For some years now, Slovakia has been going through a period of profound political change. Marked by a complex history influenced by the Pan-Slavic movement and the legacy of the communist period, the Slovak political scene is characterised by growing instability, a division of society and a rise in populist discourse. Successive events have fuelled discontent and protests, which are now directed at the Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Growing discontent

The Lire la suite

2024 will be remembered as a pivotal year for European agriculture as it faced major climatic, economic and geopolitical crises. It was also the year in which the Parliament and the Commission were renewed. While the representation of farmers in the European Parliament remains relatively stable compared to the previous term, it will be some time before their real influence can be judged. The new European Commission is keen, it seems, to pursue ambitious transformations striking a fine line be...Lire la suite

The role of women in major economic and social transformations is often underestimated, yet it is fundamental. From the work of female textile workers during the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century to their involvement in hitherto male-dominated sectors such as technology, digital technology and defence, their participation has been a key driver of progress and innovation. Yet many inequalities remain, and the glass ceiling seems very hard to break for the female half of humanity in so ...Lire la suite

10 years ago, European Union representatives were still far from enthusiastic about Ukraine. Indeed, the Association Agreement signed by President Poroshenko in 2014 which came into force three years later[1], although far-reaching, lacked a clear political objective[2]. Russia's massive invasion of Ukraine has considerably acc...Lire la suite

For three years, a war has been raging on Europe's borders between two geographically connected states – a conflict that originated in Russia's occupation of Crimea and Donbass almost 11 years ago. Since then, every political and military decision-maker in our part of Europe should have realized that there is a (great) power on our continent that is ready at any time to put ‘war as a continuation of politics by other means’ (Clausewitz) into practice. The deterrent ...Lire la suite