Energy and sustainability in Eastern Europe: a post-Černobyl' scenario or a more recent dynamic?

Briefs & Commentary

Energy and sustainability in Eastern Europe: a post-Černobyl’ scenario or a more recent dynamic?

Written by: Concetta Formisano, Università Federico II Napoli. Since the 1980s, the debate on sustainability, renewable sources of energy and energy transition has been one of the most lively discussions at the European level. Given the timing, one may be led to believe that the 1986 Černobyl' disaster, which occurred…

Guest Author2025-09-10

Policy Papers & Analyses

The Kremlin’s Shadow: Strategy and Tactics of Russian Interference in the Baltic States Elections

Written by: Iryna Matsiuk, Lviv Polytechnic National University 1. Introduction The “Baltic States” – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – represent a frontline in the contemporary contest between liberal democracy and authoritarian influence. As members of both NATO and the European Union, they symbolize the post-Cold War expansion of Western institutions…

Guest Author2025-09-03

Policy Papers & Analyses

Artificial Intelligence in Central and Eastern Europe: Opportunities and Challenges

Written by: Gabriella Tárnok - PhD Doctoral School of Law at ELTE University Abstract This paper focuses on the position of AI (artificial intelligence) technologies in the CEE region, while shortly reviewing the legislative initiatives in the EU related to the topic, such as the AI Act, the new Product…

Guest Author2025-08-27

Kosovo ethnic Serbs take part in the traditional Epiphany swimming competition in the lake of Gazivoda, Kosovo

Briefs & Commentary

Ethnic friction and fragile integration: The Serbian minority and its relations with the Kosovar government

By Francesco Cortese (LinkedIn). Cover image: Kosovo ethnic Serbs take part in the traditional Epiphany swimming competition in the lake of Gazivoda (Valdrin Xhemaj, Reuters). 1. Introduction ‘Our dispute with Serbia doesn't alter the fact that our Republic belongs to all its citizens, of all ethnicities’. This is a quote…

Guest Author2025-08-06

Briefs & Commentary

A world first: Estonia opens a ‘data embassy’ in Luxembourg

By Emma Savouroux 1. Introduction: Estonia, a 'digital state' Estonia, a small country with a population of 1.3 million, decided as soon as it became independent in 1991 to invest massively in information and communication technologies (ICTs). One of the main objectives was to combine the quality of public services with…

Guest Author2025-07-25

Briefs & Commentary

De-risking European cleantech investment with critical mineral diversification

Paper by Lorenzo Casullo and Erlend Sundsdal Hansen. 1. Introduction: Cleantech investment is slowed by high perceived risk The erosion of Europe’s industrial base has become a key concern for businesses, workers and policy makers. The threat, described by Mario Draghi as “slow agony” in his 2024 report on European…

Guest Author2025-03-31

Briefs & Commentary

Serbia and its partners: a balancing act

Article written by Angélique Curdy (LinkedIn). Cover image by Stefan Kostić (Bajina Basta, Serbia). Serbia, a country bordering the European Union through its borders with Bulgaria and Romania, is a unique country in many respects. This Balkan country aspires to join the European Union; after an official application for membership…

Guest Author2025-03-19

Policy Papers & Analyses

Perception of Chinese presence in Polish and Serbian media

Jakub Stepaniuk – University of Graz Jakub Stepaniuk is a young researcher, scholar and social activist. After graduating from the University College London in summer 2021, where he studied Social Sciences of Eastern Europe, he obtained his double MA degree in International Relations, Law and Politics of the Southeast Europe…

Guest Author2024-11-01

Policy Papers & Analyses

The Chinese influence in Serbia and the implications for its EU accession process

Antonella Benedetto – University of Trento Antonella Benedetto holds a Master’s Joint Degree in International Security Studies at Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies together with the University of Trento. She previously earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology at the University of Urbino. Passionate about EU-China relations, US-China relations, European Affairs…

Guest Author2024-09-20

Policy Papers & Analyses

The Implications of CEFC’s Investments in the Czech Republic for the Future of Chinese Investment in the CEE Region

Štěpař Roman - Charles University Roman Štěpař, a native of Prague, graduated with a Master's degree in International Relations from Charles University. He enriched his global outlook by studying in Taiwan, China and Korea. He is dedicated to promoting international cooperation and strengthening mutual understanding. His vision leads him to…

Guest Author2024-09-06

Policy Papers & Analyses

Unveiling the Complexities of China’s Growing Influence in Eastern Europe: A Case Study of Georgia

George Loria – Georgian-American University George Loria is an accomplished international relations and diplomacy professional, currently serving as the Head of International Relations Division at the Administration of the Government of Georgia. Throughout his professional career at the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he has held…

Guest Author2024-08-30

Briefs & Commentary

Belarus: a strategic point for China’s Belt and Road Initiative

Aliaksei Patonia – Oxford Institute for Energy Studies Aliaksei (Alex) Patonia is a Research Fellow at the Energy Transition Research Initiative of the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (OIES). Before moving to the UK, Alex was based in Southeast Asia where he conducted research on the development of energy and…

Guest Author2024-08-09

Guest Author