Opinions

The Crisis in Russia’s Aviation Industry: A Case of Effective Sanctions

Russia’s civil aviation is facing an unprecedented crisis, as both domestic production and foreign imports are being hampered by sanctions imposed by the West following Ukraine’s invasion.

The Belarusian Convent raising money in the EU for Putin’s war

A Minsk-based Orthodox Convent has been raising money for years to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Some of the money come from activities in EU countries.

As Poles are readying to go to the polls, Romania’s elections are a cautionary tale

In 2025, presidential elections will be held in Poland. People are already saying that we need to take seriously the scenario in which Russia influences the outcome – as it happened in Romania.

The Russian Way: From Old Imperial Dreams to a New Social Crisis

For the gerontocratic Russia’s leadership, the vision of the future is derived from a mythical “golden past”, but manifesting as escalating corruption, growth in alcohol consumption, resource scarcity, and rising crime.

Court Sentences for GRU attack in Tallinn

The dismantling of a GRU-ran group showed both that Russia is seeking to organize attacks in Estonia, and that its capacity to do any real harm is so for limited.

Letting Russia get a part of Ukraine would endanger the whole region

As talks about peace in Ukraine along the current frontline intensify, some of Kyiv’s partners, including Latvia, feel this would be a dangerous outcome.

Is Alexander Lukashenko turning into a Russian governor?

Isolated by the international community for his regime’s abuses, Belarus’ authoritarian leader is increasingly behaving as a mere governor of one of Russia’s provinces.

Belarus is using smuggling against the EU

Belarus has allowed an explosion in smuggling of products like cigarettes, and this policy poses a threat to the security of the European Union.

Supported by a fake Assange, Călin Georgescu is fighting fake news

A fake account attributed to Julian Assange expresses its admiration for Călin Georgescu. The fake didn't bother the Romanian extremist, who instead set about debunking made-up fakes.

Cezar Manu
13 Dec 2024
Georgia at the crossroads: will the government throw the country into Russia’s embrace?

A battle between the people and the [ruling Georgian Dream] Party is being fought on the streets of Georgian cities. The stake: Georgia’s path towards the EU vs. a return to Russia’s orbit.

Diana Shanava
11 Dec 2024
The fall of Syria, a major defeat to the Tehran – Moscow axis

A key piece in the so-called "axis of resistance" built in recent decades by Iran has fallen. Russia loses its most important Arab ally in the Middle East. The future of Syria, uncertain. Risk of regional war.

It’s official: Călin Georgescu’s campaign has Russia written all over it

Declassified documents presented by Romanian intelligence prove that Călin Georgescu is supported by a state actor. The state in question is not named, but its actions are similar to operations previously carried out by Russia.

Why did Romanian citizens in Moldova vote differently than the diaspora elsewhere in the West?

Pro-European right-wing parties in Romania grabbed large numbers of votes in Moldova, while the Romanian diaspora opted for sovereigntist forces. Experts believe that sovereigntists were rejected because they are hostile to Ukraine.

Reactions in Ukraine after the parliamentary election: Romania recovers from TikTok shock

Ukrainian observers have noted that Romania remains pro-European, while the risk remains that, if elected, president Georgescu might turn the country into a state similar to Orban's Hungary.

Marin Gherman
02 Dec 2024
Dangerous Liaisons: Disinfo in Bulgaria Increasingly Targets Culture and Education

A far-right protest in Sofia against a XIX century play directed by John Malkovich brought to the spotlight the disinformation and propaganda campaign targeting Bulgaria’s culture and education.

Are Latvians getting weary of Ukrainian refugees?

Ukrainian refugees in Latvia have generally been well received, but there were also some displays of hostility. Experts warn a long-term integration program is needed for the refugees.

In Estonian politics, a battle for Narva has begun

Although Russia is a threat to Estonia, Russian speakers here have voted for pro-Russian politicians in the legislative elections. They now want to win the main Russian-speaking city, Narva, in the local elections.

Călin Georgescu: A "back-up" prime minister, an admirer of the legionnaires, hostile to NATO and the EU

Georgescu was once considered a technocrat with a solid international career. When that career ended, he adopted a pro-Russian and anti-Western discourse and expressed his admiration for Ion Antonescu and Corneliu Zelea Codreanu.

Cezar Manu
25 Nov 2024
Poland as a Frontline Target in Russia’s Growing Sabotage Campaign

Against the background of the war in Ukraine, Russia is stepping up hybrid attacks against NATO countries. Being at the forefront of Russia’s campaign, Poland has been facing an increasing number of sabotages.

What could a Trump White House mean for the greater Middle East

The names floated for the incoming Trump administration suggest that the greater Middle East will remain a focus for Washington. An attention that Iran and Turkey do not like.

Cut out by the West, Russia bet on China and India. On the long run, it’s a poor bet

Despite Western sanctions, Russia managed to keep its economy afloat by switching its trade flows to China and India. However, on the long run that makes the Russian economy more vulnerable.

Belarus: has longtime strongman Lukashenko found a successor?

Alexander Lukashenko may be grooming the head of his presidential administration, Dmitry Krutoy, to be his successor. Krutoy is considered to be staunchly pro-Russian.

Russia and pro-Russians campaigning to seize power in Chisinau in 2025

The pro-Russian parties have launched the campaign for the legislative elections that will take place in 2025 in the Republic of Moldova with disinformation, claiming that Maia Sandu is not a legitimate president. The stake: the European path of the country.

The War Budget: How Much Will Russia Spend on Its Military and Where Will It Find the Funds?

Russia’s budget proposal for 2025-2027 confirms many analysts' bold predictions — it is, in essence, a budget for prolonged warfare.

Can Ukraine get the nuclear bomb?

Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons in exchange for security guarantees that Russia violated with its 2014 invasion. President Zelensky has recently said his country could rebuild its nuclear arsenal.

Belarus’ Growing Economic Dependence on Russia: Navigating a Precarious Future

Minsk's illusion of economic sovereignty appears to be eroding rapidly. Although the connection to Russia may seem beneficial in the short term, in the long term it will hamper Belarus' economic growth.

A scandal among Russian emigrants casts a shadow over Latvia's legal institutions

An attack against an Alexey Navalny associate brought to light Latvian police corruption, divisions among Russia’s opposition and Latvian reserves regarding the latter.

Russia defies the West and chooses escalation in relations with Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia

Russia has also co-opted North Korea in the war against Ukraine and is stepping up its operations in Moldova and Georgia. Moscow seems to be preparing for a final showdown against the West.

Cosmin Popa
29 Oct 2024
The South Caucasus, a strategic region destabilized by Russia, Turkey and Iran

The South Caucasus has a strategic position between Asia and the Black Sea, but its stability – and prosperity – are blocked by the three powers vying for influence there: Russia, Turkey and Iran.

The Republic of Moldova – the Empire strikes back?

The referendum on Moldova’s EU accession was a failure due to the tiny margin, the Ukrainian press writes. The causes of this failure include Russia’s direct actions and the fact that there’s been no de-Russification in Moldova

Ihor Lubianov
22 Oct 2024
Europe’s geopolitics, voice and sticks

Russia's aggressiveness, China's expansion or the wars in the Middle East have all shown that the EU doesn’t have yet all it takes to be a relevant geopolitical player, although it aspires to this position.

A year after their landslide victory, Polish reformists are borrowing from the populist playbook

Many of the changes promised by Poland’s pro-EU reformists are still to be seen. Insted, prime-minister Donald Tusk has started to talk in terms that remind of the conservatives his coalition defeated.

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