Western Europe
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.
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.
Baltic States Disconnect from Russia’s Power Grid
Last week, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania completed their de-synchronisation from Russia's electricity grid, a move planned since 2007 but significantly accelerated by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Syria’s Transformation: Implications for the EU Post-Assad Regime
As Syria stands on the brink of a new era, the European Union faces pivotal decisions that could redefine its role in the Middle East.
German Ruling Coalition Falls Apart
The German ruling coalition, led by Olaf Scholz, has collapsed following the firing of the finance minister, Christian Lindler, last week.
UK Defense Spending and Strategic Shifts in the Face of Rising Global Threats and a New Trump Administration
The United Kingdom’s (UK) defense spending and international security commitments are attracting much attention as the government balances global threats and budget conflicts.
BRICS Summit Implications for the European Union
As BRICS continues to assert its influence, the European Union (EU) must carefully evaluate the implications of its growth. The summit's outcomes hold particular relevance for the EU, given the bloc's strategic interests and increasing involvement in global affairs, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. How is BRICS going to impact the EU's strategic interests?
UK and Germany Strengthen Defense in Response to Russia's Growing Threat
As of Oct. 22, 2024, the United Kingdom and Germany have signed a significant defense pact to reinforce military collaboration in response to the growing threat posed by Russia. Such an agreement highlights the strategic importance of their alliance as both powers seek to confront escalating security challenges in Europe.
France Charges Seven Over Cyber Harassment Linked to Paris Olympic Ceremony Controversy
On Friday 25 Oct French authorities revealed they’d charged seven individuals in connection with the cyberbullying of Thomas Jolly, the creative director for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Race to Join the EU: What Comes Next After Referendum Vote in Moldova
On Sunday, October 20th, Moldova held a referendum vote on joining the European Union (EU), alongside its planned presidential elections.
Court Ruling Challenges Italy's Albanian Migration Plan Amid Growing Debate
Italy's plan to process migrants in Albania faces legal challenges after a Rome court ruled the return of migrants to their countries unsafe and unlawful. While Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defends the deal as a European model, critics raise concerns about human rights violations and tensions between national policies and European law.
Starmer's Leadership Tested as Britons Scramble to Escape Escalating Lebanese Conflict
After the deadliest Israeli attack on Hezbollah since 2006, UK ministers, headed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urge British nationals to “leave Lebanon immediately”.
New European Union Ruling Promotes Asylum Accessibility for Afghani Women
Three years following the Taliban’s siege of Kabul, a new European Union ruling passed on October 4th, 2024 states that countries only require the gender and nationality of female Afghan refugees to grant asylum.
Austria's Far-Right Victory: Potential challenges Ahead for the European Union
On Sept. 29, Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) achieved an unprecedented victory by winning the national parliamentary election — its first major success since World War II.