European Union

European neutrality is dying out
European neutrality is dying out
Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine has had the opposite effect of his desire to divide Europe. Former neutrals – Finland, Sweden, Austria and Switzerland – are…
A rebirth of the European Union in the shadow of the Ukraine invasion
A rebirth of the European Union in the shadow of the Ukraine invasion
No matter what happens in Ukraine, this war has been a key turning point for the European Union. Russia, a divisive issue before the war In order to understand the current…
Europe triggers “temporary protection” for Ukraine war refugees
Europe triggers “temporary protection” for Ukraine war refugees
Until this week, everyone thought the European Union’s Temporary Protection Directive was dead in the water. Drafted 21 years ago in the aftermath of the Yugoslav crisis, it was…
Back in the USSR – surprises in the Russia-Ukraine conflict
Back in the USSR – surprises in the Russia-Ukraine conflict
My grandfather Kopel Harkowitz was born in Lismore, which is experiencing the worst floods in more than a century. In 1880, when the last big wet hit the Northern Rivers, his…
How long will Europe’s generosity towards Ukraine’s refugees last?
How long will Europe’s generosity towards Ukraine’s refugees last?
Six days after Russia invaded Ukraine, a mass exodus has begun. At least half a million people are estimated to have fled Ukraine, around half of them to Poland, and others to…
How to speak green: Europe’s new energy taxonomy
How to speak green: Europe’s new energy taxonomy
It could “destroy the future of our children,” claimed Austria’s Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler. “We believe this technology is too dangerous,” said German government…
Europe is finally getting serious about China
Europe is finally getting serious about China
On 1 December, the European Commission unveiled its Global Gateway Strategy, a new scheme which will mobilise “up to €300 billion” in investments between 2021 and 2027. At first…
Nord Stream 2: Will you go to the Gazprom with me?
Nord Stream 2: Will you go to the Gazprom with me?
Of the several spectres haunting Europe, the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is one of the most persistent. This week, the project hit another snag. Its approval process was…
The forest for the trees: trouble at the Poland-Belarus border
The forest for the trees: trouble at the Poland-Belarus border
The 418 kilometre border which separates Poland and Belarus does more than divide two states. It forms part of the Eastern border of the European Union and of NATO. Loosely…
AUKUS? Quad? FOIP? A fragmented approach cannot counter China
AUKUS? Quad? FOIP? A fragmented approach cannot counter China
Although a substantive movement has developed aiming to contain China ­– AUKUS being only the most recent example, adding to the reconstituted Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or…