Ratko Mladić Is Gone. The Western Balkans Have Still Not Reckoned with the War
The death of Ratko Mladić closes a chapter in the history of the Yugoslav wars. Three decades after the conflicts, his figure still divides the region over how the war should be remembered: for some, he remains a symbol of the defence of the Serb people; for others, he represents the crimes committed in Bosnia.
Lukashenko Will Not Abandon Russia. Washington Is Making a Mistake
The current US administration’s attempts to gain leverage over Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko are little more than a waste of time and resources. In practice, they only strengthen both the regime in Minsk and its Russian patron. Just as the idea of a “reverse Kissinger”—driving a wedge between Moscow and Beijing—has virtually no chance of success, so too does any strategy aimed at loosening the ties between Belarus and Russia.
Before and After Georgescu. The 2024-25 Romanian Presidential Elections from a 2026 perspective
“I started to refer to the past months as there has been a ‘Before Georgescu’, and an ‘After Georgescu’ time, which we are living now” – a Member of the Parliament
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.
Warsaw Institute
