American sanctions and European sovereignty
‘We Europeans cannot accept that a foreign power – even our closest friend and ally – makes decisions over our legitimate trade with another country. This is a basic element […]
European Affairs
Located in Brussels at the heart of EU political decision-making, the European Affairs Programme provides in-depth as well as policy-oriented analyses on a wide range of themes of relevance to EU and Belgian policy makers. Topics that are – or ought to be – central to the EU policy debate are given special attention. Aside from a constant focus on institutional matters, various substantive EU policies dominate the Programme’s research agenda, such as the Green Deal, the digital agenda, the consolidation of an inclusive social model, the protection of people and the defence of rights, and the promotion of Europe’s interests in the world.
The Programme also deals extensively and in a forward-looking way with the impact of the multiple crises the EU has had to address over the last decade. They all had an impact on its policies, its decision-making processes, and more generally its architecture, which is proof of the resilience of the European project.
With the aim of reaching the broadest audience possible, the European Affairs Programme seeks to share its expertise and stimulate the debate through a variety of publications as well as by organizing round tables, expert-seminars, and conferences.
Publications
Redefining the EU-China economic partnership: beyond reciprocity lies strategy
The EU-China economic relationship is transitioning to a new era. Years of soaring Chinese investments in Europe are increasingly met with unease by EU leaders. Beijing’s influence on the activities […]
The resurgence of bilateral diplomacy in Europe
As the conduct of international relations is changing in tone, bilateral diplomacy is back in vogue. This trend does not leave the European continent unaffected: intergovernmental bargaining is on the […]
External publications
Belgium’s multilayered China policy: A case of principled pragmatism?
Belgium is a small power and a pragmatic trading nation. It is also host to several multilateral and international institutions and committed to the defence of liberal values. Its relationship […]
External publications
The EU Enters the Geoeconomic Arena
This post discusses the newly agreed EU legislation on an investment screening mechanism in light of the ever-increasing convergence between states’ security and economic concerns. The EU-China investment relationship is […]
Commentaries
The Belgian secret services get out of the shadows
The Belgian intelligence service just released a new public report and inaugurated its website. This new policy of opening and transparency is a small revolution for the Belgian services, and […]