Eastern Europe

Recent publications

Aerial view of Parliamentary assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina

As Bosnia Votes, Western Consensus Is Broken

What Germany and the EU Need to Do

Both Brussels and Berlin must prepare to play a bigger role in the future of a country that remains a key node of regional stability and European security.

Milan Nič

Nikola Xaviereff

Tivat, Montenegro, 05.06.2026: EU-West Balkan-Summit: Group photo

The Decline of Russian Power in the Western Balkans

Fragmentation Amid Intensified Geopolitical Competition

Nikola Xaviereff

As local actors pursue ad hoc alliances and engage in transactional foreign policy, thus changing the logic of interaction, Germany and the EU will need to pay strategic attention to the Western Balkans.

Rescuers from the Mobile Rapid Response Rescue Centre of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine construct a temporary protective cover over the destroyed roof of the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, which was hit by a Russian drone during a massive attack on the Ukrainian capital on Monday night, June 15, Kyiv, Ukraine, June 16, 2026.

Prepare for the fear of the Ukrainian plumber

Dr. Linn Selle

Far-right sovereigntist forces raise fears about new EU members, but enlargement should in fact boost the bloc's geopolitical clout.

8th European Political Community Summit in Armenia YEREVAN, ARMENIA - MAY 4

Das Ende der Hegemonie

Russlands Einflussverlust im postsowjetischen Raum

Dr. Stefan Meister

Russlands Angriffskrieg gegen die Ukraine verändert die Machtbalance in der postsowjetischen Region. Russland verliert zunehmend an Einfluss auf Kosten der Länder der Regionen sowie externer Mächte und Staatenbündnisse.

12 Apr 2026 Peter Magyar waves the Hungarian flag after his speech during the TISZA party s election night event in Budapest.

What Péter Magyar means for Ukraine

Dr. András Rácz

Hungary’s elections could impact Ukraine’s EU future, end years of diplomatic obstruction, and open a new chapter in bilateral relations – as long as both sides overcome deep-rooted tensions.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addresses supporters from a stage near St. Anna Church in Yerevan, Armenia on January 6, 2026.

Armenia Before the Election

What Kind of Democracy Will Prevail?

Eviya Hovhannisyan

Dr. Stefan Meister

Armenia is often seen as a role model in the South Caucasus, especially when it comes to democratization. But this development is accompanied by a increasing personalization of power, weakened institutional autonomy, and a deeply polarized political landscape.