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
Collins Molua Ikome
Collins Molua and Gift Mwonzora argue that the decision by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to leave the Economic Community of West African States was a rash one, which may risk legitimising further coups. What's more, deteriorating diplomatic relations between these countries and the West could have knock-on effects for regional peace and security Read more
Francesco Foti
As the West tires of Russian hybrid warfare, Francesco Foti argues that NATO and the EU should learn from history. To avoid further damaging consequences, they must do all they can to maintain a forceful, non-compromising and united response Read more
Jaap Hoeksma
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is waging a longstanding battle with the EU. Jaap Hoeksma argues that this clash reflects a fundamental division over the EU's very identity – and Hungary’s forthcoming Presidency of the EU Council, from July–December 2024, will throw this into sharp focus Read more
Franziskus von Lucke
Scholars and the media often portray the ongoing polycrisis as undermining the EU’s self-understanding. This has led observers to describe the EU as an ‘anxious community’. But Franziskus von Lucke and Thomas Diez find that, on the contrary, EU actors remain surprisingly confident. While this may look like a positive finding, the authors argue that the EU needs more, not less, anxiety to deal successfully with current and future challenges Read more
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