Europe & International Politics

The international political order has undergone fundamental changes in recent years. The European Union wants to, and should, play an important and active role within these changes. However, political declarations do not suffice in light of the challenges and present divisions. We support the activities of governments and EU institutions towards closer cooperation in international politics. Furthermore, we create space for the debates and disputes of member states representing different interests. From the Warsaw point of view we particularly stress relations with our Eastern neighbours, such as Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. In terms of security policy, we underline respect for human rights and democratic control over armed forces.

Latest articles

EU special Summit: Towards a European Defence Union

Analysis

After years of hesitation, the EU – driven by geopolitical shifts – is finally moving forward. The special summit in Brussels shows momentum in defence policy. But Europe remains vulnerable without a big step forward.

By Roderick Kefferpütz

Stopping Russian aggression means rejecting its fossil fuel exports – and, ultimately, switching to renewables

Article

Three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Paul Hockenos compares the efforts of the EU and the US in view of weaning from Russian fossil fuels. On the ground, Ukraine’s transition to distributed renewables already rhymes with resilience against the aggressor.

By Paul Hockenos

Dealing with Donald: Five guiding lines for the European Union

Commentary

Trump is back. And so is his erratic shock and awe style of politics. One day he announces tariffs on Mexico and Canada, the day after he puts them on hold. Who knows what he’ll do next. Europe cannot afford to be paralysed by panic, divided by discord or swept up in performative outrage. Instead of being shocked and awed, the EU must stay calm, adapt and – most importantly – act.

By Roderick Kefferpütz

Latest publications

EU defence industrial policy in a new era

E-paper

The 2024 re-election of Donald Trump as US president, and the realignment of US security strategy that is expected to follow fundamentally changes Europe’s security outlook. The EU cannot become Europe’s security provider, but it can, through its defence industrial policy, support the funding and organization of the rearmament effort.

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Poland, Germany and Ukraine at a Turning Point: Making or Breaking the Western Alliance

At the beginning of 2025, Russia's war against Ukraine is entering its third year. At the same time, the EU is facing many uncertainties. Starting with those related to Donald Trump's second presidential term, through intra-European ones – related to the growth of far-right and far-left groups in many EU countries, and resulting from Russia's hybrid war against Western countries. In this context, the Jan Nowak-Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe in cooperation with Austausch is publishing a report that offers answers to these threats and challenges. The report is published with the support of the Heinrich Böll Foundation Warsaw office.

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US elections and European cohesion: Scenario implications for Ukraine and Transatlantic security

Policy Paper

The fate of Ukraine’s battlefield will be decided at the US ballot box. This paper explores how the European Union and its Member States could adjust their Ukraine and NATO policies, depending on the outcome of the US election.

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