Table of contents
Valery Zhuravel “On the new state policy of Russia in the Arctic zone until 2035.” Analytical papers №9, 2020 (№ 192)
On March 5, 2020, the President of Russia V.V. Putin approved the Basic Principles of State Policy in the Arctic Zone until 2035, an important strategic planning document in the field of Russian Federation national security, aimed at protection of Russian national interests in the Arctic region. The author analyzes directions and tasks of the state policy in the Arctic for the next 15 years. It is noted that their comprehensive implementation will contribute to the quality of life of people in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, improve socio-economic development of the country, increase its defense capability in the Arctic region.
Denis Zelikson “Energy Confrontation in the Eastern Mediterranean: Greece's Stance.” Analytical papers №8, 2020 (№191)
In January 2020 Greece, Cyprus and Israel signed a deal on building a subsea pipeline to carry natural gas from the Eastern Mediterranean to Europe (EastMed). The pipeline is aimed at diversifying EU energy import and strengthening its independence, especially to the Southeast Europe. However, high technical demands and costs suggest that the project has a political meaning as well. By using the discussion around EastMed, Israel and Cyprus wish to engage the EU and US in constraining the Turkish influence in the region. On the contrary, Greece does not have such a political goal and emphasizes the exceptionally peaceful and economic nature of the deal.
Mikhail Vedernikov “Parliament elections in Slovakia.” Analytical papers №7, 2020 (№190)
On February 29, 2020, regular parliamentary elections in Slovakia brought drastic changes to the country's political life. They marked the end of political dominance of SMER – social democracy party, who had been in power since 2006. Victory was celebrated by the movement of Ordinary people (Obyčajní ľudia a nezávislé osobnosti), that managed to achieve significant success due to the promises to fight corruption. In turn, the results were unexpected for liberal parties, who, according to pre-election research, were the main contenders in formation of the new government. However, the inconsistency of their actions led to the fact that one of the favorites – coalition of Progressive Slovakia (Progresívne Slovensko) and Together (Spolu) parties – failed to enter the Parliament.
Marina Kolesnikova “Contours of the EU Maritime Policy 2020: Presidency of Croatia in the EU Council.” Analytical papers №6, 2020 (№189)
In January 2020, Croatia presented to relevant Committees of the European Parliament the priorities of its presidency in the Council of the European Union, included in the national program. The initiatives proposed by Croatia demonstrate the EU's commitment to greening and digitalization, including the maritime sector. This paper analyses further directions and prospects for the development of its individual areas, in particular, the Blue Economy.
Oleg Okhoshin “United Ireland: Sinn Fein on track to prepare for referendum.” Analytical papers №5, 2020 (№188)
On February 25, 2020, a public meeting of Sinn Fein was held in Dublin, which planned for a poll on a united Ireland. If the result is positive, the party will have good reason to demand the organization of a referendum from the British government. Against the backdrop of recent events, it is clear that Sinn Fein's positions have strengthened – her northern wing, led by Michelle O'Neill, managed to conclude an agreement with the Unionists and restore the work of the Northern Ireland Assembly in January 2020, and the southern wing, led by Mary Lou MacDonald, took second place in the Irish general elections in February 2020. The Sinn Fein plan of a united Ireland becomes even more feasible while the United Kingdom is engaged in negotiations with the EU.
Vladislav Belov “ ‘Nord Stream 2’ in the context of the Munich Security Conference.” Analytical papers №4, 2020 (№187)
In a report published on the eve of Munich Security Conference (February 14-16, 2020), experts focused on the risks associated with Nord Stream 2 project. They mostly repeated the points that official Washington had consistently voiced since mid-2017, justifying the «fair and objective» nature of sanctions against the project participants. The main idea: Russian gas supplies through the 3rd and 4th lines of offshore gas pipeline threaten the energy security and sovereignty of the European Union, principal partner of the United States, and therefore the United States themselves. Discussions around Nord Stream 2 continued at the conference, revealing lack of consent between American and European participants. In this paper, the author analyzes actual discussions in Munich, as well as the state and prospects of one of the largest projects of Gazprom and its partners in Europe.
Olga Potemkina “The European Union in search of the perfect governance system.” Analytical papers №3, 2020 (№186)
This policy brief is timed to the start of preparations for the Conference on the Future of Europe, designed to become a platform for bringing together the views of EU institutions, Member States, and, most importantly, to ensure direct participation of EU citizens in the discussion of EU priorities for medium term. The author analyses positions of the European Parliament, Commission and Council, presented on the eve of inter-institutional negotiations, and discovers significant differences in the views of EU institutions, which will undoubtedly make it difficult to develop and adopt a joint Declaration. The main stumbling block is the amendment of the Treaty on the European Union for institutional reform. The European Parliament insists on it, while the EU Council has not expressed any enthusiasm in this matter.
Leonid Khodov “On the financial challenges of the new European Commission.” Analytical papers №2, 2020 (№185)
On December 1, 2019, the new European commission came to power led by former German defense minister U. von der Leyen, appointed by European parliament. The former commission led by J.-C. Juncker had some achievements over 5 years. But quite a few unresolved problems remain, namely: need for financial mechanism improvement due to poor economic situation in Europe, unfinished brexit, social tensions, growth of NATO member states defense expenses. This articles dwells on the financial tasks facing the new European commission.
Vladislav Belov “Thuringia: a new political earthquake in Germany.” Analytical papers №1, 2020 (№184)
On February 5, 2019, the Landtag of the Federal Land of Thuringia, contrary to predictions, elected as the prime minister not Bodo Ramelov of the Left Party, but the representative of the Free Democratic Party Thomas Kemmerich. This was due to the votes of the CDU, the FDP and the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which is in opposition at both the land and federal levels. For other parties, it is non-handsshakable. This has prompted widespread criticism of the cooperation of regional Christian and Free Democrats. The paper analyzes the background of events and their implications for the German political landscape.
