strain on the ‘special’ US-UK relationship, threatening a crucial trade deal and drawing criticism at home.
Italy’s Proposed Electoral System Reform Raises Concern Over Democratic Backsliding
With Italy’s general elections creeping up in 2027, the current center-right ruling coalition is under scrutiny for proposing a new bill that could keep Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in power.
UK Announces Plans to Build a New Nuclear Reactor; Leads to US Anger
The UK Government introduced its new plans to build a small nuclear plant in Northern Wales, which has angered the US, who had planned to build a reactor in the same location. British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has previously struck nuclear deals with US President, Donald Trump, and therefore these plans call into question the role of the US in the UK energy sector going forward.
The EU Strengthens its Stance on Russia, Posing a Risk to the Russian Economy
The EU has strengthened its stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, imposing new sanctions on Russian trade, and introducing changes to funding and a road-map of future defences against Russian attack. These plans pose a threat to the Russian economy and present an attempt to pressure Russia into peace negotiations.
Germany Seeks to Strengthen Armed Forces
In August 2025, Germany’s center-left and far-right coalition introduced a bill that would significantly increase military spending.
Italy Begins the Transfer of Asylum Seekers to Albania
Following a complex legal challenge last fall, Italy has now moved forward with its contested asylum policy by transferring forty migrants to Albania. This marks an unprecedented moment in European migration policy, as the first documented case of asylum seekers being sent to a third country with no direct connection to their origin or migration route.
Macron’s Leadership in Period of Uncertainty
President Macron of France has played an important role in European politics as the United States have created worry over the future of their alliance.
Corruption and Development – France’s Recent Rulings
Marine Le Pen, the leader of a far-right political party in France, has been accused of embezzling millions of dollars from the French government. Her conviction comes at a time of transition for the nation.
The High Cost of a 5% Defense Target for Europe
Meeting Trump's proposed 5% GDP target for NATO defense spending could cripple Europe's social safety net, forcing painful choices between security and social welfare.
Three Election in Three Years: Portugal’s Instability
A recent confidence vote has removed the incumbent Prime Minister Montenegro out of office, prompting another election after a series of complications with lawmakers.
Belgrade Protests Fuel Serbia’s EU Membership Debate
The growing wave of anti-government protests in Serbia illustrates a society pushing back against decades of stagnation. This civil unrest not only seeks immediate reforms but also raises critical questions about the country’s EU integration prospects.
A New Chapter in European Security Opens in London
On March 2nd, European leaders convened in London to coordinate a response following the escalating tensions in the Ukraine-Russia War. The summit's discussions on military aid and strategic cooperation underscore a pivotal moment in European security policy.
European Ally Poses Threat to Long Term Security
As President Trump warns to revoke defense for Europe, President Macron assembles fellow European legislators to discuss their changing future.
Pope Francis's Health and the Vatican's Subtle Power in Shifting the Geopolitical Landscape of Europe
Pope Francis II was hospitalized in Rome due to a respiratory tract infection. This affects not only the Catholic Church, but has implications in the larger global geopolitical context as well.