The Bavarian regional elections have provided the ruling Christian Social Union with an absolute majority. But the defeat of the Free Democratic Party could be more detrimental to Chancellor Merkel's election success. READ MORE

Secretary of State John Kerry, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and UN Special Representative Lakhdar just emerged from their discussion about a potential Geneva 2 peace conference to make brief, individual statements. Questions were not taken. According to Kerry, if progress can be made on the chemical issue he and Lavrov would likely meet in New York on or about September 28 to try to arrive at a date for the peace conference. READ MORE

In the run-up to federal elections, Germany confronts a leadership problem. In the 19th century, Germans debated their unification and role in Europe. Today, journalists, commentators, and policy experts across Europe and the world have reframed the German Question, arguing that a lack of decisive leadership during the euro crisis is now the biggest threat Germany poses to its neighbors.  READ MORE

In the days preceding the visit of Xi in Tashkent, Russian experts agreed on one thing - China is not left in isolation from Russia in Central Asia competitive struggle which, it should be noted, while developing a common framework of "healthy competition" between the two powers. However, on certain economic areas can already be seen advancing sensitive Beijing Moscow. READ MORE

Štefan Füle, European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy said on Wednesday that the Customs Union membership of the Eastern Partnership countries is not compatible with EU’s Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). READ MORE

Greece is a hot topic in Germany's election campaign, as the two main parties debate another bailout for Athens. Greek MEP Dimitrios Droutsas told these decisions shouldn't be made during an election. READ MORE