News

Europe faces a fundamental realignment of its industrial and security policy in light of intensifying geopolitical tensions, technological systemic competition, and the ongoing vulnerability of global supply chains. Two recent expert discussions showed that industrial policy, defence, innovation, financial markets, and, in particular, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can no longer be considered separately. Instead, they form the core of the European Union’s strategic capacity to act.

On 26 March, the European Parliament adopted a report assessing the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. The report, “Global Gateway – past impacts and future orientation,” evaluates the strategy’s performance since its launch in 2021 and sets out recommendations for its future direction.

The Netherlands are once again embarking on a political experiment: after intensive coalition negotiations, Democrats 66 (D66, social-liberal), the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD, right-liberal), and the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA, Christian-democratic) have agreed to form a minority government. The coalition was formally sworn in by King Willem‑Alexander on 23 February 2026. Parliament had already approved the coalition agreement on 3 February, thereby paving the way for the so-called “Jetten I Cabinet”, led by Rob Jetten.

Several key European leaders and EU officials made appearances at the 62nd Munich Security Conference, while the U.S. Secretary of State called on them to join a new transatlantic alliance forged by civilisationism. Here’s what was said, and why it matters for Europe and the transatlantic relationship.

Against the backdrop of the European Union’s tense economic situation and growing challenges for competitiveness, industry, and trade, the Brussels Office brought together Members of the Bundestag and the European Parliament with representatives of German business associations. The meeting addressed the growing imperative for action at both European and national levels, with particular focus on regulation, economic growth projections, and geopolitical developments.

After just 92 days of negotiations, the fastest government formation since 2012, D66, VVD, and CDA reached a coalition agreement to form a minority government, which was officially presented on 30 January 2026.

The signing of the EU–Mercosur agreement is a small geopolitical miracle. Signed on 17 January 2026 in Paraguay, it arrives at a moment when Europe is unmistakably being cast aside by the United States. Meanwhile Latin America, and with it, the Mercosur countries (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia), is being rediscovered by the same superpower. Author: Gabriela Keseberg Dávalos

Whether it’s tanks, tractors or mobile phones — nothing works without satellites. And geopolitics hasn’t stopped at outer space. Bavaria is right at the centre as Europe repositions itself geostrategically. Young politicians and experts from Benelux exchanged views with key actors in Munich.

A closed-doors roundtable with Josef Braml and Klaus Welle discussed the fragile transatlantic “community of values”. While shifting values may even drive the transatlantic partners apart, shared economic and strategic interests keep Europe and America together. But the EU needs to act more strategically.

Often overlooked yet highly significant: the small Grand Duchy as a European financial and judicial hub. It not only maintains the political balance between France and Germany, but is also specialised in the construction of satellites and drones.

Russia is weaponising winter in Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure to cripple civilian life. As blackouts spread and nuclear risks rise, the war increasingly threatens Europe’s broader security and stability.

Ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference in Tajikistan, attention turns to the country’s growing role in global water governance and its climate vulnerability, glacier melt, and vital hydropower resources.

From Argentina to Chile, conservative victories are reshaping Latin America’s political landscape. Is the region witnessing a lasting shift to the right? Claudio Alvarado explains the forces behind the change.

Even as Bulgaria finalizes euro adoption in 2026, mounting political uncertainty points to a strong risk of snap parliamentary elections this spring.

Attending the Munich Security Conference as a young decision-maker — this opportunity was made possible for Mohammad Al-Amin Julkipli, Assistant Attorney General of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, through the Munich Young Leaders Program.

Nearly two months after Maduro’s capture, how has the regional balance shifted? Feliciano de Sá Guimarães analyses the impact on Brazil–Venezuela, Brazil–U.S. ties and broader Latin American geopolitics.

The Bangsamoro peace process in the Philippines has attracted considerable international attention since 2011, as it has significant implications for regional and global security, international peacebuilding, and counterterrorism.

India–EU partnership is deepening amid geopolitical uncertainty. As the Free Trade Agreement advances, critical raw materials emerge as a cornerstone for economic security, industrial resilience, and strategic foreign policy alignment.

The circular economy is no longer just an environmental concept. In an era of geopolitical rivalry, fragile supply chains and resource dependencies, circularity is becoming a strategic tool for resilience, economic sovereignty and international cooperation — linking sustainability with long-term security.

To recognise World NGO Day 2026, representatives of civil society organisations from various regions share their reflections on the role of networks in tackling climate change.