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NL Erdoğan presents controversial electoral law as Turkey diplomatically mediates in Ukraine
While Turkish diplomacy is in full swing and the country is raising its profile on the geopolitical front, interesting developments are taking place in domestic politics. In the run-up to next year's elections, the Erdoğan government has tabled a controversial electoral law that is likely to be passed. The law favours Erdoğan's AK Party and seems intended to divide the united opposition.
Constitution Belarus amended after referendum, fear of further integration with Russia grows
A controversial amendment to the constitution was passed in a referendum in Belarus last Sunday. The amendments give President Lukashenko far-reaching powers to remain in power until 2035. Another clause that deletes Belarus as a neutral, non-nuclear power is also controversial. It heightens fears that Belarus will be further integrated into Russia.
Will sanctions deter Putin?
The world is watching Putin tensely as he announces Russian recognition of the republics of Luhansk and Donetsk. An orchestrated security meeting in Moscow and rancorous speech by the Russian president usher in a new low point between Russia, Ukraine and the West. Will Western sanctions be enough to deter Putin from further violations of Ukrainian sovereignty? - This article follows in English -
DONBAS - torn between Ukraine and Russia
The People's Republics of Donetsk and Lugansk emerged in 2014 as unrecognised pro-Russian secession from Ukraine.
North Macedonia with Thijs Reuten
North Macedonia with Thijs Reuten
On Sunday 31 October, the FMS travelled with Thijs Reuten, MEP (PvdA) to northern Macedonia for a three-day working visit to various civil society organisations, students, our sister party, other parties and political foundations. This trip took place at a politically turbulent moment: Zoran Zaev had resigned as prime minister because his party had lost the local elections. With this working visit, we wanted, among other things, to show our solidarity and demonstrate that northern Macedonia and the rest of the Western Balkans are not alone. Indeed, Thijs Reuten is in the European Parliament dealing with the Western Balkans, asylum and migration, human rights and rule of law and the community of values within the European Union.
New Romanian government after struggle for power
A new coalition government appears to have been clinched in Romania. The smaller, progressive coalition partner disappears and a large, conservative partner comes to rule with the Liberals. This new coalition emerges after six months of power struggles within the Liberal Party (PNL).
Fighting for our democratic values
In the summer of 1988, as a 19-year-old history student, I visited Berlin. The wall divided the city and in my mind there was only room for the East-West world, in which we lived.
EU needs to condemn and tackle pushbacks more forcefully
The noises about so-called 'pushbacks' at Europe's external borders are getting louder and louder. Meanwhile, there are countless stories of refugees being harshly stopped, and even sent back, after they have already set foot on European territory. At a time when the EU expresses great concern about the many refugees trying to reach the EU via Belarus, it is all the more important to be aware that these refugees too are entitled to a fair asylum procedure in Europe. Repressing them with illegal methods should thus be out of the question.
Armenia and Azerbaijan challenge each other in front of the International Court of Justice
The long standing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has entered a new stage now that the countries are challenging each other in front of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). On the 16th of September 2021, Armenia started proceedings against Azerbaijan in front of the ICJ alleging a breach of the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD). According to a statement of the ICJ, Armenia argues that "For decades, Azerbaijan has subjected Armenians to racial discrimination" and that, "as a result of this State-sponsored policy of Armenian hatred, Armenians have been subjected to systemic discrimination, mass killings, torture and other abuse". Armenia and Azerbaijan are both signatories to the CERD.
Justice in Romania: Will the country remain under EU control?
Since joining the EU in 2007, Romania has been under increased scrutiny by the European Commission. This is done with the so-called Cooperation and Verification Mechanism. Bulgaria was also subject to this until 2019, until the Commission thought enough was enough. Neighbouring Romania was on the right track, then took an odd turn, but now seems to be back on a better track. This is evident from two recent signals.
