Thomas Maddock

The Clara Marina O'Donnell fellowship Applications are now open for the 13th Clara Marina O’Donnell fellowship. Start date: October 2026 for six months. Pay: currently £14.80 per hour plus 8 per cent pension contribution. Applications in ...

www.cer.eu/clara-marina...

Applications have opened for the Clara Marina O’Donnell Fellowship at @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social

As the current Clara fellow, I recommend this chance to contribute to CER’s world-class research while building experience in European foreign affairs.

Apply via the link below by 9 April 2026 !

The world has changed since the 2016 #Brexit vote. In response, the UK & EU need to be more willing to change fundamental aspects of their post-Brexit relationship.

New @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social/ KAS UK & Ireland policy brief by @cerianbond.bsky.social

Read here: buff.ly/vQRCfrT

#Hungary holds elections in April. The stakes couldn’t be higher – for Budapest, for Brussels, and for democracy itself. Can the opposition win and restore democracy? 🇭🇺 🇪🇺

New @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social insight by @zecsaky.bsky.social

Read here: buff.ly/MtJXrKQ

If this fails, there is no immediate plan B, write Stephen Paduano & @sandertordoir.bsky.social in a new @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social insight.

Read here: buff.ly/GM6RkHv

The EU wants a bigger role in resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict, but internal splits and damaged credibility hold it back.

Ahead of tomorrow's European Council discussions on EU Middle East policy, you can read my thoughts on how the EU can start rebuilding its influence: 👉

The French have always believed in tempering #freetrade with industrial policy, the protection of industry and the principle of préférence européenne. 🇪🇺 🇫🇷

New @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social insight by @cergrant.bsky.social

Read here: buff.ly/vrFwWbE

#France has a very weak government with an uncertain future, yet it remains a dominant force in EU policy-making. How does one explain this paradox? 🇪🇺 🇫🇷

New @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social insight by @cergrant.bsky.social
Read here: buff.ly/vrFwWbE

Trump’s new national security strategy: Cut deals, hammer Europe, and tread gently around autocrats The strategy confirms US volatility and unpredictability: hedging remains the best way for other countries to respond.

🇺🇸 | The 2025 US National Security Strategy aligns more closely with Donald Trump’s worldview than his first. But its contradictions will limit its effectiveness.

Read Laurel Rapp's latest analysis for Chatham House⤵️

The European Competitiveness Fund risks pitting economy security and economic growth against each other.

In a new @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social /Swedish Enterprise policy brief, @aslak.bsky.social & @zach-meyers.bsky.social propose a toolkit to unlock the ECF's potential

buff.ly/GyzXI4o

What kind of European security structures might replace the current tottering architecture? 🇪🇺 🇺🇦

New @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social/ @uclei.bsky.social policy brief by @cerianbond.bsky.social
Read here: buff.ly/gzMAkk4

Global #trade policy is now dominated by great power politics, putting Europe under pressure. The EU will have to accommodate the US, confront China and derisk from both. 🇪🇺 🇺🇸 🇨🇳

New @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social insight by @aslak.bsky.social

Read here: buff.ly/OPBZCaY

There is an expansive literature on the causes of the rise of #populism. Its lesson? Policies designed to appease populism are unlikely to be effective. That battle can only be won through argument.
New @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social insight by @johnspringford.bsky.social
Read here: buff.ly/O2SoUok

Simplifying EU regulation and a harder line on member-states’ gold-plating of EU law would cut compliance costs and boost growth.

New CER/Martens Centre policy brief by @aslak.bsky.social, @elisabettaco.bsky.social, @zach-meyers.bsky.social & @sandertordoir.bsky.social

Read here: buff.ly/Rb9hOiI

We are delighted to welcome @thomasmaddock.bsky.social to the @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social as our 12th Clara Marina O’Donnell fellow.

buff.ly/N4jQ49t