Written by: Nikola Kirkov, reading time: 11 minutes

Four years ago, the European Union opened a door for three Eastern European states to pursue the long-dreamt goal of joining the alliance. The ‘Association Trio’, comprising Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, came together to sign a joint memorandum expressing their shared commitment to ‘cooperate to enhance their political association and economic integration with the EU.’ Four years later, the three former Soviet states are moving in polar opposite directions.

In the present day, Moldova celebrates a pro-EU victory in recent elections, and Ukraine actively pursues a future within the Union, despite the ongoing war. And then there is Georgia. A country on the crossroads between Russia and Europe, where protests have been ongoing since last year’s parliamentary election. The demonstrations and pressure from the EU have not been able to shake the Georgian Dream’s authoritarian and Kremlin-inspired chokehold on the country’s politics, which aims at realigning the country with Russia, of whose Soviet empire it once formed part.

by Margaux Baudry, reading time 2 min 40

The Great Energy Decoupling

Launched in May 2022, REPowerEU aims to sever Europe’s reliance on Russian hydrocarbons. The initiative rests on four pillars: saving energy through efficiency, diversifying oil and gas suppliers, accelerating renewable energy, and investing in infrastructure such as LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) terminals and hydrogen networks.

The numbers show progress, but not victory. Russian gas accounted for 40% of EU imports in 2022, 15% in 2023, ticked up slightly to 19% in 2024, and is expected to fall to 13% in 2025. It’s a sharp decline, but the Kremlin’s energy shadow hasn’t disappeared.

By Tricia Pelser, estimated reading time: 6 minutes

At the beginning of October, a proposal known as Amendment 645, aimed at strengthening farmers' position in the agri-food supply chain, was brought to the European Parliament. This proposal included a bizarre and seemingly unnecessary amendment to restrict the use of so-called ‘traditional’ meat-related terms, such as “burger”, “steak”, and “sausage” for plant-based alternatives, which the Parliament surprisingly approved.  But what does this amendment even mean? How is it relevant, and where did it come from?

By Seán Doherty, reading time: 4 minutes  On 28 September 2025, Moldova’s parliamentary election took place amid significant tension in the former Soviet republic. The choice for many voters was simple: a pro-European party striving for EU membership or a shift back to Russian-friendly relations and heavy Kremlin influence over the nation of 2.5 million inhabitants. In an election viewed as pivotal for the country’s future direction, Moldovan president Maia Sandu’s Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) was pitted against the pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc. Given Moldova’s EU candidate status since 2022 and Sandu’s intention to join the European Union by 2030, the result has been decisive for Moldova’s future.

Despite severe allegations of Russian interference in the election, Sandu’s pro-EU party went on to outperform pre-election polls and emerge with a convincing majority: just over 50% of the vote. This also means it can form a government without needing any coalition partners, something that could have hindered the party’s EU accession plans. Patriotic Electoral Bloc finished the election in second with 24%. That three-quarters of the 1.6 million voters supported either PAS or Patriotic Electoral Bloc highlights the importance of the election. One could argue that this was a straight shootout between Europe and Russia.

By Anneke Pelzer, Reading time: 4:30 min

If you opened your phone in the morning of the 10th September you most likely were greeted by headlines like „Poland says it shot down Russian drones after airspace violation“ or „Poland downs drones in its airspace, becoming first NATO member to fire during war in Ukraine“. And it was surprising: the night before, at least 19 Russian drones invaded Polish airspace. This marked the most serious Russian provocation since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. 

By by Margaux Baudry, reading time 2min30

While the rest of Europe watches each election anxiously, wondering if this will be the one that brings a far-right victory, Italy crossed that threshold three years ago. As the country celebrates this anniversary with Giorgia Meloni’s Fratelli d’Italia (Brothers of Italy) leading the government, it’s worth asking: Did Italians truly get the transformation they were promised, or merely a new face preserving the same old system?

Is France Ready for the Sixth Republic?
This is one of the headlines we have repeatedly seen over the last few months – if not years. Three weeks ago, these calls came up again when Prime Minister Lecornu resigned just a few hours after the announcement of the new government. The situation begs the question: what makes France so ungovernable?

The “cows-for-cars” deal: How the EU-Mercosur Pact Rewires Influence and Access By Olaia Mujika Anduiza, estimate reading time: 7 minutes

After more than 25 years of negotiations, the EU-Mercosur Agreement has returned to the forefront of European political and economic discussions. Supporters call it strategic, while critics label it a sellout. However, both parties are reacting to the same reality: this agreement is more than simply about tariffs, rather, it reshapes EU influence, access, and dependence.

50 Years After the Fall of Franco’s Dictatorship - Where Does Spain Stand Today?

By: Lavinia Tacke, reading time: 4 minutes.

Fifty years after Spain’s last dictatorship, the country still grapples with its turbulent past while shaping its future. In 1975, the last dictatorship in Europe came to an end when the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco died on November 20th. The Franco dictatorship was one of the longest in Europe, lasting from 1939 to 1975. It is known for its extreme brutality against the Spanish people, including the establishment of concentration camps, the use of forced labor, and executions. It is estimated that between 200,000 and  400,000 people died “in more than 190 concentration camps.” 

by: Jolanka Kocianova Vuong

Reading time 7 mins 20 sec

When writing Part 1 of the article, I did not place on a second article on the political climate in Slovakia. Unfortunately, the situation in Slovakia has not calmed down. It seems that things have further spiralled out of control. Slovakia experienced a coalition crisis at the beginning of the year, causing the parliament to be suspended for months, only to be solved by possible hidden bribery. Once the crisis was solved, the government was free to go on in its typical style: mismanaging an epidemic, assuring Russia of Slovakia’s support, bringing Slovakia’s cultural institutions to the verge of collapsing, and most recently building villas out of Eurofonds. The list goes on and on. Read on to find out more.

By Kristoffer Saetre and Agnese Porro

Reading time: 4:30 min 

“The era of the peace dividend is long gone. (...) Europe is ready to step up.” With these words, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the Commission’s White Paper on European Defence. In a paradigm shift, the EU responds to evolving threats in the contemporary European security environment.

By Ben Rosenbaum, Reading Time: 3 minutes

Stunning, remarkable, historic…those are just some of the words used to describe the recent election results in Australia on the third of May. Against the odds, the Australian Labor Party won a second term for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in what is widely seen as a repudiation of US President Donald Trump and his ideological partners in Australia. However, can Trump alone be blamed (or thanked?) for the result?

By Gabriel Panza, 2 Minutes 30 seconds

Imagine waking up ready to start your day, only to be plunged into darkness without any warning. On April 28^th, this alarming scenario became a reality for millions across Spain, Portugal, France, and even Belgium. This event left residents and businesses across the Iberian Peninsula scrambling, raising questions about the resilience of Europe’s energy grid and the threats lurking beneath modern power networks. 

Author: Miruna-Antonia Aniculăesei

Read time: 3:28

Since 1974, the European Union, formerly known as the European Communities, has been conducting the Standard Eurobarometer survey as a way to spread information about the organisation itself and gather support, as well as as a method of measuring the public level of satisfaction towards the EU. For almost 51 years, the Eurobarometer has shown the EU publics’ overall opinion on a diverse selection of EU matters and the way in which these opinions shift in response to crises After a turbulent period of crises, one would expect a decrease in public support for the Union, but what do the public opinion polls actually tell us about citizens’ reactions?

By: Lavinia Tacke

Reading time: 6 minutes

On Monday, April 28, Canada elected a new Prime Minister after the former leader, Justin Trudeau, resigned as leader of the Liberal Party and as Prime Minister in January. The new Prime Minister is Mark Carney, who already took over after Trudeau’s early resignation. Carney’s main campaign promises were to cut taxes for the middle class and to remove trade barriers between the provinces.

By Margaux Baudry, read 3 min

On May 7th, 2025, the thick wooden doors of the Sistine Chapel will once again close behind 133 Catholic cardinals- the electors tasked with choosing the next Pope. But this time, the air is less incense and more tense. Following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 on April 21st, the Church faces one of its most unpredictable and fractured conclaves in modern history. With more electors, deeper ideological divisions, and an increasingly globalized Church, this isn’t just about white smoke- it’s about what kind of Church emerges from the ashes.

By Ben Rosenbaum, Reading Time: ca. 4 minutes

With so many other crises dominating the EU’s agenda, the issue of climate action is much less prominent in the news compared to 6 years ago. But is this development also true for the EU’s actions to combat climate change, or are we just not hearing about it?

By Anna-Magdalena Glockzin, 4 minutes.

The AfD was the second-largest party in the recent German national elections (20.8% of the vote) and formed the strongest political group in East Germany. It has 15 members in the European Parliament and is even too radical for French far-right leader Marine Le Pen and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Moreover, the party has been linked to the far-right scene meeting in Potsdam on “remigration”, several scandals about foreign influence from Russia and China (take Maximilian Krah as an example), and recurring instances of trivialising the holocaust and the Nazi regime. Now Germany’s domestic intelligence service has officially classified the AfD as a right-wing extremist group. But why has this classification taken so long, and what does it mean for the party and German politics?

By Anna-Magdalena Glockzin, 4 minutes.

Following the German elections in February, the CDU (Christian Democratic Union), its Bavarian sister party CSU (Christian Social Union), and the SPD (Social Democratic Party) have now agreed to form a coalition, the so-called GroKo (Grand Coalition). This agreement is a success, considering the months of uncertainty and stagnation under Scholz’s minority government. Before the new government can take office, the SPD’s membership has to approve the agreement and a CDU convention has to be held. In the meantime, names of potential candidates for the ministries are already being discussed. The Foreign Ministry will be filled by the CDU, with three potential male candidates for this post. Considering Germany’s Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP), adopted by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (The Greens), the question arises of what will happen to this policy approach, as an ideological shift to the right took place in the government, materialising also in the Federal Foreign Office.

By Anna-Magdalena Glockzin, 3 minutes.

Do you remember the last time you wore a mask to protect yourself and your loved ones from an unknown virus? The rapid test before meeting your grandparents? The wait for access to a vaccine? These issues feel like they are from a different time. Today, current debates and concerns deal among many with Russia’s war against Ukraine, Trump’s unpredictable and ruthless politics, and the volatility of the world economy. Nonetheless, the COVID-19 pandemic made one thing very clear: a worldwide health crisis poses severe challenges and risks to our societies. The previous article on the COVID-19 pandemic aftermath discussed to what extent we are still affected today by the consequences of the pandemic. This blog post takes a closer look at the European Union (EU)’s preparedness for future health crises, finally asking whether the EU could deal with another future pandemic.

From: Jolanka Kocianova Vuong

Reading Time: 3 minutes 16 seconds

As a Commission President, Ursula Von Der Leyen is used to being at the center of attention. Whether during the first Trump administration, Climate Change, COVID, or the war in Ukraine, Von Der Leyen has always been the person to look up to for the EU to deliver solutions. Yet, this spotlight shines even brighter in the light of Trump's 20% Tariffs challenging the consequential implementation of the Green Deal. What are Von Der Leyen’s plans and how will it affect Europe? Read here to find out more.

By: Lavinia Tacke

Reading time: 5 minutes

In the wake of US President Donald Trump’s interest in Greenland, the world’s largest island has recently become one of the central topics in global media discourse. But what makes Greenland so unique and how did the island become what it is today?

By Gabriel Panza

Read time: 4 Minutes 15 Seconds

Starting a business in Europe can be a challenging venture, with numerous economic, social and political factors to consider. To find a prime location for business, aspiring entrepreneurs must explore diverse economies, innovative ecosystems, and supportive government frameworks. This article will explore five of the best EU countries for launching your business, noting each country’s unique advantages and business-friendly foundations. Whether you’re an experienced businessman or a first-time entrepreneur, understanding the benefits of these countries can aid in making a well-informed decision about where to start your successful business. Join us as we guide you through Europe’s top destinations for making your business dreams a reality!

By: Lavinia Tacke

Reading time: 4:40 minutes

In January a European spyware scandal flooded the international media. The phones of “around 90 activists and journalists across Europe” were spied on with the use of the software of the Israeli company Paragon Solutions. According to  the European Correspondent, the software can “read messages, record calls, track location and exfiltrate data from mobile devices”. 

by: Jolanka Kocianová Vuong

reading time: 5 minutes, 2 seconds

International aid is under attack! The two most prominent aid organizations in the world, USAID and UK Aid are reducing their spending dramatically, with severe consequences all over the world. It seems as if there is a new policy orientation in the world: down with international aid - let's invest in defence! Here, the recently introduced UK Spending Policy illustrates how funding for the country's armed forces comes at the cost of other important areas, most notably humanitarian support. This development gives rise to a few vital questions: What is the future of international aid? Is the EU going to step into the vacuum to substitute Member State spending, or are China and Russia going to use this opportunity to gain soft power in countries depending on foreign aid? Most importantly, are financial aid and defence spending mutually exclusive?

by Margaux Baudry, read 2 min 20

After a nine-week trial, Marine Le Pen was found guilty of embezzling a total of 4.5€ million in EU parliamentary funds. From 2004 to 2016, the party she led, Rassemblement National (National Rally), created fake work contracts for individuals with no connection to the European Parliament, using  taxpayers’ money to enrich the party. This judgment is not without impact on Le Pen’s career as it bans her from running for office for the next five years. She claimed her conviction was a “political decision” and went on to call it a “witch hunt”. But is this really an unfair punishment—or simply justice finally being served?

By Ben Rosenbaum, Reading Time: 5 mins

In an unexpected course reversal, Germany’s expected next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, pushed new spending rules through parliament. While these changes have broad support, Merz now faces questions about his credibility and whether these financial changes will be effective.

Author: Miruna-Antonia Aniculăesei

Reading time: 2.20

“Security, Europe!” is the slogan of the new Presidency of the Council of the European Union, taken over by Poland after Hungary's quite a controversial term. In comparison to the Hungarian Presidency, which failed to properly sanction Russia, the Polish representatives shaped their programme around the issue of security in the current tense geopolitical context.

By Margaux Baudry

If you feel like the EU enlargement has been stagnating for the past couple of years, it is because it has. Indeed, the last time the number of EU member states changed was when the UK withdrew in 2020. Before that, it was when Croatia joined the club in 2013. Enlargement is a natural phase of the process of European integration: the EU has been enlarging since its origin, and its expansion, for many, is considered one of the Union’s great successes.. Currently, seven states have been granted candidacy for the EU: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye and, last but not least, Ukraine. So, why is the process of enlargement at a standstill?