Democracy and societyThis time, things are different — or are they? After four terms in power, Orbán’s Fidesz looks increasingly worn out. But can the newcomer Magyar really offer more than protest? By Ernst Hillebrand
Democracy and societyReading tea leaves Despite wins in Paris and Marseille, the local elections offer little clue to what comes next. The key question remains: will France’s left unite? By Adrienne Woltersdorf
Democracy and societyThe golden Lego brick Denmark’s upcoming election could hinge on centrist kingmakers By Kristina Birke Daniels
Democracy and societyGermany in the new ‘world without rules’ A reluctant power steps into the spotlight. Can Berlin lead amid crises at home and abroad? By Dmitri Stratievski
Future of social democracyIt’s a question of credibility Is an inheritance tax the answer to an unjust tax system that values the wealthy over the working? No, it is more complicated than that By Eda Emre
Democracy and societyBend and break What sounds like pragmatism in Berlin may be something else — a quiet retreat from international law By Alexander Schwarz, Arne Bardelle
Democracy and societyEU membership comes with obligations The aim is not to isolate Hungary. It is to prevent one government from hollowing out European standards from within By Daniel Freund
Economy and ecologyWhen the swell turns east The China Shock 2.0 hits Europe’s industrial core. The question for Spain and the EU is not to escape the storm, but to navigate it without capsizing By Miguel Otero-Iglesias
Democracy and societyRussia devours its own children From ministers to comedians, Moscow’s sweeping repression shows that visibility and loyalty no longer guarantee immunity from state persecution By Daria Boll-Palievskaya
Economy and ecologyKeeping the climate flywheel spinning Europe’s carbon-pricing framework is finally inducing other countries to act. Backtracking now would jeopardise that momentum By Catherine Wolfram
This time, things are different — or are they? After four terms in power, Orbán’s Fidesz looks increasingly worn out. But can the newcomer Magyar really offer more than protest?
Endgame regime change? Many believe that a new regime will automatically fix Iran’s crises. But without civic education and social reform, democracy won’t stand
Ceasefire is a big word for backing down With no agreement on core issues, the risk of renewed escalation between the US and Iran remains dangerously high