Europe | Council on Foreign Relations

China Strategy Initiative

China in Europe: June 2025

In June 2025, Wang Yi arrived in Europe to mend ties, while Europe barred Chinese firms from medical contracts, raised espionage concerns over China’s planned London embassy, and condemned Beijing’s trade coercion at the G7.

by Turner Ruggi July 8, 2025 China Strategy Initiative
Ukraine

Weathering the Storm: The Hague Summit and the Future of NATO

European leaders should avoid clashing with Trump at the NATO Summit in The Hague. In the coming months and years, they should focus on increasing defense spending, further integrating Ukraine into the regional security architecture, and developing a European-led future for the alliance.

by Liana Fix and Rebecca Lissner June 17, 2025 Wachenheim Program on Peace and Security
Europe

A Conversation With European Parliament President Roberta Metsola

President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola examines the state of transatlantic relations, the evolving dynamics of the U.S.-EU partnership in the context of an increasingly unpredictable world, and the imperative for renewed transatlantic cooperation in addressing shared geopolitical challenges and upholding democratic values. Please note there is no virtual component to the meeting. The audio, video, and transcript of this meeting will be posted on the CFR website.

Event with Roberta Metsola and Jane Hartley June 9, 2025

Europe

Growing Conflict and Uncertain Alliances: On the Future of European Security

On the eighty-first anniversary of D-Day, CFR President Michael Froman and senior fellows discuss the Trump administration’s diminished appetite for engagement in European security affairs—even as the Russia-Ukraine war drags on.

by Michael Froman June 6, 2025
China Strategy Initiative

China in Europe: December 2024

In December 2024, EU-China tensions rose over Ukraine, trade, Baltic sabotage, and strained ties with Lithuania.

by Turner Ruggi June 3, 2025 China Strategy Initiative
China Strategy Initiative

China in Europe: November 2024

In November 2024, EU-China tensions escalated over diplomatic expulsions, suspected sabotage, stalled EV trade talks, and a tougher EU stance under Kaja Kallas.

by Turner Ruggi June 3, 2025 China Strategy Initiative

China Strategy Initiative

China in Europe: May 2025

In May 2025, China-Europe ties saw rising cyber and trade tensions, selective cooperation, and growing Chinese influence in investment and electric vehicles.

by Turner Ruggi June 3, 2025 China Strategy Initiative
Europe

Will Europe Stand Up to U.S. Tariff Threats?

How should Europe respond to the threat of 50 percent tariffs?

by Brad W. Setser June 2, 2025 Follow the Money
Trade

Relief and Realism: Global Reactions to U.S. Tariff Rulings

The U.S. federal court ruling that President Trump had overstepped his authority on imposing tariffs marked a clear setback for the administration. But any global cheering has been tempered by the recognition that U.S. officials have other tools for authorizing penalties, and that an appellate court has reinstated some tariffs.

by Brad W. Setser May 30, 2025 Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic Studies
China Strategy Initiative

China in Europe: February 2025

Beijing’s efforts to charm Europe remain undercut by deep mistrust, sanctions clashes, and an assertive diplomatic style.

by Turner Ruggi May 28, 2025 China Strategy Initiative
Ukraine

Trump’s Putin Call Indicates Ukraine’s Future Is Up to Europe

President Trump suggested after the call that the United States could “back away” if Russia and Ukraine peace talks don’t advance. That could leave it to Europe to keep Ukraine in the fight.

by Max Boot May 20, 2025
Europe

U.S. Allies Rally to Support Democracy and Come to Terms With a New U.S. Foreign Policy

Two things emerged clearly from this week’s Copenhagen Democracy Summit, the eighth annual gathering convened by Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

by Linda Robinson May 16, 2025 Women Around the World
Europe

Polish, Romanian Elections Test Right-Wing Populism’s Rise in Europe

The most populous Eastern European member states in the European Union—Poland and Romania—will hold presidential elections on May 18 that have implications for the state of democracy and EU solidarity with Ukraine.

by Liana Fix and Jack Silverman May 15, 2025 Europe Program
Romania

What’s at Stake in Romania’s 2025 Elections?

Romania will hold its rescheduled presidential elections in May in what could be a major test for the country’s democracy after the earlier results were annulled due to charges of Russian interference.

by Ariel Sheinberg May 2, 2025
China Strategy Initiative

China in Europe: April 2025

This April, Trump’s surprise tariffs roiled transatlantic relations, while China seized the moment to court European leaders and deepen ties amid shared frustration with Washington.

by Turner Ruggi May 1, 2025 China Strategy Initiative