The falcons and the secretary bird: Arab Gulf states in Sudan’s war – European Council on Foreign Relations The Arab Gulf states’ pursuits in Sudan keep fuelling violence. But their wealth and influence mean any lasting peace will necessarily hinge on their cooperatio

Progress towards peace in Sudan will depend on Gulf cooperation. To support long-term stability in Sudan, European policymakers can benefit from a closer understanding of Gulf interests and engagement strategies. Full brief here 👇️ buff.ly/QKHowXf

Sudan: A war Europe cannot stop, but cannot ignore – European Council on Foreign Relations El-Fasher in North Darfur is now the epicentre of the world’s greatest humanitarian catastrophe. Europe’s options are limited, but there are still ways to hold

There are a few minimal steps Europe can take to hold the perpetrators of violence in Sudan accountable. Its efforts to bring Sudan’s fractured civil society groups together are certainly laudable. Read more here 👇️ buff.ly/kfpnaCR

📢 At yesterday's international #Sudan conference in Berlin, donors pledged €1.5 billion for the world’s most severe humanitarian emergency. After three years of conflict, millions are displaced and dependent on humanitarian aid.
❗️👇️ Find our latest articles below. @ecfr.eu

We have discussed the multidimensional hybrid warfare strategy of Russia in Africa and its implications for Europe. Djenabou Cisse highlighted that Europe should improve its knowledge of Russia's strategy and their target groups. @ecfr.eu
📺️ Watch here: buff.ly/DBpfkXx

Europe, Mauritania and the Gulf states: Securing stability and growth in the Sahel – European Council on Foreign Relations Mauritania is a vital buffer against Sahelian instability and a central partner for Europe’s energy and migration policies. As Gulf Arab influence grows, the EU

Mauritania is a vital buffer against Sahelian instability and a central partner for Europe’s energy and migration policies. As Gulf Arab influence grows, the EU’s Pact for the Mediterranean can align trilateral financial and security interests.
👇️ 📃 @ecfr.eu

Want to learn about Russian hybrid warfare in Africa? We have hosted a webinar last week to discuss Russian disinformation strategies and Europe's policy options to react. @ecfr.eu
📺️ Watch here: buff.ly/tsYx1Ja
📃 Read more: buff.ly/QhTgHps

Last week we discussed Russian hybrid warfare and disinformation strategies in Africa. Beverly Ochieng pointed to the importance of harnessing existing EU-AU agreements. @ecfr.eu
🎥 In case you missed it, you can watch the recording here: buff.ly/tsYx1Ja

The bear and the bot farm: Implications of Russian hybrid operations in Africa Russia has made significant inroads in Africa—particularly in Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic and Mali—deploying military operations that, while limited in scope, are often devastating for…

In case you missed our online discussion on Russian hybrid warfare in Africa last week - the recording is available now. 👇️ @ecfr.eu
🗣️ We discussed Russian disinformation strategies and policy options for like-minded European and African countries.

Join us TODAY! We will discuss current developments of Russian hybrid activities in Africa and the policy implications for Europe.

⏰️ 11:30 CET, Zoom
📃 The policy brief: buff.ly/EZPhUXg
✏️ You can still sign up here: buff.ly/xwh6gAr

Russia has made significant inroads in Africa and has developed a powerful propaganda machine.

On 27 March, we will unpack recent developments and reflect on implications for both Africa and Europe. @ecfr.eu

⏲️ 11:30 CET, Zoom
Join us 👇️ buff.ly/xwh6gAr

📢 In this event we will discuss Russian hybrid warfare in Africa, implications for Europe and consequences for African peace and security.

🗓️ 27 March, 11:30 CET
🗣️ Will Brown (@ecfr.eu), Djenabou Cisse (CAPS), Beverly Ochieng (Control Risks)
📍 Zoom
buff.ly/xwh6gAr

Europe, Mauritania and the Gulf states: Securing stability and growth in the Sahel – European Council on Foreign Relations Mauritania is a vital buffer against Sahelian instability and a central partner for Europe’s energy and migration policies. As Gulf Arab influence grows, the EU

"The crisis in the Gulf has sharpened the strategic case for EU-Gulf collaboration in Mauritania. With energy routes under threat and supply chains exposed, Mauritania can help secure energy and economic resources," writes Corrado Čok. @ecfr
Read here 👇️

From shield to sword: Europe’s offensive strategy for the hybrid age – European Council on Foreign Relations Europe’s defensive measures to shield its democracies from hybrid attacks are no longer enough. If Europeans want to protect their peace and prosperity, the tim

As of now, Russia poses the gravest threat to peace and democratic governance in Europe and its neighbourhood. Europe should go on the offensive in the informational, cyber, financial and kinetic domains. @ecfr.eu @ecfrgeotech.bsky.social @ecfreuropeansec.bsky.social
Read more 📖👇️

The bear and the bot farm: Implications of Russian hybrid operations in Africa – European Council on Foreign Relations Russia has made significant inroads in Africa—particularly in Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic and Mali—deploying military operations that, while limi

🗓️ March 27, 11:30 - 12:30 CET
📍Zoom

We will take a deep dive into Russian hybrid warfare in Africa and unpack policy implications for Europe.

✍️ Register and join us:

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: The bear and the bot farm: Implications of Russian hybrid operations in Africa . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: The bear and the bot farm: Implications of Russian hybrid operations in Africa . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the...

Join us for an online discussion on implications of Russian hybrid operations in Africa!

📆 27 March, 11:30 - 12:30 CET
🗣️ Will Brown (@ecfr.eu), Djenabou Cisse (CAPS), Beverly Ochieng (Control Risk)
📍 Zoom
✍️ Register here:

📢 This year, @ecfr.eu is co-leading the T7 together with @iddri.bsky.social.
Our fellow @madprocopio.bsky.social is part of the critical minerals task force that developed a solutions paper to support the French G7 presidency.
❗️👉️ Find their recommendations here: buff.ly/LzbY68f

Mauritania is a vital buffer against Sahelian instability and a central partner for Europe’s energy and migration policies. As Gulf Arab influence grows, the EU’s Pact for the Mediterranean can align trilateral interests. @ecfr.eu
Read more here 👇️ buff.ly/1VMzI0n

Europe, Mauritania and the Gulf states: Securing stability and growth in the Sahel – European Council on Foreign Relations Mauritania is a vital buffer against Sahelian instability and a central partner for Europe’s energy and migration policies. As Gulf Arab influence grows, the EU

Mauritania is a vital buffer against Sahelian instability and a central partner for Europe’s energy and migration policies. As Gulf Arab influence grows, the EU’s Pact for the Mediterranean can align trilateral financial and security interests, writes Corrado Čok.

https://bit.ly/4cy8uKL

From shield to sword: Europe’s offensive strategy for the hybrid age – European Council on Foreign Relations Europe’s defensive measures to shield its democracies from hybrid attacks are no longer enough. If Europeans want to protect their peace and prosperity, the tim

Europe and its neighbourhood face constant asymmetric threats to peace and democratic governance. Find out what Europe could do to become more offensive in the information, cyber, finance and kinetic dom
ains.
@ecfr.eu 👇️📃

Europe, Mauritania and the Gulf states: Securing stability and growth in the Sahel – European Council on Foreign Relations Mauritania is a vital buffer against Sahelian instability and a central partner for Europe’s energy and migration policies. As Gulf Arab influence grows, the EU

📢 "The Pact for the Mediterranean will allow the EU to coordinate more effectively with influential Gulf monarchies and align their interests with Mauritania’s stability," writes Corrado Čok in his latest @ecfr.eu article.
You can read it here 📃 👇️

From shield to sword: Europe’s offensive strategy for the hybrid age – European Council on Foreign Relations Europe’s defensive measures to shield its democracies from hybrid attacks are no longer enough. If Europeans want to protect their peace and prosperity, the tim

Europe must go on the offensive in the information, cyber, finance and kinetic domains to counter and deter its adversaries. In this brief, @ecfr.eu colleagues outline a three-pillar strategy: defend, disrupt and counterattack.
Read it here❗️👇️

New commentary 👇

From shield to sword: Europe’s offensive strategy for the hybrid age – European Council on Foreign Relations Europe’s defensive measures to shield its democracies from hybrid attacks are no longer enough. If Europeans want to protect their peace and prosperity, the tim

❗️NEW
Europe faces constant asymmetric threats—in Africa and elsewhere. In this @ecfr.eu policy brief, Will Brown and colleagues take a look at global hybrid threats Europe is confronting today and what it should do to defend its democratic societies.
📃👇️

🤝 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬: As Africa diversifies partners and global alignments shift, the Plan’s relevance depends on embedding Italy in African hedging strategies—through EU coordination, trilateral coalitions and industrial partnerships that make Rome a structural partner.

🌍️ 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: The Mattei Plan is a national strategy in a fragmented European landscape. Closer alignment with Global Gateway and European bilateral initiatives could amplify impact, with Italy helping drive a coherent European presence in Africa.

🏭️ 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Can Italy systematically integrate Africa’s industrialisation into its value chains, beyond resource access and toward joint industrial and tech partnerships that enable real transformation?

🌍️🤝 Meloni’s presence in Addis underscored that the Mattei Plan is intended to complement African priorities, not run in parallel.
🔦 Below are some reflections from @madprocopio.bsky.social on the real tests ahead.

❗ We also took a closer look at ESG standards and how they stymie the investment needed to unlock access to critical minerals. European policymakers should rebalance the weight of ESG standards and ensure that African needs are better reflected.
buff.ly/T9m0KLm

From ore to more: Mineral partnerships for African industrialisation – European Council on Foreign Relations After decades of extractive mining, the industrialisation of resource-rich African countries has fallen short of expectations. To change this—and give Europe a

In this brief we assessed how the European offer can stand out.
🤝 To be better partners, Europeans should make policy adjustments to encourage European participation in African mineral value chains and commit to local value addition.
buff.ly/FWVsYJ2

Since the start of the year, numerous global events have highlighted the growing geopolitical importance of critical minerals.
📑🌍 Time to take another look at some of our @ecfr.eu publications!