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.
The EU’s decision to immobilise the assets of the Russian Central Bank was a bold move just days before the European Council on 18–19 December. The measure could signify a decisive juncture for the EU but does not come without risks and legal challenges.
The EU has made strategic autonomy its defining ambition. But to achieve true autonomy, the Union cannot continue relying on ad hoc fixes. This analysis thus argues for a profound treaty revision in three areas: fundamental values, the euro and defence.
The European Commission's proposed seven-year budget has already been criticized and is unlikely to be adopted in its current form. Economist Harry Flam welcomes increased flexibility in the budget but calls for stronger monitoring mechanisms.
The EU and its Member States are increasingly using informal agreements with other countries to regulate and reduce migration. This approach can increase effectiveness but entails risks in a policy area that concerns fundamental rights.
Can Germany deliver on the transformative ‘Zeitenwende’ in foreign and security policy that Europe expects? This analysis examines Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s bid to overcome Germany’s traditional leadership restraint and position Berlin as a cooperative yet influential force in shaping EU strategy.
A proposed EU Directive on equal treatment has been blocked in the Council of Ministers for 17 years. Demonstrating the importance of a common framework against discrimination, this analysis argues in favour of “enhanced cooperation” between member states wishing to move ahead.