Library blog

The role of the European Council; ‘Europe appears to be the solution’ according to the latest Eurobarometer statistics; a possible European digital services tax; the new emissions trading system, ETS2, coupled with a Social Climate Fund; a proposal for a common strategy on Russian gas; strengthening EU’s defence capabilities; 6G networks, cybersecurity and defence implications; impact of President Trump’s tariffs on Europe; the importance of the Arctic, the US-China rivalry, and the latest incidents between India and Pakistan are some of the topics discussed in this Think Tank Review.

Securing the digital and orbital frontiers in Ukraine; peace negotiations in President Trump’s new world; how Europeans can impact US-Russia talks on Ukraine; experience of forced displacement abroad and thoughts about returning to Ukraine; advancing Ukraine’s reconstruction through G7 leadership, and the question if elections in Ukraine can help to end the Russo-Ukrainian war are some of the issues dealt with in the present update.

An interesting book for anyone curious about the workings of the European Council, how those involved describe it, and the elusive notion of ‘leadership’. Based on a wealth of interviews with direct witnesses and participants, it opens a window onto the crises of the recent past and the behaviour of some members of the European Council.

On 28 April, the Council Library hosted a lunchtime conversation with policy makers and academic experts exploring pressing questions about the evolving role of the Council presidency. The event featured contributors to the recent publication, ‘EU Council Presidencies in Times of Crisis’ (Palgrave, 2024).

Europe is at a turning point in shaping its approach to security and defence, with growing challenges prompting urgent reflection and action. The Council Library invited POLITICO Europe’s Research & Analysis Division to discuss the key choices shaping Europe’s security future.

EU enlargement and the balance of power in the Council; invest in Europe first; defence expenditure in the context of the EU’s fiscal rules; how the European gas market can wean itself off Russian imports; ReArm Europe plan; impact of US tariffs on the euro area economy; the US’s changing global role; Russia’s strategic interest in the Arctic are some of the topics dealt with in this Think Tank Review.

Discover our selection of books recently added to the Council Library collection.

Poland’s libraries offer a unique glimpse into its rich history, beauty, and spirit of innovation. With the country holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, World Book Day is a great moment to highlight these inspiring spaces. Happy World Book Day to all!

Aid to Ukraine and how Europe can replace US support, the threat of a weapons supply cutoff in Ukraine and how US could reshape the future of war, Europe’s critical choices regarding securing Ukraine without Trump and the end of the war in Ukraine, and the future of the EU-Russia energy relationship are some of the topics discussed in this update.

Discover our selection of books recently added to the Council Library collection.