A Misguided Approach: Europe and Israel
Earlier this week, the European Commission unveiled its plan to impose sanctions on Israel due to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The implications are far-reaching, affecting not only Israel, but also Europe and its security. Let’s dive into it. A Misguided Approach: Europe and Israel In recent days, tensions between Europe and Israel have escalated, […]
Xi – Modi: friends for a day
In today’s newsletter, we analyse the results of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting and what it means for Europe’s global initiatives. Enjoy! Xi – Modi: friends for a day The meeting between the Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tianjin, which was held just a few days ago, has […]
A Hot Transatlantic Summer: Nawrocki’s Presidency and New US Tariffs on European Goods
In this week’s newsletter, we look at the start of Karol Nawrocki’s presidency in Poland, new US tariffs on imported chips, and the EU–US trade deal of last week. Enjoy! Warsaw’s new war – against itself Karol Nawrocki has officially stepped into the role of President of Poland — and he wasted no time in […]
The EU-US Trade Deal: A strategic step or a costly compromise?
In today’s newsletter, we analyse the EU-US trade deal and its cost for the European Union. Enjoy! A strategic step or a costly compromise? On Sunday, 26 July, the United States and the European Union reached a new trade arrangement. The average US tariff on European goods will rise to 15%, up from an average of […]
EU-China Summit 2025: A Defining Moment for Europe’s Strategy
In this week’s newsletter, we analyse the potential outcomes of the EU-China summit taking place next week. Enjoy! A Defining Moment for Europe’s Strategy Next week’s EU-China summit arrives at a time when the long-standing partnership between Brussels and Beijing is being tested as never before. Five decades after diplomatic relations were established, the real […]
A hot week in Strasbourg: VDL vs the motion of censure
In this week’s newsletter, we look at the censure vote against the EU Commission, Trump’s possible 50% EU tariffs set to be introduced 9 July, and the return of border checks in Poland. Enjoy! VDL vs the motion of censure Usually, the last plenary session of the European Parliament before the summer break is supposed to […]
NATO Summit: Spanish spending drama and the future of the relations with the U.S.
As NATO leaders gathered in The Hague, the spotlight of the summit landed on Spain, where Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez played a high-stakes game of optics and obligation. On paper, he celebrated what he claimed was a diplomatic win. NATO has endorsed a new benchmark: 5% of national budgets should go toward defence and security-related […]
B&K Agency hosted a roundtable discussion at the Concordia Europe Summit in London
B&K Agency participated in the annual Concordia Europe Summit, held this year in London from 8–10 June. B&K Agency hosted a roundtable discussion focused on Europe’s defence and economic resilience in light of ongoing military conflicts along its borders and increasing tensions with the United States over trade and defence spending. Key takeaways: It was […]
Merz Meets Trump: Smiles, Strategy & Subtext in the Oval Office
Friedrich Merz, Germany’s recently appointed Chancellor, pulled off what many in Europe might call a diplomatic tightrope walk during his high-stakes visit to the White House this week. With U.S. tariffs looming and the Ukraine war grinding on, Merz arrived in Washington with a to-do list and a delicate balancing act: charm Trump, avoid a […]
🇵🇱 Poland’s Presidential Election: A Nation Divided, A Government Constrained
In a razor-thin runoff, conservative nationalist Karol Nawrocki has been elected President of Poland with 50.89% of the vote, narrowly defeating liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who secured 49.11%. This outcome delivers a significant blow to Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s centrist, pro-European government. Nawrocki, backed by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, will wield presidential […]