Catalonia, Scotland, and Flanders Force Separatism Back on the EU Agenda
With the eurozone’s woes still dominating headlines four years after the crisis began, it would be natural to assume that the European Union’s economic challenges were the most significant issue affecting its member states. But while the euro crisis has been simmering, separatist movements championed by charismatic leaders have patiently gathered strength in places such as Catalonia, Scotland, and Flanders. READ MORE
Global Trends 2030: Alternative Worlds
The U.S. National Intelligence Council (NIC) released its latest report on Dec. 10, “Global Trends 2030: Alternative Worlds,” in order to provide a framework for thinking about the future. Although it was principally authored by the NIC’s leading global futurist, Mat Burrows, it does not seek to predict the future, an impossible feat, but rather sketch an outline for possible futures. The main contours of the report are so familiar by now from similar reports that there are few new ideas; even though it talks about “tectonic shifts” there is certainly nothing shocking. READ MORE
Yanukovych: Ukraine, EU one step away from signing Association Agreement
Ukraine is determined to sign an association agreement with the European Union as soon as possible, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has said. READ MORE
PM Tusk – Poland must adopt single currency or 'stay on the periphery'
As EU leaders agree on supervision of eurozone banks, Prime Minister Tusk has said Poland must decide whether it wants adopt the single currency or remain on the “periphery of Europe”. READ MORE
Georgia after Parliamentary elections: which road to take?
During the parliamentary polls in October the opposition coalition block Georgian Dream with its leader billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili defeated the United National Movement of Mikhail Saakashvili. After the elections public space of the country was full of various forecasts, including the fears on possible Georgia‘s return to Russia‘s influence. READ MORE
The Council Of The European Union Endorses Trio Programme Of Future Irish, Lithuanian And Greek Presidencies
On 11 December in Brussels, ministers of the European Union member states endorsed the programme of the Council of the European Union for the Irish, Lithuanian and Greek Presidencies. The so-called Trio will be responsible for the EU’s legislative process from 1 January 2013 to 30 June 2014. READ MORE
EU-Russia gas supply partnership
Partnership, Europe's dependence, or interdependence between Russia and the European Union, there are many ways people use to define the EU-Russia relationship around natural gas. Even if Europe does try to diversify its energy suppliers and partners, or even redefine the rules of the game, gas could still remain the continent's key energy resource for the next century and Russia, its main supplier. READ MORE
A U.S. Air Force Detachment in Poland Presents a Strategic Opportunity
Ever since NATO’s initial post-Cold War enlargement, the absence of U.S. military assets in Central Europe has been seen as indicative of the new NATO members’ second-tier status. The perception has endured, even though the Barack Obama administration pushed through NATO contingency plans for the defense of Central Europe and the Baltics. The administration’s “reset” with Russia, the new strategic guidance of 2012, the so-called “pivot” to Asia, and U.S. public relations missteps in Poland only deepened the sense of disconnect. READ MORE
Could Syria Be a Test of France’s Reemergence?
French President François Hollande faces no shortage of domestic problems following the unveiling of his government’s controversial budget. But at a November 13 press conference, Hollande diverted attention to foreign policy by announcing France’s recognition of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people, making it the first Western country to embrace that organization. This decision was celebrated as a crucial step toward the end of the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, and as a symbol of Hollande’s ability to make tough decisions. READ MORE
East Remains the Key Direction to Ensure National Security for Polish Policy
After the year of 1990 Polish policy within eastern direction staked at the USSR collapse and establishment of the belt of free, liberal and friendly countries, a peculiar stable buffer zone protecting Poland from Russia. The slogan was the idea of Jerzy Giedroyc: “The stronger our position in East is, the more West shall take us into account”. READ MORE
