ECFR European Power

@ecfr European Power. For everything on #European foreign policy strategy, instruments and cohesion. 🇪🇺

[ECFR @ecfr]

Can Europe's green transition survive an era of political turbulence? 👇

Join us in Brussels on June 8 to discuss. Full event details here: https://t.co/ebHpJCq9JP

[ECFR @ecfr]

Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022 exposed a structural weakness in Europe’s energy system: its deep dependence on fossil fuel imports.

Despite several attempts to build energy diplomacy with alternative partners, the EU remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which meet nearly 60% of the bloc’s energy demand.

ECFR's new policy brief by @szymonkardas identifies ways the EU and member states can work more closely together, specialise and divide up tasks for mutual benefit and complete the final phasing out of Russian fossil fuels.

Read the full report: https://t.co/oofEirN0DH

[ECFR European Power @ECFRPower]

Can Europe's green transition survive an era of political turbulence? Join us in📍Brussels on Monday, 8 June at 16:00 CEST for this in-person discussion.

For further information and to register: https://t.co/scRA5VT8cv

[ECFR @ecfr]

Can Europe's green transition survive an era of political turbulence?

Join us for the launch of the policy brief "The Art of the Deal: European green policy in Trumpian times". We'll discuss a series of five radical "deals" transforming and broadening the European green transition.

📍 Brussels | 🗓️ 8 June, 16:00

Register here: https://t.co/0QVC0NQthO

[ECFR @ecfr]

Why are the populists winning?

This week, @markhleonard speaks with Labour MP and author @liambyrnemp about the economic insecurity, political dissatisfaction, and declining communities driving support for populist movements.

The conversation ultimately tackles why more voters are turning away from mainstream parties, the roles economic stagnation, cultural pessimism and immigration play in driving support for populists, and how wealthy donors, media ecosystems and digital platforms have reshaped populist discourse across Europe and beyond.

🎧Listen to the full episode now: https://t.co/P6VKI5CSw2

[ECFR @ecfr]

Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022 exposed a structural weakness in Europe’s energy system: its deep dependence on fossil fuel imports.

Despite several attempts to build energy diplomacy with alternative partners, the EU remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which meet nearly 60% of the bloc’s energy demand.

ECFR's new policy brief by @szymonkardas identifies ways the EU and member states can work more closely together, specialise and divide up tasks for mutual benefit and complete the final phasing out of Russian fossil fuels.

Read the full report: https://t.co/oofEirN0DH

[ECFR @ecfr]

China is stepping up economic pressure on Europe. In April alone, Beijing introduced new supply chain security rules, cut off dual-use exports to seven European defence companies over Taiwan, and warned the EU over proposed industrial and cybersecurity measures.

Europe can no longer ignore the growing cost of inaction. Chinese coercion and China’s economic imbalances go hand in hand — addressing one means confronting the other.

To respond effectively, Europe needs both stronger industrial protection and credible economic deterrence.

Read the latest commentary by @TGehrke_: https://t.co/ieXtiMqb0t

[ECFR @ecfr]

🚨 We’re hiring in Berlin!

📊 Interested in public opinion, polling, and European foreign policy?

ECFR is looking for a Data & Polling Working Student to join its Berlin office from September 2026 to June 2027.

This is an exciting opportunity for Master’s students passionate about data-driven research, international relations, and European affairs to gain hands-on experience at one of Europe’s leading foreign policy think tanks.

You’ll support ECFR’s polling and data work by analysing survey results, creating data visualisations, and helping turn research into evidence-based policy insights.

🗓️ Apply by 3 June 2026

https://t.co/nlE4MP6e5n

[ECFR @ecfr]

Borders, airspace and the information sphere are not the only battlefields Europeans face. Those wanting to weaken Europe have another option: the public’s minds.

Using a mix of propaganda, disinformation, physical and cyber threats, cognitive warfare seeks to alter perceptions, emotions and behaviour, and ultimately, sow chaos.

Under a barrage of cognitive warfare, European governments need institutions designed to interpret threats, coordinate responses and act fast. Yet Europe’s defence architecture is built for a different era—one of clear enemies, distinct timelines and identifiable campaigns.

Read the latest commentary by Jonathan Nelson and Alejandro Romero: https://t.co/hzStc2ZywQ

[ECFR @ecfr]

How is Europe these days?

As Europe Day approaches, this question becomes more important than ever.

It is as if the EU is going through a quarter-life crisis—which is, above all, a time of wounded self-confidence, writes Pawel Zerka.

Luckily, a quarter-life crisis is not just a moment of great vulnerability. It can also be a period of transformation.

Despite the many threats around it—and in part because they force Europe to confront its weaknesses—the continent can emerge from this moment stronger and more resilient.

👉 Read the full commentary: https://t.co/cSgbFYe14f

[ECFR @ecfr]

Borders, airspace and the information sphere are not the only battlefields Europeans face. Those wanting to weaken Europe have another option: the public’s minds.

Using a mix of propaganda, disinformation, physical and cyber threats, cognitive warfare seeks to alter perceptions, emotions and behaviour, and ultimately, sow chaos.

Under a barrage of cognitive warfare, European governments need institutions designed to interpret threats, coordinate responses and act fast. Yet Europe’s defence architecture is built for a different era—one of clear enemies, distinct timelines and identifiable campaigns.

Read the latest commentary by Jonathan Nelson and Alejandro Romero: https://t.co/hzStc2ZywQ

[ECFR @ecfr]

🚨 We’re hiring in Berlin!

📊 Interested in public opinion, polling, and European foreign policy?

ECFR is looking for a Data & Polling Working Student to join its Berlin office from September 2026 to June 2027.

This is an exciting opportunity for Master’s students passionate about data-driven research, international relations, and European affairs to gain hands-on experience at one of Europe’s leading foreign policy think tanks.

You’ll support ECFR’s polling and data work by analysing survey results, creating data visualisations, and helping turn research into evidence-based policy insights.

🗓️ Apply by 3 June 2026

https://t.co/nlE4MP6e5n

[ECFR @ecfr]

#Hungary’s political transition presents the #EU with a narrow but critical window for strategic influence.

In this new #ECFR commentary from @PiotrBuras1 and Pawel Zerka they outline six insights from a post-election Hungary.

A new government under Peter Magyar is widely expected to shift Budapest closer to EU positions on Ukraine, Russia, and broader geopolitical alignment. But there are risks, if handled incorrectly.

The core insight for decision-makers: Magyar’s mandate is primarily domestic. Hungarian voters are prioritising systemic reform at home over foreign policy realignment. This creates a sequencing challenge for the EU.

The policy implication is not hesitation, but calibration.

The EU should maintain conditionality and strategic pressure, while allowing political space for domestic consolidation. Supporting institutional reform and governance credibility in Hungary is not separate from geopolitical alignment.

The question is no longer whether Hungary will change, but how the EU can calibrate and collaborate to ensure that change is both deep and lasting.

Read the commentary: https://t.co/3kba4gq3qZ

And if you have questions for the authors, mention them and post in the comments.

[ECFR @ecfr]

How is Europe these days?

As Europe Day approaches, this question becomes more important than ever.

It is as if the EU is going through a quarter-life crisis—which is, above all, a time of wounded self-confidence, writes Pawel Zerka.

Luckily, a quarter-life crisis is not just a moment of great vulnerability. It can also be a period of transformation.

Despite the many threats around it—and in part because they force Europe to confront its weaknesses—the continent can emerge from this moment stronger and more resilient.

👉 Read the full commentary: https://t.co/cSgbFYe14f

[Nacho Torreblanca @jitorreblanca]

2/ Join us for a high-level event at the European Parliament in Brussels:

🗓 Tuesday, 12 May 2026
🕕 18:00–20:00
📍 Room 3G2 (Spinelli)

🎟 Register here: Free & open to the public (limited seats):
https://t.co/OVvLgruZEM

[ECFR @ecfr]

This week, @markhleonard welcomes Ayşe Zarakol to explore whether today’s global crises signal disorder or a deeper shift toward “unorder,” where shared rules and assumptions are no longer relevant.

Together, they examine what this means for Europe, from letting go of old ways of thinking to redefining its role in a more unpredictable world.

Rather than restoring a fading order, the focus shifts to a more urgent scenario: what is worth preserving and how can Europe adapt to chaos to survive?

🎧 Listen to the full episode: https://t.co/cl2iamRSmt

[ECFR @ecfr]

Europe stands at a critical juncture.

Amid intensifying geopolitical rivalry, rising nationalism, and overlapping economic, environmental, and social crises, the debate about Europe’s future has never been more pressing or uncertain.

Featuring our ECFR council members including @anubradford, @AranchaGlezLaya, Ivan Krastev, @lea_ypi, @fromTGA among others, @IAIonline's "Why Europe Matters" explores not only the challenges Europe faces, but also its capacity to act and to shape its own future.

Ultimately, Europe’s path forward will depend less on optimism or pessimism, and more on decisive action.

📽️ Watch the full movie here: https://t.co/pO1yDIDpwO

[ECFR @ecfr]

New Podcast Series! 📢

ECFR’s new weekly accompaniment podcast series “Surviving Chaos” will introduce the most interesting and controversial thinkers to explain the current period of chaos.

In our first episode, @markhleonard introduced his new book Surviving Chaos: Geopolitics When the Rules Fail and reflected on what it means to navigate a world in which old assumptions about rules-based order, power and international cooperation no longer hold.

The conversation brought together Mark and @carlbildt, former prime minister and former foreign minister of Sweden; Ivan Krastev, chair of the Centre for Liberal Strategies; and @HelleThorning_S, former prime minister of Denmark, moderated by @gideonrachman, chief foreign affairs commentator at the Financial Times.

Drawing on Mark’s argument that the world is in an age of “unorder”, the speakers discussed the types of political imagination, resilience and practical action Europeans will need. The crucial question: How can Europe navigate chaos?

🎧 Listen here: https://t.co/3XdF6JpvsV

[ECFR @ecfr]

🌍 Welcome to this year’s Annual Council Meeting!

Gathering in Vienna, a historic meeting point for ideas, we take inspiration from the Vienna Circle, where thinkers from different disciplines came together to make sense of a changing world. That same spirit of open debate and shared inquiry feels especially relevant today

In that vein, ECFR’s ACM is designed as a space for thoughtful exchange among policymakers and experts, as we collectively navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

#ACM26

[Mark Leonard @markhleonard]

On 24th April my new book 'Surviving Chaos' will be published & Amazon is offering pre-orders at 20% off! Yesterday I took part in a wonderful discussion with @gideonrachman @carlbildt @HelleThorning_S and Ivan Krastev. 🧵from @ecfr. Buy the book here: https://t.co/3WKtr1SbIB