Europe’s Crypto Sanctions Gap: Russia Finds the Seams

RUSI’s commentary exposes a dangerous hole in Europe’s sanctions war. Crypto is no longer a fringe trick used by rogue wallets and shady exchanges. For Russia, Iran and other sanctioned actors, it is becoming part of the machinery that moves money, buys goods and keeps pressure campaigns alive. The EU has started to react, but the warning is stark: Moscow’s networks adapt faster than Brussels can list names.

Europe’s Green Spending Waiver Sparks A Fiscal Revolt

Brussels is trying to give governments more room to spend on green investments as energy prices bite again. But the Politico report shows the plan is already running into trouble from the very countries that usually defend climate action and fiscal discipline.

Europe’s Climate Flagship Hits The Factory Wall

Europe’s industrial giants are no longer politely asking Brussels for help. They are demanding a freeze on the EU’s flagship carbon-pricing system before it does more damage to the continent’s manufacturing base. The Politico report shows ArcelorMittal, ThyssenKrupp, Voestalpine and BASF warning that rising Emissions Trading System costs are hammering sectors already squeezed by high energy prices, weak demand and global competition.

Europe’s Capital Markets Fix Has A Buyer Problem

Europe wants securitisation to unlock lending, spread risk and push more private money into the economy. But the CEPS commentary warns that Brussels may be staring at a basic market failure of its own making: it is still talking too much about banks and not enough about the investors who actually have to buy the risk

Germany’s China Gamble: Berlin Risks Choosing The Wrong Giant

Germany is being warned that its China policy is drifting into danger. The National Interest commentary argues that Berlin is clinging to Beijing as a business lifeline just as the United States and several EU partners are hardening their line against Chinese trade abuses.

Aid System Meltdown: The West Is Losing Control Of Development

The global aid system is in deep trouble – and Europe is right in the middle of the mess. This CIDOB paper argues that development cooperation is facing not just a budget squeeze, but a governance crisis that exposes how badly the old Western-led model fits today’s world.