Russia

The gap between real life and the world of film is narrowing. The James Bond franchise guided viewers through the Cold War with its over-the-top villains, and through the relatively peaceful time thereafter with more lukewarm enemies. Now, when a new soft reboot is in order, it is time to bring back tried and tested baddies: the Russians.

Russian attempts at interference can be observed all over the world. They are part of the Kremlin\'s foreign policy to gain more influence worldwide and to make as many countries Russian-friendly as possible. The ultimate goal of this foreign policy is probably to upset the unipolar US-dominated world order. We are now at the point where Russian President Vladimir Putin declared at the 2024 Valdai Forum that the old world order is over.

How can the European Union woo Donald Trump? Why immigration is beneficial and morally right? And what is the EU\'s potential for change and reform? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Philippe Legrain, a former economic adviser to the president of the European Commission, a Visiting Senior Fellow at the London School of Economics’ European Institute.

What is the outcome of the parliamentary elections in Georgia? What should we know about the authoritarian evolution of the Georgian Dream ruling party? What was the role of the Russian war in Ukraine on the politics in Georgia? What is the way forward? And what should the European Union do about these recent developments?

What lessons should be drawn from the EU\'s response to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the Russian war in Ukraine? How can the European Union act more efficiently in a crisis and reduce bureaucratic procedures? What is the overall strategic and geopolitical vision of the EU? And what should we know about the referendum on including integration with the EU into the constitution and the presidential elections in Moldova?

Political Capital Institute from Budapest has been conducting a five-year research project on the foreign policy-related votes of members of the European Parliament (MEPs). The recent edition of the Parliament\'s 9th term (2019-2024) and the first plenary session of the 10th term (2024-2029) included also Polish MEPs.

Many people still do not seem to be aware of the Putin regime\'s perfidious hybrid warfare against liberal democracy and the rule of law in Europe. It is therefore all the more important to talk about it publicly in order to fight against it. The European Liberal Forum (ELF) organized a panel discussion entitled \"Russian Influence in European Democracy\" on November 18 in Sofia with the Project: Poland Foundation and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF).

Russia\'s economic landscape is under strain. In this interview, Martin Vlachynsky, an analyst from INESS, sheds light on the complexities of Russia\'s current economic policies, their implications for businesses and ordinary citizens, and how the ongoing war continues to shape the country\'s financial reality.

In September 2024, the business climate in Ukraine shows positive changes. In recent months, companies\' production and financial performance have increased, and expectations for further development remain optimistic.

Magic had influenced humankind since time immemorial until the age of reason started to disenchant the world. Unfortunately, magical practices still affect our lives. Thanks to the warped politics in some corners of the modern world, such as some far-right movements and the Kremlin under Vladimir Putin, magic is still leaving a sorry and unwelcome footprint on politics today.