Fifty years after the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is searching for a new role more than ever. Nadja Douglas of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) sees the upcoming Helsinki+50 conference as a promising starting point for the OSCE to refocus on its regional strengths, despite all the challenges.
By Nadja Douglas
After an initial shock, the Russian economy has adapted to Western sanctions. The boom triggered by the defense industry is now subsiding. Yet despite mounting economic problems, Moscow could still continue the war for at least another three years.
By Julian Hans
Criticism from Israel’s opposition regarding Macron’s push to recognize Palestine hardly differs from that of Prime Minister Netanyahu. Germany’s deviation from the Western consensus is being closely watched.
By Markus Bickel
The European Parliament wants to significantly increase pressure on imports of Russian energy. The conservative EPP is seeking to soften reporting requirements.
By Manuel Berkel
It is becoming increasingly difficult for Russia to recruit volunteers for the war against Ukraine. Conscripts are expected to fill the gap. To draft enough of them, the registration process is set to be changed.
By Viktor Funk
Commander Helena Linder-Jeß is the new military advisor to Parliamentary State Secretary Sebastian Hartmann.
By Lisa-Martina Klein
The most recent meeting between Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and the defense industry yielded few tangible results. Still, industry representatives have reason to be pleased – the procurement acceleration law turned out very much in their favor.
By Wilhelmine Stenglin, Lisa-Martina Klein and Alex Hofmann
Cyberattacks, sabotage, and disinformation – during the Russian-Belarusian “Zapad-2025” exercise in September, the risk of hybrid attacks on targets within the EU could increase. This is the assessment of EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas.
By Viktor Funk
Relations between South Korea and the European Union are currently tense. Whether this remains the case will, according to South Korean journalist and Munich Young Leader 2025 Jeongmin Kim, depend in part on how inclusive Europe’s approach to strategic autonomy turns out to be.
By Jeongmin Kim
Fabien Mandon takes over as Chief of the General Staff on September 1, replacing Thierry Burkhard.
By Gabriel Bub
