Commentaries
Mogherini in the European Parliament: a strategic moment
In this article, Sven Biscop looks at some of the key questions that should be asked of Federica Mogherini at her hearing at the European Parliament on 6 October.
Europe in the World
In a world that is largely driven by competition and rivalry (and partnership, yet) between great powers, understanding the Grand Strategy of each of these powers is crucial. So is developing a Grand Strategy for the EU itself. An EU that acts as one, as one pole of the multipolar world on a par with the other powers, is the only way to safeguard the way of life that the Member States of the EU have chosen, based on democracy, the free market, and equality.
Power cannot be divided: a global player must have political, economic, as well as military power. To that end, the Europe in the World Programme analyses the diplomacy and defence of the US, China, and Russia, and of the EU, NATO, and their members. We also focus on geoeconomics, researching Open Strategic Autonomy and the Global Gateway as key EU instruments, as well as the geoeconomic approaches of the other powers.
Defence policy is our third main axis of research, with a particular focus on European defence and its interaction with NATO, but also on nuclear deterrence and the deterrence of hybrid threats. Throughout all three research axis, we devote special attention to the role of Belgium, including notably the development of its own National Security Strategy and diplomatic and military capabilities.
Publications
Commentaries
The prima donnas of EU foreign policy
In this article, Sven Biscop assesses the recent appointment of Federica Mogherini as High Representative for EU foreign policy.
The China-EU strategic partnership on development: unfulfilled potential
China has become a major international development player, but EU-China engagement on development remains weak. Profound differences in their conception of development cooperation and China’s desire to avoid association with […]
Commentaries
Winter is coming – will spring follow? Ukraine and the future of EU-Russia relations
A constructibe relationship with Russia must remain our goal and may still be achieved, argues Sven Biscop.
Commentaries
Save us from Ashton-bis
The future High Representative should have authority recognized by all Member States, which he or she should unite, not divide.
Commentaries
Replacing the Belgian F16s is but a logical decision
Without armed forces, there are no instruments left when diplomacy fails. To be an effective instrument, all three forces (army, navy and air force) require a combat capability.