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Europe

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Europe is described here in a geographical sense. It is not limited to the European Union, and includes, for example, the United Kingdom and the Balkans. It remains central to international relations.

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EU flag waving in front of European Parliament building. Brussels, Belgium
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Publications
Press
Date de publication
June 2025

Quest for Strategic Autonomy? Europe Grapples with the US - China Rivalry

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Flags of the United States, China, and the European Union
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Flags of the United States, China, and the European Union
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Building on the 2020 European Think Tank Network on China (ETNC) report, which assessed Europe’s positioning in this context, this edition re-examines the geopolitical landscape in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia’s war in Ukraine and Donald Trump’s return to the White House. This report features 22 national chapters and one dedicated to the EU, analysing the evolution of Europe’s relations with Washington and Beijing, the range of approaches to dealing the US-China rivalry and how these are expected to evolve. 

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The Strategic Dimension of Power System Flexibility: Opportunities in Europe

Date de publication
30 April 2025
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The European Union has embarked on an energy transition aimed primarily at replacing fossil fuels by electrifying demand. 

Cédric PHILIBERT Arthur de LASSUS
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Germany 'back on track' says Merz, unveiling new coalition

10 April 2025
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France 24
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Yinka Oyetade speaks to Jeanette Süß, Research Fellow on the Study Committee on Franco-German Relations at the French Institute of International Relations about the German coalition and the challenges faced by the new government.

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European Startups and Generative AI: Overcoming Big Tech Dominance

Date de publication
07 April 2025
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Europe is at a crossroads. Faced with the domination of American Big Tech across the entire generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) value chain, from foundation models to cloud infrastructure, distribution channels, and open source, it risks long-term technological and economic decline. Yet generative AI also represents a major opportunity for economic transformation, with a potential value estimated at 1.5 times France’s gross domestic product (GDP). To turn it into a driver of renewal, Europe must move beyond the illusion of total technological independence and instead build an ecosystem that leverages Big Tech resources while strengthening its own innovation capabilities.

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Taking the Pulse: Can Europeans Build Their Independent Extended Nuclear Deterrent?

Date de publication
03 April 2025
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Confronted with a U.S. disengagement and the Russian threat, Europeans are reconsidering their stance on nuclear deterrence. Given the capabilities of the French and British arsenals, can Europe develop an independent nuclear deterrent?

2nd Maritime Security Conference: Threats to Maritime Trade and Maritime Infrastructure

02 April 2025
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2nd Maritime Security Conference
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Guillaume Furgolle, military fellow at the Defense Research Unit of the Security Studies Center at Ifri, participated in the 2nd Maritime Security Conference held on April 2, 2025. The topic of the conference was "threats to maritime trade and maritime infrastructure". Guillaume Furgolle spoke about the French vision of maritime security.

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Manufacturing Risk: Geopolitical Doxa and the Corporate World

Date de publication
02 April 2025
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The evolving power dynamics between the United States, China, and Russia are creating new geopolitical realities that businesses can no longer evade. Geopolitical risk has become unavoidable, yet many companies remain unprepared to navigate its complexities. Corporate leaders can no longer afford to overlook its implications.

Replay - European Security: Perspectives from Latvia. Debate with the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Latvia, Andris Sprūds

31 March 2025
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Ifri
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How should European security be approached in the face of the challenges posed by the war in Ukraine? Replay of the conference European Security: Perspectives From Latvia. Debate with the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Latvia, Andris Sprūds.

Thomas GOMART Andris Sprūds, Minister of Defense of Latvia

France and the Philippines should anchor their maritime partnership

Date de publication
28 March 2025
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With shared interests in promoting international law and sustainable development, France and the Philippines should strengthen their maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Through bilateral agreements, expanded joint exercises and the exchange of best practices, both nations can enhance maritime domain awareness, counter security threats and develop blue economy initiatives. This deeper collaboration would reinforce stability and environmental stewardship across the region.

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SCMP
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Trump-battered Europe eyes China with launch of diplomatic flurry to Beijing

25 March 2025
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South China Morning Post
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EU officials and European national representatives are on overlapping visits but each will be asking for something slightly different

Arctic: A New Era of Geopolitical Tensions? The Alert from the Norwegian Intelligence Director

19 March 2025
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An interview with Nils-Andreas Stensønes, Director of the Norwegian Intelligence Service, conducted by Daphné Benoit, Head of international affairs, AFP, on the occasion of Ifri's conference "New geopolitical realities of the Arctic", 19 March 2025.

Nils-Andreas Stensønes, Director of the Norwegian Intelligence Service
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The SPD in the Run-Up to the 2025 General Election: from Chancellor's Party to Junior Coalition Partner?

Date de publication
10 February 2025
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The 20th legislative period (2021-2024) came to an abrupt end in the Federal Republic, following the dismissal of Finance Minister and Vice-Chancellor of the Liberal Democratic Party FDP, Christian Lindner, by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, due to deep political disagreements, in November 2024. 

Nicolas BATTEUX
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The Caspian Sea as an Emerging Energy Hub : Potentials and Limitations

Date de publication
07 February 2025
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This report analyzes the prospects of the Caspian Sea region — and its key actors except for Russia and Iran — becoming an important energy hub serving the needs of the European Union (EU). 

Sergey SUKHANKIN
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Taking the Pulse: Has Political Deadlock in Member States Become a Strategic Problem for the EU?

Date de publication
06 February 2025
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At a pivotal moment for the EU, several of its member states are experiencing domestic political and economic crises. Is this hindering collective EU action in response to the challenges posed by Russia, China, and Trump’s administration?

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The European Union's Strategic Test in Georgia

Date de publication
27 January 2025
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The political crisis brewing in Georgia is of an existential nature for the country. What is at stake is Georgia's future as a democratic and sovereign European nation (EU).

Teona GIUASHVILI
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Germany in the Electoral Campaign to the Early Elections on February 23 - The Challenges of a high-risk Voting

Date de publication
23 January 2025
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One month before the early Federal Elections in Germany, which will take place on February 23, 2025, after the "Traffic light coalition" imploded on November 6, 2024, the political landscape in Germany appears to be relatively stable despite the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

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Europe’s Black Mass Evasion: From Black Box to Strategic Recycling

Date de publication
02 December 2024
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EV batteries recycling is a building block for boosting the European Union (EU)’s strategic autonomy in the field of critical raw minerals (CRM) value chains. Yet, recent evolutions in the European EV value chain, marked by cancellations or postponements of projects, are raising the alarm on the prospects of the battery recycling industry in Europe.

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Thirty-five years after the fall of the Berlin Wall: what’s new in the East?

Date de publication
07 November 2024
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As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 2024, let’s start from the premise that the Berlin Wall did not “fall” on the night of November 9, 1989. 

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AI and Technical Standardization in China and the EU: Diverging priorities and the need for common ground

Date de publication
31 October 2024
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Given the highly disruptive potential of AI, global cooperation on AI safety and governance is imperative, and yet the deeply transformational potential of AI also ensures that a high level of competition and systemic rivalry is likely unavoidable. How can the EU best manage its complex relationship with China in the field of AI so as to ensure a necessary level of cooperation in spite of competition and rivalry?

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Can carbon markets make a breakthrough at COP29?

Date de publication
30 October 2024
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Voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) have a strong potential, notably to help bridge the climate finance gap, especially for Africa.

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Moldova’s Foreign Policy after 2024 Presidential Elections: Staying on the EU Path, Moving Eastwards or Becoming Multi-vector?

Date de publication
17 October 2024
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The future of Moldova’s foreign agenda will undergo a stress test during the upcoming presidential elections on October 20, 2024.

Denis CENUSA
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Macron accused of rolling out red carpet for ‘dictator’ Xi

06 May 2024
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French president criticised over ‘obsequious’ welcome for Chinese leader who is ‘supporting Putin’s war in Ukraine’
 
 
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How Macron and Scholz broke the Franco-German alliance at the heart of the EU

24 March 2024
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Breakdown of continental partnership is a threat to Europe – and could be catastrophic for Ukraine. It was meant to be a patching up of the notoriously fraught Macron-Scholz relationship, a “reset”, to borrow Hillary Clinton’s expression.

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Macron and Scholz Meet to Patch up Their Fraying Ties

14 March 2024
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Allies fret that Franco-German animosity is undermining western unity over Ukraine. Emmanuel Macron will arrive in Berlin on Friday for talks designed to repair a fractured Franco-German relationship marred by caustic public spats and mutual recriminations over the war in Ukraine.

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Without a Pact with Mercosur, the EU risks leaving China free in South America

06 February 2024
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The agreement EU-Mercosur It has been a banner of the recent protest by French farmers, who denounced unfair competition on the part of South Americans. However, if Paris closes the door to this pact, the way will be left clear to China, warn politicians and analysts consulted by EFE.

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France Links Conversation in Russian to Star of David Graffiti

08 November 2023
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After more than 200 blue stars were stenciled on buildings in and around Paris, prosecutors say they are investigating whether a foreign intermediary paid a couple to spray paint them.

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Macron's Taiwan comments expose muddled China policy

27 April 2023
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French President Emmanuel Macron's call for Europe to steer clear of a Taiwan conflict -- rooted in France's pride and deep-seated resistance to following America's lead -- has raised questions about where he and Paris really stand on China.

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France's Macron is sending China the wrong signals

12 April 2023
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More realistic posture would strengthen Paris' role in Indo-Pacific region

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France’s Macron Renews Call for a Sovereign Europe Less Reliant on Foreign Powers

11 April 2023
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French president’s remarks follow criticism over his warning that Europe should steer clear of U.S.-China tensions over Taiwan

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Does Macron's stance on Taiwan weaken G7 deterrence against China?

11 April 2023
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One of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s top goals for next month’s Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima is to create a united front on issues like China and Ukraine. But finding a unified approach to dealing with Beijing’s assertiveness might have just become harder.

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Europe is ‘counting on China’ to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, leaders tell Xi Jinping in Beijing

07 April 2023
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European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron deliver united message to Chinese president during visit ; but as French leader signed over 20 business deals on China trip, EU chief took sterner line with Xi on economic grievances, human rights and Taiwan

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Ifri, a foundation recognized as being of public utility, relies largely on private donors – companies and individuals – to guarantee its sustainability and intellectual independence. Through their funding, donors help maintain the Institute's position among the world's leading think tanks. By benefiting from an internationally recognized network and expertise, donors refine their understanding of geopolitical risk and its consequences on global politics and the economy. In 2024, Ifri will support more than 70 French and foreign companies and organizations.

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Related centers and programs
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The Pariser Platz (Paris Square) on the east side of the Brandenburg Gate at Berlin, Germany
The Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa)
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The Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa) was created in 1954 by an inter-governmental agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany and France, in order to raise awareness of Germany in France and analyze Franco-German relations, including in their European and international dimensions. In its conferences and seminars, which bring together experts, political leaders, senior decision-makers and representatives of civil society from both countries, Cerfa develops the Franco-German debate and stimulates political proposals. It regularly publishes studies through two collections: Cerfa notes and studies as well as Franco-German visions.

 

Cerfa maintains close relations with the network of German foundations and think tanks. In addition to its research and debate activities, Cerfa promotes the emergence of a new Franco-German generation through original cooperation programs. This is how in 2021-2022, Cerfa led a program on multilateralism with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Paris. This program is aimed at young professionals from both countries interested in the issues of multilateralism in the context of their activities. It covered a wide range of themes relating to multilateralism, such as international trade, health, human rights and migration, non-proliferation and disarmament. Previously, Cerfa had participated in the Franco-German future dialogue, co-led with the DGAP from 2007 to 2020, and supported by the Robert Bosch Foundation and the Daniel Vernet group (formerly the Franco-German Reflection Group) which was founded in 2014 upon the initiative of the Genshagen Foundation.

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France, Austria Flags, European Union
Austro-French Centre for Rapprochement in Europe (ÖFZ)
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The Austro-French Centre for Rapprochement in Europe (ÖFZ/CFA) is a Franco-Austrian intergovernmental organization, initiated in 1976 by Prime Minister Jacques Chirac and Federal Chancellor Bruno Kreisky, in order to develop economic relations between Western and Eastern Europe, contributing to the creation of a Europe of peace.


After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the ÖFZ/CFA refocused its action on the problems following the enlargement of the European Union, and integrated the following countries in its field of activities : Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, the Baltic countries, Romania and Bulgaria. ÖFZ/CFA's vocation, as a space for reflection and exchange, is in fact reinforced by the need to support the new member countries of the Union in their integration process. Since 2004, the ÖFZ/CFA has also turned towards the Union's new neighbors, in particular towards the countries of the Western Balkans, which perceive their future from a European perspective.


The ÖFZ/CFA strives to place all of its exchanges in a global perspective concerning the future of our continent. Today it centers its activities around three directions: the Franco-Austrian bilateral dialogue, the future of the European Union, the future recomposition of the continent.

Reports of all events organized by the ÖFZ/CFA are available on its website (http://oefz.at). The ÖFZ/CFA's budget is provided by the French and Austrian foreign ministries. Depending on the themes addressed, the ÖFZ/CFA calls on European public and private institutions to help finance its meetings. The CFA's orientations benefit from the recommendations of an Orientation Council, approved by a Board of Directors, which elects from among its members a president and a secretary general.

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EU flag waving in front of European Parliament building. Brussels, Belgium
symbiot/Shutterstock