Europe | IPS Journal

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picture alliance / Reuters | Johanna Geron

Foreign and security policy

Vučić’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

picture alliance / Pacific Press | Michael Nigro

European integration

Changing 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

picture alliance/dpa | Santiago Mazzarovich

Economy and ecology

A 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

picture alliance / AP | Andreea Alexandru

Democracy and society

Romania’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

picture alliance / AP | Vadim Ghirda

European integration

EU 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

picture alliance/dpa/TASS | Alexander Reka

Economy and ecology

Surprisingly 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

picture alliance / Anadolu | Artur Widak

Democracy and society

It’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

picture alliance/dpa/TASS | Dmitry Feoktistov

Democracy and society

No way forward, no way back

With each new crisis, Abkhazia faces increasingly complex challenges in defending its interests against Russia

By Olesya Vartanyan

picture alliance / Reuters | Pedro Nunes

Work and digitalisation

The next Silicon Valley?

In recent years, Central and Eastern European countries have emerged as vibrant innovation hubs. But a few things are still holding them back

By Soňa Muzikárová

picture alliance / Zoonar | Dasha Petrenko

Economy and ecology

Behind the beauty routine

While social media fuels the booming beauty industry, who supports the workers keeping both alive?

By Madlen Nikolova, Mark Bergfeld