Eastern Europe

Recent publications

second round of peace talks held by Russia, the US, and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi

Verhandlungen Russland-Ukraine-USA: Theater für Trump?

Die seit Anfang des Jahres vor allem in Abu Dhabi durchgeführten Verhandlungen zwischen der Ukraine, Russland und den USA waren ernsthafter als alles andere, was bisher an Verhandlungen für einen Waffenstillstand stattgefunden hat.

Dr. Stefan Meister

Cyberabwehrzentrum der Deutschen Telekom in Bonn

Countering Hybrid Threats

Lessons from Eastern Europe

Anastasia Pociumban

Ricarda Nierhaus

As Russia expands its influence operations, the EU and its member states would benefit from integrating learnings from Eastern Europe into a proactive approach against hybrid threats.

Ukraine as a Litmus Test: Germany Must Redefine Its Role in Europe and the World

Dr. Stefan Meister

US President Donald Trump’s policy of undermining multilateralism, redefining relations with Europe, and normalizing relations with Russia is an expression of a changing world order. Against this background, Germany must redefine its role in Europe and its policies toward Russia and Eastern Europe.

Combating Hybrid Threats: How Moldova Protected its Democracy

Anastasia Pociumban

Moldova has become a success story in defending democracy against hybrid threats. Its lesson: adapt faster than your adversaries.

Botanical garden affected by Russian shelling in Odesa ODESA, UKRAINE - MARCH 27, 2024

Bestenfalls ein Pyrrhussieg

Wie der Ukrainekrieg den Niedergang Russlands beschleunigt

Dr. Stefan Meister

Der Ukrainekrieg wirkt wie ein Pyrrhussieg für den Kreml: Während Verhandlungen Stärke suggerieren, beschleunigt der Krieg Russlands geopolitischen Abstieg. Moskau verliert Einfluss in Europa, im postsowjetischen Raum und global – und bleibt dennoch gefährlich.

President of the European Council Antonio Luis Santos da Costa meeting Prime Minister of Montenegro Milojko Spajic in the European Council in Brussels on 16th of december 2024.

Op-ed: This year will decide Montenegro's accession to the EU

Nikola Xaviereff

Amidst rising opposition from far-right parties, the country's bid will test how effective EU enlargement can be in the Western Balkans.

Ursula von der Leyen - Edi Rama meeting in Albania

Albania’s EU Accession Sprint

Balancing Momentum, Reform, and EU Scrutiny

Milan Nič

Nikola Xaviereff

Albania has emerged as one of the most rapidly advancing EU candidate countries, having opened all negotiation clusters and aiming to complete talks by 2027. Its progress is driven by strong geopolitical alignment, broad public support, and Prime Minister Edi Rama’s active engagement with EU leaders. Yet rapid advancement masks notable challenges.