Europe's East
Estonian ambassador: Trump is right, Europe should pay for own defence
Estonian Ambassador to Poland Harri Tiido explained the priorities of his country’s EU Presidency and talked about the current challenges facing Europe, in an interview with EURACTIV.pl.
Rebel leader: New state of ‘Malorossiya’ will replace Ukraine
The pro-Russian rebel leader of a breakaway region in eastern Ukraine proposed on yesterday (18 July) replacing Ukraine with a new federal state Malorossiya (Little Russia), in comments that could further undermine a 2015 peace deal that is already faltering.
Azerbaijan is disappointed with EU’s role in Nagorno-Karabakh
It's a pity that the EU Special Representative (EUSR) for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia did not contribute to the effort to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, writes Dr Gulshan Pashayeva.
Dutch unveil memorial for victims of downed MH17 airplane
The Netherlands unveiled a national monument on Monday in memory of the 298 people killed in the downing of a Malaysia Airlines jetliner in 2014 above territory controlled by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.
MH17: The deadliest attack against EU citizens
Today (17 July) is the anniversary of the attack that claimed the largest number of EU lives since a united Europe emerged from the rubble of WWII, when 298 civilians were killed, including 80 children, on flight MH17. Juraj Mesík looks back, three years on.
Georgia: Failing democratic transition or Eastern Partnership success story?
To the untrained eye, Georgia’s European future looks secure. Yet, zoom in closer and Georgia is quickly turning into another oligarchic regime in the region, where political competition and free speech are on the wane. Salome Samadashvili calls on Brussels to act.
Trans-Europe Express: Will the EU ever get the Western Balkans right?
The EU's fast-and-loose approach to the Western Balkans has never been more evident than in the last few years.
EU pushes Ukraine on corruption at Kyiv summit
European Union leaders yesterday (13 July) pushed Ukraine to step up its battle against corruption after the 28-nation bloc agreed to ratify a landmark cooperation deal.
Ukraine Association Agreement deal sealed ahead of Kyiv summit
After years of delay, the EU formally approved on Tuesday (11 July) the Association Agreement with Ukraine, ahead of a high-profile summit in Kyiv beginning on Wednesday (12 July).
Mogherini, Lavrov agree to disagree on EU-Russia issues
EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov yesterday (11 July) said both sides could cooperate on key international issues but traded barbs over Syria at the same time.
Ukraine seeks route into NATO
Ukraine will begin discussions with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation on an action plan with the aim of joining the US-led alliance, its leader said on Monday (10 July), while the country would work on reforms to meet membership standards by 2020.
Siemens turbines cause whirlwinds in Crimea
A firm part-owned by German firm Siemens was preparing to install electricity turbines in Crimea despite prohibitive EU sanctions. The issue was brought to the attention of Brussels and Siemens on Monday (10 July).
Trump in Poland: It’s history, stupid!
Donald Trump’s visit to Poland is a fulfilment of the Law and Justice’s (PiS) wildest dreams. In his speech, Trump lavished Polish politicians with praise. Smiling Polish leaders, scorned in EU corridors and plenaries, now finally found their true ally and friend, writes Karolina Zbytniewska.
Belarus deflects Lithuanian attempt to mobilise support against nuclear plant
Belarus has avoided a resolution by the European Security watchdog OSCE criticising the construction of the Astravyets nuclear power plant, a project which neighbouring Lithuania strongly opposes on the grounds of nuclear safety concerns.
Take Two for Trump in talks with unnerved European allies
US President Donald Trump will get a chance to patch up transatlantic ties this week when he meets with NATO allies still rattled by his failure on an earlier trip to embrace the principle that an attack against one member is an attack against all.
Trump to promote US LNG exports at Warsaw summit
US President Donald Trump plans to promote US liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports at a meeting next Thursday (6 July) in Warsaw with a dozen leaders from Central and Eastern Europe, a region heavily reliant on Russian supplies.
Germany urges lasting ceasefire in eastern Ukraine
German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel on Wednesday (28 June) called for Ukraine and Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine to extend a harvest-related ceasefire, saying it could help pave the way for a political solution.
New lines in the sand in the Middle East
The Middle East used to be known for its stale continuity. But with the Qatar crisis now in its third week, the region is finding itself convulsed in its biggest diplomatic shakeup in decades, warns Willem Oosterveld.
A quiet Ukrainian success for the EU
The EU may have its hands full with Donald Trump and Brexit. But quietly, modestly, things are starting to go right in Ukraine, writes Sir Graham Watson.
Macron puts faith in Minsk accords
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday (26 June) he saw no better way of negotiating an end to the Ukraine conflict than through the Minsk agreements, sharply differing with comments made by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
EU leaders agree to extend sanctions against Moscow
EU leaders have agreed to extend sanctions against Moscow for another six months because of Russia's failure to implement a peace deal for Ukraine, European Council President Donald Tusk said in a tweet on the first day of the 22-23 June EU Summit.
Poroshenko to meet Trump before US president sees Putin
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko will meet US counterpart Donald Trump in Washington Tuesday (20 June) for talks on security, political and economic issues, Poroshenko's office said.
EU extends Crimea bans, same expected for broader Russia sanctions
The European Union extended on Monday (19 June) for another year its trade sanctions on the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, annexed by Russia from Ukraine in 2014, and diplomats said they expected the bloc to do the same for its sanctions on Moscow soon.
New Macedonia leaders vow to revive EU/NATO bid
Macedonia's new leaders showed fresh resolve to revive the country's stalled bid for membership of the EU and NATO on Monday (June 12) by vowing to mend relations with estranged EU neighbours Greece and Bulgaria and implement long-delayed reforms.