Brussels – Italy failed to notify the EU of the measures implemented to combat money laundering that could be used to finance terrorism. For this reason, the Meloni government now faces a brand-new infringement procedure, with a request to submit all necessary documentation to Brussels within two months to comply with EU regulations....
How the rightwing in Czech Republic and Hungary is targeting Ukrainian refugees
Fuelled by misinformation spread by politicians about Ukrainians exploiting social welfare systems , anti-Ukrainian sentiment is on the rise across Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania. This backlash is fuelled by social tensions and nationalist rhetoric, leading to increased polarisation, public hostility, and in some cases, the risk of...
Moldova is battling for its future amid a tug-of-war between the Kremlin and its friends in Western Europe
The parliamentary election in Moldova on 28 September is crucial for the country and will test its fragile democratic system, its European Union (EU) future, and Russia’s ability to suck countries back into its orbit and undermine their democracy. For Russia, the vote is a must-win issue, as it is...
Russian propagandists are parroting the Kremlin’s apparent indifference to Trump’s attacks
Trump concluded his post by stating, “I wish both Countries well. We will continue to supply weapons to NATO for NATO to do what they want with them. Good luck to all!” US President Donald J. Trump Surprises with Statement on Russia and Ukraine US President Donald J. Trump surprised...
U.S. sanctions on Serbia’s NIS refinery set for 1 October
The move ends months of temporary waivers and places Serbia's energy infrastructure in precarious limbo. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced on 25 September, during a media briefing in New York at the United Nations General Assembly, that U.S. sanctions against Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS), Serbia’s largest oil producer and sole...
Norway boosts aid to Ukraine
As Norway’s defense spending and support for Ukraine sharply increase, Russia has taken notice. At the start of this year, Norway came under attack. Not from a hostile power, but from its traditional Nordic friends. How, they asked, could Oslo benefit so much from rising oil and gas prices following...
Europe’s security depends on Russia’s post-imperial transformation
In contrast to the former colonial powers of Western Europe, Russia has maintained a deep attachment to its imperial tradition into the 21st century. Restoring long-term stability to the European continent will require Russia to develop a robust sense of nationhood — one that respects the independence and sovereignty of...
Europe moves toward shadow fleet seizures
European authorities are no longer confining their response to Russia’s shadow fleet to sanctions lists. This year, some European port authorities began to require tangible proof of insurance and registry documentation. Finland, for example, implemented systematic checks in its exclusive economic zone on 11 December. The requirement applies to tankers...
EU Commission sued over lack of environmental transparency
On Monday (22 September), the London-based NGO ClientEarth is expected to sue the European Commission for what it says is an anti-transparency push which will weaken public scrutiny of EU decision-making. “With this legal case, we want to defend citizens’ fundamental right to know – what pesticides end up in...
Moldova’s Election: a test of Europe’s resolve
President Maia Sandu’s pro-European Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) faces a resurgent opposition in the September 28 vote, and evidence of Kremlin meddling is everywhere. The result won’t just determine who will form a government, but whether a small state can withstand Russia’s hybrid warfare — and what that means...