December 2024
Dear Readers,
As the year comes to a close, a year of dramatic changes serves up another with the toppling of the Assad Regime in Syria. As countries across Middle East and beyond adapt to the developments, all eyes are on what kind of Syria its citizens can shape.
In Europe, leaders are looking ahead to Donald Trump’s inauguration, preparing for the economic and security disruptions his first year back in the White House are likely to bring. For Europe’s economy, don’t miss two articles that tackle this question. One article takes a look at the trade and investment impacts of Trump’s tariffs on Europe and the United States, while another takes a longer view of the various factors that will shape the European and global economy in 2025.
On security and defence, we present a round-up of perspectives from across Europe on what their country anticipates from a second Trump presidency, as well as their varying preferences for a europeanisation or strong bilateralisation with the US in a potentially weakened NATO.
For even more on the US election results and their consequences and opportunities for Europe, find our experts’ views on a range of other issues from the US-UK-EU triangle to Ukraine and China – all in one place in our election reaction article. For EU public opinion on transatlantic relations, take a look at the latest eupinions data to see the answer to, among other questions, whether Europeans think it is time to “go their own way”.
Finally, it’s not all about the transatlantic relationship in today’s newsletter: Read an overview of the soon-to-begin Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, and which priorities Warsaw will set with its 6 months in the role.
Happy reading and we wish you all the best over the holiday season. See you in the new year.
With warm wishes,
Malte Zabel
Co-Director
Europe’s Future Program
