EU security: a multipolar Europe

Source: European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)

The European Council on Foreign Relations has published a major report on European security architecture called ‘The spectre of a multipolar Europe’, written by Ivan Krastev and Mark Leonard, with Jana Kobzova, Dimitar Bechev and Andrew Wilson. The report argues that Europe is becoming increasingly multipolar, and in danger of lapsing into separate spheres of influence. It argues that the US is no longer willing to engage in Europe’s internal security, and instead, the main actors – the EU, Russia and Turkey – must come together in a trialogue to build a new European security architecture. Turkey’s EU accession process must also be strengthened alongside recognition of its recent emergence as a credible regional power.

First State of the European Union address

In his first State of the European Union address before the European Parliament on Tuesday, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso gave a bright economic outlook and said the European Union today is in better shape than one year ago, not in the least as a result of Europe’s determined action. He indicated five major challenges for the Union over the next year: dealing with the economic crisis and governance; restoring growth for jobs by accelerating the Europe 2020 reform agenda; building an area of freedom, justice and security; launching negotiations for a modern EU budget; and pulling our weight on the global stage.

A global China policy

Source: European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)

China, emboldened by the impact of the economic crisis on the West, is becoming a huge test for Europe’s foreign policy. If it doesn’t rethink its strategy, the EU will lose its already limited influence over Beijing. If it does, on issues ranging from climate change to the Dalai Lama, Europe can build coalitions with others affected by China’s rise, and take advantage of the few areas where it has real leverage.

The search for the next EU President

Source: BBC News

The executive search for the two top European jobs is proving difficult. There has been a first and inconclusive round of phone calls. There are more potential candidates than jobs. And just beneath the surface are fierce currents and rivalries. There could well be public disputes before the names are chosen at dinner in Brussels a week on Thursday.

The next EU President after Lisbon

Source: BBC News

The European Union is close to deciding who will be appointed to a new post of president to chair EU summits and represent the bloc on the world stage. The way was cleared by the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty by the Czech Republic. Speculation is already mounting about potential candidates.

Lisbon passed: Will there be real change in Brussels?

Source: European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) | By Daniel Korski

The much-awaited Lisbon Treaty is now finally in place. Any moment now, the EU will emerge from its pre-Lisbon cocoon and show itself as fully-fledged global actor. Expect an emergent China, an assertive Russia and a declining U.S to stand back in awe. Any minute now. Waiting. See it yet? No? That’s because while the ratification provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the EU to improve the efficiency of its foreign policy apparatus — and is cause for celebration — its implementation could be fraught.

Lives at risk at the UN

Source: European Council on Foreign Relations | By Richard Gowan*

Europe has always been seen as a human rights champion. It is viewed the world over as model for an open, democratic society, with its governments protecting rights as a given. But the EU is undeniably losing influence at the UN, and its ability to push the human rights debate on the world stage is dwindling with it. And as European power at the UN declines, human rights standards drop and lives are put at risk as the EU is outplayed in power politics.

Twitter diplomacy at State Department

The U.S. State Dept. is enlisting Silicon Valley companies such as Google and Twitter to help bring high tech to Iraq and Afghanistan. Watch the video…

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