Raising awareness of both existing and emerging foreign and security policy challenges facing the European Union, EUISS Briefs provide key information in a concise, focused format.
EU–NATO cooperation has intensified amid growing security threats, but structural constraints and renewed transatlantic tensions under Trump 2.0 complicate the partnership. The EU should strengthen coordination with NATO while preparing for greater transatlantic uncertainty.
Africa's demographic dynamism, growth and strategic resources make it central to Europe's economic resilience, security and autonomy amid intensifying global competition. Maintaining the AU–EU partnership as a strategic priority requires sustained engagement, deeper people-to...
Defence clusters – small groups of aligned states – provide the most viable route to strengthen European military capabilities, allowing for greater industrial and operational cooperation. The EU should support and connect clusters into a more coherent European defence ecosystem.
The EU and India are drawing closer in response to shared pressures, but divergent threat perceptions set clear limits. Cooperation works best through a modular approach, shifting beyond trade towards practical collaboration in defence, technology and economic security amidst a...
China is deeply embedded in Europe’s energy system, creating strategic and cybersecurity risks. The EU must de-risk its energy transition by tightening procurement, trade and cybersecurity rules, and prioritising European control over critical energy infrastructure.
Beijing has reshaped the US-China tech war by weaponising critical minerals, forcing Washington to abandon non-negotiable controls in favour of G2-bargaining. Europe now faces growing dependence and exposure to economic coercion, and must reindustrialise with partners to protect...
The South Atlantic is emerging as a strategic arena connecting Africa and South America. Deepening security and economic ties, intensifying geopolitical competition and rising threats from organised crime create new challenges and opportunities for more proactive EU engagement.
The Sahel remains strategic for the EU amid the threats posed by terrorism, criminal networks and rising geopolitical competition. As multi-alignment reshapes regional partnerships, the EU must place diplomacy at the core of its renewed approach, focusing on shared interests...
Europe’s prosperity depends on secure Western Indian Ocean routes, yet governance remains fragmented. The EU can strengthen stability by supporting the alignment of vision, resources, and partnerships across a region where strategic competition is intensifying.
Europe’s fragmented cloud governance poses risks to its digital sovereignty. As ENISA works to unify standards, the adoption of a common certification scheme has become a political test of Europe’s ability to balance security, performance, and reliance on dominant American...
