Latest defection: On 3 November, MP Roman Malatinec left the Rural Party and joined a group led by former environment minister Tomáš Taraba. The coalition postponed parliamentary votes for a week
Coalition rift: Taraba returned to parliament after the Slovak National Party (SNS), a junior coalition partner, voted with the opposition to remove him in September. His group says it will assess bills individually
What’s next: Opposition leader Michal Šimečka called for a snap election. The loss of reliable backing does not automatically bring down the government. The next regular election is due in September 2027
European stakes: The split makes it harder for Fico’s government to pass its 2027 budget, a key test of whether the coalition can still govern without a dependable majority
Sources: Rapporteur, iROZHLAS, Reuters
Transparency Note: Prepared with AI assistance.
More Quick Briefs:
·Inside Europe·Justice Policy and European Law·Rule of Law·Constitutional Court·Court of Justice of the European Union·Donald Tusk·European Union·Karol Nawrocki·PIS·Poland·Tribunal
·Inside Europe·Justice Policy and European Law·Rule of Law·Constitutional Court·Court of Justice of the European Union·Donald Tusk·European Union·Karol Nawrocki·PIS·Poland·Tribunal
Poland’s Constitutional Court Crisis Escalates ↗︎
Poland’s long-running dispute over judicial independence has escalated into a confrontation between Donald Tusk’s government and President Karol Nawrocki at the Constitutional Tribunal.
Updates
→News: Eight Polish Constitutional Tribunal judges claim quorum and approve 2027 budget amid deepening leadership crisis (Notes from Poland)
→Analysis: Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal crisis deepens political divisions ahead of the 2027 election (POLITICO)
→News: Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal faces crucial test amid escalating political power struggle (Rapporteur)
→Explainer: Poland’s political right turns Constitutional Tribunal dispute into an electoral battleground, drawing the EU into the conflict (EUObserver)
→Update (02.11.2026): Explainer: Reuters examines the causes of Poland’s constitutional crisis and the political struggle over its highest court (Reuters)
→Update (02.11.2026): News: European Commission backs Donald Tusk’s government amid Poland’s escalating Constitutional Tribunal crisis (Rapporteur)
→Update (01.11.2026): News: Polish president holds crisis talks following dramatic confrontation at the Constitutional Tribunal (Le Monde)
→Update (01.11.2026): Analysis: Poland’s Kaczyński stages constitutional court confrontation and raises prospect of Polexit as he launches his 2027 political comeback bid (EUObserver)
→Leadership disputed: Judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska announced the suspension of Tribunal president Bogdan Święczkowski on 30 October and assumed its leadership. The move’s legality is contested
→Long-running conflict: The crisis began under PiS in 2015. Since replacing its government in December 2023, Tusk’s coalition has sought to reverse judicial changes criticised for politicising the courts
→Political confrontation: Nawrocki, backed by PiS, calls the latest intervention a forcible takeover. Tusk says it restores the rule of law, following blocked appointments of parliament-elected judges
→European stakes: In December 2025, the EU’s highest court found that appointment irregularities undermined the Tribunal’s independence and that its rulings breached fundamental EU-law principles
→Sources: Euronews, Reuters, Court of Justice of the EU
→Transparency Note: Prepared with AI assistance.
·Foreign Policy·Geopolitics·Security & Defence·Trade Policy·Transatlantic Relations·War in Ukraine·Congress·European Union·Midterms·Russia·Senate·USA
·Foreign Policy·Geopolitics·Security & Defence·Trade Policy·Transatlantic Relations·War in Ukraine·Congress·European Union·Midterms·Russia·Senate·USA
US Midterms, A Blue Tsunami, But Europe’s Uncertainty Remains ↗︎
The US midterms could change congressional majorities, while Europe remains exposed to uncertainty over American security commitments, funding and trade policy.
Updates
→Analysis: Why Europe should not celebrate a potential Democratic victory in the US midterm elections (POLITICO)
→News: Trump faces crucial midterm election test as control of Congress hangs in the balance (Reuters)
→Podcast: Briefed examines what’s at stake for Europe in the US midterm elections (Briefed)
→News: Brussels downplays the prospect of a Trump setback in the US midterm elections (Rapporteur)
→News: Trump White House prepares strategy to govern without congressional support if Democrats win the US midterm elections (Reuters)
→Analysis: NATO allies fear Trump could turn against the alliance following a potential Republican defeat in the US midterm elections (POLITICO)
→News: US election campaigns enter their final weekend as Democrats and Republicans battle for control of Congress (Reuters)
→Analysis: Democrats hope to overcome decades of electoral defeats in Texas as a potential political breakthrough approaches (Reuters)
→Podcast: ECFR explores the future of democratic foreign policy after Trump (ECFR)
→Analysis: ECFR examines what US political volatility and a weakened Democratic Party mean for Europe (ECFR)
→Commentary: Trump’s proposed deals with Russia raise questions over Europe’s role and Ukraine’s sovereignty (ECFR)
→News: Democrats win control of the US House and approach a Senate majority as Republicans suffer major midterm losses (Rapporteur)
→Congressional powers: The 3 November elections determine control of Congress. New majorities could strengthen oversight, while the president retains substantial foreign-policy authority
→Ukraine and defence: Delays or withholding of approved US funding complicate European planning for Ukraine, security and development assistance
→Trade relations: US tariffs remain a source of transatlantic tension, with Russian energy imports creating additional exposure to American pressure
→European preparedness: The report identifies contingency funding, reduced Russian energy dependence and coordinated trade responses as ways to manage continued uncertainty
→Sources: ECFR, US Government Accountability Office, USAGov
→Transparency Note: Prepared with AI assistance.
·Economic Policy·Inside Europe·Housing Crisis·Maricarmen Abascal·Matrid·Pedro Sánchez·Protests·Spain
·Economic Policy·Inside Europe·Housing Crisis·Maricarmen Abascal·Matrid·Pedro Sánchez·Protests·Spain
Snap Elections on 29 November in Spain: Between Housing Crisis and Deadly Train Crash ↗︎
The eviction of an elderly pensioner in Madrid has sparked wider debate over Spain’s housing crisis, while a deadly train crash, growing concerns over public safety and political disputes ahead of the upcoming election have intensified pressure on the government.
Updates
→News: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s Latin American allies skip Madrid summit (Rapporteur)
→News: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pledges to restore public trust in railway safety following deadly train crash (Rapporteur)
→News: Deadly rail disaster reignites Spain’s political crisis ahead of national elections (Rapporteur)
→News: Growing support for the radical right among young Spaniards signals shifting political attitudes (Rapporteur)
→Commentary: Spain’s deepening political divisions put public trust in democracy to the test (The Brussels Times)
→News: Spain’s conservative People’s Party (PP) and far-right Vox agree to coordinate Senate candidates in 23 constituencies ahead of November elections (EFE, PP)
→Update (25.10.2026): News: French-inspired youth protests turn violent in Barcelona, with 128 arrested, including 72 minors (Euronews, EFE)
→Update (23.10.2026): News: Alberto Núñez Feijóo pledges sweeping conservative reforms if he wins Spain’s November 29 election (POLITICO)
→Update (21.10.2026): News: Spain’s Vox rallies international allies ahead of elections (Rapporteur)
→Update (20.10.2026): News: Spain grants amnesty to Catalan separatist leaders ahead of November election (Catalan News)
→Update (20.10.2026): News: Spain’s conservatives hold coalition talks with far-right Vox (POLITICO)
→Update (19.10.2026): Commentary: Why Spain’s left failed to unite ahead of November’s snap election (EUobserver)
→Update (14.10.2026): News: Spain’s ruling Socialists lead state-run poll amid snap election speculation (Reuters)
→Update (14.10.2026): Polling: Spain’s latest voting intention trends (POLITICO)
→Update (12.10.2026): Interview: Spanish Socialist MEP sees no alternative to Sánchez as housing and immigration dominate snap election (EUobserver)
→Update (09.10.2026): Podcast: Sánchez’s snap election gamble raises questions about Spain’s political future and its implications for Europe (ECFR)
→Update (08.10.2026): News: Maricarmen, the 87-year-old woman whose eviction sparked major protests in Spain, dies in hospital (Euronews)
→Update (08.10.2026): News: Spain’s far-right Vox, led by Santiago Abascal, gains ground in election polls (POLITICO)
→Update (07.10.2026): News: Spanish unions call general strike for November 11, weeks before snap parliamentary election (Reuters)
→Update (06.10.2026): Analysis: Spanish election threatens political balance in Brussels as Sánchez’s Socialists face potential losses (POLITICO)
→Update (05.10.2026): Analysis: Sánchez bets on housing agenda to keep far right out of government in Spain’s snap election (EUobserver)
→Update (05.10.2026): News: Sánchez calls snap Spanish election for November 29 (POLITICO)
→Update (03.10.2026): News: Tens of thousands protest across Spain over deepening housing crisis (The Guardian)
→Update (02.10.2026): News: Sánchez loses key housing crisis vote after eviction of 87-year-old woman (BBC)
→Update (30.09.2026): Podcast: Did Spain’s government address protesters’ demands on housing? (EUobserver)
→Update (29.09.2026): News: Spain moves to stem housing protests (Rapporteur)
→Quick Brief:
→Maricarmen Abascal was evicted on 23 September from the Madrid apartment where she had lived for more than 70 years, turning her case into a symbol of Spain’s housing crisis
→The eviction prompted protests in Madrid, amid wider concerns over rising rents and access to affordable housing
→The property owner has agreed to let Abascal return under a new eight-year rental contract, with rent capped at 30% of her net income. She still has to approve the agreement formally
→Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez explicitly referred to Maricarmen’s case while calling for parliamentary support for new housing measures aimed at strengthening tenant protection and addressing Spain’s housing crisis
→Sources: BBC, Reuters, El País
→Transparency Note: Use of AI
·European Governance·Inside Europe·Christine Lagarde·European Central Bank
·European Governance·Inside Europe·Christine Lagarde·European Central Bank
President of the European Central Bank to Step Down ↗︎
Christine Lagarde steps down as ECB's president to be able to express her opinion freely on important things happening in the world.
Updates
→News: EU member states face Friday deadline to submit nominations for the next European Central Bank president (Rapporteur)
→Quick Brief:
→The president of the ECB, Christine Lagarde, to step down on 7 February 2027
→She has informed the EU Governing Council as well as EU Council President of her decision on 29 October
→Lagarde wants to leave office to gain the ability to freely express her opinion on world matters
→Her successor will be appointed according to Article 283 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
→Source։ European Central Bank, Reuters
·International Right·National Politics·Security & Defence·Ukraine·War in Ukraine·24 February 2022·Diplomacy·Hard Winter·Russia·USA
·International Right·National Politics·Security & Defence·Ukraine·War in Ukraine·24 February 2022·Diplomacy·Hard Winter·Russia·USA
Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Putin targets Ukraine’s economy and infrastructure, the EU Searches for New Money, and the USA Seems to Be on the Aggressor’s side ↗︎
More than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to resist as the war has evolved from Moscow’s failed attempt at a rapid victory into a prolonged conflict with no political settlement in sight.
Updates
→Official Announcement: European Commission takes a key step towards securing EU financial support for Ukraine in 2027 (European Commission)
→News: Ukrainian arms manufacturer Fire Point says its weapons systems can complete missions autonomously (Reuters)
→Update (30.10.2026): News: US approves proposed $2.1 billion sale of 500 Patriot interceptors to Ukraine, financed by European and Canadian partners, amid concerns over delayed deliveries (Reuters)
→Update (29.10.2026): Analysis: Russian daytime drone strikes across Ukraine kill at least 19 people and injure 82 (ISW)
→Update (29.10.2026): Analysis: ISW warns Russia may exploit the Oleshky humanitarian ceasefire to forcibly transfer Ukrainian evacuees into Russian-controlled territory or Russia (ISW)
→Update (28.10.2026): News: Netherlands pledges to provide Ukraine with all available air defence supplies (Rapporteur)
→Update (28.10.2026): Analysis: Russia and Ukraine maintain limited Kherson ceasefire, but concerns remain over civilians’ freedom to evacuate to Ukrainian-controlled territory (ISW)
→Update (28.10.2026): Report: Ukraine’s trains continue operating despite persistent threats from Russian drone attacks (Reuters)
→Update (27.10.2026): News: Denmark expresses strong scepticism over proposals for renewed dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin (Rapporteur)
→Update (27.10.2026): News: Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre discuss dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin (POLITICO)
→Update (27.10.2026): News: Russia and Ukraine begin localised ceasefire in Oleshky to enable humanitarian aid deliveries and civilian evacuations (Reuters)
→Update (26.10.2026): Analysis: Russia leverages relationships across the Global South to counter Western influence amid its war against Ukraine (EUObserver)
→Update (24.10.2026): News: Ukraine says Starlink and Starshield now operate at speeds up to 400 km/h after a week of restrictions (Reuters)
→Update (23.10.2026): Analysis: ISW says Putin’s historical claims signal territorial ambitions in Ukraine beyond Donetsk Oblast (Institute for the Study of War)
→Update (23.10.2026): Analysis: Ukrainian officials report continued Starlink and Starshield speed restrictions affecting military operations (ISW)
→Update (23.10.2026): Analysis: ISW challenges the narrative of inevitable Russian victory in Ukraine (Institute for the Study of War)
→Update (23.10.2026): News: EU plans to cover two-thirds of new €70 billion funding package for Ukraine (Rapporteur)
→Update (22.10.2026): News: Brussels considers new funding agreement to support Ukraine (Rapporteur)
→Update (22.10.2026): Analysis: ISW says Kremlin seeks US economic concessions to sustain Ukraine war (Institute for the Study of War)
→Update (22.10.2026): News: Russian missiles strike Kyiv as Ukrainian drones target Russia (Reuters)
→Update (22.10.2026): News: EU seeks UK, Canadian and Japanese support to close Ukraine’s €70 billion funding gap for 2027 (EUobserver)
→Update (21.10.2026): News: Heavy Russian casualties emerge from fighting near Dobropillia in Ukraine (EUobserver)
→Update (21.10.2026): News: Bulgaria refuses to help close Ukraine’s funding gap (Rapporteur)
→Update (20.10.2026): News: Zelenskyy says US resumed intelligence sharing after talks with Rubio in Oslo (Newscord)
→Update (20.10.2026): News: Kallas accuses US of pushing Ukraine towards surrender (Rapporteur)
→Update (20.10.2026): Analysis: Starlink speed restrictions continue and limit Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian strike drones (ISW)
→Update (20.10.2026): Analysis: Ukraine needs another €70 billion as EU faces funding challenge (Euronews)
→Update (20.10.2026): News: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to visit Norway (Norwegian Government)
→Update (19.10.2026): Analysis: Ukrainian officials report continued disruptions to US assistance (ISW)
→Update (19.10.2026): News: Zelensky speaks to US envoys as Trump accuses him of not wanting to end the war (Le Monde)
→Update (19.10.2026): News: Putin seeks Ukraine summit with Trump and Xi but refuses talks with Zelenskyy (Euronews)
→Update (19.10.2026): Analysis: How dependent is Ukraine on US-controlled Starlink? (DW)
→Update (18.10.2026): Analysis: Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian drones using Starlink and Starshield remains unclear (ISW)
→Update (18.10.2026): News: Rubio says Trump may take 60 days to decide on Russia sanctions (Reuters)
→Update (18.10.2026): Analysis: Putin targets Ukraine’s economy through intensified airstrikes (DIE ZEIT)
→Update (17.10.2026): News: Zelenskyy urges neighbours to allow Ukrainian grain transit (Reuters)
→Update (17.10.2026): Analysis: Trump-Zelenskyy rift threatens vital US support for Ukraine (Reuters)
→Update (16.10.2026): Commentary: ECFR argues Europe should increase support for Ukraine in response to Putin’s escalating attacks (ECFR)
→Update (16.10.2026): News: Zelenskyy warns US-Russia diesel deal could weaken sanctions (EUobserver)
→Update (16.10.2026): News: Zelenskyy rallies European allies as relations with Trump deteriorate (Le Monde)
→Update (16.10.2026): Analysis: ISW reports continued Russian deportations of Crimean Tatars and alleged forced transfers of Ukrainian civilians and children (ISW)
→Update (16.10.2026): News: White House reportedly ordered Starshield restrictions in Ukraine (Reuters)
→Update (15.10.2026): News: Zelenskyy urges EU unity, more funding and Russia sanctions (EUobserver)
→Update (15.10.2026): Analysis: Ukraine reportedly regains unrestricted SpaceX Starshield access (ISW)
→Update (15.10.2026): News: Zelenskyy says Ukraine will resume strikes on Russian oil refineries (Reuters)
→Update (15.10.2026): Analysis: Ukrainian strikes expose Russian digital infrastructure vulnerabilities (POLITICO)
→Update (14.10.2026): Interview: Zelenskyy says Ukraine is losing the US as a strong partner (Reuters)
→Update (14.10.2026): News: Black Sea becomes new front in Russia-Ukraine grain export war (EUobserver)
→Update (14.10.2026): Analysis: SpaceX’s Starshield restrictions threaten Ukrainian drone operations (ISW)
→Update (14.10.2026): News: UK to accelerate missile deliveries to Ukraine (Rapporteur)
→Update (14.10.2026): News: Andy Burnham backs Ukraine during Zelenskyy’s UK visit (POLITICO)
→Update (14.10.2026): News: Russian strikes hit 30 Ukrainian energy facilities despite reported ceasefire agreement (Reuters)
→Update (13.10.2026): News: Ukraine reports record Russian casualties as Moscow seeks recruits (EUobserver)
→Update (12.10.2026): News: US hopes diesel deal will ease Moscow peace talks (Reuters)
→Update (12.10.2026): Analysis: Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment (ISW)
→Update (12.10.2026): News: EU adopts nearly 1,600 new sanctions listings targeting Russia (Reuters)
→Update (12.10.2026): News: European leaders criticise Trump’s plan to buy Russian diesel, warning it undermines support for Ukraine (POLITICO)
→Update (11.10.2026): News: European leaders rally behind Zelenskyy after Trump calls for a new Ukrainian leader (POLITICO)
→Update (10.10.2026): Analysis: Putin falsely blames Ukraine for stalled peace talks despite Russia’s refusal to make concessions (ISW)
→Update (09.10.2026): Analysis: Trump and Putin agree to waive sanctions on Russian diesel, potentially funding Russia’s war in Ukraine (ISW)
→Update (09.10.2026): Analysis: Civilians in Russian-occupied Oleshky reportedly forced to eat dogs to survive amid severe humanitarian crisis (EUobserver)
→Update (08.10.2026): Analysis: Europe’s far-right surge threatens NATO defence spending commitments and continued military aid to Ukraine (POLITICO)
→Update (07.10.2026): Analysis: Russian mass drone and missile strikes across Ukraine kill or injure at least 135 civilians, including four children (ISW)
→Update (06.10.2026): Analysis: Ukraine deploys AI-controlled machine-gun turrets against Russian jet-powered drones over Kyiv (EUobserver)
→Update (05.10.2026): Analysis: Russian drone strike injures Moldovan citizen for the first time at Ukraine-Moldova border crossing (ISW)
→Update (04.10.2026): News: Kyiv bridge hit during German Chancellor’s snap visit (Rapporteur)
→Update (04.10.2026): Interview: EU envoy in Kyiv urges stronger air defences and hybrid war response, saying Putin ‘understands only strength’ (EUobserver)
→Update (03.10.2026): Analysis: Russia strikes Kyiv bridge to disrupt transport, economy and civilian life (ISW)
→Update (02.10.2026): Analysis: Ukraine deploys domestically produced FP-7 ballistic missile for first time (EUobserver)
→Update (02.10.2026): Analysis: Putin portrays European responses to Russian threats as aggression (ISW)
→Update (02.10.2026): Analysis: Russia governs occupied Oleshky through humanitarian decline (ISW)
→Update (30.09.2026): Analysis: Russia begins winter campaign targeting Ukraine’s energy security (ISW)
→Update (30.09.2026): Analysis: Ukraine’s war chest is running low at a critical moment (POLITICO)
→Update (30.09.2026): News: Russian air strikes kill three and injure seven in and around Kyiv (Reuters, MarketScreener)
→Update (29.09.2026): Analysis: Russian drone strikes Kyiv research institute and explodes near EU embassy (EUobserver)
→Update (29.09.2026): News: Zelenskyy says North Korea prepares to deploy another 10,000 troops to Russia (Reuters)
→Update (28.09.2026): News: Ukraine regains territory and captures POWs in frontline push (POLITICO)
→Update (28.09.2026): Analysis: Ukraine’s Operation Vivaldi uses deception to liberate five settlements north of Lyman (ISW)
→Update (28.09.2026): News: Kremlin says Ukraine is ‘paying the price’ for attacks on Russia (Reuters)
→Update (26.09.2026): Analysis: Ukraine’s new counteroffensive tactics could help break positional warfare and restore tactical manoeuvre (ISW)
→Update (25.09.2026): Analysis: Russia intensifies strikes on Ukraine’s data centres and telecommunications infrastructure (ISW)
→Update (24.09.2026): News: Russian missile attack on Kyiv kills civilians and damages residential areas (Reuters)
→Update (23.09.2026): Analysis: Russian tank survives 40 drone strikes, suggesting mechanised warfare could make comeback (EUobserver)
→Update (23.09.2026): Analysis: Kremlin rejects proposed energy ceasefire and reiterates maximalist war demands (ISW)
→Update (23.09.2026): Analysis: Kremlin uses sham elections to manufacture legitimacy in occupied Ukraine (ISW)
→Update (22.09.2026): News: Ukraine races to counter new jet-powered Russian drones (BBC)
→Update (22.09.2026): Analysis: Russian Ministry of Defence falsely claims encirclement of Dobropillya as part of cognitive warfare campaign (ISW)
→Update (22.09.2026): Analysis: Western tech helps funnel foreign recruits into Russia’s war (POLITICO)
→Update (21.09.2026): Analysis: Ukraine’s largest Moscow air raid overwhelms defences and hits key oil refinery (EUobserver)
→Update (20.09.2026): Analysis: Russia secretly plans to expand kamikaze drone production (POLITICO) massively
→Update (20.09.2026): News: Ukrainian drones hit Moscow oil refinery, killing two (Reuters)
→Update (19.09.2026): Analysis: Russian Ministry of Defence exaggerates battlefield gains ahead of UN General Assembly (ISW)
→Update (18.09.2026): Analysis: Tusk reveals classified estimates of Ukrainian battlefield casualties (EUobserver)
→Update (18.09.2026): Analysis: Kremlin denies post-election mobilisation amid fears of public backlash (ISW)
→Update (18.09.2026): Podcast: Ukraine faces mounting pressure ahead of wartime winter (ECFR)
→Update (17.09.2026): Analysis: Russia pushes to capture Dobropillia before autumn conditions worsen (EUobserver)
→Update (17.09.2026): Analysis: Russia continues deporting Ukrainian female political prisoners to distant penal colonies (ISW)
→Update (17.09.2026): News: Russia targets passenger trains to undermine Ukraine’s economy and morale (POLITICO)
→Update (16.09.2026): Analysis: Ukrainian forces reportedly advance beyond Zherebets River (EUobserver)
→Update (16.09.2026): Analysis: Putin frames Duma elections as referendum on Ukraine war (ISW)
→Update (15.09.2026): Analysis: Ukraine hits record number of Russian refineries as Trump pushes energy ceasefire (EUobserver)
→Update (15.09.2026): Analysis: Ukraine’s Operation Vivaldi disrupts Russia’s Fortress Belt encirclement (ISW)
→Update (14.09.2026): Analysis: Ukraine races to counter Russia’s jet-powered drones (POLITICO)
→Update (14.09.2026): Analysis: Zelensky reiterates readiness for mutual energy strikes moratorium (ISW)
→Update (13.09.2026): Analysis: Russian strikes near Polish border signal growing escalation (ISW)
→Update (12.09.2026): Analysis: Ukraine disrupts Russia’s Donbas offensive plans (ISW)
→Update (13.09.2026): Analysis: Anthropic AI joins Ukraine war after Russian exploitation (EUobserver)
→Update (11.09.2026): Analysis: Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment (ISW)
→Update (10.09.2026): Analysis: Russia spent over €110bn on the war so far in 2026 (EUobserver)
→Update (10.09.2026): Analysis: Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment (ISW)
→Update (10.09.2026): Analysis: Russian Occupation Update (ISW)
→Update (10.09.2026): Analysis: Zelenskyy gambles on pressure to force Putin into peace talks (POLITICO)
→Update (09.09.2026): Analysis: Russia’s claimed Kharkiv encirclement lacks evidence (EUobserver)
→Update (09.09.2026): News: Zelenskyy’s plane nearly hit by drone en route to Oslo (Euronews)
→Quick Brief:
→Russia launched its full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022, expecting rapid military gains, but its attempt to seize Kyiv failed as Ukrainian forces resisted
→The failed initial offensive developed into a long war of attrition, with Russia occupying Ukrainian territory while Ukraine continues to defend itself and strike Russian military and economic targets
→Winter has repeatedly intensified pressure on civilians: Russia has systematically targeted Ukraine’s electricity and heating infrastructure, causing widespread outages and disruption
→Diplomacy has not ended the war: renewed US-led efforts have so far failed to bridge fundamental differences between Moscow and Kyiv, while Russian military operations continue
→Sources: UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, Reuters, Associated Press
→Transparency Note: Use of AI
·Eastern Europe·Russia·Bulgaria·Drone Strike·European Defense·Russian Threat
·Eastern Europe·Russia·Bulgaria·Drone Strike·European Defense·Russian Threat
Bulgaria Summons Russia’s Envoy After Drone Attack; Attacks Continue in Black Sea ↗︎
Following the drone attacks off the coast of Bulgaria on October 13, Russia's Ambassador to Bulgaria was summoned as 11 of the sailors from the sunken ship remain missing.
→Update (03.11.2026): Analysis: Expanding Black Sea conflict tests NATO’s red lines and regional security commitments (Reuters)
→Update (28.10.2026): News: Bulgaria strengthens Black Sea defences after drones strike another vessel (Rapporteur)
→Update (24.10.2026): Parliamentary Vote: European Parliament votes on escalating Russian strikes affecting the EU, particularly the Black Sea region (EP Votes)
→Update (23.10.2026): News: Drone strikes another ship in the Black Sea near Romania, killing at least one sailor (POLITICO)
→Update (20.10.2026): News: NATO to deploy aircraft and drones over Black Sea following attacks on shipping (Reuters)
→Update (17.10.2026): News: Romania scrambles F-16 jets after detecting aerial targets near Snake Island (Romanian Ministry of Defence)
→Update (15.10.2026): News: Seven missing after tanker fire off Romanian coast (POLITICO)
→Update (14.10.2026): News: Romania proposes joint NATO Black Sea command with Bulgaria (Rapporteur)
→Update (13.10.2026): Commentary from Bulgaria: Time to stop deceiving ourselves - Russia poses a security threat to Bulgaria (Webcafe Bulgaria)
→Quick Brief:
→Eleven sailors are still missing after a drone attack off the coast of Bulgaria
→Two cargo ships were hit by drones during the night of October 13th according to Bulgarian officials
→In response to the incident Bulgaria summoned Russia's Ambassador
→Bulgaria does not explicitly accuse Russia of the attacks but its Prime Minister said this "benefits" Russia
→Source: Reuters
·African Relations·Europe in the world·Foreign Policy·Geopolitics·Human Rights·International Right·Migration·Security & Defence·Al-Burhan·Chad·Dagalo·Egypt·European Union·Gold·Iran·Libya·Red Sea·Refugees·Russia·SAF·UAE·United Nations
·African Relations·Europe in the world·Foreign Policy·Geopolitics·Human Rights·International Right·Migration·Security & Defence·Al-Burhan·Chad·Dagalo·Egypt·European Union·Gold·Iran·Libya·Red Sea·Refugees·Russia·SAF·UAE·United Nations
Sudan’s War and Europe’s UAE Ties ↗︎
Sudan’s civil war is sustained by foreign support, gold revenues and competition for Red Sea influence, while Europe faces scrutiny over its UAE ties.
→Update (02.11.2026): News: Sudan accuses Ethiopia of enabling RSF drone attacks from its territory and files complaints with the United Nations (Al Jazeera)
→Update (27.10.2026): News: Sudanese army drone strike on Nyala market kills at least 36 people and injures over 150, MSF reports (MSF)
→Update (23.10.2026): Commentary: Süddeutsche Zeitung criticises international inaction as Sudan’s civil war continues to claim civilian lives (SZ)
→Update (23.10.2026): News: BBC reports allegations that Sudan’s RSF fighters deliberately targeted hospitals (BBC News)
→Update (21.10.2026): News: UN-led Sudan peace talks in Geneva end without breakthrough (United Nations)
→Update (10.2026): Policy Brief: Women’s Refugee Commission examines the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and its impact on women and girls (Women’s Refugee Commission)
→Update (09.2026): Feature: Sudanese women support one another and their communities amid the ongoing civil war (UN Women)
→Quick Brief:
→War and displacement: Since April 2023, al-Burhan’s Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have fought Dagalo’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). At least 59,000 deaths have been recorded, likely an undercount. Over 14 million people have fled their homes, including more than four million abroad
→Foreign backing: Egypt, Turkey and Iran support the SAF. The UAE allegedly backs the RSF, though it denies it. UN investigators identified RSF supply networks involving actors in Chad, Libya and Somalia
→Gold and ports: Gold finances the war. Russia has cultivated ties across the conflict through gold and military interests while pursuing a Red Sea naval base at Port Sudan
→EU pressure: The EU provides aid and bans imports of Sudanese gold. Human Rights Watch criticises Brussels for insufficiently confronting the UAE and underusing its trade leverage over alleged RSF support
→Sources: AP, Reuters, UK Government, ISPI, EU Council, Human Rights Watch
→Transparency Note: Prepared with AI assistance.
·Inside Europe·CDU·Federal Convention·Friedrich Merz·Germany·Greens·Ilse Aigner·Presidency·SPD
·Inside Europe·CDU·Federal Convention·Friedrich Merz·Germany·Greens·Ilse Aigner·Presidency·SPD
German Conservatives Split Over Presidency ↗︎
Germany’s CDU and CSU remain divided over a presidential nominee as Ilse Aigner attracts support beyond the conservative alliance.
→Update (02.11.2026): News: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz backs electing a woman as Germany’s next federal president (Tagesspiegel/dpa)
→Update (28.10.2026): News: Germany’s CDU and CSU clash over their preferred candidate for the country’s next federal president (Rapporteur)
→Quick Brief:
→Succession: The Federal Convention elects Germany’s next president on 30 January 2027. Frank-Walter Steinmeier cannot serve a third consecutive term
→Conservative divisions: The CSU backs Bavaria’s parliamentary president, Ilse Aigner. The CDU remains undecided, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz has not endorsed her
→Broader backing: Leading SPD politicians support Aigner, while Greens including Cem Özdemir and Katharina Schulze have welcomed her potential candidacy. She could become Germany’s first female president
→European role: The president represents Germany internationally and supports diplomatic relations, while the federal government directs foreign policy
→Sources: Reuters, BR24, Südkurier
→Transparency Note: Prepared with AI assistance.
·Europe in the world·Geopolitics·Latin America·Brazil·BRICS·European Union·Flávio Bolsonaro·Jair Bolsonaro·Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva·Presidential elections·Strategic Autonomy·USA
·Europe in the world·Geopolitics·Latin America·Brazil·BRICS·European Union·Flávio Bolsonaro·Jair Bolsonaro·Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva·Presidential elections·Strategic Autonomy·USA
Brazil Presidential Election: Lula Wins Second Round, Bolsonaro Junior Refuses Result ↗︎
Brazil voted on 25 October in the second round of a presidential election between competing political and foreign-policy visions, with implications for the country’s relations with Europe, the United States, China and BRICS.
→Update (29.10.2026): Analysis: Reuters examines how Brazil’s election could reshape global trade in soybeans, rare earths and fuels (Reuters)
→Update (28.10.2026): News: Flávio Bolsonaro declares himself Brazil’s rightful president, alleges election fraud without evidence, then softens his claim (EFE, AFP)
→Update (28.10.2026): Timeline: Reuters traces Flávio Bolsonaro’s controversial journey to the United States following Brazil’s presidential election (Reuters)
→Update (28.10.2026): News: Flávio Bolsonaro reportedly travels to the US following Lula’s re-election amid legal scrutiny and passport restrictions in Brazil (AP News)
→Update (27.10.2026): Analysis: Lula’s re-election preserves a key EU partner on climate policy, trade and democratic cooperation (EUObserver)
→Update (27.10.2026): News: Flávio Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party recognises Lula’s election victory despite its candidate’s refusal to concede (Reuters)
→Update (26.10.2026): Analysis: Lula Faces Difficult Fourth Term with Right-Wing Dominated Congress (Reuters).
→Update (26.10.2026): News: Investors anticipate market reversals following Lula’s re-election in Brazil (Reuters)
→Update (26.10.2026): News: Flávio Bolsonaro refuses to recognise Lula’s re-election victory in Brazil (Reuters)
→Update (26.10.2026): News: Lula wins re-election in historic Brazilian presidential run-off, setting stage for political confrontation (POLITICO)
→Update (24.10.2026): Investigation: Meta faces allegations of favouring Flávio Bolsonaro through algorithmic recommendations while restricting Lula’s accounts during Brazil’s presidential election campaign (Folha de S.Paulo, 16.10.2026, Folha de S.Paulo, 24.10.2026)
→Update (24.10.2026): News: Bolsonaro and Lula clash over living costs and corruption in final Brazilian presidential election debate (Reuters)
→Update (24.10.2026): Analysis: How Brazil’s changing working class is reshaping the presidential race (BBC News)
→Update (23.10.2026): News: Datafolha poll shows Flávio Bolsonaro and Lula nearly tied ahead of Brazil’s presidential runoff (Reuters)
→Update (22.10.2026): News: Bolsonaro unlikely to derail EU-Mercosur trade deal, but Brussels could (Rapporteur)
→Update (19.10.2026): News: Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro clash in heated presidential debate (Euronews)
→Update (05.10.2026): Analysis: Bolsonaro Jr.’s advance against Lula raises EU concerns over Brazil-Mercosur alliance (EUobserver)
→Update (04.10.2026): News: Flávio Bolsonaro leads Lula as Brazil heads to a runoff (POLITICO)
→Update (03.10.2026): Analysis: Brazil’s cliffhanger election could cost EU a key Latin American ally (EUobserver)
→Quick Brief:
→President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva faces Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, as the two leading candidates in a field of 12. A runoff will follow on 25 October if no candidate wins a majority
→Lula has pursued strategic autonomy, maintaining relations with Europe and China while strengthening Brazil’s role in BRICS and the Global South
→Bolsonaro represents a different direction, with his campaign associated with closer political alignment with Donald Trump’s United States and the wider conservative movement
→For Europe, the election could shape relations with Latin America’s largest economy, including cooperation on trade, climate and the EU-Mercosur partnership, as Brazil navigates competition between Washington and Beijing
→Sources: Brazilian Electoral Court (TSE), Reuters, POLITICO Europe
→Transparency Note: Use of AI
·Europe in the world·Inside Europe·Council of Europe·Strasbourg·World Forum for Democracy
·Europe in the world·Inside Europe·Council of Europe·Strasbourg·World Forum for Democracy
World Forum for Democracy Kick-starts in Strasbourg ↗︎
The Council of Europe is hosting its annual World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg, Palais de l՛Europe.
→The World Forum for Democracy will take place from 2nd to 3rd of November in Strasbourg, France
→It is an international platform to discuss challenges of democracies worldwide and debate solutions
→It is hosted by the Council of Europe and take place every year at the Palais de l'Europe
→The 2026 Forum will culminate the consultative phase of the New Democratic Pact for Europe
→Source: World Forum for Democracy
·African Relations·Caribbean·Human Rights·International Right·United Nations·Britain·Crime against Humanity·European Union·Ghana·Global South·Transatlantic Trafficking·UN resolution
·African Relations·Caribbean·Human Rights·International Right·United Nations·Britain·Crime against Humanity·European Union·Ghana·Global South·Transatlantic Trafficking·UN resolution
Ghana’s Slavery Resolution And Global South Challenge Europe ↗︎
Ghana’s UN success on slavery reparations has exposed European resistance, while Britain’s openness to an apology creates space for dialogue with African and Caribbean partners.
→Ghana’s success: On 25 March, 123 states backed Ghana’s nonbinding UN resolution declaring the transatlantic trafficking and enslavement of Africans “the gravest crime against humanity”. It calls for apologies, restitution and compensation
→European resistance: EU members and Britain abstained. The EU condemned slavery but opposed ranking atrocities and applying international law retrospectively, including to reparations claims
→British opening: During Charles III’s Caribbean visit, Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed openness to discussing a formal apology. He ruled out financial reparations; a royal apology has not been announced.
→Scope and partnerships: Defining responsible institutions, eligible beneficiaries and remedies remains contested. Dialogue could build trust between Europe and African and Caribbean partners through restitution, education and debt cooperation, although closer political alignment is not guaranteed
→Sources: UN, EEAS, Reuters
→Transparency Note: Prepared with AI assistance.
·African Relations·Health Policy·Democratic Republic of Congo·Ebola·Epidemic·Uganda·WHO
·African Relations·Health Policy·Democratic Republic of Congo·Ebola·Epidemic·Uganda·WHO
Ebola Epidemic: DRC’s deadliest ever, Conflicts make situation worse ↗︎
The World Health Organisation declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a global public health emergency.
→Update (30.10.2026): New numbers, new infections (CDC)
→Update (23.10.2026): News: Woman diagnosed with Ebola in Nigeria identified as wife of Swiss diplomat (BBC News)
→Update (20.10.2026): News: Nigeria confirms first Ebola case amid regional outbreak (WHO)
→Update (15.10.2026): Reportage: Bunia fights to protect families from DR Congo’s deadliest Ebola outbreak (RFI)
→Update (01.10.2026): News: Thousands flee Ebola-hit Congo camp, raising fears of wider disease spread (Reuters)
→Update (24.09.2026): News: WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak remains out of control amid health worker shortage (PBS NewsHour)
→Update (20.09.2026): News: Congo prioritizes Ebola health care workers for Ervebo vaccine effective against different virus strain (AP)
→Update (26.08.2023): Conflict drives DRC cholera outbreak (RFI)
→Update (20.08.2026): Ebola vaccines allocated to Congo (WHO)
→Update (13.08.2026): WHO chief warns of deadliest Ebola outbreak (BBC News)
→Update (10.08.2026): Interview with expert: How missing international aid increasingly exacerbates the crisis (ZDFheute)
→Update (05.08.2026): Expert speaks about potential future Ebola vaccine (FAZ)
→Update (July 24, 2026): First person gets new experimental vaccine for Ebola (BBC)
→Update (July 13, 2026): Ebola vaccine made in UK now ready for trials (BBC)
→Update (July 09, 2026): Ebola rumours fuel attacks on health workers (BBC)
→Update (July 03, 2026): Ebola treatments trial begins in DR Congo (BBC)
→Update (June 15, 2026): Recovery of Ebola patients offers rare moments of joy (BBC)
→Update (June 02, 2026): Protests against US Ebola quarantine centre plan in Kenya, two deaths (BBC)
→Update (June 01, 2026): Three Ebola vaccines in development (BBC)
→Update (May 31, 2026): How Ebola spreads and why it is so dangerous (BBC)
→Update (May 31, 2026): Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has warned about Ebola in DRC: "Deeply alarming" situation (BBC)
→Update (May 25, 2026): Many African countries want to cooperate to prevent the virus from further spreading (BBC); the EU and UNICEF mobilise over 100 metric tonnes of emergency supplies to DRC (UNICEF)
→Update (May 24, 2026): African Centres for Disease Control warns of 10 other countries being at risk (BBC)
→Update (May 22, 2026): Drastic missing information and education about the danger of Ebola within the population. Regional conflicts affect the situation. The population has high levels of mistrust of the government, corruption, and institutions like hospitals (BBC). WHO warned of very high national and regional spread, a potential epidemic and healthcare risks, but low global influence (BBC)
→May 21, 2026:
→WHO and the African Union declared a public health emergency over the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, which started in Eastern Congo (Ituri)
→Bundibugyo Ebola is a rare Ebola strain with no approved specific vaccine or treatment yet; a vaccine could take 9 months
→WHO reported approximately 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths, but the situation is highly fluid
→Sources: WHO, BBC
