The EU's Arctic security priority + Post-midterm transatlantic relations

Europe Edition - Today's top story: EU's new Arctic strategy signals shift in its geopolitical mindset October 29, 2026 Europe Edition   Reinforcing maritime security and resource-sharing head the EU’s latest Arctic strategy, which calls for cooperation among Arctic member states Denmark, Sweden and Finland and “like-minded partners”, namely Canada whose EU integration remains a subject of debate. Ahead of the EU-Canada summit in Montreal that starts today, both parties have agreed to work towards “ever closer affiliation”. In the meantime, by officially joining Eurovision, Canada is establishing a cultural connection that is in line with the nation’s tradition of soft power diplomacy, which should not be underestimated. As the end of a month of student protest action and high-stakes elections draws to a close, we review the remarkable rise to power of Serbia’s leaderless Student List, and look ahead to the US midterm elections. How will the outcome of next week’s crucial vote to control Congress impact transatlantic relations? A new balance of power in the form of congressional opposition to the Trump administration could work in Europe’s favour. We look at where will it leave key US foreign policy matters such as support for Ukraine, intelligence sharing or trade issues.   Carly Lock Editor, Paris   EU’s new Arctic strategy signals shift in its geopolitical mindset Emilie Canova, University of Cambridge; Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) The EU has unveiled its first Arctic strategy since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.   US midterms: what a new Congress could – and could not – change for Europe Waya Quiviger, IE University A Democrat win in Congress won’t suddenly make Trump a reliable ally – especially when it comes to Russia and Ukraine.   Eurovision 2027: Is Canada singing its way into the European Union? Petra Dolata, University of Calgary Europeans and Canadians have always been friends; Canada’s Eurovision participation will only cement that. But historically, closer initial ties haven’t led to deeper integration over the long run. Serbia’s leaderless student movement has won a historic election – but what happens next? Eric Gordy, UCL With no leader or political experience, Serbia’s student movement now begins talks to form a government.   Starlink disruptions in Ukraine: what Elon Musk’s alignment with US geopolitics means for Europe Joscha Abels, University of Tübingen European leaders worry that Elon Musk’s control of Starlink gives him too much power over their security. Is France in 2026, Greece in 2009? George Papaconstantinou, European University Institute France’s gap between what it produces, public spending and what taxpayers finance is cause for concern. Unlike Greece, it’s not too late to salvage its economy, so what are France’s options? Warmer seas and shifting pressure systems: the signs that suggest the Mediterranean’s climate is ‘tropicalising’ Javier Martín Vide, Universitat de Barcelona Rising water and air temperatures are transforming the climate on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. The impossible equation of being a researcher mother, striving to make ends meet Marie Janot Caminade, Université Paris Nanterre Getting into a tenured position in higher education and research can be likened to an obstacle course – this is particularly true when women add motherhood into the mix. Where did bats come from? New research points to Europe Veronica Zamora-Gutierrez, University of Southampton; Neil J. Gostling, University of Southampton The fact bats can fly has made it hard to pin down the place where their evolutionary story began. Brazil: Lula’s presidential win puts the brakes on the rise of the far right in Latin America Roberta Picussa, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR); Sciences Po; Andressa Zanin Rovani, Sciences Po; Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp) President Lula’s spectacular reelection sends a clear warning to the global far right after seven conservative presidential wins in Latin America in 18 months.   Barcelona unrest: how to fabricate a protest in the age of TikTok Sara García Santamaría, Universitat de València Looting in Barcelona on October 2024 was spurred by the anonymous ‘Blocus’ platform. Could lawfare become warfare between Brussels and Beijing? Isabelle Feng, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) In response to China, the EU is transforming its single market into a legal lever: employees, subsidies and forced labour are becoming new battlegrounds. ‘We changed the system’: how Serbian students ended Alexander Vučić’s 12 years in power Gavin Brent Sullivan, International Psychoanalytic University Berlin; Tereza Capelos, University of Southampton A record number of voters turned out to end Alexander Vučić’s longstanding dominance of Serbian politics. From elite spies to ‘gig-economy’ operatives: the changing face of Russian sabotage Elena Grossfeld, King's College London; Swedish Defence University Across domains, Russia has turned unpredictability and disruption into its strategic weapon of choice. Youth protests across Europe: the overlapping crises facing gen Z Alina Cosma, Trinity College Dublin Young people appear to be facing increasing demands while some of the social resources that help them cope are weakening.     You’re receiving this newsletter from The Conversation The Conversation France (assoc. 1901) 14, rue Sainte-Cécile 75009 Paris