Democracy and societyMoscow’s own goal Russia wants to keep Armenia within its sphere of influence. Yet this mounting pressure could have exactly the opposite effect By Narek Sukiasyan
Foreign and security policyDownfall of a superstar Germany’s humiliating defeat in the race for a UN Security Council seat reveals the price of a foreign policy increasingly seen as hypocritical abroad By Marcus Schneider
Foreign and security policyA negotiating table built on illusions As long as the Kremlin sticks to its maximum demands, Ukraine does not need mediators — but strong allies By Denis Trubetskoy
Foreign and security policyPulling up a chair With Putin signalling a willingness to talk about his war in Ukraine, Europe cannot outsource its interests. It needs its own negotiator at the table By Adis Ahmetovic, Christos Katsioulis
Democracy and societyThe coalition that ate itself Romania’s mainstream parties united against extremism after the 2024 elections. That alliance is now starting to fracture By Cristian Chiscop
Foreign and security policyThe return of Dr Strangelove Trump’s troop withdrawal and missile U-turn in Germany are symptoms of a far bigger danger: the revival of nuclear confrontation politics By Rolf Mützenich
Democracy and societyThe most deceptive form of stability Barely visible, but crucial: the Council of Europe must demonstrate whether Europe’s human rights framework still holds up even in challenging times By Ingmar Naumann
Democracy and societyEscape from reality The German left retreats from X. Yet those who seek political exchange only where it is comfortable will eventually lose their influence in society By Nikolaos Gavalakis
Economy and ecologyWho owns the green transition? Europe’s decarbonisation policies risk deepening inequality unless labour is placed at their centre By Wouter van de Klippe
Future of social democracyRedlessness In Central Europe, social democracy is no longer just in crisis mode — but in the process of disappearing entirely By Henrik Meyer