ECFR

Our new pre-election polling reveals that most Hungarians do not share Orban’s views on Hungary’s place in the world. They see the need for a “different” relationship with the EU, but divergences remain on Ukraine. Here are the key takeaways 👇 ecfr.eu/article/why-or…

Great piece by @fromTGA: Germany’s defence surge is transformational but the big question is whether it’s done narrowly and nationally or as part of a wider European rearmament.

For years, Viktor Orbán was seen as the symbol of Europe’s populist turn. Now, Hungary may become the first country to reverse it. In a new commentary, @fromTGA reflects on the atmosphere in Budapest following Peter Magyar’s historic election victory and what it could mean for Europe. The article explores whether Hungary can successfully transition away from years of democratic backsliding, polarisation, and “Orbanisation”, and why European support will be crucial in the months ahead. 👉 Read the article: bit.ly/4fgg4uL

How is Europe these days? As Europe Day approaches, this question becomes more important than ever. It is as if the EU is going through a quarter-life crisis—which is, above all, a time of wounded self-confidence, writes Pawel Zerka. Luckily, a quarter-life crisis is not just a moment of great vulnerability. It can also be a period of transformation. Despite the many threats around it—and in part because they force Europe to confront its weaknesses—the continent can emerge from this moment stronger and more resilient. 👉 Read the full commentary: bit.ly/3QVLGvC

Germany is set to become Europe’s leading military power. But how can this transformation strengthen Europe rather than divide it? In a new ECFR commentary, @fromTGA argues that Germany’s military resurgence must remain firmly embedded within a broader European defence framework as Russian aggression continues and Trump’s US threatens NATO. The piece explores what a stronger Germany means for Europe’s security, defence industry, and political balance, and why European cooperation will be essential in the years ahead. 👉 Read the article: bit.ly/4dw84o7

Disinformation, AI-generated manipulation, and foreign influence operations are reshaping the security landscape across Europe and protecting citizens’ minds is now a core strategic challenge. A new ECFR article by Jonathan Nelson and Alejandro Romero explores how cognitive warfare has become a growing threat to democratic societies and why Europe must rethink security beyond the battlefield. 👉 Read the full article: bit.ly/4eEpDDF

Borders, airspace and the information sphere are not the only battlefields Europeans face. Those wanting to weaken Europe have another option: the public’s minds. Using a mix of propaganda, disinformation, physical and cyber threats, cognitive warfare seeks to alter perceptions, emotions and behaviour, and ultimately, sow chaos. Under a barrage of cognitive warfare, European governments need institutions designed to interpret threats, coordinate responses and act fast. Yet Europe’s defence architecture is built for a different era—one of clear enemies, distinct timelines and identifiable campaigns. Read the latest commentary by Jonathan Nelson and Alejandro Romero: bit.ly/4eEpDDF

🚨 We’re hiring in Berlin! 📊 Interested in public opinion, polling, and European foreign policy? ECFR is looking for a Data & Polling Working Student to join its Berlin office from September 2026 to June 2027. This is an exciting opportunity for Master’s students passionate about data-driven research, international relations, and European affairs to gain hands-on experience at one of Europe’s leading foreign policy think tanks. You’ll support ECFR’s polling and data work by analysing survey results, creating data visualisations, and helping turn research into evidence-based policy insights. 🗓️ Apply by 3 June 2026 bit.ly/440pyUN

Global shipping is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise. The sector contributes almost 3% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions today, projected to reach 10% in 2050. Yet The International Maritime Organisation’s Net-Zero Framework offers the most effective path to decarbonisation. A new ECFR report by Sarah Logan explores how Europe and Africa can collaborate to drive global shipping to net zero and what’s at stake if they don’t. Read the full article: bit.ly/4w6P8nn

This week, @markhleonard is joined by David Runciman, British political theorist and philosopher, to explore whether today’s sense of crisis really marks the end of democracy—or something more complex. As the global order fragments, Runciman argues that democracy itself is not disappearing, but the forces shaping the world no longer fit the model that worked for the past 50 years. Rather than predicting collapse, the discussion asks how democracies can evolve. What needs to change and what happens if it doesn’t? 🎧 Listen to the full episode: bit.ly/4tl07a0

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured Israelis that if they endured weeks in bomb shelters and obeyed Home Front Command, they would be rewarded with “a new Middle East”. Instead, US president Donald Trump forced him to accept ceasefires in Iran and Lebanon, leaving the job “unfinished”. Now, the Israeli PM’s reliance on Washington gives Europeans and Arab partners an opportunity to preserve the fragile peace and stabilise Lebanon. Read the commentary by @BethOppenheim: bit.ly/48PJ4FN

Borders, airspace and the information sphere are not the only battlefields Europeans face. Those wanting to weaken Europe have another option: the public’s minds. Using a mix of propaganda, disinformation, physical and cyber threats, cognitive warfare seeks to alter perceptions, emotions and behaviour, and ultimately, sow chaos. Under a barrage of cognitive warfare, European governments need institutions designed to interpret threats, coordinate responses and act fast. Yet Europe’s defence architecture is built for a different era—one of clear enemies, distinct timelines and identifiable campaigns. Read the latest commentary by Jonathan Nelson and Alejandro Romero: bit.ly/4eEpDDF

It was great to host Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani in Brussels today ahead of the EU-Syria dialogue. At a critical moment for Syria and Europe’s engagement with the region, exchanges like these are more important than ever and ECFR remains committed to fostering informed exchanges on the future of Europe’s relationship with Syria and the wider region. 📷: @jbdacey and Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani

🚨 We’re hiring in London! ECFR is looking for a Defence & Security Policy Fellow to join its London office and help produce research, analysis, and commentary around the role that closer EU-UK cooperation can play in defending Europe without solely relying on the transatlantic relationship. With proven expertise on defence and security policy, military capacity and the NATO and European frameworks for security and defence cooperation, the fellow will drive the discussion on key questions in EU-UK relations in this area including UK integration into SAFE, broadening European nuclear deterrence and building Europe. 📍 London 🗓️ Apply by 3 June 2026 Apply now 👇 bit.ly/440pyUN

A handful of tech giants increasingly shape how Europeans access information, public debate, and democracy. Can Europe protect its digital model — or will platform power and geopolitical pressure erode it? Join ECFR at the European Parliament for a high-level discussion with MEP Laura Ballarín, Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera, Christel Schaldemose, Kim van Sparrentak, Sandro Gozi, and leading experts from CDT, Bertelsmann Stiftung, FOTI, and the Economic Democracy Project, moderated by @jitorreblanca. The discussion will cover the DSA, DMA, AI Act, online child safety, platform accountability, and Europe’s digital sovereignty. 📍 European Parliament, Brussels — Room 3G2 (Spinelli) 📅 Tuesday, 12 May 2026 | 18:00–20:00 Watch the event live: bit.ly/48VKX3H

At this week’s Africa Forward Summit, co-hosted by France and Kenya, France aims to rebuild ties beyond its former colonial sphere. 💡👇️ Read Lena Krause’s op-ed on how Europe can move from symbolism to real partnership. @ecfr buff.ly/NL0dW8P

🔴ENTREVISTA | @AranchaGlezLaya - Decana de @PSIASciencesPo; exministra de Asuntos Exteriores de Españal; Miembro del Consejo de @ECFR 🤝 Las negociaciones entre 🇮🇷 y 🇺🇸 no son profesionales y duda de un acuerdo de paz duradero 🔗 Puedes leerla aquí ⬇️ elconfidencial.com/mundo/2026-05-…

Romania’s government collapse is not only a domestic political crisis but also a warning sign for Europe. A new ECFR policy alert by @OanaPope examines how the fall of Ilie Bolojan’s government exposes Romania’s fiscal vulnerabilities, deepening political fragmentation, and the growing risks of populist backsliding on NATO’s eastern flank. As pro-European forces struggle to rebuild a stable coalition, the stakes extend far beyond Bucharest. 👉 Read the policy alert: bit.ly/4dkUTW2

#Hungary’s political transition presents the #EU with a narrow but critical window for strategic influence. In this new #ECFR commentary from @PiotrBuras1 and Pawel Zerka they outline six insights from a post-election Hungary. A new government under Peter Magyar is widely expected to shift Budapest closer to EU positions on Ukraine, Russia, and broader geopolitical alignment. But there are risks, if handled incorrectly. The core insight for decision-makers: Magyar’s mandate is primarily domestic. Hungarian voters are prioritising systemic reform at home over foreign policy realignment. This creates a sequencing challenge for the EU. The policy implication is not hesitation, but calibration. The EU should maintain conditionality and strategic pressure, while allowing political space for domestic consolidation. Supporting institutional reform and governance credibility in Hungary is not separate from geopolitical alignment. The question is no longer whether Hungary will change, but how the EU can calibrate and collaborate to ensure that change is both deep and lasting. Read the commentary: bit.ly/4njbT3y And if you have questions for the authors, mention them and post in the comments.

Can Europe avoid the next energy crisis? As the EU accelerates its green transition, this question is becoming more urgent. The EU is right to raise its ambitions on the electrification rate—but the target is highly stretching. Only a more aggressive approach will suffice. Without stronger action, the continent risks new vulnerabilities and rising costs. 👉 Read the full commentary by @noah_gordon_: bit.ly/4tQsein

This week, @markhleonard is joined by David Runciman, British political theorist and philosopher, to explore whether today’s sense of crisis really marks the end of democracy—or something more complex. As the global order fragments, Runciman argues that democracy itself is not disappearing, but the forces shaping the world no longer fit the model that worked for the past 50 years. Rather than predicting collapse, the discussion asks how democracies can evolve. What needs to change and what happens if it doesn’t? 🎧 Listen to the full episode: bit.ly/4tl07a0