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251. Europe’s De-risking from China: Dead on Arrival?

Author:
Nicola Casarini
Publication Date:
07-2024
Content Type:
Commentary and Analysis
Institution:
Istituto Affari Internazionali
Abstract:
De-risking ties from China has become a buzzword in European policy circles, amid growing tensions between the West and the Asian giant. While US policymakers and experts continue to focus on the need to decouple ties from Beijing, the concept of de-risking has been largely fashioned in Brussels to avoid the decoupling debate and find a common transatlantic ground. While EU member states have reduced critical dependencies on China to varying degrees, their efforts are resisted by some large companies, local authorities and civil society actors eager to boost ties with Beijing. Recently, several EU governments have been promoting industrial cooperation with China, opening doors to Chinese investments in their territories to boost production of electric vehicles and green technologies. While this form of cooperation brings benefits to Europe’s industrial capacity and competitiveness, it however risks increasing the level of dependency on Beijing, undermining the de-risking strategy being put in place by the European Commission, as well as deepening the rift with the US on how to deal with the Asian giant. Going forward, there is a need for a thorough and frank debate about the EU’s de-risking strategy and its future prospect, also considering a possible return of Trump to the White House.
Topic:
Foreign Direct Investment, European Union, Trade, Transatlantic Relations, Industry, and De-Risking
Political Geography:
China, Europe, and Asia

252. EU Defence Industrial Initiatives: A Quantum Leap Is Needed

Author:
Gaia Ravazzolo and Alessandro Marrone
Publication Date:
12-2024
Content Type:
Commentary and Analysis
Institution:
Istituto Affari Internazionali
Abstract:
During Ursula von der Leyen’s first mandate as European Commission President, a number of EU defence industrial initiatives were launched, while the European Defence Fund (EDF) was implemented. The fragmentation of the EU’s defence industrial policy is evident in the proliferation of tools, with EDF itself, the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP), the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIS), and the European Defence Industrial Plan (EDIP) as prime examples. Yet the current landscape of fragmented tools and modest budgets is insufficient to meet the long-term challenges arising from an increasingly complex international and geopolitical context. The second von der Leyen’s Commission will have to face critical decisions to properly fund and support the European defence industry to contribute to the continent’s collective deterrence and defence amidst a limited and uncertain US commitment to the region.
Topic:
European Union and Defense Industry
Political Geography:
Europe

253. Reassessing the Kosovo-Serbia Normalization Dialogue: It is Time for a Reset?

Author:
Ramadan Ilazi
Publication Date:
08-2024
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS)
Abstract:
This paper questions the effectiveness of the ongoing EU-led dialogue in normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia, despite various agreements made since 2011 when the process started. This paper argues that the current process is leading towards a scenario where “no solution is a solution” could become the default stance of the international community, particularly within EU capitals. This is a result of Serbia playing the long game and Kosovo the waiting game. Such an outcome would potentially carry devastating consequences as it cements the status quo, risks regional stability, maintains Kosovo’s isolation, and deepens interethnic tensions within Kosovo.
Topic:
Treaties and Agreements, European Union, Ethnicity, and Normalization
Political Geography:
Europe, Kosovo, and Serbia

254. How external actors seek to influence the Western Balkans?

Author:
Harun Nuhanović
Publication Date:
04-2024
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS)
Abstract:
The Western Balkans, a region with a complex history and significant geopolitical value, finds itself at the crossroads of influence from major external powers—Russia, China, and Turkey. Each of these countries extends its reach through various domains such as economics, culture, religion, politics, and security, exploiting both state and non-state mechanisms to cement their influence. This report delves into the strategies employed by these state actors, highlighting their individual and collective impacts on the strategic landscape of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, and Montenegro. The findings reveal how these external influences pose both opportunities and significant risks, shaping the regional dynamics and the future integration of these states into larger international frameworks such as the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Topic:
Security, Foreign Policy, NATO, European Union, and Geopolitics
Political Geography:
Russia, China, Europe, Turkey, Kosovo, and Western Balkans

255. The Prospective of the Western Balkans to the EU Membership: Challenges and Possible Ways Forward

Author:
Anila Jelesijević
Publication Date:
03-2024
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The Geneva Centre for Security Policy
Abstract:
The integration of the Western Balkan countries into the European Union (EU) remains a slow process. The EU’s focus on the war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russia has negatively affected these countries’ motivation to proceed with the reforms needed to join the EU. Their aim is to become part of the EU family, but a real commitment and productive interaction from both sides that will lead to such an integration is an essential requirement. This Geneva Paper aims to develop recommendations for what can be done to allow the Western Balkan countries to join the EU as soon as possible.
Topic:
Reform, European Union, and Regional Integration
Political Geography:
Europe and Western Balkans

256. EU Needs Better Monitoring to Enforce Sanctions on Russian Disinformation Online

Author:
Elzbieta Kaca
Publication Date:
05-2024
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
EU sanctions partially restrict the activities of Russian-affiliated media in the Union, but a challenge remains to reduce the scale of sanctions circumvention online. All Member States could introduce internet monitoring for compliance with EU restrictions and mechanisms to remove sites duplicating banned content. The EU should adopt a new sanctions regime on Russian destabilisation activities globally as soon as possible.
Topic:
Sanctions, European Union, Internet, Disinformation, and Monitoring
Political Geography:
Russia and Europe

257. Senegal Redefines International Partnerships

Author:
Jędrzej Czerep
Publication Date:
06-2024
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
The new Senegalese authorities, who vowed radical reforms during the campaign, have begun a review of the state’s international relations. As part of this process, they plan, among other things, to renegotiate the fisheries agreement with the EU, expel French troops, and reform or leave the regional monetary union. Despite the revolutionary rhetoric, similar to that of the populist military regimes from the Sahel, the Senegalese approach to the economy and regional politics is rational and, in the long term, aligned with EU interests.
Topic:
International Relations, Treaties and Agreements, European Union, Partnerships, and Populism
Political Geography:
Africa, Europe, and Senegal

258. Human Rights, but with CPC Characteristics, Rising in China's Foreign Policy

Author:
Marcin Przychodniak
Publication Date:
07-2024
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
For China, human rights in relation to a sovereignty is gaining importance in its cooperation with countries of the Global South. The Chinese authorities emphasise the right of governments to make their own decisions in this area, which is welcomed by many of these, mainly authoritarian, states. For the EU, it is important both to counter the Chinese narrative on such disparities in human rights standards and to apply sanctions against China in cases of violations.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Human Rights, Sovereignty, Sanctions, and European Union
Political Geography:
China, Europe, and Global South

259. Growth, Decarbonisation, Security: a Recipe for Strengthening the EU's Economic Condition

Author:
Melchior Szczepanik and Jolanta Szymańska
Publication Date:
10-2024
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta, in their reports on the economic condition of the EU, urge the organisation to double down on its objectives formulated in recent years: stimulating growth in a manner consistent with climate policy and reducing dangerous economic dependencies. The most controversial issue is how the recommended measures will be financed. Their implementation also will require striking a balance between several priorities—not entirely compatible—both within EU economic policy and in relations with main economic partners.
Topic:
Security, Climate Change, European Union, Economy, Economic Growth, and Decarbonization
Political Geography:
Europe

260. The role of local communities in European policies. Thirty years of cohesion funds.

Author:
Fairouz Hondema-Mokrane
Publication Date:
12-2024
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Robert Schuman Foundation (RSF)
Abstract:
The tragedies caused by the adverse weather conditions in Valencia (Spain) and cyclone Chido in Mayotte have suddenly brought the responsibilities of local authorities, Member States and the European Union, and the need for solidarity between territories, to the fore. While the news usually focuses on the - sometimes tense - relations between ‘Brussels’ and national capitals, the day-to-day work of local authorities is closely linked to the European venture, even if it does not receive the same attention. This point was developed at the 20th Congress of Regions of France in Strasbourg in September 2024, it is also the focus of the work of the European Committee of the Regions. This commitment comes as no surprise, given that the regions are a key territorial level in the implementation of European policies. Amendments to EAFRD and ERDF/ESF texts to take account of the effects of natural disasters[1], were approved by MEPs on 17 December and by the Council on 18 December. Throughout Europe, the local level ensures the implementation of European texts, facilitates the use of cohesion funds and encourages citizens' commitment to Europe. The Member States retain sovereignty over their territorial organisation, but these levels all play a key role in consolidating European policies.
Topic:
European Union, Regional Politics, and Cohesion
Political Geography:
Europe