The new EU-UK fisheries agreement has attracted criticism for granting EU trawlers 12 more years' access to UK waters. Morgiane Noel argues we should view the deal in the broader context of EU-UK carbon markets, and the green transition
Maksym Beznosiuk argues that Ukraine’s defence production has grown, yet remains underutilised. With EU support, joint projects could sustain Ukraine’s war effort and advance the EU’s strategic autonomy. Closer cooperation, legal alignment, and targeted investment can strengthen Ukraine’s capabilities and contribute to the EU's defence readiness
Declining public trust in political institutions raises concerns that citizens may turn away from democratic forms of decision-making. Recent cases of democratic backsliding seem to confirm this fear. Yet, as Ben Seyd argues, there is little evidence that declining trust impels citizens to embrace autocratic forms of decision-making
Ludovica Castelli explores the longstanding problem of how to protect nuclear facilities against attack — particularly in light of the war in Ukraine and rising tensions in the Middle East. Until we establish a comprehensive, and enforceable legal framework, nuclear facilities will remain vulnerable to attack, perpetuating the risks to international security and humanitarian safety
Russian aggression in Ukraine triggered a surge in support for EU enlargement — but public goodwill is beginning to fade. Dmytro Panchuk argues that this moment of elite-public alignment is rare and fragile. To seize it, EU leaders must act decisively before war fatigue and populist rhetoric erode the case for widening
In 2022, The Loop inaugurated a Best Blog prize to reward a contribution of exceptional value. We have now conferred our third £500 prize on the author of a piece judged by our independent jury to be the best in that calendar year. Managing Editor Kate Hawkins presents the longlisted articles — and the jury reveals what gave our 2024 winner the edge
European leaders are inviting American academics to seek refuge in Europe. But as Joseph Noonan argues, the policies do not always match the rhetoric. If Europe truly wants to attract global talent, it must back up its words with real support
Stuart Turnbull-Dugarte and Alberto López Ortega explore what our dating choices reveal about democracy. While liberal circles assume radical-right supporters are socially shunned, experimental evidence shows the opposite. Normalisation, not exclusion, reigns — and that’s a warning sign for anyone concerned about the erosion of democratic norms
On 29 April 2025, the European Court of Justice ruled that Malta may no longer sell citizenship through its ‘golden passports’ scheme. Konstantinos Papanikolaou explains the phenomenon of citizenship sales and why the ruling was surprising. But will it put an end to the practice?
Membership of the EU no longer guarantees access to its core benefits. With funding now tied to rule-of-law compliance, aspiring member states are subject to increasing scrutiny. Beáta Bakó examines how this shift reshapes accession prospects – and why candidate countries may find themselves caught in a new cycle of disillusionment
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