Europe's East
Putin in Crimea as Russia marks five years since ‘reunification’
Russian President Vladimir Putin flew into Crimea on Monday (18 March) to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Moscow's annexation of the strategic peninsula from Ukraine which was condemned by the West but remains popular among Russians.
Russia slams ‘hypocrisy’ of new Western sanctions ahead of Crimea anniversary
Ahead of the fifth anniversary of Moscow's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, condemned by the West but celebrated by most Russians, the United States, Canada and the EU slapped new sanctions on more than a dozen Russian officials and businesses in response to Moscow's "continued aggression in Ukraine."
Ukraine tempted by the Trump model
Voters in Ukraine may be tempted by a Trump-style option at Presidential elections at the end of March. Be careful what you wish for, warns Dmitriy Frolovskiy.
Puppet policy won’t solve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
The recent assertions by the Armenian Prime Minister to involve the illegal puppet regime established in the seized lands of Azerbaijan, in the Nagorno-Karabakh negotiations, can only paralyse the whole process, writes Hikmat Hajiev.
Patriotism, pressure, populism: How Poroshenko can win
In Ukraine’s upcoming presidential election, the candidate disliked by most could actually win, writes Balász Jarábik.
Lukashenko seeks better ties with West despite Russian ‘hysteric’ reactions
Belarus will seek better ties with the West even though this provokes “hysterics” from its traditional ally Russia, long-serving President Alexander Lukashenko said on Tuesday (5 March), a day after lifting a cap of five US diplomats in his country....
Armenia PM: Nagorno-Karabakh talks must include ‘Republic of Artsakh’
Armenia and Azerbaijan’s frosty relations have started to thaw since Nikol Pashinyan led a peaceful revolution in the Caucasus republic last year. In an interview with EURACTIV, he talked about future ties with Baku, as well as with Brussels and Moscow.
Comedian takes centre stage in Ukraine’s presidential race
In a popular Ukrainian TV series, comedian Volodymyr Zelenskiy plays a president who is scrupulously honest and outwits crooked lawmakers and shadowy businessmen who try to stand in his way.
Ukraine President’s associate quits in corruption probe ahead of vote
A close associate of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko stepped aside from a senior government role on Tuesday (26 February) pending a corruption investigation involving his son a month before the incumbent faces a tough battle for re-election.
Commission eager to see the capacity of Southern gas corridor doubled
A recent meeting of government officials and big energy companies in Azerbaijan signalled ambitions about doubling the capacity of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC), and of more European countries becoming clients.
Moldova looks set for hung parliament as opposition threatens protests
Early results pointed to a hung parliament in Moldova's election on Sunday (24 February), splitting the vote between pro-Western and pro-Russian forces at a time when the ex-Soviet republic's relations with the European Union have soured.
Moldova and Europe face a catastrophe if Russian-backed parties win power in Sunday’s election
The present government has steered the country towards the EU because it firmly believes that a European future means a brighter future. But the progress achieved could be derailed if Sunday’s vote goes against the reformers, writes Pavel Filip.
Poland seeks to protect its Ukrainian connection
Although they are vital to the Polish economy, no one really knows how many Ukrainian migrants live in the country.
In Moldova, voters choose between Russia and Europe
Voters in Moldova head to the polls on Sunday (24 February) for a parliamentary election reflecting the tiny ex-Soviet republic's long-standing division between pro-Russians and pro-Europeans.
France, Russia and US ‘working closely together’ on Nagorno-Karabakh
Positive momentum in the search for a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been confirmed in recent days, with fresh meetings and more shuttle diplomacy in the region.
Is Russia behind climate change protests in EU? ‘Definitely yes’, says Ukraine
Ukraine is sure that Russia actively supports the recent protests in EU countries against global warming, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin told a group of Brussels journalists on Monday (18 February).
Ukraine seeks EU help to prevent Russia from ‘suffocating’ its Azov Sea shore
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin told Brussels journalists on Monday (18 February) his country was asking the EU and the European Investment Bank (EIB) to engage in efforts to avoid the “suffocation” of a strategic territory coveted by Russia.
Ukraine’s elections highlight deep divides over natural gas
The direction of Ukraine’s energy policies is of great interest to observers in Brussels and the European capitals, as a stable and prosperous Ukraine would increase overall European energy security, writes Robert Rapier.
Ahead of EU polls, Facebook voids accounts targeting Moldovan election
Facebook Inc said on Thursday (14 February) it had disrupted an attempt to influence voters in Moldova, increasing concerns that EU elections in May could be prey to malign activity.
The EU must grant visa free travel to Kosovo
The EU finally needs to make good on its oft-repeated promise to grant visa free travel to Kosovo, says Behgjet Pachouli.
Ukrainian official charged in acid attack on activist after outcry
Ukrainian prosecutors said Monday (11 February) they had charged a high-ranking regional official with organising a deadly acid attack on a prominent anti-corruption activist that prompted widespread outrage.
With Salome Zurabishvili, Georgia leads the way, again
The new president of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, is a worthy member of the small group of women in the club of world heads of state and government, writes Clare Moody.
Russia uses gas as a lever for annexation, says Ukraine official
Russia has no interest in finding a compromise in the EU-mediated Ukraine gas transit talks and is using energy as a lever to weaken Kyiv in a bid to further the country's annexation, a top official of Ukraine's biggest utility, Naftogaz, told EURACTIV.com.