Europe

Fighting in Eastern Ukraine in recent weeks has put the international spotlight back on the bloody conflict. At the same time, potential resolution to the confrontation between Russia and the West is hindered by the potential upgrade of Russian nuclear forces and the deployment of additional NATO troops in Eastern Europe. What effect will these roadblocks have on the implementation of the Minsk agreements? How can the transatlantic allies support Ukraine in its reform efforts and help safeguard its sovereignty? Will Western sanctions pressure Russia into using its leverage in the region to resolve the conflict?

Die Chancen und Risiken des Handelsabkommens TTIP, deutsche und französische Antworten auf den „Dschihad-Tourismus“ und der Stand einer neuen digitalen Agenda – die Themen des zweiten Seminars des Deutsch-französischen Zukunftsdialogs 2015 in Lyon widmeten sich einer Vielfalt aktueller Fragestellungen.

Röttgen, who chairs the Bundestag’s committee on foreign relations, identified three major upheavals that are threatening stability in the world today: the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the collapse of states in North Africa, and the internal erosion of EU unity. These are the greatest challenges for German – and European – foreign policy, said the CDU politician. His speech was given to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the DGAP. Audio file below (in German).

Prime Minister Milo Đukanović of Montenegro addressed the DGAP on May 7. Since its successful referendum for independence of 2006, Montenegro has sought to establish itself as an independent state in the Western Balkans. Its efforts to obtain membership in NATO and the EU show its clearly pro-European orientation. What does the country hope for in terms of Euro-Atlantic integration? What problems are to be encountered along the way? A short interview.