Emerging Europe’s new political fault-lines are the same as those in Western Europe – and this is a good sign
Clichés about Central and Eastern Europe are probably as common in the press as jokes in Boris Johnson’s speeches. And although their repertoire might look repetitive to many, their themes actually vary over time. Thus, the image of the Polish plumber invading Western Europe and lowering hard-working westerners’ wages, although still commonplace in much of…
The year in emerging Europe
We started the year with a bang, proclaiming Romania, then led by prime minister Viorica Dancila, unready to take on the presidency of the Council of the European Union.It earned us the opprobrium of the country’s ruling Social Democratic party (PSD), who demanded we publish a right to reply. We politely refused, instead asking for…
TurkStream begins pumping Russian gas to Bulgaria, bypassing Ukraine
As dawn broke on New Year’s Day, Bulgaria began taking delivery of Russian natural gas via the TurkStream pipeline.The country’s energy minister, Tememoujka Petkova, has claimed that the move will save Bulgaria tens of millions of euros per year in fees by avoiding transit through Ukraine and Romania.“We are changing the entry point for gas supplies…
Why are judges from across Europe protesting in Poland?
Judges from at least 14 European countries will march in Warsaw on January 11 in defence of the rule of law in Poland, as the Polish Senate considers a law which would significantly erode judicial independence.Judges are expected to join the march from the Netherlands, Austria, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Croatia, Portugal, Denmark, France, Italy, Norway,…
Serbia’s campaign to reduce the number of countries which recognise Kosovo is working
It’s been nearly two years since a UN member state (Barbados, in February 2018) last recognised Kosovo as an independent country. In that time, 13 countries which had previously recognised the former Serb province revoked their recognition: many as a result of a concerted, global Serb campaign to undermine Kosovo’s independence.While the states which have…
Emerging Europe still has much work to do to improve LGBTI rights, but it’s not all bad news
Amid rising hate speech and crime, vulnerable people across Europe – particularly in the east of the continent – find themselves disconnected from the popular story of the region’s success in securing LGBTI rights, a major new human rights review has found.The 10th edition of the ILGA-Europe’s Annual Review details the human rights situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual,…
Europe’s relationship with Turkey must go beyond trade
Our commitment to security in the wider Middle East means Western allies need to be more positive in dealing with Turkey, on the frontline of instability but short of reliable friends. Turkey was at the table at the Berlin conference on Libya which highlighted the latest concern of the powers. But Turkey’s immediate neighbour, Iran,…
EuCham ranks Estonia as best country in which to do business in emerging Europe
While many of the countries in emerging Europe have in recent years become easier places to do business, they still lag behind in comparison with the northern and western parts of the continent.According to the latest edition of the Best European Countries for Business (BECB), published by the European Chamber (EuCham), an NGO representing national…
The Emerging Europe Awards 2020: A unique opportunity to recognise excellence in the region
By any standards of measurement, Polish bus manufacturer Solaris had an outstanding 2019.The firm, based in Bolechowo-Osiedle, near Poznań, secured orders worth hundreds of million euros for its revolutionary electric vehicles from public transport operators in cities as diverse as Milan, Berlin, Tallinn, Dubrovnik and the Polish capital Warsaw.Its environmentally-friendly buses, which feature low floors…
Tension rises in emerging Europe as region prepares for new wave of migrants
Europe is facing a new migrant crisis following the decision of the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, to allow migrants and refugees to leave Turkey and head for the European Union. Mr Erdoğan’s announcement, made last Friday and directly linked to recent fighting in Syria, has regional leaders worried.Turkey is supporting some of the groups…