On 18 December 2025, EU24 leaders agreed on a €90 bn loan to Ukraine. This Q&A addresses central aspects of the European Council decision, particularly regarding the immobilised Russian assets, the enhanced cooperation, and the EU as a foreign and security policy actor.
One of the world's largest free trade agreements has been reached between India and the EU. Negotiations were accelerated by the turbulent global situation, and in addition to economic gains, the agreement strengthens European security.
The European Commission's proposal for a competitiveness fund is unlikely to accelerate productivity growth – which is one of the fund's many objectives. Completing the EU's internal market is more important, writes Harry Flam, senior advisor at SIEPS.
Today’s geopolitical realities demand greater clarity about leadership in EU foreign policy – either through renewed intergovernmental trust in the High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) or by embedding external action within the European Commission. Maintaining the current halfway arrangement will lead to a gradual decline of EU diplomacy.