Western Europe
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.
Trump 2.0: The EU Will Once Again Be Forced To Adapt
Donald Trump's return to power marks a pivotal moment for the European Union (EU). With the European Commission focusing on critical areas like trade, climate, and migration, the EU must brace for the challenges a second Trump term will bring.
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”.
French Researcher’s Detention in Russia Deepens Diplomatic Rift with France
The trial of French researcher Laurent Vinatier has emerged as a significant point of contention in the decaying relationship between France and Russia. Vinatier, who specializes in post-Soviet studies, was arrested in March 2024 on espionage charges.