Why “peace” with Russia could cost Europe far more than war
What could be better than peace? The end of suffering, destruction, and a chance to rebuild. A moment to grieve for the fallen—and to look ahead with hope. It’s a compelling idea. Unless, of course, the peace is hollow—and one side never intended to stop fighting. The cost of that…
Serbia’s growing military ties with China
Secretary General Mark Rutte bluntly warned against Serbia’s growing defence cooperation with China while acknowledging Belgrade’s sovereign right to pursue it. Unlike most other countries from Eaestern Europe, Serbia is not a candidate for NATO membership. “Let’s not be naive about China,” Rutte said on 24 November, in an interview…
San Marino’s banking scandal erupts
SAN MARINO — In one of Europe’s tiniest republics — better known for medieval fortresses and discreet banking than front-page intrigue — a corporate takeover has spiraled into what could become one of the continent’s most explosive financial scandals in years. The protagonist is Assen Christov, a 62-year-old Bulgarian magnate…
The shadow fleet now has its own system for scrapping ships
Countries around the Baltic Sea have tried virtually every legal tool to deal with an escalating maritime nightmare: a steady traffic of decrepit tankers passing through their waters. And no, scuttling them is not an option — it would be illegal. But an even bigger problem is now surfacing. Most…
Digital rights and a democratic imperative
“The findings paint a concerning picture, underscoring the urgent need for continuous, independent monitoring of digital rights violations in a region that remains highly vulnerable,” the report says. It is based on 1,440 incidents registered by BIRN’s monitoring team from September 2024 to August 2025 in ten countries – Albania,…