About: Michael Berendt

Libya highlights Europe’s defence weakness

Low defence spending is undermining both Europe's ability to guarantee its own security and relations with the United States, argues Michael Berendt.

EU must build, not shout, in the year of revolutions

The democratic revolutions in Northern Africa and the Middle East are reminiscent of Eastern Europe 20 years ago, writes Michael Berendt on his blog. Nevertheless, it is important for the EU not just to be vocal about it but to build new relationships with these new partners, he argues.

Tough home truths in IMF report

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) ''does not mince its words'' in calling on the eurozone countries to transform their economies, slash public spending and pursue economic governance in its recent report on the eurozone crisis, writes Michael Berendt, formerly senior policy adviser at Fleishman-Hillard, in a June blog post.

Big changes on the way after UK election?

"The demand for change and poor turnout will hit the Labour vote [...] the Conservatives will secure a small overall majority and [...] the Liberal [Democrats] will strengthen their position in the House of Commons," predicts Michael Berendt, formerly senior policy adviser at Fleishman-Hillard, in an April post on Blogactiv.

Ten-year strategy must be blueprint for change

"Wealth creation must be the absolute priority" of the EU's '2020' strategy, writes Michael Berendt in a January post on Blogactiv.

Iceland’s path to EU membership may be a rocky one

The Icelandic parliament's recent vote "to apply for membership [of the European Union] was a close run thing – 33 in favour, 28 against – and it would certainly be wrong to underestimate the negotiating difficulties which lie ahead," writes Michael Berendt, a former European Commission official and current public affairs advisor, in a July post on Blogactiv.

Barroso on the spot before European Council nomination

"[European Commission President José Manuel] Barroso will have to tread carefully in selecting candidates for a new college," writes Michael Berendt, a former European Commission official and current public affairs advisor, in a June post on Blogactiv.

Reflecting on European leadership in Copenhagen

The UN climate change conference in Copenhagen this December "may well determine whether or not the world can respond to a threat which scientists are convinced will lead to catastrophic change unless we act fast," writes Michael Berendt, a senior policy advisor at Fleishman Hillard, on Blogactiv.