Read more about the article Nord Stream 2, a Rift in the EU’s Response to Russia?
Info Flash

Nord Stream 2, a Rift in the EU’s Response to Russia?

As tensions continue to build surrounding the possible invasion of Ukraine by the Russian military, one issue has stood out as a potential point of tension: the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. A significant part of the European Union (EU) still depends on imported natural gas as a source of energy. A sizeable part of that comes from the Russian Federation, the primary import of natural gas to the EU, amounting to 40% of imports (Euractiv, 2022). In that context, any tension with Russia has the potential of having serious consequences for the energy supply of the Union. Russia has been known to use this leverage in negotiations in the past, such as when it turned off all supplies to Ukraine in January 2006 over a dispute regarding payments (Parfitt, the Guardian, 2006). At the time, this has pushed the EU member states to realise the danger of depending on Russia for energy, and incited them to pursue other sources, as well as increase storage capacity in case the EU’s supply was ever cut.

Comments Off on Nord Stream 2, a Rift in the EU’s Response to Russia?
18 February 2022
Read more about the article The Ukraine-Russia Crisis: Current Developments and Prospects for European Security
Info Flash

The Ukraine-Russia Crisis: Current Developments and Prospects for European Security

In recent months tensions between Russia and NATO have reached a critical point as Russia has mobilised more than one hundred thousand troops along Ukraine’s border. Russia wants to coerce NATO to meet its demands by mobilising these troops. One of these demands holds that NATO will not expand further and halt all new membership plans, including Ukraine. In addition, Russia wants NATO to reduce its military presence in countries close to Russia’s borders, essentially returning NATO forces to where they were stationed before 1997 (Roth, 2021). Moscow states they are not planning any invasion. However, they argue that if their security demands are not met, their next step might be a military one (Kirby, 2022). The U.S. government expects that a Russian incursion into Ukraine could lead to the deaths of roughly 50.000 civilians and cause a refugee crisis in Europe (Cooper and Sanger, 2022).

Comments Off on The Ukraine-Russia Crisis: Current Developments and Prospects for European Security
15 February 2022
Read more about the article Disability and Diversion – Creating a Culture of Inclusion in a Working Environment
Info Flash

Disability and Diversion – Creating a Culture of Inclusion in a Working Environment

To quote James Charlton, the term 'Nothing About Us Without Us' expresses the conviction of people with disabilities that they know what is best for them. This mantra became the rallying call for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and continues to be highly relevant more than ever. But why does it matter?

Comments Off on Disability and Diversion – Creating a Culture of Inclusion in a Working Environment
7 February 2022
Read more about the article Poland on its Way to Become One of the Largest Armed Forces in Europe?
Info Flash

Poland on its Way to Become One of the Largest Armed Forces in Europe?

Poland, a country that lies on the eastern flank of the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), is making serious efforts in defence to reorganise and rebuild its armed forces. A new draft law envisages a doubling of troop strength and a significant increase in military expenditure to counter external threats. These plans would enable Poland to become one of the largest armies in the Europe and to achieve strategic autonomy within the EU and NATO. This InfoFlash will look at what drives this new law. It will also explain what the law entails and how the country plans to finance the new plans. Finally, most importantly, what consequences this future "Great Army" could have for Europe.

Comments Off on Poland on its Way to Become One of the Largest Armed Forces in Europe?
3 February 2022
Read more about the article Who to choose: The Slovakia Armoured Fighting Vehicle purchase
Info Flash

Who to choose: The Slovakia Armoured Fighting Vehicle purchase

In 2021, the Slovak government announced its intention to purchase several dozen Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) as part of an ongoing effort to modernise its ground forces (The Slovak Spectator, 2021). This is, of course, a welcome development for the European Union’s (EU) defence, as it increases the resource pool upon which the EU can rely in the pursuit of its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions.

Comments Off on Who to choose: The Slovakia Armoured Fighting Vehicle purchase
27 January 2022