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In this new policy brief on The EU’s comprehensive approach towards security: the Lisbon Treaty and “smart power”, Michael Matthiessen (Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy) elaborates on the steps taken by the EU to become a comprehensive security actor.  He notes that “hard power” is no longer sufficient to address the complex security challenges of today. The EU through a comprehensive approach facilitated by the Lisbon Treaty can now use the various instruments of diplomacy, development aid, humanitarian assistance, trade sanctions and the crisis management capabilities provided under the Common Security and Defence Policy to apply “smart” power to achieve the aim of a secure Europe in a better world. Download the policy brief here.

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With the support of our regional partners, the EU Centre in Singapore has published the fourth issue of the EUCI Asia regional newsletter, featuring articles on issues involving Asia and the EU. Read the newsletter here.

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The European Commission has said that it will raise the issue of the US surveillance and spying programme at an EU-US summit later this week, after the Members of the European Parliament reacted angrily as to the threats posed to the data privacy of EU citizens during a debate. More...

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Both the EU and ASEAN would benefit from having relations established at different levels and using different platforms, Dr Yeo Lay Hwee (Director, EU Centre) writes in her latest commentary. Read...  (Image: Mysid, Wikimedia Commons)

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To commemorate the 30^th anniversary of the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to Lech Walesa, the University of Warsaw is organising an essay competition open to doctoral students from all over the world. The competition organisers are accepting essays on the topic How the historical experience of the Polish Solidarność movement could be used for peaceful change in the world today. The jury will select up to 25 essays whose authors will be invited to speak at the 2013 World Peace Nobel Prize Laureates Summit to be held in Warsaw in 21-23 October 2013. Details…

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On the sidelines of the ongoing G8 summit in Northern Ireland, the EU and the US have agreed to launch talks on a landmark trade deal, as France secured a clause to exclude the audiovisual sector from the EU negotiators’ initial mandate. More...