Read more about the article EU Normative Power and its Limits: the case of Cyprus
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EU Normative Power and its Limits: the case of Cyprus

This paper explores the perception of the European Union as a normative power in international relations. This concept refers to its ability to shape the behaviour of member states and third-party countries through the diffusion of its norms and values. Building on theoretical perspectives, the paper examines the EU's unique reliance on economic, legal, and diplomatic instruments rather than military force. It also discusses the main tools the EU employs to project normative influence, such as accession processes, development aid, and peacebuilding initiatives. To clarify the challenges and contradictions of this approach, the paper includes a case study on Cyprus. This example highlights the weaknesses of EU normative power in contexts of unsolved conflict and opposing national interests. Essentially, the analysis reflects on the tension between the EU’s aspirations and the realities of foreign policy shaped by internal diversity and external geopolitical pressures.

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31 July 2025
Read more about the article Outpaced at Sea? What AUKUS Reveals About Europe’s Strategic Drift
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Outpaced at Sea? What AUKUS Reveals About Europe’s Strategic Drift

The AUKUS pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States has swiftly shifted the international dialogue on naval power (Hellyer & Stevens, 2022). For the first time, a non-nuclear weapon state is being armed with nuclear-powered submarines, thus changing not only the Indo-Pacific security environment but, additionally, opening a new chapter in strategic defence cooperation (Cheng, 2022). Whilst London and Washington were putting importance on the strategic need of countering China, Europe wаs left watching from afar: particularly France, whose billion-euro submarine deal with Australia had quickly collаpsed overnight (Tertrais, 2021). This аrticle explores how AUKUS redefines traditional defence norms and remodels the global nuclear submarine balance (Hellyer & Stevens, 2022). Likewise, it examines the implications for the European Union, which has long aimed for larger strategic autonomy, yet still struggles to coordinate effectively at sea (Fiott et al., 2021). Geographically speaking, AUKUS may be a distant pact, however, its message to Europe is as clear as day: naval power matters, and partnerships formed on trust, swiftness, as well as strategic clarity, are already setting the pace (Fiott, 2018).

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22 July 2025
Read more about the article The White Paper on Defence: How a Single Market Can Boost Efficiency and Interoperability
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The White Paper on Defence: How a Single Market Can Boost Efficiency and Interoperability

The 2025 White Paper on Defence outlines a strategic framework for enhancing European security through greater financial incentives, integration, and strategic autonomy. Aiming to address significant gaps such as underinvestment, industrial fragmentation, and capability deficiencies, the White Paper proposes a Single Market for Defence to streamline procurement, boost innovation, and strengthen partnerships. This article conducts a policy-driven critical analysis to assess the feasibility of the ambitious initiative, outlining the implications for reaching full-spectrum interoperability in the European defence sector. The paper emphasises that despite financial and political challenges, implementing a Single Market for Defence would establish a more resilient and autonomous European security architecture, ensuring preparedness against evolving security threats.

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16 April 2025
Read more about the article The European Union and Egypt Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership: an in-depth analysis of the dynamics and challenges
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The European Union and Egypt Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership: an in-depth analysis of the dynamics and challenges

Since its creation in 2003, the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) has provided a platform for political dialogue, economic cooperation, and the promotion of shared values, and Egypt has served as a pivotal platform fostering political dialogue, economic cooperation and the promotion of sharing values. The European Union-Egypt Agreement (Agreement), presented on 17 March 2024, signifies a strategic and comprehensive partnership aimed at advancing mutual interests across various domains, including diplomatic development, economic stability and migration. While on the one hand the matter of energy procurement has emerged as a significant push factor, driving the European Union-Egypt partnership, on the other hand, concerns have been raised regarding human rights violations in Egypt. The European Union-Egypt Agreement, marks a significant milestone in the ENP, signifying a strategic and comprehensive alliance aimed at advancing mutual interests across various domains, including diplomatic development, economic stability, and migration management. This paper seeks to delve into the dynamics of the European Union-Egypt relationship. It not only outlines the key components of the Agreement, but sheds light on the main push factors driving this collaboration and addresses the critical issues surrounding human rights violations in Egypt.

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18 April 2024
Read more about the article Greece Expands Fence along the Border with Turkey: What Does the Extension Project Include?
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Greece Expands Fence along the Border with Turkey: What Does the Extension Project Include?

The extension of the fence to the Evros, according to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is a project of utmost importance since it will contribute to further preserving the external borders of both Greece and the European Union in an effort to prevent migration flows, concentrating on strengthening military and police presence at the frontier and modernizing military hardware (ProtoThema, 2023).

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6 April 2023