Veronica Anghel
Launching her series on EU enlargement dilemmas, Veronica Anghel argues that enlargement is no gamble, but a strategic necessity. In crisis, enlargement transforms external risks into shared responsibilities, reinforcing governance, security, and global influence — and ensuring the Union’s survival and relevance Read more
Eban Raymond
As Ukraine faces an urgent need to mobilise, focus has shifted to conscripting Ukrainian men abroad. Using population data from various sources, Eban Raymond explores the multifaceted legality of Ukraine’s repatriation initiative, and questions whether it breaches human rights and international law. Read more
Özlem Terzi
European politics are becoming increasingly emotional. But in times of war and rising autocratic populism, rational policy choices depend upon emotions to be effective. Özlem Terzi and Seda Gürkan argue that it's time for policy makers to start paying attention to fear and anger, but also to positive feelings. Read more
Zarina Mukasheva
The EU has a grand vision for democracy across the globe, and Central Asia is no exception. However, writes Zarina Mukasheva, the EU’s strategy to promote democracy in the region has so far failed to deliver. Read more
Sebastian Contin Trillo-Figueroa
Sebastian Contin Trillo-Figueroa and James F. Downes argue that the EU faces a dilemma: should it pursue continued enlargement, or contract its membership by removing troublesome member state Hungary? Reaching a decision involves a complex trade-off between the need to increase EU influence and to maintain a unified, cohesive membership. Read more
Kaja Kaźmierska
As Hungary's authoritarian leader prepares to take up the EU presidency on 1 July, European Parliament leaders have been attempting to block his appointment. This, argues Kaja Kaźmierska, is not necessary. Any 'real damage' that the Hungarian presidency can do is limited. Indeed, Orbán's presidency could have a positive impact on the Hungarian people, bringing the EU closer to them. Read more
Jaap Hoeksma
Jaap Hoeksma argues that Jacques Delors’ 1985 non-vision of the European Union as an 'Unidentified Political Object' has actually come to pass – with a little help from the European Court of Justice Read more
Maria Merkouraki
EU digital diplomacy during the Russia-Ukraine war has led to the rise of hard-power discourse, writes Maria Merkouraki. The war has disrupted traditional pro-European soft messaging, and shifted the EU's approach to digital diplomacy Read more
