CEEOL - Search Result

0.00 €

Ukraine’s New National Security Strategy

Author(s): Daniel Szeligowski / Language(s): English

Keywords: Ukraine; security; strategy; defence policy;

Approved by President Volodymyr Zelensky in September this year, the new Ukrainian National Security Strategy (NSS) includes an expanded catalogue of threats to state security. The key one still is Russia’s aggressive policy, which Ukraine intends to counteract through the development of its defence capabilities and deepened cooperation with the EU and NATO. Further growth of the Ukrainian military industry will also enable the intensification of Polish-Ukrainian cooperation in the security sphere.

More...

0.00 €

EU Aid to Belarusian Civil Society: Needs and Challenges

Author(s): Elżbieta Kaca / Language(s): English

Keywords: EU; Belarus; civil society; needs; challenges; EC;

The EU faces a tough task in providing aid to the independent non-governmental sector in Belarus because of the difficulties in reaching new and informal civic groups and the Belarusian authorities’ restrictions on organisations seeking international aid. To overcome these limitations, the European Commission (EC) may consult its aid related to active citizenship to a greater extent with local communities in Belarus. For Poland and other Member States that are donors in this area, it will be important to ensure the effectiveness of EU aid and to coordinate their activities with the Union.

More...

0.00 €

Bulgaria’s Threat to Block North Macedonia’s European Integration

Author(s): Jakub Pieńkowski,Tomasz Żornaczuk / Language(s): English

Keywords: Bulgaria; North Macedonia; EU: integration; block; threat;

Bulgaria has threatened to block the intergovernmental conference proposed by the European Commission(EC) for December 2020 that is intended to open accession negotiations with North Macedonia. The Bulgarian authorities want to force this country to officially recognise the existence of the Macedonian nation and language through its interpretation of history as the result of the denationalisation of local Bulgarians during the Yugoslavia period. Bulgaria expects its EU partners to support its position. Bulgaria’s actions, motivated by domestic politics, complicates the policy of EU enlargement to the Western Balkans, supported by Poland.

More...

0.00 €

Intra-Afghan Negotiations: Peace at the Cost of Democracy?

Author(s): Patryk Kugiel / Language(s): English

Keywords: Afghanistan; Taliban; politics; democracy; negotiations;

The peace talks between the Afghan authorities and the Taliban, launched on 12 September, are now the best chance to end the 20-year civil war in Afghanistan. It is possible, however, that the price of peace will be that the Taliban assumes a decisive role in the country, and that the present democratic system of government is dismantled. The Taliban’s position in the negotiations is strengthened by plans to end the foreign military presence in Afghanistan, internal conflicts in the democratic camp in Kabul, and the Taliban’s own growing military leverage. The support of states and organisations for the future government of Afghanistan will be crucial to preserving at least some of the achievements of the last 20 years.

More...

0.00 €

A Never-Ending Story: The Fight Against Corruption in Ukraine

Author(s): Maciej Zaniewicz / Language(s): English

Keywords: Ukraine; governance; corruption; crime; court;

Although Volodymyr Zelensky has identified the fight against corruption as one of the most important objectives of his presidency, he has not yet achieved success in this area. A large part of the Ukrainian political elite is trying to sabotage the activities of institutions fighting corruption. They are doing this through the Constitutional Court of Ukraine (CCU), which has paralysed the national anti-corruption system with its judgments. The success of the fight against corruption in Ukraine depends on reform of the CCU and pressure from the IMF and the EU. Poland can support these efforts to reduce the scale of smuggling from Ukraine and improve the investment climate for Polish companies.

More...

0.00 €

Second Wave of COVID-19 in Israel

Author(s): Michał Wojnarowicz / Language(s): English

Keywords: Israel; COVID-19; pandemic; second wave;

Israel was among the states that managed to mitigate the first wave of COVID-19. However, inconsistent actions in lifting the restrictions and a decline in social discipline have led to a sharp increase in morbidity. That forced Israel to be first country in the world to introduce a second lockdown, which is now being lifted. The political consequences of the second wave are a drop in support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and increased tensions within the coalition, both of which enhance the chances of another cabinet crisis, including an early elections scenario.

More...

0.00 €

Arab States Against Turkey

Author(s): Sara Nowacka / Language(s): English

Keywords: Saudi Arabia; Arab States; Turkey; foreign policy; Morocco;

In September, Egypt called on Arab states to create common, assertive policy against Turkey. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Morocco began to boycott Turkish imports. These moves stem from Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s increasingly interventionist policy towards Arab states and the Mediterranean region. The escalating dispute puts the EU in a difficult position. Additional pressure on Turkey may coincide with the EU’s interests but it should avoid equating its Middle East policy with the goals of the authoritarian Arab regimes.

More...

0.00 €

China’s Digital Silk Road: Economic and Political Significance

Author(s): Damian Wnukowski / Language(s): English

Keywords: China; Silk Road; economy; policy; digitalisation;

China is developing what it calls the Digital Silk Road (DSR), a network of cooperation with selected countries in the field of technology, including 5G networks and e-commerce. The rivalry with the U.S. and importance of the digital sector during the COVID-19 pandemic has put pressure on China to develop the DSR. It also aims to promote its own technological standards, which is a challenge for many countries, especially in the area of security. China’s approach may also push the EU and its partners, including the U.S., to cooperate more closely in developing competing alternatives.

More...

0.00 €

Faith in Society: Sweden’s Response to New Outbreaks of COVID-19

Author(s): Veronika Jóźwiak / Language(s): English

Keywords: Sweden; COVID-19; response; new outbreaks; society; faith;

Sweden has consistently followed the same model of managing the COVID-19 pandemic since its beginning. It is based on social trust, encompassing the authorities’ belief in responsible behaviour and solidarity, and citizens’ belief in the competence of the authorities. Because of the resurgence of the disease since September, Sweden has increased the powers of local authorities to make sanitary recommendations. The government, which had introduced only a few restrictions, sees the pandemic as a source of lasting change that must be used to address climate, economic and social challenges.

More...

0.00 €

Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear Programme: International Implications

Author(s): Bartosz Bieliszczuk / Language(s): English

Keywords: Saudi Arabia; nuclear programme; international implications; Iran;

Saudi Arabia’s nuclear programme aims to help it achieve long-term economic goals and strengthen its international position. It is associated with many challenges, and furthermore it has sparked controversy, fuelled by the declarations of Saudi leaders that they could acquire a nuclear weapon. Additionally, the Saudi’s civilian nuclear programme could be used by its rival, Iran, to justify a more confrontational policy.

More...

0.00 €

France: New Lockdown Worsens Old Crises

Author(s): Łukasz Maślanka / Language(s): English

Keywords: France; COVID-19; pandemic; lockdown; policy; crisis;

A robust increase in SARS-CoV-2 infections forced the French authorities to introduce a new lockdown from 30 October. This attempt to limit the spread of the pandemic coincides with rising apprehension after recent terrorist attacks and a worsening economy. The government of Jean Castex is only a few months old but has to cope not only with the introduction of a recovery plan but also the need to reinforce the sense of security among the people of France.

More...

0.00 €

Donbas: Mired in Crises

Author(s): Maria Piechowska / Language(s): English

Keywords: Russia; Ukraine; aggression; Donbas; COVID-19;

The Russian aggression against Ukraine has caused mass migration of people from areas in the war zone. The people remaining in the territories of eastern Ukraine occupied by Russia - the so-called People’s Republics - require humanitarian aid. The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened the isolation of the occupied territories from the rest of Ukraine. Given the Russians and separatist authorities’ various stances, the situation in Donbas will deteriorate further.

More...

0.00 €

Czechia and COVID-19: From Success in Suppressing the Pandemic to an Overwhelming Second Wave

Author(s): Łukasz Ogrodnik / Language(s): English

Keywords: Czechia; COVID-19; pandemic; second wave;

Despite the effective suppression of COVID-19 cases in the spring of this year, Czechia is now struggling to contain record increases in the number of infections and deaths that place it among the worst-hit countries in the EU. Attempting to gain control of the disease, the government of Andrej Babiš took internal actions (such as introducing a state of emergency) and sought foreign assistance (from, for example, NATO and the EU). The pandemic has strengthened Czech cooperation with regional neighbours, including initiatives within the Visegrad Group, the intensification of activities of the Slavkov Triangle, stronger relations with German federal states, and the launch of the new Central Five (C5) format.

More...

0.00 €

Africa Increases Control over Natural Resources

Author(s): Jędrzej Czerep / Language(s): English

Keywords: Africa; natural resources; control; EU; trade policy;

From October this year, new rules on the sale of cocoa beans entered into force, agreed between Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana - the crop’s two largest producers in the world - to ensure a profit for farmers. The agreement is an example of a departure from the raw material export model that is unfavourable to African producer countries. This change should increase the stability of African states. These processes will require a revision of the European business approach to Africa and the EU’s trade policy towards the continent.

More...

0.00 €

Civic Attitudes Towards European Integration in the COVID-19 Era

Author(s): Melchior Szczepanik / Language(s): English

Keywords: COVID-19; EU; integration; civic attitudes;

EU citizens are divided in their assessment of community institutions’ record in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, no significant dip in trust in the Union has occurred. What is more, European cooperation is perceived as an important instrument in the fight against the pandemic and protection against similar crises in the future. Public support for establishing a new common policy in the realm of health could be used as an argument for reform of the treaties at the forthcoming Conference on the Future of Europe.

More...

0.00 €

UN Reform According to Secretary-General Guterres: Status and Prospects

Author(s): Szymon Zaręba / Language(s): English

Keywords: UN; Secretary-General; Guterres; reform; status; prospects;

Since the beginning of his term of office, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has managed to implement most of his proposals concerning reform of UN management, the development system, and the peace-and-security pillar. In view of the organisation’s difficult financial situation, it is becoming increasingly important to ensure budgetary stability, which is why the implementation of Guterres’ proposal to finance UN activities could bring much needed improvement. This stability is in Poland’s interest because it supports UN activities.

More...

0.00 €

Countering China: Germany in the Indo-Pacific Region

Author(s): Lidia Gibadło / Language(s): English

Keywords: Indo-Pacific region; China; Germany; foreign policy; economy;

China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific area potentially jeopardises the security and economic interests of Germany. This has led the German government to adopt policy guidelines towards the region with the main element strengthening cooperation with ASEAN members and countries such as India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Although the document signals an evolution of the German strategy regarding China, which is increasingly viewed as a competitor, implementation of the course may be limited by concerns about a deterioration of relations with Germany’s largest trading partner.

More...

0.00 €

The Difficulty of Finding Compromise: Joe Biden and Congress

Author(s): Andrzej Dąbrowski,Mateusz Piotrowski / Language(s): English

Keywords: Joe Biden; Congress; compromise; politics;

The Republicans are likely to retain the majority in the Senate, which will be decided in the second round of the state of Georgia’s Senate elections. If that happens, the Biden administration will be forced to compromise with the Republicans. If that is the case, the new president will have to pursue moderate policy, discounting demands from the left wing of the Democratic Party, including progressives. However, Republicans will have to operate in a political environment of Trump’s legacy, which will make it difficult for them to formulate a coherent programme.

More...

0.00 €

Russia and the CSTO in the Face of Destabilisation in the Neighbourhood

Author(s): Agnieszka Legucka / Language(s): English

Keywords: Russia; NATO; CSTO; security; military policy;

The escalation of military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh (NK) and mass demonstrations in Belarus and Kyrgyzstan have forced Russia to react to instability in its neighbourhood. The Russian authorities prefer bilateral solutions, using the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) only in a limited way, mainly presenting it as a counterweight to NATO. The other CSTO members treat it as a forum for military cooperation, but due to its political weakness, they count primarily on security guarantees from Russia.

More...

0.00 €

Prospects for Missile Defence in Europe Against Ballistic Threats From Iran

Author(s): Marcin Andrzej Piotrowski / Language(s): English

Keywords: Iran; missile; defence; Europe; Ballistic threats; prospects; EPAA; NATO;

Initiated in 2010 by the United States, the European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA) system is designed to protect the European countries of NATO and U.S. military bases there against ballistic missiles from Iran. The incoming Biden administration will likely prepare a comprehensive review of U.S. missile defence and the EPAA project given the uncertainty of the progress of the Iranian arsenal and delays in finalisation of the system’s Phase III, including the base in Redzikowo, Poland. A further slowdown in work on EPAA or a halt might be elements of the U.S.-Russia strategic dialogue. The conclusions of the missile defence review will influence the final shape of NATO’s defence against Iran’s missile arsenal, however any potential changes in the project may have less impact on Poland’s interests or its relations with the U.S. than was observed in 2009.

More...

Series:PISM Bulletin

Ukraine’s New National Security Strategy

EU Aid to Belarusian Civil Society: Needs and Challenges

Bulgaria’s Threat to Block North Macedonia’s European Integration

Intra-Afghan Negotiations: Peace at the Cost of Democracy?

A Never-Ending Story: The Fight Against Corruption in Ukraine

Second Wave of COVID-19 in Israel

Arab States Against Turkey

China’s Digital Silk Road: Economic and Political Significance

Faith in Society: Sweden’s Response to New Outbreaks of COVID-19

Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear Programme: International Implications

France: New Lockdown Worsens Old Crises

Donbas: Mired in Crises

Czechia and COVID-19: From Success in Suppressing the Pandemic to an Overwhelming Second Wave

Africa Increases Control over Natural Resources

Civic Attitudes Towards European Integration in the COVID-19 Era

UN Reform According to Secretary-General Guterres: Status and Prospects

Countering China: Germany in the Indo-Pacific Region

The Difficulty of Finding Compromise: Joe Biden and Congress

Russia and the CSTO in the Face of Destabilisation in the Neighbourhood

Prospects for Missile Defence in Europe Against Ballistic Threats From Iran