The policy paper, authored by Adam Balcer and Wicke van den Broek, offers a comprehensive and timely analysis of the evolving geopolitical landscape in Europe, with a particular focus on the perspectives of the Netherlands and Poland.Set against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, shifting transatlantic relations, and growing instability in Europe’s eastern neighborhood, the paper examines the intersection of three key policy domains: security, EU enlargement, and the Eastern Partnership. It provides a comparative assessment of Dutch and Polish strategic cultures, threat perceptions, and public attitudes, highlighting both convergences and divergences in how the two countries approach these issues.
The report begins with a broad overview of Europe’s security environment, emphasizing the increasing militarization of Russia, uncertainties surrounding U.S. foreign policy, and the European Union’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities. It explores how both the Netherlands and Poland are adapting to these challenges.
EU enlargement and the future of the Eastern Partnership is described widely. The authors assess the progress and setbacks of candidate countries, the geopolitical importance of Ukraine’s accession process, and the declining momentum of the Eastern Partnership initiative. Particular attention is paid to domestic debates within both countries, where public opinion remains ambivalent and often contradictory, shaping national policy choices.
The paper concludes with a set of forward-looking recommendations aimed at enhancing Dutch-Polish cooperation. These include redefining enlargement as a geopolitical and security-driven project, strengthening societal support through strategic communication, deepening economic engagement with candidate countries, and promoting a values-based approach to European security.
The report is part of the Dutch-Polish General Maczek Dialogues—an initiative aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in response to mounting regional and global challenges.
Read the policy paper: POLAND-HOLAND European Security
