Europe - The Sixteenth Council

Negotiations and Tariff Threat of Ongoing US-Europe Territory Dispute

The US-Europe dispute over Greenland reflects a new era of geopolitically driven trade policy. President Trump’s threats of escalating tariffs aim to force European acquiescence, prompting discussions on Europe’s anti-coercion measures. NATO deployments to Greenland, debates over US missile defence, and concerns from Russia and China underscore the stakes. Failure to reach agreement risks severe economic disruption for Europe, particularly Germany, while US-EU trade faces uncertainty. The crisis signals that tariffs are increasingly a tool of strategic coercion rather than revenue generation.

Putin Over Poland: Why Moscow Would Dare Cross NATO’s Red Line — And What the Alliance Must Do

Russia’s drone incursion into Poland underscores the fragility of NATO’s deterrence and the Kremlin’s strategy of probing allied thresholds. Poland, now NATO’s psychological tripwire, faces not just tactical provocations but existential tests of credibility. Moscow’s calibrated violations aim to erode unity, force hesitation, and broadcast weakness. NATO’s response must be decisive: integrated defences, rehearsed protocols, and unified political messaging. Poland is more than geography—it is the frontline of Europe’s collective security, where ambiguity fuels aggression and clarity sustains deterrence.

Is Europe About to Be Colonized?

Europe stands at an uncomfortable crossroads, squeezed between Washington and Beijing. As the U.S. reasserts its security dominance and China deepens its economic reach, the continent risks drifting into a 21st-century form of colonial dependency—ceding sovereignty over defense, technology, and supply chains. Without a coherent, purpose-driven vision of its own, the EU could end up reacting rather than leading, becoming a strategic pawn instead of a power in its own right.

Alaska Summit, No Ceasefire: What the Trump–Putin Optics Mean for Kyiv and Europe

The Trump–Putin summit in Alaska produced headlines but no ceasefire. Moscow floated a deal trading territorial concessions for a freeze, but Kyiv and Europe firmly rejected redrawing borders by force. For Russia, the optics eased isolation; for Ukraine, exclusion risked weakening support. Civilian casualties hit a three-year high, underscoring the costs of delay. With Trump set to meet Zelensky in Washington, the next test is whether U.S. mediation can deliver a sovereignty-first framework that Europe and Kyiv accept.

Europe’s Trade Reboot: From Liberal Idealism to Strategic Geo-Economics

Europe’s trade model is undergoing a seismic shift—from liberal idealism to strategic geo-economics. As global power rivalries reshape economic flows, the EU must reforge trade policy as an instrument of statecraft, aligning it with security, resilience, and influence. The age of values-driven trade is ending; purpose-driven trade must begin.

The Delta System: the Future of European Defence?

Ukraine’s Delta system is reshaping how NATO views battlefield command and control. Built for flexibility and battlefield conditions, it may rival expensive Western systems and reshape future defence procurement. As NATO allies consider its adoption, Delta emerges not just as a technological tool—but a political and strategic force multiplier.

Can Europe Defend Itself Without America?

The notion of a self-sufficient European defense raises significant strategic, political, and economic concerns. While European nations possess advanced militaries, robust economies, and a sophisticated defense industry, their ability to deter major threats—particularly from Russia—remains uncertain. This article examines the current state of European defense, its historical reliance on the U.S., and the critical steps the continent would need to take to achieve true strategic autonomy.

Europe on the Brink: The Need to Secure Strategic Autonomy Amid Trumpian Geopolitics

Europe’s challenges are no longer limited to the economic sphere. As was evidenced by Vice-President Vance’s speech at the Munich Security Conference this year, it faces very real security concerns and vulnerabilities precipitated by an over-reliance on the United States for defense. This has led to a moral hazard, where due to being dependent on American security guarantees

Can Europe Survive Trump 2.0?

A defining feature of Trump’s presidency has been his protectionist economic stance. He has repeatedly criticized European trade practices, branding them as unfair to American manufacturers and threatening reciprocal tariffs on industries such as automotive and agriculture.

Europe’s Economic Predicament: How to Stop the Decline?

Introduction As the global economy shifts, Europe finds itself grappling with stagnation. Slow growth, a widening gap with the United States, and declining geoeconomic influence are among its most significant challenges. Eurostat (2024) reports that the EU’s economy grew by…

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