Eastern-Central Europe
European Union Announces Tightened Restrictions on Russian Visas
On Friday, Nov. 7, the European Union issued a statement announcing tightened restrictions on visa issuance to Russian nationals, making it more difficult for them to enter Europe’s ID-check-free travel area. The restriction comes amid Russia’s relentless war on Ukraine, increasing acts of sabotage linked to Moscow, and the potential misuse of visas.
OP-ED: What an “America First” Trump Presidency means to Eastern Europe: An Overview
With far reaching tariffs, isolationist policy preferences, and a secret plan to end the war in Ukraine in “24 hours,” Donald Trump’s victory means big change in Europe.
Plans commence to build Poland’s first nuclear power plant
Decades after a Soviet nuclear power project was abandoned, Poland is starting construction of an American-built nuclear plant. The plans are a promising emblem of US collaboration with Poland, but locals in the village where it is set to be built have doubts.
Austrian Elections Mark Big Win for the Far-Right in Europe
The Austrian Freedom Party, which ran on a platform of limiting immigration, easing sanctions with Russia and Euroscepticism won the Austrian Election on Sept 29. However, forming a coalition will be challenging with other major parties refusing to work with them.
Moldova's 2024 Election: A Crossroads for European Integration
A significant development in the lead-up to the Moldovan presidential election occurred on Sept. 24, when the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) released its list of approved candidates. The agency notably did not register Igor Munteanu, one of the main political opponents of incumbent President Maia Sandu.
Hungarian Prime Minister Faces Backlash After Meeting with Putin
In a controversial move, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Oct. 24, 2023. Orbán, the leader of Hungary’s right-wing party FIDESZ, was even photographed shaking hands with Putin, drawing the ire of other Western leaders.
EU Reaches Agreement on Russian Oil Sanctions
The European Commission overcame its last hurdle in putting into place its Russian oil price cap this week.
Czechs Continue Checks at Slovak Border
Travelers from Slovakia are frustrated over border controls that remain in place by the Czech Republic.
EU Audit Reveals Deficiencies in Climate Change Transition Fund
Nov. 9, 2022, the European Court of Auditors released its report on the effectiveness of the European Union’s support for phasing out coal production.
Romania Strengthens its Energy Production With Joint Black Sea Project
On Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, the Romanian national gas producer Romgaz signed an agreement with the Azerbaijani state gas firm SOCAR to build multiple liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in the Black Sea.
EU’s Aid to Poland Jeopardized
Political tensions between Warsaw and Brussels increased this week as financial aid funds for Poland became threatened.