Tag: Geoeconomics • Energy • Technology

Saleumxay Kommasith’s elevation to prime minister is unlikely to change Laos’ strategic alignment with China and Vietnam, but it puts one of the country’s most internationally experienced politicians in charge. For Europe, his appointment could create new opportunities to deepen trade, investment and diplomatic ties as Laos prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC)… Continue reading Is Laos leadership reshuffle good news for the EU?

Europe wants greater technological sovereignty, but building sovereign AI infrastructure requires enormous amounts of capital. The EU’s own plans assume that much of this will come from private investment. As foreign investors help finance European AI infrastructure, the harder question is not simply where the money comes from, but what control comes with it. Key… Continue reading Who will pay for Europe’s AI sovereignty?

The Hormuz crisis exposed the Philippines’ longstanding vulnerability to energy price shocks. With electricity prices already among the highest in Southeast Asia and a heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, the country entered the crisis with limited room to absorb further increases in energy costs. As a result, the crisis accelerated decentralized solar adoption without… Continue reading Will the Philippines’ solar energy surge outlast the Hormuz crisis?

The revival of the V4+Japan format and Nippon Steel’s takeover of the Košice steelworks offer Slovakia a historic opportunity to elevate its relations with Tokyo. Whether this momentum turns into lasting cooperation will depend largely on Slovakia’s foreign policy consistency – in Brussels, on Ukraine, and towards Beijing. Key takeaways: Nippon Steel’s acquisition of US… Continue reading A Slovak-Japanese momentum that may not come again