Oil exports remain a key source of revenue for the Russian budget, financing the war in Ukraine and supporting the economy. However, in 2025, the situation changed radically. New US sanctions, Ukrainian drone strikes on oil refineries, and global market factors led to a sharp drop in Russian oil volumes...
The last criminal case against Donald Trump has been closed in the United States
On 27 November 2025, in one of the most dramatic twists in American politics, the Georgia Supreme Court officially closed the last remaining criminal case against President Donald Trump. This was a high-profile allegation of interference in the 2020 election, which was once considered one of the most serious threats...
Why France is reintroducing voluntary military service
In recent years, Europe has been experiencing a period of instability caused by geopolitical shifts, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and growing aggression from Russia. In this context, France, which has traditionally positioned itself as a key player in European security, is taking measures to strengthen its defense capabilities....
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,...
Nexperia: аnother victory for China
The Dutch government placed Nexperia — headquartered in the Netherlands but owned by China’s Wingtech — under emergency state supervision. Washington had urged The Hague to act, warning that Chinese ownership of a European chipmaker carried strategic risks. Beijing hit back quickly. China blocked exports of Nexperia-made chips from its...
Bulgaria’s Trans-Balkan pipeline
The classic Trans-Balkan Pipeline consists of two high-pressure transit lines that cross Bulgaria from north to south and historically connected Romania to Turkey. Today these lines carry zero gas in either direction. Reverse flow does exist, but only on the former Kardam–Negru Vodă 1 line, which was quietly transferred to...