The UK has cut funding aimed at countering Russian propaganda in the Western Balkans, where Russia is accused of sowing division and destabilisation, from £40 million last year to £24 million for 2025-26. Keir Starmer’s decision to cut overseas aid has resulted in a 40 percent reduction in funding for...
Cyprus’ 2026 EU presidency priorities
Cyprus will assume the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 January 2026, with a plan to prioritise migration, relations with southern neighbours, and water-resilience during its six-month term. Cypriot deputy minister for migration and international protection, Nicholas A. Ioannides, emphasised his country would advance current EU...
The “Serbian World” doctrine
The Western Balkans remain a "critical security hotspot" requiring the EU's "full attention", Rumen Radev warned. Bulgarian President Rumen Radev urged the European Union to take Belgrade’s activity under the so-called “Serbian World” doctrine very seriously, warning that it could pose a serious threat to the stability of the Western...