In her State of the European Union address, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, joined by Parliament President Roberta Metsola, set out a vision of solidarity for a continent under pressure. From current events in Ukraine and Gaza to the significance of energy and technology, the speech revealed both the EU’s determination and its deep divisions. With MEPs pressing tough questions, the speech underscored Europe’s priorities, highlighting the uncertain path ahead.
Read MoreThe extended process of Sweden’s NATO accession, still incomplete, is an important reminder of the complexity of modern international politics. A move by Sweden to join a defensive alliance due to concerns stemming from Russian actions in Ukraine is delayed due to a dispute about security and human rights with Turkey.
Read More“Given the history of political and ideological conflict between Western nations and Russia, recent Ukrainian alignment with Western nations as well as NATO has been perceived as betrayal by Putin. With former Soviet nations like Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania already members of NATO, Putin faces a waning sphere of Russian influence in Eastern Europe. Putin’s manifestation of war in Ukraine reveals his fear of losing political influence, as demonstrated by his impetuous and desperate military endeavor to maintain political influence and power over Ukraine.”
Read More“Last Wednesday, Estonia’s foreign intelligence agency claimed that Russia is counting on COVID-19 to weaken unity in the West. The Kremlin allegedly hopes to gain a more prominent role on the international stage through this weakening of Western global influence caused by COVID-19 disunity.”
Read More“Hungary has been on a shopping spree of military and defense technology in the past few years. These purchases are part of Hungary’s ten-year Zrinyi 2026 military development program with the aim to upgrade the country’s weapons and defense forces.”
Read More“The EU must seek to reconcile their ideological values of human rights and personal liberties with their conflicting economic interests and the benefits of a close trading relationship with China.”
Read More“What was previously a local dispute over maritime borders between Greece and Turkey has become a matter of international interest after a 2010 study by the US Geological Survey estimated 1.7 billion barrels of recoverable oil and 122 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Levant Basin. Turkey’s survey vessel -The Orus Reis - crossed into recognized Greek territory in early August. It was originally supposed to finish its mission last Monday, but on Saturday evening, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu announced that it would remain in the region for another 90 days.”
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