European Leadership Network (ELN)

European Leadership Network (ELN)

@theeln.bsky.social

The ELN is an independent, pan-European network of over 450 past, present, and future European leaders working to provide practical solutions to political and security challenges. 🌐 https://europeanleadershipnetwork.org/ 📩 http://eepurl.com/doN0-L

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European Leadership Network (ELN)
@theeln.bsky.social

With Britain facing mounting economic pressures, weakened public institutions, and an increasingly volatile international security environment, tomorrow’s budget must go beyond defence spending to address the foundations of national resilience, argues former MP Madeleine Moon.

europeanleadershipnetwork.orgBritain’s budget must be about more than defenceAs Britain faces mounting economic pressures and an increasingly volatile international security environment, former Member of Parliament Madeleine Moon argues that the forthcoming budget must be abou...
European Leadership Network (ELN)
@theeln.bsky.social

NATO still lacks a dedicated Black Sea strategy. But a new regional security arrangement is emerging from below. The ELN's Maria Branea argues that growing cooperation between Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria could lay the foundations for a durable security model, with Ukraine closely integrated.

europeanleadershipnetwork.orgA new Black Sea security arrangement is emerging from belowNATO still lacks a dedicated Black Sea strategy. In its absence, growing practical cooperation between Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria could provide the foundation for a durable regional security arrangement – backed by NATO and the EU – with Ukraine closely integrated. ELN Policy and Research Coordinator Maria Branea details how a new regional security arrangement is now emerging from below.

European Leadership Network (ELN) reposted

Eliot Higgins
@eliothiggins.bsky.social

The OPCW, who did great work investigating chemical attacks in Syria despite foreign interference and rampant conspiracy theories, is facing a funding crisis thanks to the US withholding funds - europeanleadershipnetwork.org/commentary/t...

europeanleadershipnetwork.orgThe OPCW’s funding crisis is a threat to global securityWith the United States withholding its financial contribution to the OPCW, the organisation faces a funding crisis that threatens its vital work. Former Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü argues that the O...

European Leadership Network (ELN) reposted

Oliver Meier
@olivermeier.bsky.social

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is facing a funding crisis because the US has not its dues. Former #OPCW Director-General and @theeln.bsky.social Network member Ahmet Üzümcü analyses what is at stake: europeanleadershipnetwork.org?p=27148

europeanleadershipnetwork.orgThe OPCW’s funding crisis is a threat to global securityWith the United States withholding its financial contribution to the OPCW, the organisation faces a funding crisis that threatens its vital work. Former Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü argues that the O...
European Leadership Network (ELN)
@theeln.bsky.social

The United States has yet to pay its $17 million contribution to the OPCW, which has received less than 65% of its 2026 funding. Former OPCW Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü warns that the shortfall threatens vital work on chemical disarmament and urges Washington to honour its commitments.

europeanleadershipnetwork.orgThe OPCW’s funding crisis is a threat to global securityWith the United States withholding its financial contribution to the OPCW, the organisation faces a funding crisis that threatens its vital work. Former Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü argues that the O...
European Leadership Network (ELN)
@theeln.bsky.social

Europe’s private sector runs much of the infrastructure society depends on. But many firms still prepare mainly to keep their own operations going when disruption hits. Nicholas Dungan argues that companies operating critical infrastructure must prepare for societal crises, not just corporate ones.

europeanleadershipnetwork.orgIn an age of hybrid threats, Europe’s private sector has become a resilience riskCorporate executives and board members across Europe today have spent the majority of their careers in a post-Cold War world shaped by the spread of democracy, market capitalism, and globalisation. Un...
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European Leadership Network (ELN)
@theeln.bsky.social

@kjolvegeland.bsky.social writes that the CTBT is one of the last remaining legal frameworks underpinning European security. This commentary asks what the test-ban regime can teach us about building a new European security architecture. europeanleadershipnetwork.org/commentary/t...

europeanleadershipnetwork.orgThe Nuclear Test Ban and Europe’s Next Security Order30 years since the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) opened for signature, many of the legal frameworks underpinning Europe's security have eroded. What can the test-ban regime teach us abo...
European Leadership Network (ELN)
@theeln.bsky.social

It has come to our attention that a fabricated article predicting the collapse of Ukraine’s economy is circulating on Facebook and TikTok. The image falsely bears the ELN logo. The article was not published by the ELN, is fabricated, and does not reflect the views of the author.

European Leadership Network (ELN)
@theeln.bsky.social

Following our earlier announcement, we've published a fuller tribute to Simon Lunn, who spent over four decades advancing transatlantic security and arms control, building bridges with the parliaments of post-Cold War Europe and beyond. europeanleadershipnetwork.org/commentary/r...

europeanleadershipnetwork.orgRemembering Simon Lunn, 1941–2026It is with sadness that we record the death of Simon Lunn, ELN Senior Associate Fellow, who dedicated over four decades to the cause of transatlantic security, arms control, and diplomacy.
European Leadership Network (ELN)
@theeln.bsky.social

The US wants Europeans to assume primary responsibility for NATO’s conventional defence. But will Washington relinquish primary control? Nicholas Williams and Michael Benhamou argue that European defence needs to look European – starting with rotating NATO commands. https://ow.ly/MplM50ZIJFw

ow.lyRedesigning NATO through European rotationsThanks to Donald Trump’s bullying, concepts of a “European pillar” and “European Army” are slowly dying their logical death, making way for a more productive “European NATO” future. But what kind of structure would this entail? As Nicholas Williams and Michael Benhamou write, what Europe needs is a rotational strategic command, below which would sit more decentralised tactical commands that address concrete threats instead of serving Cold War bureaucratic habits.

European Leadership Network (ELN) reposted

Oliver Meier
@olivermeier.bsky.social

Be there or be square‼️ Join us this afternoon CEST for a conversation with #NPTRevCon President, Amb. Đỗ Hùng Việt. A few places are left and there is still time to register. 👇

European Leadership Network (ELN)@theeln.bsky.social

Reminder to register! The 2026 #NPTRevCon tested the review process like few before it, & the questions are already rolling in, 60+ so far by you. Join @theeln.bsky.social in conversation with RevCon President, Amb. Đỗ Hùng Việt & add your voice. 🗓️ 25 Aug, 1400 BST, 0900 EDT zoom.us/webinar/regi...

European Leadership Network (ELN)
@theeln.bsky.social

Starting soon! Register to join us from 1400 BST.⤵️

European Leadership Network (ELN)@theeln.bsky.social

Reminder to register! The 2026 #NPTRevCon tested the review process like few before it, & the questions are already rolling in, 60+ so far by you. Join @theeln.bsky.social in conversation with RevCon President, Amb. Đỗ Hùng Việt & add your voice. 🗓️ 25 Aug, 1400 BST, 0900 EDT zoom.us/webinar/regi...

European Leadership Network (ELN)
@theeln.bsky.social

Check out YGLN member Alice Saltini explain how geopolitical rivalries drive states to race to integrate new technologies like AI into nuclear systems, putting strategic advantage ahead of safety, in our new Ok, Doomer! podcast series. europeanleadershipnetwork.org/multimedia/o...

European Leadership Network (ELN)@theeln.bsky.social

The ELN’s Ok, Doomer! podcast is back! Listen in to learn how emerging technologies are reshaping nuclear weapons policy. europeanleadershipnetwork.org/multimedia/o...

European Leadership Network (ELN)
@theeln.bsky.social

Is the Trump administration still committed to NATO’s defence? Britain's former Chief of the Defence Staff David Richards and Harlan Ullman argue that Washington’s shifting priorities raise serious questions about NATO’s future – and Europe’s response. europeanleadershipnetwork.org/commentary/i...

europeanleadershipnetwork.orgIs the Trump administration committed to the defence of NATO?Given Donald Trump’s unpredictability over what he may or may not do regarding the US presence in and support for NATO, there are a range of possible consequences arising from his quixotic actions for...
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European Leadership Network (ELN)
@theeln.bsky.social

Experts discuss the risks and benefits of AI and other disruptive technologies, historical technological shifts, changing threat perceptions, and the importance of training military personnel to recognise AI-driven biases. europeanleadershipnetwork.org/multimedia/o...

europeanleadershipnetwork.orgOk, Doomer! podcast: Nuclear bombs and botsThe ELN's Ok, Doomer! podcast is back! Listen in to learn how emerging technologies are reshaping nuclear weapons policy. Experts discuss the risks and benefits of AI and other disruptive technologies...

European Leadership Network (ELN) reposted

Oliver Meier
@olivermeier.bsky.social

On the anniversary of the first nuclear weapons use in war, read the @theeln.bsky.social staff reflections on the legacy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki today. 👇‼️ europeanleadershipnetwork.org?p=26708 @janabaldus.bsky.social @

europeanleadershipnetwork.orgStaff Reflections: the legacy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki todayEighty-one years after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, what questions should the arms control community be asking itself? In this collection of reflections, ELN staff consider how the a...

European Leadership Network (ELN) reposted

Oliver Meier
@olivermeier.bsky.social

"Arctic states should close governance gap between climate change, geopolitical competition, nuclear risks through an Arctic risk-reduction dialogue." Great piece by @theeln.bsky.social colleague @nikitagryazin.bsky.social and @irenmarinova.bsky.social in @thebulletin.org: thebulletin.org?p=132932

thebulletin.orgClimate change exacerbates nuclear risks in the Arctic. And we are not readyClimate change is physically altering the operational environment of nuclear deterrence in the Arctic, but the institutions capable of managing these risks are fragmented and frozen in place.

European Leadership Network (ELN) reposted

British Foreign Policy Group
@bfpg.bsky.social

In a new piece for @theeln.bsky.social, @jackpannell.bsky.social and @edrusi.bsky.social assess what Burnham's new Cabinet signals for Britain's foreign policy, defence, NATO, Ukraine, Europe, and relations with the Trump administration. Read below ⬇️ europeanleadershipnetwork.org/commentary/w...

europeanleadershipnetwork.orgWhat does Andy Burham’s new cabinet mean for UK foreign policy?Andy Burnham has signalled that he wants to focus his energies on domestic policy, and his Cabinet appointments suggest he is willing to delegate responsibility to his top team – though that does not ...
European Leadership Network (ELN)
@theeln.bsky.social

The next nuclear crisis could unfold in an AI-enabled world. Are safeguards ready? @nikitagryazin.bsky.social argues that the recent Rome Declaration must become a catalyst for practical action to reduce nuclear risks before tech outpaces governance. europeanleadershipnetwork.org/commentary/b...

europeanleadershipnetwork.orgBeyond the Rome Declaration: Adapting nuclear risk reduction for the AI eraAI is transforming the nuclear risk landscape faster than governance can adapt. ELN Policy Fellow Nikita Gryazin argues that the recently signed Rome Declaration should mark the beginning, not the end...
European Leadership Network (ELN)
@theeln.bsky.social

Former NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller joins ELN Senior Associate Fellow Ilana Bet-El to unpack the narratives behind Russia’s war against Ukraine, Cold War legacies, and strategic misunderstandings in this week's Women Leaders podcast. europeanleadershipnetwork.org/multimedia/t...

europeanleadershipnetwork.orgThe Women Leaders podcast: Security, Cooperation and Conflict with Rose GottemoellerAs summer unfolds across much of Europe and the US, war continues to devastate Ukraine and fuel instability across the Middle East. Former NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller joins ELN Sen...
European Leadership Network (ELN)
@theeln.bsky.social

NATO may have emerged from the Ankara summit looking more united—but appearances can be deceiving. Nicholas Williams argues that as the US gradually reduces its military footprint in Europe, the credibility of NATO's deterrence could be quietly eroding. europeanleadershipnetwork.org/commentary/t...

europeanleadershipnetwork.orgThe unforeseen consequences of the NATO Ankara summitDespite the success of the Ankara summit, the US is gradually decoupling itself from Europe in ways that will have profound consequences for European security and strategic stability. As ELN Senior As...
European Leadership Network (ELN)
@theeln.bsky.social

30 years ago, the ICJ issued a landmark advisory opinion on the legality of the threat or use of nuclear weapons. With nuclear threats returning to global politics, ELN's @janabaldus.bsky.social explores why the Court's ruling is as relevant as ever. europeanleadershipnetwork.org/commentary/t...

europeanleadershipnetwork.orgThirty years later, the ICJ’s advisory opinion on nuclear weapons still mattersThirty years ago today, the International Court of Justice drew a direct line between nuclear threats and the potential use of nuclear weapons. Yet as nuclear rhetoric returns to the centre of interna...
European Leadership Network (ELN)
@theeln.bsky.social

NATO SecGen Mark Rutte has said the alliance is entering “a period of profound change”. Tarja Cronberg calls for NATO leaders to engage in a serious debate on the alliance's future, common interests, and divisions at the upcoming Ankara #NATOsummit. europeanleadershipnetwork.org/commentary/n...

europeanleadershipnetwork.org‘NATO 3.0’ and Europe’s security futureEuropean security architecture is at a crossroads as NATO and the EU search for new roles amid growing uncertainty over the future of transatlantic security. With debate over a more European NATO and ...
European Leadership Network (ELN)
@theeln.bsky.social

Sabine Mengelberg writes that whilst greater investment in Europe's defence is necessary, increased spending alone is not a panacea for European security challenges, and a common political purpose within NATO is also needed. #NATOsummit europeanleadershipnetwork.org/commentary/c...

europeanleadershipnetwork.orgCan Europe enhance its security solely through increased arms procurement?Ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, calls for higher defence spending are dominating the agenda. But military investment alone cannot guarantee Europe's security. Sabine Mengelberg argues that NATO's ...
European Leadership Network (ELN)
@theeln.bsky.social

Read our latest Network Reflections 👇Featuring insights from @stefaniedrbabst.bsky.social, Nicholas Dungan, Klaus Korhonen, @iaionline.bsky.social's @nonamikhelidze.bsky.social, Lord George Robertson, and Ezgi Yazıcıoğlu. europeanleadershipnetwork.org/commentary/n...

europeanleadershipnetwork.orgNetwork Reflections: the Ankara summit and Europe’s NATO momentELN network members assess whether the Ankara summit marks a turning point for Europe’s role within NATO or a transition shaped by the US. They discuss defence spending, strategic autonomy, and the ch...