Brexit, Strategy, and the EU: Britain takes leave
The 100th Egmont Paper deals with an issue that, unfortunately, provides little cause for celebration: the impact of Brexit on European diplomacy and defence. Unless, as Sven Biscop argues, a […]
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
Cyber-diplomacy: the making of an international society in the digital age
Cyberspace has become a major locus and focus of international relations. Most global powers have now streamlined cyber issues into their foreign policies, adopting cyber strategies, and appointing designated diplomats […]
External publications
Europe : Les racines du jihadisme sont toujours présentes
Avec la perte de son califat, Daech voit son pouvoir d’attraction refluer. C’est une opportunité à saisir pour remodeler le terreau sur lequel prospère le jihadisme en Europe.
External publications
A strong and united European core
Article by Alexander Mattelaer published in “Europe in 2030: four alternative futures“, Elcano Policy Paper, Luis Simón & Ulrich Speck (eds.) – December 2017. (Photo credit: ©EuropeanUnion-1995-2017)
Business vs security: the conundrum of Chinese investments in Belgium
Belgium may not be China’s prime destination for investment in Europe, but as in other neighboring countries these investments are increasing in quality and quantity. Chinese investments are mostly welcomed […]
Chinese investment in Europe: a country-level approach
Chinese investments in Europe have surged in recent years, and have become a critical feature of Europe-China relations. In a historic shift, the flow of Chinese direct investment into Europe […]