Diverging Paths: Why the V4 Competitiveness Model Is Diverging
The Visegrád Four entered the European Union in 2004 with broadly comparable economic strategies. They attracted foreign capital and offered a skilled, cost-competitive workforce. Yet each country adapted its model to its own. Producing distinct approaches for example to managing flagship firms, downturns, and emerging industries. Two decades later, the outcomes are diverging measurably, with Poland pulling ahead while its neighbours face a slowdown that may define their economic trajectories for years to come.
Between Political Alliance and Institutional Constraint: Serbia and Croatia in Hungary’s Electoral Context
Hungary’s elections are drawing attention across Europe, yet their significance is particularly pronounced for neighbouring states that are closely intertwined with Budapest within a network of regional political and economic interdependencies. For these countries, the stakes extend beyond the electoral outcome itself, encompassing the future direction of cooperation and the broader configuration of regional relations.
The War in Ukraine: Russia’s Spring False Start
Certain aspects of Russia’s war against Ukraine are predictable. One of them is the launch of new offensive operations in the spring. This is timed early enough for Vladimir Putin to be able to present some form of military success on Red Square on 9 May. This year, however, the situation does not appear promising for the Kremlin – at least for now. That said, this is not yet the beginning of a full-scale spring–summer offensive.
Crossroad between East and West. A retrospective analysis of the 2024/25 Moldavian situation
“The presidential elections and the referendum on the 20th of October will be the most important events after the declaration of independence – they will mark the Moldavians’ destiny for the next decades.” – The Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Romania, commenting on the 2024 Moldovan Referendum
Serbia under Pressure in the Energy Market: The State as a Crisis Buffer
Rising tensions in the Middle East and sharp increases in oil prices—exceeding $100 per barrel in recent weeks—have quickly translated into Serbia’s domestic policy response. The reaction of the authorities in Belgrade shows that in times of global instability, the state once again steps in as the primary instrument for stabilising both the economy and social conditions.
Western Balkans and the Escalation of Tensions in the Middle East
The escalation of tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran has quickly found political resonance in the Western Balkans. Reactions from governments across the region demonstrate how closely the region remains connected to broader geopolitical rivalries.
The War in the Persian Gulf: More Losses Than Gains for Russia
The scale of the U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Iran caught Moscow off guard. The likelihood of major geopolitical shifts in the Persian Gulf has rarely appeared as high as it does today. While the Kremlin may reap limited short-term benefits from the escalation, the overall strategic balance is likely to be unfavorable for Russia.
Non-surprise, Yet Wrapped in a Riddle? Results of Czech Parliamentary Elections 2025
At the beginning of October, the 9th general election to the lower house of the Czech Republic’s parliament (the Chamber of Deputies) took place. The election was a record in many respects – it had the highest voter turnout in this century (since 1998) and at the same time, in a nominal sense, the historically largest number of citizens participated.
Warsaw Institute
