(Analysis) Croatia, The Long Journey To Eurozone And Schengen Area

It has taken 9.5 years to become part of the Eurozone and Schengen Area. This is due to the strict entry requirements that govern these agreements.

Let’s Tune In To The EU’s Periphery: Leveraging Expats To Support Portuguese Economy

Portugal has seen a rise in Expats moving to the nation. Leaders must decide how to leverage these new arrivals to help make the Portuguese economy competitive and improve living standards for Portuguese citizens.

Let’s Tune In To The EU’s Periphery: Hungary Advocates for Georgian EU Candidate Status

Last year Ukraine and Moldova were recognized as official candidates of the EU. Georgia on the other hand only had its European perspective recognized but Hungary isn’t having it anymore. Hungary calls this decision political rather than based on merit and demands Georgia be given candidate status this fall.

Democratic Backsliding and Self-Centered Foreign Policy: Hungary-EU Relations in Perils

The rise of Viktor Orbán’s right-wing populist party, Fidesz, in Hungary in 2010 has led to tension and conflict between Hungary and the EU. The Hungarian government’s numerous legislative acts undermine democracy, human rights, and the freedoms of its citizens, posing a pressing issue for both Hungarian citizens and the EU. The EU faces obstacles in holding Hungary accountable for its actions, but prolonged inaction could lead to increasingly severe consequences.

Let’s Tune In To The EU’s Periphery: Italy First Nation To Ban Artificial Meat

Tradition is everything in Italian cuisine and the nation refuses to budge. Lab grown meat will not be allowed to be produced within the EU member state without a hefty financial penalty.

Security Watch: What implications does the Niger coup d’état have for the Sahel?

On Wednesday 26 July, the head of Niger’s presidential guard, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, proclaimed himself head of state following a military pronunciamiento. By this time, the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, from Niger’s Arab ethnic minority, was sequestered and removed from his presidential palace. This power grab risks upsetting the security and geopolitical balance in the Sahel, which has already been weakened by terrorist movements and the arrival of the Russian armed group Wagner.

Let’s Tune In To The EU’s Periphery: Cyprus Becomes European Union’s Promised Land

As Israel’s democracy becomes unstable along with rising housing and living costs, Israelis have been moving elsewhere. Only 40 minutes away by airplane, Cyprus has become a popular destination. This allows Israelis to visit family while also allowing Israelis to get a permanent residency permit in Cyprus through investing. Cypriots have become increasingly unhappy as home prices have started to soar. Time will tell how relations develop between Cypriots and Israelis.

Let’s Tune In To The EU’s Periphery: Poland Rushes To Secure Border With Belarus….Again

Poland is once again concerned about its border it shares with Belarus. Belarussian President Lukashenko has weaponized migration in the past as a result of sanctions the European Union has placed on Belarus. Poland is moving more military members to the border in order to ensure that migrants do not make it through.