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Domestic DebatesEuropeanOctober 6, 2008 | Potential EU Monetary Crisis - Recapitalize NowDespite the success of some initial bank bailouts granted by the EU, such as Fortis, Europe is still short of an overall financial strategy. ++ Three things are needed: first, money to recapitalize the banking sector; second, a …More October 1, 2008 | European Political System is BrokenThis past weekend, three in ten Austrians voted for far-right parties; Bavaria’s CSU dipped beneath the 50 percent mark; and Lithuania’s populist parties, despite links with the Kremlin, polled strong. ++ This is what happens when mainstream …More September 30, 2008 | The Polish-Lithuanian TandemAlexandros Petersen & Ryan R. Miller: Poland and Lithuania can play an important role in advancing U.S. priorities in the “New East Europe.” …More September 26, 2008 | "Fire-Tested but Not Burnt Out" Leaders, PleaseBrown and McCain value experience as a virtue. ++ Especially McCain’s strategy is contradictionary: he portrays himself as a politician who has enough experience to shape the decision about the financial rescue package, and as …More September 24, 2008 | UK: Take Action, Cut Interest RatesUnemployment in Britain will rise by 2 million by the end of the year. ++ Just last month 81,000 more British citizens were without jobs, causing the unemployment rate to rise from 5.3% to 5.5%. ++ Job activity is on a sharp decline. ++ …More September 22, 2008 | Italy's New Role as a Major Transatlantic PartnerOreste Foppiani: Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi is changing Mediterranean politics, bringing new importance to Italy’s role in the EU as well as its role in the world. This could bring great changes to the plans of the European Armed Forces and global security issues. …More September 19, 2008 | EU and Arab Gulf States: Untapped Cooperation OpportunitiesLeonie Holthaus: The US cannot guarantee the security of the Arab Gulf states any longer. Therefore, these countries have started diplomatic initiatives themselves to enhance the regional security situation. The EU would be well advised to enlarge its cooperation with the GCC states, so that it not only includes economic but also security issues. …More September 16, 2008 | The Euro, Still Going StrongThe Euro is not yet ten years old, but its success to date has been unquestionable. ++ Despite numerous exogenous shocks - ranging from the specter of terrorism to the subprime mortgage meltdown in the US - the Euro is still going strong. ++ Without a …More September 11, 2008 | EU and UN Should Lead International ReformInternational organizations are stretched to their limits and need reform. ++ NATO struggles to produce an effective strategy in Afghanistan, UN peacekeepers are dispersed over the globe, and the EU can only offer fledgling military …More September 8, 2008 | The EU Must Incorporate UkraineUkraine is approaching its third election in two years, a sign of its government’s volatility. ++ In response, the EU should put Ukraine on a clear road to accession, an albeit controversial move that is nevertheless in its vital interest. ++ …More September 5, 2008 | The Bank Must End the "Euro's Wild Rise"The downturn of economic activity in the Eurozone has come as a surprise. ++ The twin shock of the exchange rate of the euro and oil prices squeezed profits from exporting firms. ++ The opposite has happened in the US, where the export …More September 5, 2008 | "Nobody in the Office Knows I'm Black"The often contrived “controversies” in the media illustrate the bad state of race and politics in the UK. ++ So called truths such as “Islam is the problem” or “Racism is natural” naturalise hostility as essential to human beings and …More September 4, 2008 | "Medvedev Praises EU Over Sanctions"Despite the call for sanctions on Russia from Poland and the three Baltic states, the only agreement the EU made was to postpone talks about a partnership agreement with Moscow. ++ Medvedev praised the EU’s decision to reject sanctioning …More September 3, 2008 | Transnistria is Next to Declare IndependenceAri Rusila: First it was Kosovo to declare unilateral independence. Now South Ossetia and Abkhazia have followed suit. The next new breakaway state could be Pridnestrovie, otherwise known as Transnistria. The EU needs to be prepared for a possible conflict. …More September 2, 2008 | New EU Members Hinder Relations With RussiaEU efforts to reach a friendly and mutually beneficial relationship with Russia are thwarted by the new eastern and central European EU members. ++ These countries, in contrast to old members, failed to leave past enmities at the door …More August 29, 2008 | Croatia's Dubious Attitudes Question EU ReadinessCroatia is witnessing a rehabilitation of the fascist ideology and unfortunately legal institutions are unwilling to take action. ++ Even more alarming is that there are also politicians who do not distance themselves from the …More August 28, 2008 | The Caucasus Conflict Needs EU MediationLeonie Holthaus: There is still a chance that diplomacy can contribute to resolving the Caucasus conflict. Given resurgent cold war vocabulary and the upcoming presidential elections in the US, it is up to the EU to function as a mediator between the conflicting parties. …More August 28, 2008 | EU Should Handle Georgia Like KosovoThe crucial question at the upcoming European head of state meeting is about the right of self-determination in the context of the Caucasus crises. ++ EU foreign policy towards Kosovo indicates that it is an advocate of self-determination; …More August 25, 2008 | The European Union Needs TurkeyLeah Fenwick: The EU is competing with other countries for Turkey as an energy transit hub. Giving Turkey membership in the EU would not only enhance the economic and political stability of the country, but would also ensure a much needed energy infrastructure for the EU. …More August 19, 2008 | EU Has Risen to the OccasionThe EU can be proud of achieving a cease-fire between Russia and Georgia. ++ The Caucasus crisis has shown that the EU is able to create a space for diplomacy in order to resolve international conflicts. ++ Much remains to be done if the situation is to …More August 19, 2008 | "The Russo-Iranian Axis"Two of the EU’s key assumptions towards Russia have been proven wrong: firstly, Russia obviously does not share the Western values and secondly, Russia does not oppose Iran going nuclear. ++ Moscow can assume that a nuclear Iran will hurt Western …More August 14, 2008 | EU and NATO Policies Go TogetherThe EU’s attempt to develop a European Security and Defense Policy doesn’t mean it will compete with NATO. ++ Instead, NATO and EU complement each other. ++ Some countries in Africa or the Middle East would rather ask the EU for assistance. ++ On …More August 12, 2008 | Europe Needs a Unified Immigration PolicyThe challenges of immigration and integration in the EU need to be addressed with urgency. Jakob von Weizsäcker suggests that high-skilled and unregulated migration as well as asylum applicants should be priorities for the entire EU, …More August 12, 2008 | Dr. Jackson Janes, American Institute for Contemporary German StudiesDr. Jackson Janes has been engaged in German-American and European affairs for more than three decades. He is the executive director of the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies (AICGS) at Johns …More August 12, 2008 | Euro's Joyride is Coming to an EndEven though the European Central Bank reassures the investors that the euro has great prospects, business activity on the Old Continent is falling and consumer confidence is plummeting. ++ On Friday, the euro had its worst day against the dollar …More August 8, 2008 | "The New Transatlantic Stalemate"In times when there is no overbearing enemy, the transatlantic alliance is challenged by the geopolitical interests of each partner, which differ from one another. ++ For instance, the EU needs good relations with Russia and the Muslim world …More August 8, 2008 | Europe Leads a War Against ImmigrationDespite the EU’s claim to be the continent of human rights, immigrants are being mistreated in Spain and Italy. ++ Furthermore, the EU strengthens efforts to close its borders and approved a “return directive,” which allows governments to …More August 7, 2008 | The State of the European Military CapabilitiesThe International Institute for Strategic Studies has published the first ever “European Military Capabilities” report that is supposed to monitor the transformation of the European defense forces into a modern army able to perform …More August 5, 2008 | "Ending the Silent Russian-European War"The relations between Russia and the EU are shaped by mistrust which poses a threat to trade and investment between both regions. ++ Although they still rely on each other economically - especially Russia whose economy depends on oil and …More August 4, 2008 | It is Crucial to Bring Serbia Closer to EuropeThe extradition of Karadzic was hailed as a watershed in the relations between the EU and Serbia but great challenges still lie ahead. ++ It is important that the EU now shows its support by implementing the recently signed …More August 1, 2008 | Improving Common European DefenseThe idea of a common European defense policy has hardly made any progress since its inception, but there are some lessons to be learned from the past: spending needs to be sensible and all countries need to pool their resources, even if there are …More July 31, 2008 | Put an End to Neoconservative RumorsThere are two rumors regarding the US elections: the first one says that if a candidate travels abroad he becomes inaccessible to “ordinary” Americans. ++ Considering the positive image which Americans have of Europeans, this assumption seems to …More July 29, 2008 | "The Hour of Europe"Even if the Bush administration used to neglect it, 2009 can be the “hour of Europe.” ++ If Germany, Great Britain, and France would propose serious new contributions, the new administration would listen and offer the Europeans the “leadership” they so …More July 29, 2008 | Time for the EU to Let in Balkan StatesIt has to be said out loud that the EU project will not be complete as long as all Balkan countries are not allowed to join: letting in Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Bosnia, Kosovo and Albania is crucial for progress and peace on the …More July 29, 2008 | The Realpolitiker in ObamaObama’s popularity last July 28, 2008 | Change Germans Cannot Believe InThe German magazine Der Spiegel featured articles about Barack Obama with such satiric headlines as “The Messiah Factor” or “Germany Meets the Superstar.” ++ These examples show that Europeans are far less excited about Obama than Americans, even …More July 27, 2008 | Chantal de Jonge Oudraat, US Inst. of PeacePrior to joining the United States Institute of Peace, Dr. de Jonge Oudraat served as co-director of the Managing Global Issues project at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington D.C, and worked as a senior fellow …More July 26, 2008 | Defending Europe in the Future: Revising the European Security StrategyDaniel Fiott: Any revision of the European Security Strategy later this year should aim to deal with the security threats posed by climate change, energy security, human security, cyber crime and the incoherence of the European Union’s military capabilities. …More July 25, 2008 | The Lingering Sound of Obama's SpeechThe German government welcomes Obama’s call for a renewal of transatlantic relations. ++ The July 24, 2008 | The Hope for ChangeThe need for a renewal of transatlantic relations is widely felt among the German public and the expectations are high regarding Obama’s stance on climate protection, peace, and shared values. ++ But there will also be delicate issues arising such as economic …More July 24, 2008 | Buying Ourselves Into PovertyThomas Speckmann: Despite plans for a common foreign and security policy, bilateral agreements still largely prevail in Europe when it comes to energy policy. More than ever before, Europe needs a common energy foreign policy. Without this kind of special-interest politics, Europe will remain a tiger without teeth. …More July 22, 2008 | Why we Need BeijingAfter the end of the cold war the world experienced a transition period of US dominance. ++ The new world order will be multipolar. ++ Therefore, we need Beijing to solve the global challenges July 21, 2008 | The EU's Africa Policy After the Lisbon SummitMarco Overhaus: The second EU-Africa summit in 2007 in Lisbon endorsed a “Strategic Partnership.” This perspective challenges both actors: the EU to pursue a coherent policy and Africa to develop long-term self-interests and institutions to implement them. …More July 18, 2008 | Is the US Really Better Off With Sarkozy?Nikolas Kirrill Gvosdev: Despite the proclaimed cooperative approach, Franco-American tensions could grow bigger than under Chirac. Sarkozy’s Euro-Atlantic, yet independent, foreign policy moves could well be at odds with the next US president’s understanding of multilateralism. …More July 18, 2008 | Controversial Address at the Brandenburg GateAlthough countless events and demonstrations have taken place at the gate, Obama’s intention to hold a speech divides the German political elite. ++ Merkel’s disapproval is thought to be due to her closer ties to the conservatives …More July 17, 2008 | "France Has Stepped Out of Hibernation"Despite a controversial relationship to the media, opposition to Turkish EU membership, and waning popularity at home, Sarkozy in all his recklessness is a positive force for France and for Europe. ++ The president has transformed …More July 17, 2008 | Steinmeier on "Responsible Sovereignty"Responsibility and cooperation are key terms in the 21st century. ++ “Responsible Sovereignty” means members of the international community should share responsibilities, maximize the opportunities, and minimize the risks brought about by …More July 16, 2008 | Helpless MultilateralismIn the era of globalization, there is no alternative to multilateralism. ++ But multilateralism can only function with an accepted leadership and within institutions which are capable of acting. ++ Both the G8 and the security council do not include all of …More July 15, 2008 | Ukraine's Western Integration: A Slow ProcessMemo 7: The members of the Atlantic Community believe that Ukraine belongs to Europe. Ukraine needs to be integrated into Western alliances without undermining Western-Russian relations. …More July 15, 2008 | Drawing-up a Balance Sheet for EuropePierre Drai: The Irish “no” came as a surprise to many European policymakers. Yet it is their own failure to cater to the needs and desires of their voters and close the gap between policies and reality that caused it. The EU needs to be more transparent domestically and take on greater responsibility internationally if real deadlock is to be avoided in the future. …More July 14, 2008 | The Gas Price of DemocracyIt seems that the importance of liberty and democracy in Russia is inversely correlated to the prices of oil and gas. ++ While denouncing Mugabe, Council of Europe secretary-general recently expressed his admiration for Putin and Medvedev, whose hold on …More July 11, 2008 | Berlin's Provincial FarceThe planned speech of Presidential candidate Barack Obama in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin threatens to turn into a provincial farce. ++ Unlike Washington D.C., where the US federal government decides who can speak at the nation’s political …More July 11, 2008 | Serbia Is Back in EuropeElizabeth Pond : Even though radical voices are still present in Serbian political life, most of the Serbs finally made the choice of becoming a part of Europe. …More July 11, 2008 | Ukraine Will be Russia's Path to EuropeThe elusive perception of the West as a threat is still alive in Russia. ++ But Moscow’s self-destructive confrontation with the West and its fantasy of allying with China can be halted if Ukrainian europeanization succeeds. ++ Ukraine is …More July 3, 2008 | EU Constitution for a "Protective Europe"Besides a Europe of markets, trade, and economic liberalization the French President Nicolas Sarkozy calls for a “protective Europe.” ++ With this, he intends to assuage the discontent of people who feel abandonned by the …More July 3, 2008 | Ukraine's Western IntegrationFrom the Editorial Team: Atlantic Community offers a chance for members to influence real politics. In preparation for Chancellor Merkel’s visit to Ukraine on July 21st, 2008, we are preparing an Atlantic Memo which will be send to members of parliament prior to Merkel’s departure. …More July 2, 2008 | Europe so Close Yet so FarStephanie von Hayek: Although the Lisbon Treaty is a step forward for a Europe of the citizens, the Irish said no. And it is understandable they did. There is a lack of transparency and political dialogue within the EU which needs to be filled in by politicians on all levels. …More July 2, 2008 | A Dark Future for United European Foreign PolicyIreland’s “No” vote primed the way for the EU to leave “the world stage as a serious foreign policy player for at least ten years.” ++ While the EU will continue to exist, it will not have the strength to determine its own fate or …More July 1, 2008 | Axiology and the Treaty on a Constitution for EuropeDawid Sebastian Bunikowski: The Treaty on a Constitution for Europe in a version presented by d’Estaing is not only a result of a legal and institutional aspect of deeper European integration but also a result of an axiological compromise. …More June 27, 2008 | Europe's State of NirvanaThe rejection of the Lisbon Treaty is symptomatic of the European perception of the union. ++ There is a steady loss of self-confidence and growth of pessimism about the union’s future. ++ Europeans also fear they will not be able to integrate …More June 27, 2008 | Russia's Western Border is a Sensitive IssueHeinrich Bonnenberg: To Russia, its current western border is a border that stands for loss and dishonor. This border is an open, bleeding wound on the Russian body. The security pact that the Russian president recently presented in Berlin could be helpful in overcoming historical grievances and bringing Western Europe and Russia closer together. …More June 26, 2008 | The Troubling Role of Europe in RenditionEuropean States have been quick to criticize America’s practices but have themselves played a role in many renditions and secret detentions. ++ European airports and airspace have repeatedly been used by CIA flights headed for rendition …More June 25, 2008 | Europe's Demographics are Eroding the ContinentFirmly anchored in their identities of the past, European countries are having difficulties in integrating waves of non-European immigrants. ++ Eurostat estimates an influx of 40 million new immigrants between now and 2050. ++ …More June 24, 2008 | The Emergence of a Another Two-Speed EuropeMost EU leaders want to continue with the ratification of the Lisbon treaty regardless of the disastrous outcome of the Irish vote. ++ Sarkozy and Merkel in particular are pushing for the treaty to be implemented, yet only governments and …More June 20, 2008 | France Adopts a Multilateral Defense PolicyTransatlantic Press Round-up: The 2008 White Paper sets the tone for the next decade of French defense policy. Although France’s “loss of independence” is controversial, many welcome the progress towards synchronization of the French, European, and transatlantic security and defense strategies. …More June 20, 2008 | Sarkozy Re-Ignites the EU Enlargement RowMarek Swierczynski: One crisis is rapidly spiralling to another. The Irish “No” to the Lisbon Treaty spoiled the mood among the EU big players so much that they’ve threatened to halt enlargement plans. And it is not Ireland, they’re threatening but Eastern European new member states. …More June 20, 2008 | It is Not Only Bush Who Was the Wrong GuyMost people overlook that it was not one man alone who widened the gap between the two sides of the Atlantic, and that the bogeyman Bush often either approved or facilitated Europe’s own decisions. ++ The dramatic transformation of the …More June 19, 2008 | Europe's CenturyParag Khanna & Alpo Rusi: Despite the Irish no vote, the EU’s destiny is to lead the world on security, trade and climate change. Increasingly, globalization requires structure and organization on the local level, and the EU, which benefits from high credibility, is setting standards for other regions around the world. …More June 18, 2008 | EU Defense Policy: Progress on Paper OnlyFrance issued a White Paper on military reforms to meet the new challenges of transnational terrorism and nuclear proliferation. ++ Alongside the modernization and rationalization of its armed forces, France seeks to return to the NATO …More June 18, 2008 | EU Reforms Must Continue, Despite Ireland's "no"Given inevitable economic and demographic shifts, European countries will not be able to remain agenda setters in the global system, unless they cooperate more effectively and speak with one voice. ++ Despite Ireland’s vote …More June 18, 2008 | EU Should Let Reason Triumph Over FearsEurope has come a long way since the Middle Ages and especially over the last 50 years. ++ The Lisbon Treaty merged all treaties and conventions of the long European construction into a single body, defining and rationalizing the Union and …More June 16, 2008 | The French Could Help EU-Alliance CommunicationWhile the US and Germany would welcome full French participation in NATO, Sarkozy faces stiff resistance to the notion domestically. ++ The fact that French military representation in NATO “far exceeds” analogous French efforts in …More June 16, 2008 | A Plan B for the Lisbon TreatyThe EU will likely find a way to implement the Lisbon treaty despite Ireland’s failure to ratify the document. ++ France and Germany have already indicated their willingness to “drive the Irish out of the EU if they fail to reverse their No vote.” …More June 13, 2008 | EU-Russia Relations Should be InstitutionalizedRussia’s main challenge is the modernization of its economy, politics, and society. ++ President Medvedev has singled out the rule of law as a particularly significant aspect of the reforms. ++ The EU should support these reform …More June 13, 2008 | EU and UN: Less Talking, More ActionGlobal issues, such as proliferation, energy security, diseases, and terrorism are not disparate and unconnected, and cannot be settled unilaterally. ++ “Practical multilateralism is a strategic necessity, not a liberal nicety.” ++ The UN …More June 12, 2008 | The Real Challenge of EuropeHeinrich Bonnenberg: NATO is not the main topic for the future of Europe. The main topic is to come up with a European identity, that means a European civilization. …More June 12, 2008 | Division of Power Shifting in RussiaWhatever Putin and Medvedev said, there is no doubt that the transfer of power towards Moscow’s White House has begun. ++ The head of the presidential administration has called for a change to the Constitution, with the purpose of strengthening …More June 11, 2008 | Ukraine's Conditional Future in the EUDavid Francis: Germany should champion Ukraine’s membership in the European Union. However, this support should come with conditions. …More June 11, 2008 | Farewell to Bush, a Friend in the EndMarek Swierczynski: The farewell trip of the 43rd US president shows who and what really matters for America in Europe. George Bush visits America’s traditional allies and friends but emphasizes the role of the EU as the main transatlantic link and one that may play an important role during the next presidency. …More June 9, 2008 | Establish China as a Responsible Global StakeholderA power shift from West to East is taking place in the international system. ++ The question is whether states like Russia, China, and India will act unilaterally, bilaterally, or multilaterally. ++ US power decline and Chinese …More June 9, 2008 | German-Russian Friendship: A Dangerous AssumptionWhile Medvedev “struck a friendly pose in Berlin,” future action or lack of thereof will be the true test of Russian-German relations. ++ Germany must be careful to avoid becoming “a mouthpiece of Russian interests” and hurting …More June 6, 2008 | Russia Wants to be a Part of the WestRussia is changing. ++ The new Russian president’s speeches in Berlin about the importance of free press, of a broad middle class, and of the acknowledgement of mistakes made during the Prague spring are more than astonishing. ++ Although his …More June 3, 2008 | Climate Change in EU Environmental Policy NeededWhile the EU champions progressive environmental policies, further inspection reveals that the EU-15 only reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 2% between 1990 and 1995, and that they will fail to meet their Kyoto Protocol commitments. …More June 2, 2008 | Germany Would do Well to Look Towards FrancePresident Sarkozy has announced that citizens of the 2004 EU accession countries will be permitted to work freely in France beginning in July. ++ This development contrasts sharply with Germany where “borders will remain firmly shut …More June 2, 2008 | Med Union and Eastern Partnership are Rivals in the EU-Vision ContestMarek Swierczynski: Now the Lisbon Treaty is almost over and done with, the EU is encouraged to look south- and eastwards. Initiatives by France and a Polish-Swedish team aim at creating buffer-spaces between the EU and unstable regions, but could create tensions that challenge the bloc’s unity. …More May 27, 2008 | The Eurovision Contest is the "Epitome of Soft Power"Though the Eurovision Song Contest should not be reduced to politics, the extent to which political considerations surpass artistic ones is undeniable. ++ Russia’s victory resulted from the overwhelming support of former …More May 22, 2008 | Europe's Geopolitical Influence is WaningGiven its relatively small geopolitical size, Europe needs to encourage stability among its neighbors in an effort to sustain its current enjoyment of internal tranquility. ++ While slowly crawling from beneath the US security blanket …More May 21, 2008 | Has British Multiculturalism Gone too Far?Recent warnings of a “cold war” in parts of Britain where “separate communities live side by side…with poor communications across racial lines” have brought into question the wisdom of the British vision of multiculturalism. ++ Earlier …More May 20, 2008 | Detrimental Protectionist European Trade PoliciesThe defense of the European economy “against unfair international trade policies” needs to be critically examined. ++ In reality, defensive measures such as anti-dumping duties often negatively affect European companies. ++ The …More May 16, 2008 | The Need to Nurture the Latin American-European RelationshipEckart von Klaeden: The “strategic partnership” between the EU and Latin America must be followed up with concrete and substantive political initiatives. The European Union, Latin America, and the United States must work towards a trilateral dialog. …More May 13, 2008 | Boris Tadic's Victory is Not so DecisiveThe recent victory in Serbian parliamentary elections by President Boris Tadic’s pro-EU alliance was not as decisive as he would like to have the world believe. ++ In order to form a government he is likely to have to form a coalition with …More May 9, 2008 | Georgia in Desperate Need for Western HelpRussia is increasing military means in Georgia that show striking parallels with Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus. ++ NATO members argue Georgia’s state of democratization needs to improve before they are willing to risk souring …More May 9, 2008 | The Two Towers of Future RussiaAndreas Umland: The rise of Dmitry Medvedev will mobilize the large anti-Western constituency in various sectors of the Russian elite. We may soon observe the emergence of another, different “tower” in the Russian state apparatus around which Moscow’s various nationalist politicians and publicists will unite. …More May 7, 2008 | US Missile Defense on European Soil Sparks DebatePlans to build a US-proposed missile-defense shield based in Czech Republic and Poland has been met with feisty opposition. ++ NATO Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Sheffer insists that missile defense is crucial for North Atlantic …More May 6, 2008 | Beyond the Call of DutyMark Brzezinski: A special exhibit focused on the Holocaust opened recently on Ellis Island in New York City. It celebrates those who chose not to be indifferent. The National Park Service joined the nonprofit group “Visas For Life” to honor diplomats who rescued Jews before and during World War II. …More May 5, 2008 | Gorbachev Number Two: Dmitry MedvedevAndreas Umland: Sooner or later it is to be expected that Medvedev’s deeper political beliefs – his apparently liberal and democratic views – will come to the fore. …More May 2, 2008 | The Excellence Initiative and its Effect on the German University SystemTim H. Stuchtey: The German Excellence Initiative will cause more heterogenity in the German higher education system. But it can only reach its aims if it will be repeated frequently and if the lay-out of the competition is improved. …More May 2, 2008 | A Europe of Blocs?The idea of a Baltic-to-the-Black-Sea Union is a little noticed result of the last European Council meeting. ++ Since the French president proposed a Mediterranean Union for EU and non-EU countries around that sea, the Polish premier minister agued that in this …More April 30, 2008 | Sarkozy l' Américain?The election of Nicolas Sarkozy was a source of hope for the future of Franco-American and transatlantic relations. Sarkozy made no secret of his intention to kick start a new era of French foreign policy and effect a radical break away from a forty year …More April 30, 2008 | Gazprom Hardens Its Grip on EuropeMarek Swierczynski: Greece and Russia signed an agreement to build the southern branch of the South Stream natural gas pipeline. President Putin’s last victory hardens Gazprom’s grip on Europe and makes any energy diversification projects more difficult. Unless the EU looks at the map and acts. …More April 23, 2008 | Solving Kosovo's KosovoDaniel Korski & Richard Gowan: Away from the limelight and with other world events getting the media’s attention, the situation in Kosovo has been getting worse and worse. And it all started so well with the EU managing to get a consensus for its ESDP mission and two-thirds of EU states backing the province’s independence. …More April 21, 2008 | The West Needs Russia as a Partner
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