Topple, tame, trade: How Turkey is rewriting Syria’s future
Turkey didn’t orchestrate Assad’s fall, but it’s certainly cashing in on the aftermath. Now, it wants to mould Syria in its own image—if it can keep the Kurds from spoiling the party
Wider Europe
Echoes of Minsk: Lukashenka’s potential gain in Trump’s Ukraine deal
Trump could grant Lukashenka sanctions relief without demanding any meaningful concessions in return. The EU must continue to maintain pressure
A double bind: How unrest and geopolitics could end Serbia’s government
Mass protests are destabilising Aleksandar Vucic’s rule and his “à la carte” foreign policy positioning. As Serbia’s president faces his toughest challenge yet, the EU should seize the moment to support democratic change and regional stability
Cold calculations: Why a freezing Transnistria helps Moscow
Russian gas has stopped flowing to Europe, leaving Transnistria without an energy supply. Moldova, dependent on electricity from the breakaway region, is now facing soaring inflation months away from a crucial parliamentary election
What if Russia wins in Ukraine? We can already see the shadows of a dark 2025
Instability is growing, Putin’s hybrid war in Europe is heating up, and for fear of escalation we have encouraged global nuclear proliferation
Climate of connection: The Western Balkans, the EU, and the value of transport
The EU can work with existing regional integration mechanisms in the Western Balkans to help cut carbon emissions through transport investment
America first, Europe next: Trump will change dynamics in Western Balkan security
With US involvement waning, Europe faces a critical test in securing the Western Balkans. Renewed EU commitment could transform its neighbourhood and bolster its security
Time is running out for the EU to help safeguard Georgia’s future
With Salome Zourabichvili set to be replaced in Saturday’s presidential elections, Georgian Dream will tighten its grip on power, leaving protestors with no institutional support
Riding the wave: How Albania can make the most of its EU moment
Albania has begun talks to become an EU member state. Successful accession could restore credibility in the enlargement process for Western Balkan and eastern European candidate countries – while offering enhanced political and economic stability for Albania
Romania’s election crisis: A stark warning for NATO nations on Russian meddling
Romanian institutions could have better protected the elections had they not underestimated the rise of the far right and tolerated radical and nationalist elements in their ranks