From 14th of June and until the end of June there will be a major diplomatic game through the meetings between US President Joe Biden and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin, respectively. These meetings are highly likely to shape or begin to shape the future of South-Eastern Europe and the
Following the completion of the Covid-19 vaccination program, the Commission expects an improvement in the economic environment and increased growth rates for the economy of both the euro area and the EU in a more general context. The crucial question on the table is whether any external factors can appear to challenge, jeopardising the economic
The recent military crisis in the Middle East last month (May 2021) between Israel and Hamas is completely different from the previous crises (2008) and (2014) respectively because this time the crisis was not limited to Gaza but extended to East Jerusalem. in the West Bank and inland Israel. In addition, it restored the Palestinian
The fact that the EU has not found a way to counter Chinese dynamics is purely due to EU distortions. Given that the Eurozone is made up of 19 member -countries which may have a common currency but at the same time quite different economic incentives and interests in relation to China and beyond, it
What is happening today in the Middle East demonstrates how dangerous this region of the planet is by showing the world that at any time it can trigger an armed conflict. Religious differences remain in the popular classes and there are many religious fanatics. This means that “flammable material” in combination with the appropriate customs
Last week’s clashes between civilians, border guards and troops from the states of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in Central Asia create the framework for a larger-scale war focusing on the long-running water dispute (Batken border zone). So, far the recent clashes have resulted in the deaths of more than 30 people, injuring 150 and displacing more
In recent times the whole planet has been horrified by the rapid deployment of Russian forces near the border with Ukraine. But the folding of Russian troops was even faster following Russia’s decision to de-escalation of tension. Russia’s geographical advantage in this hotbed of tension has been instrumental in leading Russia once again in its
The US under Joe Biden’s presidency is trying to curb Russia’s ambitions in Europe. The US strongly supports Ukraine, while pressuring Ukraine’s leadership to implement reforms in the economy and society, fight corruption and end the power of Ukrainian Oligarchs. In addition to its geo-strategic calculations, the US is fighting against free regimes, guaranteeing the
Since the beginning of the new year (2021) there has been a continuous and escalating series of violations of the ceasefire in Eastern Ukraine by both the Russian-speaking separatists of Donetsk and Lugansk and the Ukrainian army, creating an appropriate climate to increase the likelihood of both sides being involved in an open military confrontation.
The fiasco that took place with Charles Michel-Ursula Von der Leyen’s visit to Turkey follows similar downward attitudes towards the EU, such as Josep Borell’s recent visit to Russia (see analysis entitled «How to Avoid A Repeat of a Devastating Visit by an EU High Representative for Foreign Policy to Russia»). From the Russian Foreign
