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 […]
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 […]
From SAFE to NATO: Rethinking Defence, Spending and Security
Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, defence spending and NATO’s role in global security are front and centre on the agenda. The EU has recently adopted a new joint defence procurement instrument, while NATO’s Parliamentary Assembly has been discussing the upcoming NATO Summit in June, set on strengthening the alliance’s resilience and readiness. SAFE for […]
Elections in Poland and Romania: The future of EU security and defence
As the EU discusses closer cooperation on security and defence, national elections can challenge the discussions happening in Brussels. Over the weekend, the presidential elections in Poland and Romania indicated that pro-EU candidates are still favourites, despite popular concerns about migration, the cost of living and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Poland’s Civic Coalition and […]
Vatican Welcomes Pope Leo XIV: A New Era for the Catholic Church
B&K Agency congratulates Pope Leo XIV on his election as the new leader of the Catholic Church. In this newsletter, we explore his stance on key matters and the potential role he could play in addressing today’s most pressing global and societal challenges. The Vatican Has Spoken Out Pope Leo XIV’s election—the first for an […]
The Road to Chancellorship: Friedrich Merz wins the second parliamentary vote
Friedrich Merz secured his win as Germany’s new chancellor in the second parliamentary vote. However, this was not an easy win. Today, we are looking at the events of the day and what they mean for Germany’s geopolitical leadership. Friedrich Merz wins the second parliamentary vote During the second parliamentary vote in the Bundestag, Germany’s […]