Ireland’s EU presidency puts its contradictions on display: Atlantic tax haven, digital gatekeeper, defence free‑rider – EUobserver
Since gaining independence a little over 100 years ago, and subsequently joining the EEC in 1973, the Irish…
Romania defends Nato’s Eastern flank even without a working government and a busted budget – EUobserver
While the eyes of European security experts and the public are on Poland and the Baltics, which face…
Nato’s Ankara summit was a pantomime – serious leaders saying absurd things – EUobserver
Since Donald Trump’s arrival on the international stage, Nato summits have descended into pantomime. Serious actors say and…
Belarus protests failed to topple Lukashenko – now we should try Finland-style neutrality – EUobserver
Solitary confinement gives one ample time to think – to revisit decisions, question assumptions, and confront hard truths. Locked…
Slovakia’s schizophrenia: defending Nato’s eastern flank, but PM courts the country threatening it – EUobserver
This story is a part of the weekly newsletter about economy, defence, and tech in the eastern flank…
![[Interview] Alexander Stubb: ‘Ukraine will not lose the war’ but Europe must build its own defence – EUobserver](https://www.europesays.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11-1200x800-380x220.webp)
[Interview] Alexander Stubb: ‘Ukraine will not lose the war’ but Europe must build its own defence – EUobserver
First published in Respekt. Interview with the Finnish president, one of the most prominent European politicians. Mr President,…
On the front line of Estonia’s multi-million euro defence build-up – EUobserver
Why Estonia is massively investing in defence and prioritising freedom over the welfare state. The place in Europe…
![Kaupo Rosin, director general of the Estonian foreign intelligence service: 'Most [Russian] soldiers have a low IQ level; they are convicts from the lowest strata of society. This is not an army you could use for sophisticated operations. Instead, they keep sending in troops blindly, sending them to their deaths'](https://www.europesays.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-380x220.webp)
[Interview] Estonia’s spy chief: Russia cannot replenish fallen soldiers – they have a serious battlefield problem – EUobserver
First published in Respekt. Estonia’s foreign intelligence service chief Kaupo Rosin reflects on a whole-of-society approach to defence,…
Hungarians go to the polls, while Middle East keeps Nato on the brink – EUobserver
THIS WEEK offers a weekly snapshot of the key developments in Brussels and across Europe over the next…
Nato ‘launches’ new Arctic mission — but so far it only exists on paper – EUobserver
Nato has launched a new Arctic mission — but on paper only, as Western allies try to mop…