Long-reads

Frozen Eurointegration, thawed stagnation: how Ukraine’s justice system has changed over the past year
The European Commission delivered rather clear and unambiguous signals to the Ukrainian government regarding rule-of-law reforms.
Prison for president: how Sarkozy's sentence changes France's political landscape
A former head of state has received a real prison term for the first time in France’s history. The stereotype that the country’s leading politicians remain untouchable has been shattered.
Moldova's "kamikaze PM" from Ukraine: will he resolve the Transnistrian conflict with Russia?
The prime minister does not seek a future in politics and is expected to play the role of a kamikaze. His overarching mission may turn out to be the reintegration of Transnistria.
Conditions for helping Ukraine: under what circumstances will EU use Russian assets?
The question of using the frozen Russian assets is shifting from politics to law and finance. What now matters are not slogans and intentions, but formulas, guarantees, and risks.
Frontloading: EU’s alternative path to break Hungary’s veto on Ukraine's accession talks
An alternative plan of action to bypass Hungary’s veto is on the table. The chances of its approval are extremely high. It’s not perfect, but Ukraine has agreed to it...
Macron between bad and worse: how France's turmoil affects Ukraine and Europe
If France retreats from the geopolitical frontline, Russia faces fewer constraints and more opportunities, in Ukraine, and beyond.
America is back: NATO considers massive weapons support for Ukraine in 2026
After 15 October, America can be truly said to be back in the game. There’s a very simple explanation for this dramatic turnaround…
Blow to judicial reform: what problems the Venice Commission's opinion on the vetting of judges brings
Some of the Commission’s recommendations could, in the long run, significantly complicate or even make impossible the process of cleansing Ukraine’s judiciary and holding low-integrity judges accountable.
The fear hindering Ukraine's rescue: how EU struggles over Russian money
The process has now entered its most sensitive stage. Russia will attempt to challenge the mechanism.
For the far-right, but not for their values: how and why Polish youth vote
In the Polish elections, a large share of young people voted for far-right candidates – supporters of restricting the rights of Ukrainians. Why did this happen?
A new reality for Europe: a world with war but without US support
Putin sees an opportunity to reshape – with Trump's help – the world order in his favor. Europe is the first port of call for his revisionist strategy.
From paid voters to Romania-lovers: who's helping the Kremlin hack Moldova's elections?
Could far-right unionists join forces with the left-wing, pro-Russian Igor Dodon? The answer is clear – yes they could, united by their hatred of Maia Sandu...
A course of intimidation: how Donald Trump is attacking democracy in the US
The overall goals of Trump's agenda have become clear enough: weaken the United States abroad and establish a dictatorship at home.
No longer Putin's friends but not for sure. What connects Le Pen's party with the Kremlin
France's far right has been forced to adjust its narrative on Russia and Ukraine. Yet much has remained unchanged.
A €70 billion idea: what the EU's new initiative on frozen Russian assets changes
The new approach will send a strong political signal: Russia is beginning to pay for the war now.
What is the goal of Russia's mass drone attack on Poland and how should NATO respond?
The threshold for calling this an "attack" on NATO is not clearly defined. But Russia has done everything it can to ensure it does not cross the line…
Last but not a hero: can Europe overcome its weakness and lead the free world?
No other country or region is free, prosperous, endowed with the right values – and large enough to be an example to the world.
Who influences Macron: how France's leading parties split over support for Ukraine
Which of France's major political parties continue to support Ukraine (and to what extent), and which tend toward compromises with Putin?