Dimitar Bechev

Even the biggest EU proponents of preserving a close bond with the US know Europe cannot afford to remain dependent.

Other candidate countries may follow suit and refuse to embark on reform while enjoying EU-granted privileges.

What drives the popularity of Hungary’s Viktor Orban is not his geopolitical game but his governance model.

Situation in France and Germany is not reassuring, but there are silver linings.

Hungary opposes a tougher EU stance on China, but it is not the only one.

Despite calls for peace talks, neither Moscow nor Kyiv see a diplomatic solution to the war.

An escalation into a conflict in the Western Balkans was averted but the likelihood of future flare-ups remains high.

Prigozhin’s demise may be an attempt to show strength but the world still sees weakness.

After holding a fifth national vote in two years, Bulgaria is nowhere near having a stable government.

But will ‘earthquake diplomacy’ lead to a sustainable partnership between these neighbouring nations?