Is there an escape from ‘Ever Closer Union’?
The EU Treaty objective of establishing ‘an ever closer Union among the peoples of Europe’ means that European integration is a step by step process requiring the use of supranational […]
European Affairs
Publications
Returnees: who are they, why are they (not) coming back and how should we deal with them? Assessing policies on returning foreign terrorist fighters in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands
Some 5000 men, women and children have travelled from Europe to Syria and Iraq since 2012. An estimated 1500 of these foreign terrorist fighters (FTF) have returned so far. Belgium, […]
Commentaries
Semantics matter: Why the European Monetary Fund is a welcome idea, but a bad name
The willingness to complete our Economic and Monetary Union has been given much welcome impetus in recent months. One of the key ideas is to transform the existing European Stability […]
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
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 […]