Category Archives: Europe
The rise of frustrated nationalism in Russia
International media followed events in a southern Moscow suburb with a sense of foreboding and concern. Youths rioted, fought with security services and attacked migrants in retaliation for the killing of a young Russian named as Yegor Sherbakov. The murder Read on! →
The Wrath of Khans: The other presidents of Russia
In between musings about the economy and his republic’s famous honey, Rustem Khamitov admits he is the last President of Bashkortostan. In case your knowledge of ‘stan’ geography is a bit rusty, Bashkortostan is a semi-autonomous republic within Russia, home Read on! →
Berlusconi’s downfall: The last act of a classic tragedy
Although Silvio Berlusconi is arguably one of the most prominent political figures in Europe, he is well known for all the wrong reasons. His career has been overshadowed by innumerable scandals. But from repeated allegations of corruption to questionable bunga-bunga Read on! →
Banking on Merkel: Germany expected to hold course on Eurozone
Germany is likely to continue with the same cautious, pragmatic approach in overcoming the crisis, despite the Southern Eurozone countries’ expectations of changing the policies. The decisive day, 22 September 2013, not for the German people only but also for Read on! →
Spain: Sipping orujo in the green dustbowl
In the first days of the tourist season in Green Spain, sightseers, attracted by orujo, a grappa-like liquor, and local honey, brave a downpour to swarm on motorbikes and coaches around the centre of Potes, the gateway to the Picos Read on! →
UK: Are visa bonds winning at home but losing abroad?
The announcement by the UK government to pilot a tough new visa bond scheme aimed at discouraging illegal immigration and reducing net migration will have gone down well at the Home Office. However, given the public perception of the scheme Read on! →
Latvia: Introduction of the Euro to go ahead despite lack of public support
Latvia will become the 18th Member State to introduce the euro on 1 January 2014, but with less than 40% support from its citizens. The Latvian Prime Minister, Valdis Dombrovskis, has admitted: “The public now is less convinced than it Read on! →
Germany: The Constitutional Court will decide on the future of the Eurozone
Germany will have to leave the Eurozone should the German Constitutional Court find the ECB’s Outright Monetary Transactions illegal. The Court in Karlsruhe will decide whether the European Central Bank’s (ECB) Outright Monetary Transactions (OMT) is in the line with Read on! →
UK: Was there any progress made at G8 on tax evasion?
Earlier this week, eight leaders travelled to the picturesque Lough Erne lakes of Northern Ireland for the annual G8 Summit under the stewardship of David Cameron. Whilst Syria was the hot topic on the agenda, for the British PM it Read on! →
Sweden: Failing integration policies sets Stockholm suburbs in flames
Whilst the rioting and violence in Stockholm may have subsided in recent days, burnt out cars on the city streets suggest there is a deep issue behind the unrest. But the cause of such scenes, which mirror those of London Read on! →