Hampered by serious problems within some countries of the region and in their relationship with the European Union, the European integration process in the Western Balkans has been uneven and protracted.
Geopolitics in Eastern Europe
Confidence Building in the Shadow of War: Moldova, Transdniestria, and the Uncertain Future of the 5+2 Process
How can the OSCE build and maintain confidence between the parties in the Transdniestrian conflict?
Despite Russian setbacks, an end to the war in Ukraine is not yet in sight
For the past two months, Russia has systematically targeted Ukrainian infrastructure. Apart from destruction, this campaign has achieved virtually nothing positive for Russia.
Putin’s Belarus visit ends with talk of defence cooperation and nuclear sabre-rattling
Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to Minsk has raised renewed fears that Belarus might be drawn into the war in Ukraine.
Ukraine war: drones are transforming the conflict, bringing Russia on to the frontline
Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg spoke recently of his fear that the war in Ukraine could spin out of control into a full-blown confrontation between Russia and the west.
The forgotten war: what Russia could win from the reignited conflict in Syria
Largely overshadowed by the war in Ukraine, Syria remains a deeply divided and violent country, where military conflict has recently reignited.
Western leaders are divided over the future of relations with China
European Council president Charles Michel heads to Beijing on December 1, the latest in a procession of western leaders to seek an audience with Xi Jinping, in a year when the Chinese president has cemented his position as the country’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong.
US-China talks: Biden and Xi attempt to play down superpower tensions but Ukraine and Taiwan loom large
Presidents Xi Jinping of China and Joe Biden of the United States have held their first face-to-face meeting since 2017.
Ukraine war: Russia U-turns on grain deal after Putin’s attempt at escalation fails
It took four days of determined international diplomacy, spearheaded by Turkey and the UN, for Russia to rejoin a deal allowing for the export of Ukrainian grain to world markets.
