[Analysis] EU-China Agreement on Investment: Impact on the Western Balkans

The European Union and the Western Balkans share the same history and future. Therefore, the Chinese interest in the Balkans has long been perceived as an intrusion. Yet, on December 30, 2020, the European Union and China reached an historic Agreement on investment and trade. What does this rapprochement between the two rival suitors mean for the Western Balkans? For sure, the EU-China Agreement is controversial. But it may show a promising opening, by China, to a rules-based economic system. In Eastern Europe, this means that China could be brought to respect the EU 2030 agenda, especially for what concerns the green transition and digitalization.

[Analysis] China’s Energy Sustainability, the 2060 Vision, and the EU

The People’s Republic of China has become one of the most prominent geopolitical leaders worldwide, with a booming economy, growing domestic consumption, and a skyrocketing rise of global financial influence through world-renowned investment projects such as the infamous Belt and Road initiative. Such a rise has deeply affected its energy consumption, requiring a prevalently coal-driven energetic production to keep up with its ramping economic growth.

Is Canada Prepared to Defend Its Arctic Sovereignty in a Militarising North?

This article explores whether Canada is truly prepared to defend its Arctic sovereignty in a region that is becoming increasingly strategic due to climate change and geopolitical competition. As melting ice opens new shipping routes and access to natural resources, global powers like Russia, China and the United States are strengthening their presence in the Arctic.

While Canada maintains a historical and political claim over the region, the country faces significant challenges including major underinvestment, limited military capabilities, outdated infrastructure and so on. The article argues that to remain credible, Canada must move beyond their symbolic presence on the territory and invest in long-term capabilities and consistent engagement in the North.

Dynamics Behind the EU Referendum in Iceland

Iceland faces various potential threats and opportunities that will inevitably change the country’s future and strategic independence. The current global shift towards multipolarity and unilateralism represents a serious threat to the autonomy of small states. A valuable option is signing treaties with more powerful states or joining larger international organisations.