Friends of Europe
Pakistan, democracy and the demise of the independent press
Pakistan's new military-supported government is targeting independent media and poses a grave threat to the country's democracy, writes Shada Islam.
Geert Wilders wins, Muslims lose in latest Prophet Mohammed cartoon furore
Geert Wilders is back in the headlines, thanks to a controversial Prophet Mohammed cartoon competition, which has caused a furore in Pakistan. But the race for Europe's toughest anti-Muslim politician has several other contestants, writes Shada Islam.
Trump is wrong: Guns alone don’t make a superpower
Since his election, US President Donald Trump has been wreaking havoc wherever he goes and his next target is most probably NATO, warns Shada Islam.
Defuse this explosive migration summit with a strategic EU study
If ever an EU summit seemed doomed, it's this week's immigration showdown. Governments like to imply that the 'migrant crisis' is at an end but in truth, it's just starting, and Europe needs a strategy and a common EU-wide approach, writes Gilles Merritt.
The EU has to broaden its alliances to shape the new world order
Enough tears have been shed, egos and emotions shaken and obituaries written about the transatlantic relationship. It is time to move on. So wipe the tears, stop the whining and turn over a new page. The US has embarked on a new journey, and the EU should do the same, writes Shada Islam.
EU should revive TTIP, retaliation only helps Trump’s re-election
The EU's Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström has made a cardinal error in opting to play US President Donald Trump at his own game and introducing tariffs on American products, argues Giles Merrit.
Africa-Europe ties need a reset – but not just because of migration
Europe and Africa need a partnership which should focus on the new realities in both regions. Europe can become the region's main partner during its transformative revolution if it listens to civil society representatives, writes Shada Islam.
It’s not too early for Barnier to throw his hat in the ring
Not to beat about the bushes, Michel Barnier should succeed Jean-Claude Juncker. Not just because his handling of the Brexit process has enlarged his stature, but for a number of other cogent reasons, writes Gilles Merritt.
The bigger EU problems hidden by Brexit
Brexit's focus on minutiae is an unnecessary distraction from the more pressing challenges Europe must meet. Unity is crucial to Europe's security and well-being, writes Giles Merritt.
As Trump plays with fire, EU should lead on global trade
As America retreats after Trump's plans to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, the world is moving on. Now is the time for the EU to take the lead in maintaining the global trade system, writes Shada Islam.
Why not hold all of Europe’s elections on the same day?
Here's a sharp knife to cut through the tangled knot of Europe's politics ‒ let's hold all national parliamentary elections on the same day as voting for the European Parliament, writes Giles Merritt.
What the EU must do to be loved and admired
The European Union is in need of a rebranding. Giles Merritt suggests ways the European Commission can go about doing that while helping save the European project.
They talk of war but it’s their own citizens these ‘strong’ men fear most
In the current geopolitical context, European support for those fighting for human dignity is more important than ever, writes Shada Islam.
Brussels must bite the bullet on a common EU migration policy
The EU Commission is soon to re-enter the conflict over immigration. Whether it will do so timidly or in a blaze of political courage remains to be seen when it unveils ideas for a 'European Labour Authority," writes Giles Merritt.
Let’s end our pygmy politics so we can have a proper EU foreign policy
The next "foreign minister" at the head of the EEAS, must be a heavy-hitter with the authority and courage to rally EU governments behind a recognisable foreign policy on global challenges, writes Giles Merritt.
‘Last chance’: Juncker has only 2018 to deliver the goods
This is the year when Jean-Claude Juncker's ‘Last Chance’ Commission must chalk up worthwhile achievements and shake off the sense of inertia that already risks turning into full retreat, argue Giles Merritt and Shada Islam.
Africa’s young people need inspirational leaders, not old autocrats
Investing in youth is essential for Africa’s future, but what's even more essential is to let inspirational and transformational leaders to come forth, writes Shada Islam.
Wishful thinking underpins the EU’s new Africa plan
There has been a significant mood change among European policymakers. Far from seeing Africa as a charity case, they have come to recognise it as a security threat: doing more to develop Africa's ailing economies is rising fast up the EU agenda, writes Giles Merritt.
Give the regions more EU power to save the euro and defeat populism
Elections across Europe show Europe's political parties to be increasingly defined by how nationalistic they are. Confronting this and reinstating progressive politics is essential, and can best be done by giving more power to Europe's regions, urges Giles Merritt.
Brexit clinches ‘mission impossible’ by highlighting EU’s value
This summer has seen the ‘Brexit effect’ quietly gathering momentum, so much so that it's shaping into one of the most spectacular own-goals of European history, on a par with Germany's Third Reich or the Russian Revolution, writes Giles Merritt.
Thanks, Trump, for forcing Europe to rethink its own security
It’s time to look on the bright side of Donald Trump’s presidency, with Europeans being forced to reconsider policy assumptions that have gone unchallenged for far too long, writes Giles Merritt.
Why the EU must craft a tough pre-Trump agenda
Lulled by the opinion polls and its own wishful thinking, Europe expected US foreign policy continuity following a Hillary Clinton victory. Now, Europeans must awaken to the unpredictable change and volatility a Donald Trump presidency will bring, warns Giles Merritt.
Brexit: an opportunity to be exploited
As the referendum looms large on the horizon, there are two ways of facing the threat of Brexit: despondency or trying to make something positive out of the situation, writes Robert Cox.