Eastern Europe
Russia starts construction of the South Stream pipeline
By Clara Weiss, December 14, 2012
The South Stream pipeline is of considerable political importance: it will undermine the monopoly position of Ukraine as a transit country for gas supplies and ensure that Europe continues to receive a large proportion of its gas from Russia.
Social Democratic-led alliance wins Romanian election
By Andrei Tudora, Tina Zamfir, December 13, 2012
With 58.6 percent of the votes in the Chamber of Deputies and 60.1 percent in the Senate, Romania’s Social Liberal Union will enjoy a comfortable majority to form the new government.
Croatian war criminals released after appeal by Western military chiefs
By Paul Mitchell, December 11, 2012
The International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia Appeals Court overturned the convictions of Croatian general Ante Gotovina and Assistant Interior Minister Mladen Markac.
IMF steps up pressure on Romanian government prior to election
By Diana Toma, Markus Salzmann, November 23, 2012
In their latest report the International Monetary Fund and European Union call upon the Romanian government to continue its brutal “structural reforms.”
Hungarian premier steps up nationalist rhetoric
By Markus Salzmann, October 27, 2012
In early October the Hungarian premier Victor Orban delivered a bloodcurdling tirade placing himself firmly in the camp of the extreme right.
Romania: 3,500 jobs threatened at Oltchim chemical plant
By our correspondents, October 25, 2012
The situation of 3,500 workers at Romania’s Oltchim chemical works remains uncertain following the failure of the Social Democratic government led by Victor Ponta to reopen the plant and provide funds for unpaid salaries.
Russian President Putin advocates ban on headscarves in schools
By Clara Weiss, October 24, 2012
Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly spoken out in favor of a ban on headscarves in Russian schools.
Russian parliament expels Putin adversary
By Clara Weiss, September 24, 2012
The powerful pro-Putin faction in the Russian State Duma has banished a leading critic of the regime.
Hungarian government plans further austerity measures
By Markus Salzmann, September 21, 2012
The Hungarian government led by Prime Minister Victor Orban (Fidesz) is planning further austerity measures to meet demands made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Romanian workers protest privatization, demand resignation of union leaders
By Andrei Tudora, Tina Zamfir, September 20, 2012
Hundreds of workers have protested in Romania this month against the government’s plans to privatize state-owned companies as part of a deal agreed with the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission.
EU launches anti-monopoly suit against Russia's Gazprom
By Clara Weiss, September 19, 2012
Commercial conflicts between European Union energy firms and the Russian gas supplier Gazprom will inevitably raise political tensions.
Discrimination of Roma in Europe intensifies
By Diana Toma, September 18, 2012
In Romania itself and throughout Europe, Roma confront increasing discrimination.
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