Latest Commentary

Publications

CEPA's bi-weekly Central Europe Digest

Latest CEPA Reports:

CEPA analyst Ryan R. Miller and Alexandros Petersen, a CEPA Senior Associate Scholar, see a Polish-Lithuanian diplomatic tandem as a “force multiplier” for U.S. priorities in the "New East Europe." Miller and Petersen argue that a schism between Western and Central Europe was laid bare for all to see during last month’s Georgia crisis – calling into question whether the EU as a whole can be an effective partner when confronting challenges in Russia’s backyard. Moving forward, they suggest setting up the Poles and Lithuanians as America’s point men on Europe’s eastern periphery.

Central Europe's Energy Security Schism

CEPA analyst Ryan R. Miller describes the problem of Russia's energy grip on post-communist Central Europe and outlines how the Central European policy response varies from country to country. In doing so, he divides the ten countries of the region into "strategic players" like Poland and "commercial opportunists" such as Bulgaria. Miller argues that there is still more the United States could be doing in support of its allies' energy security.

The Mice that Roared (See version in German)

A. Wess Mitchell, director of research at CEPA, analyzes how small powers in Central Europe are coping with the global transition to multipolarity.

Central Europe's Lost Voice in the European Union

CEPA Resident Scholar Ondrej Schneider analyzes Central European voting patterns in the European Union. He concludes that the EU's newest members rarely vote together, which could frustrate attempts to get the Central Europe region to be an agent of future EU-level economic reforms.

It Takes Two to Tango: Moving Towards a Polish-American Strategic Partnership

Senior Associate Scholar Peter Podbielski discusses Polish-American cooperation in the military sphere, and argues that both sides should focus on building long-term defense relations and avoid mismanaging expectations.

Background Notes on Romania

CEPA Analyst Ryan R. Miller provides background notes outlining what U.S. policymakers should know about Romania's politics, economy, foreign relations and energy policies.

Kaiser, König, Komission (in German)

Wess Mitchell's article draws on historical parallels between the European Union and the Austro-Hungarian Empire to examine current tensions in German-Polish relations.

Keeping the Tallinn Promise: The Case for Central European Inclusion in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

Robert Wilson et. al argue that the U.S. Visa waiver program should be modernized and expanded to include the countries of Central Europe.

Labor Mobility in the European Union: New Members, New Challenges

This edited volume by Jennifer Smith-Bozek examines the contentious issue of Labor Mobility in the European Union from the perspectives of both the old and new member states.

Transform or Modernize: Why Polish Military Transformation Matters

Peter Podbielski contends that modernization of the Polish military is of vital importance to both NATO and the United States.

Mending Fences: Repairing U.S.-Central European Relations After Iraq

Wess Mitchell assesses the health of the U.S.-Central European relationship in the post-Enlargement, post-Iraq War era.

Tipping the Scales - Why Central Europe Matters to the United States

Wess Mitchell considers the economic, military and geostrategic importance of Central Europe to the United States and makes the case for a deeper committment by Washington to the region.

Does Europe Need the Polish Plumber?

Wess Mitchell assesses the European Services Directive and its impact on the Central European Service Sector.

Latest CEPA Commentary: