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Monday, May 4, 2026
News and Views from the Global South
SLOVAKIA: Schizophrenia or Russophilia?
Whereas most of Eastern Europe embraces the United States, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is finding common ground with Russian President Vladimir Putin in both energy cooperation and geopolitics.SLOVAKIA: Right-Wing Extremists Gain Ground
Right-wing extremism is on the rise in Slovakia. Activists complain not enough is being done, while from Europe fingers are pointed at the left-wing government's controversial alliance with extreme-right nationalists.POLITICS: For U.S. Base, Bush Finds Czech Enthusiasm, Polish Reserve
U.S. President George W. Bush this week discussed a U.S. missile base in Eastern Europe with Polish and Czech officials, but the results were merely words, and the two European countries showed some naivety as international players.POLITICS: U.S. Base Splits Europe Again
U.S. President George W. Bush is visiting the Czech Republic and Poland this week as part of Washington's ongoing diplomatic effort to convince the region's leaders of the need for a missile defence system in Eastern Europe - revealing a potential new division amongst European countries.CIVIL SOCIETY: The Geopolitics of Post-Soviet Activism
Representatives of civic groups from the post-Soviet region admit that their organisations are sometimes more closely following the democratisation line set by donors than the aspirations of their societies.POLAND: Highway Dreams Fly Over Rospuda Valley
In a campaign that has won the support of Polish public opinion and the European Union (EU), environmental groups are hoping to thwart the Polish cabinet's plan to construct a highway over the protected Rospuda valley.POLAND: Abortion Laws Not Strong Enough For Some
With the strictest abortion laws in Europe, one would expect any debates to revolve around its liberalisation. Yet in 21st century Poland, the abortion issue has been unsuccessfully raised by politicians seeking to strengthen anti-abortion legislation even further.UKRAINE: Elections Ahead, Again
Ukraine's latest power clash is heading towards a political, rather than legal solution. President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich have agreed on early elections, but disagree over the details.POLAND-GERMANY: Neighbours, But Not Much Love
The visit to Poland by German Chancellor Angela Merkel last month came as an attempt at closing the gap separating the two neighbours.SLOVAKIA: Hungarian Autonomy Feared
There are fears the election of a new leader for the ethnic Hungarian party in Slovakia will revive the most explosive domestic political topic in the country - autonomy for the Hungarian minority.UKRAINE: Compromise in Sight
Ukraine's political crisis could be solved soon as government and the pro-presidential opposition have entered into a dialogue following weeks of bitter confrontation.ENVIRONMENT: Prepare for the ‘Nuclear Century’
Representatives of the nuclear industry met this week to discuss strategies to meet challenges posed by what they assume will be "the nuclear century."POLAND: Socialist Model City Fights for a Future
From communist showcase to bastion of anti-communism, the Stalin-era model city of Nowa Huta is now being stigmatised by Poles who depict it as Krakow's criminal hub and a place without a future.HUNGARY: Russian Energy Troubles West
Western powers are concerned that Hungary's relations with Russia, and especially the Russian state-owned energy giant Gazprom, are becoming too warm at a time when Europe seeks to reduce dependence from Russian natural gas.CZECH REPUBLIC: Roma Face Another Official Attack
Can non-Roma get state subsidies? "For this they would have to get sunburnt, make a chaos in their families, put up fires on town squares and only then some politicians would say - they are really miserable people," Deputy Prime Minister Jiri Cunek was quoted as saying.UKRAINE: Orange Camp Seeks to Regain Power
Ukraine is in deep political crisis as its President disbands Parliament, while the legislative branch refuses to comply and warns of a coup. The question now is whether the standoff will be solved legally or on the streets.HUNGARY: NATO Radar Runs Into Opposition
Hungary's plans to host a NATO radar are being met with stiff resistance by locals who cite health and environmental fears. But their municipal representatives are seemingly yielding to government pressure.CZECH REPUBLIC: ‘Environmentalism As Bad As Communism’
Czech President Vaclav Klaus has offered fresh warnings that environmentalism and measures to curb climate change are a threat to human freedom.EUROPE: U.S. Base Revives Cold War Feelings
The U.S. missile defence system to be deployed in Eastern Europe is becoming a matter for concern in all of Europe. Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France are now worried and demand talks.HUNGARY: Fond Only Of Hungarians
Hungarians are growing increasingly xenophobic - even towards non-existing peoples - a study by a sociology institute shows.HUNGARY: Violence Echoes Deeper Conflicts
Fears of a return to violence during the anniversary of the 1848 revolution proved partially right, and while much fewer opposition members acted violently, Hungarian society still has a long way to go.« Previous Page — Next Page »
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