Ferenc Laczó
Ferenc Laczó reconsiders European integration as a history of the present, focusing on the roles East Europeans have played. He argues that the foremost representatives of East European states now remind their fellow Europeans of the existential stakes of the European project Read more
Richard Youngs
EU enlargement is often hailed as a tool for spurring political reform and countering Russian influence. But Richard Youngs argues that its democratic dimensions are more complex than conventional wisdom suggests. He proposes the concept of differentiated democratic enlargement to address varied pre-accession dynamics and refine EU strategies Read more
Jelena Džankić
The EU enlargement process successfully transformed Southern and Eastern European states into market democracies, but faltered in the Western Balkans. Jelena Džankić argues that amid today’s geopolitical challenges, prioritising the transformative mechanisms of EU enlargement is more critical than focusing solely on achieving full membership Read more
Iryna Nesterenko
Ukraine's rebuilding efforts will rely on Western aid and foreign investments. The country's postwar path will therefore be determined not only by Kyiv, but also by Washington and Brussels, writes Iryna Nesterenko. While reconstruction of Ukraine's energy infrastructure is crucial, the country is torn between the economic benefits of nuclear technology, and its national security risks Read more
Eban Raymond
As Ukraine faces an urgent need to mobilise, focus has shifted to conscripting Ukrainian men abroad. Using population data from various sources, Eban Raymond explores the multifaceted legality of Ukraine’s repatriation initiative, and questions whether it breaches human rights and international law. Read more
Dennis Shen
Georgia’s elections on 26 October highlighted its balancing act between ties with the West and managing a complex relationship with Russia. Dennis Shen explains how competing visions for the country’s future, challenging geopolitics and potential sanctions threaten socio-political stability. Read more
Polina Zavershinskaia
Russia-friendly parties are exploiting Europe’s war-torn past to justify Russia’s aggression and undermine Europe’s support for Ukraine. Polina Zavershinskaia argues that there is evidence in Germany and Italy that the strategy is working. Read more
Sebastian Contin Trillo-Figueroa
Sebastian Contin Trillo-Figueroa and James F. Downes argue that the EU faces a dilemma: should it pursue continued enlargement, or contract its membership by removing troublesome member state Hungary? Reaching a decision involves a complex trade-off between the need to increase EU influence and to maintain a unified, cohesive membership. Read more
