Russia

A collection of 140 posts

Austria coalition ends five months of limbo

Austria coalition ends five months of limbo

Austria’s centre-right People’s Party (OVP), centre-left Social Democrats (SPO) and centrist, liberal NEOs have now finalised a coalition pact after a five-month political impasse and two rounds of failed negotiations. Members of the NEOs voted 94% in favour of a coalition deal on Sunday, 2 March, clearing the

Poland FM backs Ukraine, but rejects EU army idea

Poland FM backs Ukraine, but rejects EU army idea

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stressed the necessity of European involvement in any peace talks involving Russia and Ukraine, at a meeting in Paris on 12 February, arguing that a fair deal with strong security guarantees is essential for lasting peace. Poland inks open letter with other major EU powers

CEE media outlets, civil groups count cost of Trump’s aid freeze

CEE media outlets, civil groups count cost of Trump’s aid freeze

The suspension of foreign aid by incoming US President Donald Trump on 24 January is causing major disruption in sectors including independent media and NGOs across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), with many institutions now frantically seeking alternative funding sources. The US has traditionally played a key role in funding

What Trump presidency means for CEE

What Trump presidency means for CEE

US President Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on Monday, 20 January, broke with tradition and extended invitations to political leaders. However, footage of former Poland prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki attempting to cross a barricade into the ceremony site by showing US National Guard members his Wikipedia page, which went viral

Poland begins EU presidency with Orban snub

Poland begins EU presidency with Orban snub

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he will prioritise security, defence and support for Ukraine while strengthening sanctions on Russia, at the launch event of his country’s presidency of the Council of the EU on 3 January, 2025. The gala began with a speech from Tusk, who outlined the

Romania voids Russia-linked presidential ballot

Romania voids Russia-linked presidential ballot

Romania’s Constitutional Court (CCR) annulled the country’s presidential election on Friday, 6 December after the emergence of evidence of Russian interference in the lead-up to the first-round vote late last month. Pro-Russian ultranationalist candidate and political newcomer Calin Georgescu unexpectedly won the first round of voting on 24

Populist surge in Romanian presidential election sees PM humbled

Populist surge in Romanian presidential election sees PM humbled

Romania’s presidential election race delivered a shock result on Sunday, 24 November, as far-right, pro-Russia independent Calin Georgescu won the first round with 22.9% support, with 97.48% of the votes counted. The positive result for Georgescu defied exit polls – and has rocked the country – after the relative

CEE mulls ramifications of Trump's victory on trade, defence, environment

CEE mulls ramifications of Trump's victory on trade, defence, environment

As Donald Trump officially declared his victory in the US election, he received congratulations from numerous Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) leaders including Polish President Andrzej Duda and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. However, CEE politicians and observers are now wondering what the leadership change in Washington will bring, as

To the victor go the spoils - the big winners and losers of Trump's second presidency - CET op-ed

To the victor go the spoils - the big winners and losers of Trump's second presidency - CET op-ed

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, no stranger to political brinkmanship, went all in on Donald Trump’s election victory: a win that was by no means assured when he paid a surprise visit to the US in July. Hungary currently holds the six-month rotating EU presidency, and Orban has repeatedly,

Moldova pivots to EU in presidential vote

Moldova pivots to EU in presidential vote

Moldovan President Maia Sandu defeated her pro-Russian rival Alexandr Stoianoglo by around 55% to 45% in the presidential second-round vote on Sunday, 3 November. While Stoianoglo was ahead in rural areas, the south, and the breakaway republic of Transnistria, pro-EU Sandu took Chisinau and other cities and was also the

CEE countries take sides in aftermath of Georgia's disputed election

CEE countries take sides in aftermath of Georgia's disputed election

In the wake of the parliamentary elections in Georgia held on 26 October 2024, international reactions ranged from congratulations to expressions of concern over the integrity of the electoral process.  Doubts over the legitimacy of last weekend’s vote have placed the country at the centre of a geopolitical tug-of-war,