Europe wants to break its dangerous dependence on China for the raw materials behind batteries, wind turbines, chips and weapons. The EUISS brief argues that enlargement partners – especially Ukraine and the Western Balkans – could help by supplying critical minerals that Europe badly needs for the green transition, digital industry and rearmament.

France’s unemployment problem is creeping back – and the Institut Montaigne interview makes clear why politicians should stop pretending this is just a statistical blip. For the first time since 2021, unemployment has moved above 8 percent, with 2.6 million people affected.

POLITICO’s report turns Dunkirk into a warning for Europe’s industrial dream. A once-depressed steel and port region in northern France has dragged itself back into the game with batteries, green steel, logistics and heavy investment.

RUSI’s paper gives the UK a hard defence-industry warning. Ministers want more weapons, more innovation and more factory capacity, but the public purse is already under strain.

IPQ’s commentary gives Brussels a bleak choice on China. Europe wants to de-risk, fix trade imbalances and avoid a trade war all at once. That comfort zone is collapsing.

Bruegel’s working paper lands in the middle of Europe’s latest competitiveness panic. Big EU banks want relief, US rules are being loosened, and Brussels is under pressure to respond.

RUSI’s commentary delivers a sharp security warning for Europe. Governments are pouring more money into defence, but quietly cutting the slower tools that stop crises before they hit Europe’s doorstep.