In a year dominated by the rhetoric of defending democracy, EU democracy support policies were adjusted in important ways to align with the new geopolitical context. However, the union also seemed to treat commitments in this area as second-order priorities compared to security.
The growing weakness of Russia is one reason for the recent escalation in the decades-old conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Peace in the Caucasus and the post-Soviet neighborhood is more attainable if there is an stabilizing international security presence.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has disrupted the global security order, shattering the fragile relationship between Moscow and Brussels.
Chancellor Scholz’s refusal to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine is antagonizing Germany’s allies and will negatively impact European integration. Berlin should seize this chance to shape history.
Viktor Orbán began his second term as prime minister of Hungary in 2010. Since then, his governments and their promoted reforms have subverted the country’s liberal institutions and highlighted the fragility of democracy.
Serbia is pursuing EU membership yet continues to cultivate ties with Russia. To secure President Vucic’s cooperation and win over the disgruntled Serbian public, the union must use its leverage in the region.
As Russia’s brutal attack continues, it is becoming increasingly clear that the war will have no winners. The West must do more to help Ukraine end the human suffering, attain a just peace, and preserve its sovereignty.
New Western commitments to deliver combat vehicles to Ukraine are putting Berlin on the spot. To prevent Russia from further destabilizing Europe, Germany must forge a special Europapolitik.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has exposed important differences in European visions of future security. If left to fester, these will deepen resentment between Europe’s East and West.*
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