(Report) The Ukraine Conundrum: Reform, Resilience, And European Integration

Ukraine’s path to EU membership will necessitate the establishment of clear standards for rule of law and fundamental values, along with effective mechanisms to ensure ongoing compliance post-accession. This approach is crucial to ensuring that future enlargements positively impact EU governance.

Will Russia Pay for Ukraine’s Reconstruction? Analysing European Regulation on Utilising Extraordinary Net Profits from Frozen Assets

The EU approved the Council Regulation (EU) 2024/1469 which authorises the use of net profits from the frozen assets of the Central Bank of Russia to support Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction, and self-defence against Russia’s war of aggression.

Securing Tomorrow: The BND and German Foreign Intelligence

The Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND) is Germany’s foreign intelligence service, which is seen as a transparent tool of the German republican democracy. Recently, it has faced criticism for a series of counterintelligence debacles and public debate has emerged about its effectiveness as an intelligence service. This article examines the BND’s tasks, structure, and fundamental differences compared to conventional intelligence services. 

The European Defence Industrial Strategy: a new step within the European Union’s Security and Defence roadmap

The defence has become a key issue for the EU. After Russia’s invasion old needs have resurged. The EDIS sets the defence industrial policy.

Let’s Tune In To The EU’s Periphery: Lithuania President Re-elected As Nation Faces Russian Threat

President Nauseda won re-election, yet he has little time to celebrate as Lithuania must continue to prepare for potential Russian aggression.

The Tian-Shan Gambit: Europe’s Ambitions in Central Asia 

Central Asia is a vast and resource-rich region situated between three major centers of influence. Formerly part of both the Russian Empire and then the Soviet Union, its nations have only recently gained independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. They continue to be influenced by Moscow, although they have made some significant strides towards autonomy in their own right. The Russian military’s actions in Ukraine have continuously eroded the credibility of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a Russian-led military alliance. This, coupled with a significant loss of soft power in the countries of the post- Soviet space, which traditionally formed part of its sphere of influence, could create an opening for other influential actors to emerge as real alternative partners. The European Union wishes to consider an even more proactive role in Central Asia, given the young nations’ of Central Asia newfound pragmatism in foreign policy and its potential to enhance EU interests.

Let’s Tune In To The EU’s Periphery: Slovak Democracy At Risk, Assassination Attempt of PM

Slovak Prime Minister survived an assassination attempt, yet Slovak democracy is still on life support.

Let’s Tune In To The EU’s Periphery: Donald Tusk To Fortify Nation Against Illegal Immigration

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk plans to fortify Poland’s eastern border to prevent illegal immigration.