European integrationLonging for EU Step by step, the British government is tiptoeing towards a ‘reset’ with the EU. But can it overcome its Brexit scars? By Polly Toynbee
Democracy and societyThe land of limited opportunities Belarus’ upcoming elections will once again offer a choice between Lukashenko and Lukashenko. Still, change may well be on the horizon By Christopher Forst
European integrationDonald Tusk’s quadriga Poland’s EU presidency is marked by ambition, with a focus on security and resilience. But major gaps remain — particularly in the social dimension By Ania Skrzypek
Foreign and security policyVučić’s balancing act nears its end Serbia has long walked a tightrope between Russia and the US. But with sanctions looming over its oil giant NIS, choosing sides seems inevitable By Nikola Mikovic
European integrationChanging the game Trump’s return to the White House could pose a major challenge to the EU’s efforts to integrate the Western Balkans By Ditmir Bushati
Economy and ecologyA deal for the times After 25 years of negotiations, the EU-Mercosur agreement is finally here. The timing is no coincidence, as geopolitical stakes are higher than ever By Dörte Wollrad, Viviana Barreto
Democracy and societyRomania’s election aftershock Social media manipulation, rural discontent and mainstream complacency: Romania’s cancelled elections offer a stark warning for Europe’s democracies By Cristian Chiscop
European integrationEU enlargement: a new dawn? After years of stagnation, a new political leadership presents the EU with a unique opportunity to revamp its accession process By Marco Schwarz
Economy and ecologySurprisingly resilient Western sanctions and military defeats could’ve destroyed Russia’s economy. But not only has it emerged unscathed, it’s actually on the path to growth By Felix Jaitner
Democracy and societyIt’s housing, stupid! With homelessness and affordability at crisis levels, housing takes centre stage in Ireland’s election — and the far right is quick to exploit it By Nancy du Plessis