Germany’s Inaugural National Security Strategy presents a promising shift in foreign policy decision-making, but is it enough to coordinate Germany’s historically bureaucratic governing structure? Mike Dupre explores why the key to sustainable change might lie in a National Security Council, a proven model in many Transatlantic states.
Read MoreThe stakes for this year’s parliamentary elections are higher than ever. A recent rise in the approval ratings of the country’s liberal party - the Civic Platform (Platforma Obywatelska or PO) - is a beacon of hope in the country’s nearly decade-long battle with the right-wing conservative Law and Justice party (PiS).
Read MoreAfter applying for membership last year in 2022, Finland has now entered NATO, posing questions for the future of Nordic-Western alliances and the relationship’s potential consequences during international conflicts, such as the Ukraine War. Since 1944, the country’s eastern border with Russia is the second-longest border that Russia has with any country.
Read MoreWhile the pension’s present structure may have proven effective until now, France’s rapidly declining birth rates and aging population pose a challenge to its stability, as current trends would either necessitate an increase in the pension tax for future workers or decrease the quality of life for upcoming pensioners.
Read MoreThe European Commission's decision to bring Poland's case to the Court of Justice of the European Union has been complicated by Poland's growing role in NATO leadership and increasing international influence. The ruling right-wing party, Law and Justice (PiS), has gained credibility, while Poland's relationship with Hungary remains a key factor in determining the outcome of the conflict. With upcoming parliamentary elections and Donald Tusk's return to Polish politics, the EU's actions could be its last chance to weaken PiS's public image before the elections.
Read MoreWith war still raging in Ukraine, the neighboring country of Moldova is facing increased threats from Russia continuing its attempt to spread control. Recent destabilization plots, continued chaos with the Transnistria region, and the global energy crisis have required the Moldovan government to double down on state security.
Read MorePoland's ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS) has been attacking the independence of the Polish judiciary since they came to power in 2015. The European Union has repeatedly taken action against Poland, including triggering Article 7 of the Treaty on the European Union and imposing daily fines for Poland's refusal to suspend the functions of the Disciplinary Chamber for the Supreme Court, which was ruled unlawful by the European Court of Human Rights in 2021.
Read MoreAs landlords in Spain decide to list their units on Airbnb rather than renting them out to locals, limited supply skyrockets rent. In Spain's already strained housing market, the effects of Airbnb have forced the Government to intervene.
Read MoreNATO members are divided over the admittance of Finland and Sweden, with Turkey opposing their inclusion due to perceived support for militant political organizations. To address these concerns, both countries have lifted their arms blockades on Turkey and agreed to work on creating mechanisms to subjugate the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and extradite terrorist subjects.
Read MoreThe Table of Six, a coalition of opposition parties in Turkey, has unveiled a detailed plan to change the country if they win the upcoming presidential election. The alliance aims to restore a healthy democracy, promote separation of powers, and restructure the parliamentary government, but faces significant hurdles such as a lack of security in the electoral process and Erdogan's control over the media and government structures.
Read MoreThe European Union has been able to centralize decision making power through the threat of withholding much needed Covid-19 recovery funds.
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