John Chin
Since 2024, Slovakia has witnessed democratic backsliding and major political unrest. The future of populist nationalism in Slovakia – and Slovakia’s position in Europe – are at stake. John Chin and Daniel Hayase contextualise this unrest, reviewing the challenges posed by Prime Minister Robert Fico’s efforts to consolidate power and to build a bridge between […] Read more
Stefan Telle
Differentiated membership may offer a pragmatic path to EU enlargement, but it risks undermining unity in a multipolar world. Stefan Telle argues that without investment in centre-formation and shared political identity, the EU could drift into transactionalism, weakening its global voice and eroding the ideal of an ever-closer union Differentiated membership is gaining traction as […] Read more
Ivo Kesler
In its 2024 election manifesto, the far-right Austrian Freedom Party sets out its plan to curb migration and naturalisations. Ivo Kesler argues that the party is also advocating for a two-tiered völkisch – ethnic – nationalist conception of citizenship Read more
Denis Cenusa
Russia’s hybrid tactics — emboldening sovereigntist populism, spreading disinformation, and weaponising economic hardship — threaten EU enlargement. Countermeasures, argues Denis Cenusa, are thus essential to protecting the enlargement process and the Union’s strategic resilience Read more
Henry Hempel
Chemical pollution is rising, and the global market share of European chemical industries is in decline. What can the EU do about it? Henry Hempel examines how the European Commission's proposed revisions to EU chemicals regulation could combine economic incentives with chemical simplification Read more
Giselle Bosse
EU enlargement can benefit democracy and the rule of law, but the process often excludes citizens from decision-making and cost-benefit framing. For Giselle Bosse, this raises questions about legitimacy — and whether the process truly reflects the priorities of member states and candidate countries Read more
Stella Ladi
Relations between the EU and US are undergoing tumultuous change. Based on what we know from previous existential crises, the EU will coordinate its response to changing transatlantic relations using informal mechanisms and a pragmatic approach. Stella Ladi argues the EU must now develop a strategy for navigating this unfamiliar environment Read more
Lucas Schramm
Rising geopolitical pressures, including an ongoing war in its immediate neighbourhood, have thrust EU enlargement back onto the agenda. Lucas Schramm contends that the European Council must reconcile the dual challenges of widening and deepening, as it has done historically. Despite formidable obstacles, enlargement could spur internal reforms and innovations Read more
