The fight for Europe is on

At a time of intensifying great power competition, the EU has to choose between becoming a satrap of the U.S. or breaking free to steer its own course โ€” and it must decide quickly.

Europe’s unity is being tested by Ukraine negotiations between Washington and Moscow

While most European countries believe that Europe should be involved in the negotiations, Hungary and Slovakia are critical of Brussels.

Authoritarian leaders in former Soviet bloc seize on Muskโ€™s USAid crackdown

Regionโ€™s autocrats join in persecution of agency that provided aid and helped to build up civil society in 1990sAcross the former Soviet bloc, rightwing and autocratic government have their knives out for USAid, demanding data on grant recipients from …

Robert Fico, the Slovak leader who has made Ukraine his ‘enemy’

The prime minister makes no secret of his closeness to Vladimir Putin’s Russia rather than the European Union. This is much to the dismay of some Slovaks, who are stepping up demonstrations.

Slovakians protest PM Fico over govt pro-Russia policy shift

Huge crowds gathered in dozens of cities and towns across Slovakia on Friday to mount vocal protests against the pro-Russian policies of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico. The latest wave of anti-government rallies was fueled by Ficoโ€™s recent trip t…

โ€˜New realityโ€™ hailed as Slovak protests against pro-Russia PM widen to small towns

More than 100,000 people hit the streets Friday across Slovakia and elsewhere in Europe to defend the country’s Western orientation.

Germanyโ€™s old-school conservatism is well and truly over

Even if Merz stumbles across the finish line and secures a coalition government, the death knell for Christian democracy may well have been sounded.

Ukraine war briefing: Putin admits situation โ€˜very difficultโ€™ in Kursk as Kyiv forces mount new offensive

Moscow shows โ€˜indifferenceโ€™ to civilian humanitarian corridor offer, says Zelenskyy; France delivers Mirage jets. What we know on day 1,080Russia said it was battling a new Ukrainian offensive in Kursk, as Kyiv offered a humanitarian corridor for civil…

Ukraine demands โ€˜impartialโ€™ inquiry into death of a citizen in Slovakia

Bratislava and Kyiv have been at loggerheads since the Slovak leadership cut off weapons flows to Ukraine and embraced Moscow talking points.

Europeans on democracyโ€™s frontlines offer advice to Americans: never give up

With the new Trump era likely to pose unprecedented challenges the message from Europeโ€™s fragile democracies is: stay united and safeguard your institutionsEuropeans who witnessed democracy crumble before their eyes have some words of advice for Americ…

Slovak Christian Democrats oppose Ficoโ€™s controversial constitutional reform

BRATISLAVA – The opposition Christian Democratic Party (KDH) has announced it will not support Prime Minister Robert Ficoโ€™s proposed amendments, which seek to define only two genders, ban adoption by same-sex couples, and establish the primacy of Slova…

Czechia battles to safeguard public media independence

PRAGUE – Czech public media face growing threats as opposition leader Andrej Babiลก, widely regarded as a frontrunner in this autumnโ€™s general election, advocates for direct state funding of broadcasters. His proposed reforms, mirroring those in Slovaki…

Europe should have grown up a long time ago โ€” now with Trump thereโ€™s no choice

Europeโ€™s leaders had plenty of warnings about what the U.S. presidentโ€™s second term might mean, but amid much eye-rolling, hand-wringing and wishful thinking, they failed to agree on a plan.

Ukraine war briefing: elderly couples among nine killed in Russian drone attack

Thirteen people wounded, including eight-year-old girl, in Sumy apartment block attack. Sweden pledges $1.2bn in Ukraine military aid, its biggest pledge yet. What we know on day 1,073See all our Ukraine war coverageA Russian drone attack on a resident…

Slovak PMโ€™s meeting with von der Leyen axed amid Brussels air traffic control chaos

Robert Fico was due to discuss his gas transit dispute with Ukraine with EU leaders.

Slovakia summons Ukrainian ambassador over gas transit feud

Relations between Robert Fico in Bratislava and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv have become increasingly bitter over the month.

Czechia delays action on money laundering via pass-through accounts

In today’s edition of the Capitals, find out more about the national investigation into Meloni’s handling of the deportation of a war crimes suspect, the mass resignations at Slovakia’s National Gallery, and so much more.
The post Czechia delays action…

Hungary backs down in EU Russia sanctions standoff

Before relenting, Budapest had threatened to allow billions of dollars to flow back to the Kremlin in a row over energy imports.

Tusk slams Musk for โ€˜sinisterโ€™ words at AfD rally

In todayโ€™s edition of the Capitals, find out more about NATO’s Rutte meeting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sรกnchez, Slovakia’s Fico losing support in parliament as pressure mounts, and so much more.ย ย 
The post Tusk slams Musk for โ€˜sinisterโ€™ words at AfD…

EUโ€™s Russia sanctions roll-over explained

Should EU foreign ministers fail to renew the sanctions by January, diplomats say there is still enough time to call an had-hoc emergency EU summit
The post EU’s Russia sanctions roll-over explained appeared first on Euractiv.

Slovakia leads EU charge to rein in supermarket power

Slovakiaโ€™s right-wing government is spearheading a push to strengthen EU rules on unfair trading practices, saying the current reforms donโ€™t go far enough.

Turkey pushing to help EU replace Ukraine gas transit

Ankara is angling for new energy talks in Brussels amid pressure for closer ties with the bloc.

Auschwitz: 80 years after its liberation, three survivors tell their stories

Monday 27 January is the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the German Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz. Three survivors, two of whom were interned there as teenagers, tell Kate Connolly their stories. Continue reading…

Ukraine war briefing: US has not stopped military aid to Ukraine, says Zelenskyy

Comments follow an announcement from newly inaugurated US secretary of state Marco Rubio that he would pause foreign aid grants for 90 days. What we know on day 1,068See all our Ukraine coverageThe US has not stopped military aid to Ukraine after newly…

Slovakian PM rejects calls to quit as tension grows over shift towards Russia

The latest protests come after private meeting between Robert Fico and Vladimir Putin in DecemberThe Slovakian prime minister, Robert Fico, has rejected calls for his resignation after tens of thousands demonstrated against his governmentโ€™s policy shif…

Ukraine can bring Azeri gas to Europe, Zelenskyy says

Comments came after angry complaints from Slovakia and Hungary over Kyiv’s refusal to renew transit of Russian gas.

Slovak protests draw 100,000 denouncing pro-Putin tilt by Fico government

“There will be more and more of us. Those who want to live in our little Slovakia, but in a civilized Europe,” said Eva Kulovรก, 84, who helped topple Communism.

Ukraine war briefing: Putin aiming to โ€˜manipulateโ€™ Trump, Zelenskyy warns

Ukrainian president issues warning after Russiaโ€™s leader said he was โ€˜ready for negotiationsโ€™ with US counterpart on the war. What we know on day 1,067See all our Ukraine coverage Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has warned that his Russian co…

Tens of thousands in Slovakia protest against PMโ€™s shift towards Russia

Around 60,000 people gather in Bratislava to oppose Robert Ficoโ€™s policy moves, with rallies also held in 20 other citiesTens of thousands of protesters thronged a central square in the Slovak capital, waving banners opposing prime minister Robert Fico…

Orbรกnโ€™s new threat: Iโ€™ll end Russia sanctions unless Ukraine pumps Putinโ€™s gas

But diplomats still expect the Hungarian prime minister to ultimately back down, perhaps as soon as Monday.

Anti-Fico protests build as Slovak PM mutters about foreign โ€˜coupโ€™

Political acrimony is rocking Bratislava.

Slovakiaโ€™s Fico dreams of his โ€˜Maidanโ€™

In todayโ€™s edition of the Capitals, find out more about a YouTube Journalist announcing plans to run for Polish president, Romania getting a replacement for the Patriot system it donated to Ukraine, and so much more.ย 
The post Slovakia’s Fico dre…

Orbรกn and Fico find common ground ahead of Davos

While both expressed support for Russian gas supplies, they diverged on Ukraine’s EU bid.
The post Orbรกn and Fico find common ground ahead of Davos appeared first on Euractiv.

Illegal German waste dumping in Czech village lands at EUโ€™s door

In todayโ€™s edition of the Capitals, find out more about experts warning about Smer’s dangerous rhetroic, Spain’s Sanchez taking aim at Trump, Musk and Zuckerberg, and so much more.ย 
The post Illegal German waste dumping in Czech village lands at EU&#82…

Austriaโ€™s central bank chief: Donโ€™t fear the far right

ECB rate-setter also warns that inflation risks are on the rise and that a January rate cut is not a done deal.

Who loved Moscow more: Tucker Carlson or Slovakiaโ€™s far-right chief?

See if you can get 100 percent in our quiz.

Austria is set for a far-right chancellor. For the EU itโ€™s the โ€˜new normalโ€™

If Herbert Kickl becomes chancellor, Vienna will join list of disruptive member states, putting EU policies in perilWhen Austriaโ€™s Freedom party (FPร–) entered government 25 years ago, shock waves reverberated around Europe. Punitive measures were impos…

Crisis? What crisis?ย Fico ally brushes off threat to bring down Slovak government

The opposition in Bratislava is angling to topple the prime minister’s Russia-friendly administration.

Ficoโ€™s rival pushes snap election as Slovak PMโ€™s Moscow trip backfires

Slovak opposition says Robert Fico’s trip was a “disgrace” to Slovakia.

Fico government targets Slovak student over pro-Ukraine gesture

In response to the backlash, the student pointed to Fico’s silence when his supporters hurled vulgar insults at former president Zuzana ฤŒaputovรก in 2022.
The post Fico government targets Slovak student over pro-Ukraine gesture appeared first on Euracti…

Fico faces backlash on Russia as Slovak opposition unites

In todayโ€™s edition of the Capitals, find out more about Slovakia’s opposition uniting against Fico, JxCat leader Carles Puigdemont ruling out joining forces with Partido Popular and Vox to oust Sanchez, and so much more.ย 
The post Fico faces backlash o…

Austriaโ€™s Kickl brings Europeโ€™s anti-populist firewall crashing down

Herbert Kickl’s rise ends a firewall that has kept populist politicians out of power in EU countries for decades.

Ukraine war briefing: Strengthen Kyivโ€™s hand before peace talks, says Nato chief

Mark Rutte says Ukraine not yet in the โ€˜position of strengthโ€™ it needs for talks with Russia; Biden says US and allies โ€˜canโ€™t walk awayโ€™. What we know on day 1,056Ukraine is not in a strong enough position for peace talks with Russia, Nato chief, Mark …

My place or yours? Zelenskyy and Fico canโ€™t agree on venue to settle ugly gas feud

Ukraine’s leader took a personal jab at Robert Fico after the Slovakian PM threatened to cut Kyiv off from electricity exports.

Keep calm, Austriaโ€™s acting leader tells EU as far right looms

Alexander Schallenberg reassures officials that pro-Russian chancellor would be restrained.

โ€˜We are going to hellโ€™: Slovak PM Fico warns of snap elections

Robert Fico blamed his coalition partners for the crisis.

Thousands rally against Slovakia seeking closer Russia ties

Thousands massed in a central square in Bratislava on Friday, chanting “We are Europe”, “We are ashamed of Fico” and “We will not give up on Slovakia”.
The post Thousands rally against Slovakia seeking closer Russia ties appeared first on Euractiv.

Pump Russian gas or face the consequences, Fico threatens Ukraine

The Slovak prime minister has appealed to the EU to intervene in a growing row with Kyiv.

Fico says he secured gas supply for Slovakia in talks with Putin

Since 1 January Slovakia has continued receiving gas coming via Hungary, which receives Russian gas via TurkStream
The post Fico says he secured gas supply for Slovakia in talks with Putin appeared first on Euractiv.

In Austriaโ€™s Kickl, the EU has its next Orbรกn

Vienna could be about to get its first far-right leader since World War II. Europe’s mainstream sees trouble brewing.

Slovaks to meet Commission without Ukrainians to discuss gas transit

Their demand: either Ukraine resumes the transit of Russian gas westward or Slovakia should be compensated.
The post Slovaks to meet Commission without Ukrainians to discuss gas transit appeared first on Euractiv.

Austrian far right looks to assert dominance in coalition talks, hails โ€˜new eraโ€™

Far-right leader Herbert Kickl says he’s prepared for new elections if his party can’t find a submissive junior partner.

Slovakia bending truth about Russian gas talks, says Ukraine

Claims Kyiv torpedoed talks on energy supplies don’t reflect reality, the country’s EU ambassador told POLITICO.

5 green targets EU countries will (mostly) miss in 2025

EU countries are behind on most, if not all, their sustainability commitments.

Commission last-minute cancels Slovakia-Ukraine gas dispute talks

This short-term cancellation will not end efforts to improve relations between Kyiv and Bratislava.
The post Commission last-minute cancels Slovakia-Ukraine gas dispute talks appeared first on Euractiv.

How a Gorilla devoured democracy in Slovakia

A sprawling government corruption scandal from 2006 ended multiple political careers. Failure to punish the culprits ended public faith in the system.

Poland takes over EU presidency with focus on security

Analysts say the Polish presidency is a key moment for Europe above all due to Trumpโ€™s arrival and the situation in Ukraine but also issues related to the broader economy.
The post Poland takes over EU presidency with focus on security appeared first o…

Slovakia brings its grievances to Brussels after Ukraineโ€™s gas transit โ€˜sabotageโ€™

Prime Minister Robert Fico said in a video message that his Smer party would consider cutting electricity supplies to Ukraine, adding that a Slovak delegation would discuss the situation in Brussels next Tuesday.
The post Slovakia brings its grievance…

Ukraine war briefing: New Yearโ€™s Day drone strike kills two in Kyiv

Explosions boomed across the morning sky as Ukraineโ€™s air force warned of incoming drones. What we know on day 1,044See all our Ukraine war coverage Russia launched a New Yearโ€™s Day drone strike on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv early on Wednesday, killing…

Cutting off Russian gas to EU will have โ€˜drasticโ€™ impact, Slovak PM warns

Top Putin ally has threatened to retaliate against Kyiv.

End of Russian gas via Ukraine sparks unease in eastern Europe

Although Europe has fought to wean itself off dependence on Russian gas since Putin sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022, several eastern European states still look to Moscow for much of their energy needs.
The post End of Russian gas via Ukraine …

Always look on the bright side of life โ€” why 2025 might be better

5 totally not tongue-in-cheek reasons to be optimistic about the year ahead.

Ukraine calls Slovakiaโ€™s bluff as Fico threatens power cutoff over Russia gas deal spat

Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko also says Kyiv can buy electricity from Romania and Poland if it loses supplies from Bratislava.

Russian gas flows via Ukraine for last day as transit deal crumbles

Supplies of Russian gas via Ukraine are due to stop from the early hours of 1 January, as Kyiv has refused to negotiate a new transit deal.
The post Russian gas flows via Ukraine for last day as transit deal crumbles appeared first on Euractiv.

Zelenskyy hits back at Slovak PM Fico as gas transit dispute deepens

“Slovakia is part of the single European energy market and Fico must respect common EU rules,” Zelenskyy said, adding that cutting power supplies to Ukraine would deprive Slovakia of 19% of the electricity it imports. .
The post Zelenskyy hits back at …

Fico threatens to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine

Diplomatic spat between Slovakia and Ukraine continues.

Russia-Ukraine war live: Moscow says Kyiv plot to kill high-ranking officer with music speaker bomb foiled

Claim from FSB comes two weeks after Ukrainian assassination of senior Russian general Igor KirillovOn 8 March 2023, International Womenโ€™s Day, Russian soldiers were handing out tulips and boughs of mimosa to women and girls in the city of Melitopol, s…

Slovakia to consider reciprocal measures if Ukraine stops Russian gas transit

“If it is unavoidable, we will halt the electricity supplies that Ukraine needs during grid outages. Or we will agree on a different course of action,” said Robert Fico.
The post Slovakia to consider reciprocal measures if Ukraine stops Russian gas tra…

Ukraine war briefing: โ€˜Human waveโ€™ of North Korean troops being sent to their deaths, says US

Kyiv reports heavy casualties among Pyongyangโ€™s soldiers in Russia while Washington accuses generals of seeing the troops as โ€˜expendableโ€™. What we know on day 1,039See all our Ukraine war coverageNorth Korean troops deployed in Russiaโ€™s Kursk region ar…

Putin says Slovakia could host peace talks with Ukraine

Putin said that Fico, an outspoken opponent of EU support for Ukraine, had offered his country as to host talks between Russia and Ukraine.
The post Putin says Slovakia could host peace talks with Ukraine appeared first on Euractiv.

Ukraine war briefing: Nato condemns possible sabotage of Baltic Sea cables

Nato chief Mark Rutte criticises all attacks on critical infrastructure; Putin says Slovakia has offered to be โ€˜platformโ€™ for any peace talks. What we know on day 1,038See all our Ukraine war coverage Continue reading…

Slovak PM Fico offered to host Moscow-Kyiv peace talks, Putin claims

“Why not?” Russian president asked reporters. “For us it’s an acceptable alternative.”

Zelensky accuses Slovak PM Fico of aiding Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for his stance on Russian gas imports, accusing him of helping President Vladimir Putin fund the war in Ukraine. This comes after Ficoโ€™s visit to Moscow, where he …

Ukraine war briefing: more than 3,000 North Korean military casualties in Russiaโ€™s Kursk, claims Zelenskyy

Ukraine president criticises world leaders for doing โ€˜almost nothingโ€™ to counteract Moscowโ€™s military cooperation with Pyongyang. What we know on day 1,035Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that more than 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wound…

Zelenskyy accuses Slovak PM Fico of helping Putin weaken Europe

Fico wants to help Putin earn money to fund the war and weaken Europe, says Zelenskyy.

Slovak PM Fico on surprise visit to Kremlin to talk gas deliveries

Slovakia, which heavily relies on Russian gas, has raised concerns about the prospect of losing supplies as a contract allowing its transit through Ukraine expires by year-end.
The post Slovak PM Fico on surprise visit to Kremlin to talk gas deliveries…

Ukraine war briefing: Putin meets Slovak PM in rare Moscow visit to secure energy deal

Slovakia is dependent on gas passing through neighbouring Ukraine, and it has ramped up efforts to maintain those flows from 2025, after a five-year agreement expiresSee all our Ukraine coverageRussian president, Vladimir Putin met the Slovakian prime …

Putin welcomes Slovak PM to Moscow, a rare visit by EU leader

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Sunday, discussing gas transit and the war in Ukraine, as Kyiv signals it will not renew a key gas deal with Slovakia. The visit, condemned by Slovak oppos…