March 2025
Dear Readers,
In recent weeks, Europe has experienced significant developments reshaping its political, security and technological landscape. The ongoing Ukraine-Russia-United States negotiations to secure a ceasefire are damaging the transatlantic relationship by sidelining Kyiv and Europe. This follows US Vice President JD Vance’s remarks at the Munich Security Conference, in which he disparaged European democracies and distorted the threats facing Europe, deepening concerns about transatlantic ties. In this newsletter, we examine the state of the transatlantic alliance and Europe’s security perspectives.
Meanwhile, the AI Action Summit in Paris underscored the urgency of digital independence, with new investments to accelerate Europe’s digitalisation. Read about the EuroStack initiative and its recommendations to reduce reliance on non-European tech.
In Germany, a CDU election victory quickly turned into political drama as lawmakers rushed to loosen the "debt brake", unlocking funds for defense, infrastructure, and green investments. Beyond Germany’s fiscal shift, the EU is exploring how to boost defense spending across the bloc. Read our featured policy brief on how it can do so without triggering another euro crisis.
With so much occupying attention in Europe, it can be easy to overlook developments further east—but Europe must also focus on China, crafting a cohesive strategy that moves beyond Trump’s erratic approach. At the same time, connectivity politics are shaping competition in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, where the EU’s Global Gateway initiative faces competing influence from Russia, China, and Türkiye. Read our latest analysis on how connectivity is reshaping power dynamics in the region.
Read on for insights into these fast-moving developments shaping Europe’s future.
Happy reading and warm wishes,
Malte Zabel
Co-Director
Europe’s Future Program
