France didn't see what was coming in Tunisia, nor did the US in Egypt. Spain is in danger of making the same mistake with Morocco, where a protest planned for 20th February seems to have much in common with the popular movements that brought such dramatic change to those countries.

For all the talk of a 'global Europe', the EU struggles to influence its neighbours in the Eastern Mediterranean. Its uncertainty over Egypt is indicative of a wider loss of direction in the EU's regional policies. 

Europe went through its own year of democratic revolutions in 1989, yet its reaction to events in north Africa has lacked passion and purpose. European leaders meeting for a summit in Brussels must seize the opportunity to commit themselves to a strategy that puts them firmly on the side of democracy in the Middle East.

Eight trends to watch out for in the Year of  the Rabbit: ECFR's China experts cut through the buzz of news and comment to highlight key trends and debates that could define China’s future relationship with Europe and the world.

EU member states worry too much about speaking with one voice. But endless unified expressions of 'interest and concern' about the situation in Tunisia and Egypt show that the problem is that others aren't listening because we often have little to say.

Europe must do what it can to ensure a healthy birth for democracy in Egypt, and elsewhere. It is still unclear how the situation there will unfold, and the EU would be taking a risk by putting itself firmly in the pro-deomcracy camp. But the risks of not doing so are greater.

Albania is teetering on the brink of catastrophe, fuelled by the rivalry between prime minister and opposition leader. The EU must make clear to them that it will not tolerate the use of violence, or the destruction of Albania's institutions.

The announcement of cuts to BBC World Service language sections in the wider european neighbourhood is very bad news for strong, independent journalism in the region. But the development of new media technologies mean good journalism should no longer have to rely upon organisations like the BBC.

The establishment of an effective foreign policy with Turkey would get the EEAS off to a flying start, but progress on Turkey's negotiations for EU membership has slowed to a crawl and the political atmosphere is souring. To improve it, the EU and Turkey should establish a strategic dialogue.

A comparison between President Hu's successful visit to Washington last week and the disastrous EU-China Summit last October reveals that Europe has a lot to learn from the US when it comes to handling its meetings with China.

The EU is preparing to receive Uzbek president Islam Karimov in Brussels, this time to talk about energy. A week ahead of its decision on a response to the post-election crackdown in Minsk, it risks accusations of double-standards.

Recent Chinese investment in Europe means that the EU now shares a quandry raised by Hillary Clinton: How do you talk tough with your banker? If Europe is going to manage it, member states must stop putting short-term bilateral advantage first.

It is too simplistic to say that the regime in Belarus has turned its back on the EU: it cannot afford to. Europe must react to the post-election crackdown, but new blanket sanctions would only reduce its leverage. Instead, Europe must learn to empower those in Minsk who favour close links with the West.

During the 1990s, democracy and reformism in Central and Eastern Europe tended to go hand in hand. In recent years, however, the picture in the EU's Eastern neighbourhood has become less clear. Ukraine and Georgia have shown how it is possible to have one without the other.

Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa, one of ECFR's founding members, died in December. Thomas Klau and Mark Leonard reflect on his life and work, and invite those who knew him to send us their own messages for publication on this special web page. Read ECFR's tribute, those of other colleagues and details of a memorial service at the European University Institute here.