Section: The Centre for Eastern Studies (Poland)
Ukraine and Moldova launch EU accession negotiations
On 15 June, Luxembourg hosted two EU–Ukraine and EU–Moldova Intergovernmental Conferences (IGCs), during which both countries opened the first negotiating cluster (Fundamentals). This cluster forms the backbone of the accession process: it is opened first and closed last. It encompasses the most demanding accession criteria that both countries...
A new EU security strategy in the making: high ambitions constrained by limited means
The deteriorating security environment in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, together with tensions between the United States and NATO’s European members, has prompted EU institutions to begin work on a new strategic document – the European Security Strategy (ESS), which aims to redefine the EU’s role amid...
Ukrainian Armed Forces pin hopes on foreign recruits
On 12 June, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced a reform of the armed forces’ personnel system. The reform introduces clearly defined contract terms, starting at 10 months, higher pay for infantry personnel of up to UAH 460,000 (around $10,000) per month and a faster return to service for deserters. The most significant...
Hungarian–Ukrainian agreement on the rights of national minorities in Ukraine
On 3 June, Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced that Hungary had reached a ‘comprehensive agreement’ with Ukraine on expanding the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia Oblast, estimated at 60,000–70,000 people. The agreement, reached following several weeks of expert consultations, expands the linguistic,...
The E3 and Ukraine: continued pressure on Russia and direct talks with the Kremlin
On 7 June, the leaders of the E3 countries – President Emmanuel Macron, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Prime Minister Keir Starmer – met President Volodymyr Zelensky in London to coordinate further support for Ukraine and discuss the prospects for peace talks with Russia, particularly the role that Europe should play in any future negotiations....
Exports under special supervision: Ukraine liberalises arms exports
Over recent months, Kyiv has accelerated the liberalisation of exports of weapons and military equipment manufactured in Ukraine. Until now, such exports had been subject to an informal ban imposed by the country’s top leadership in order to prioritise the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). In January, the government launched the...
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s first official visit to Kyiv
On 25 May, Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya arrived in Kyiv for a two-day official visit at the personal invitation of President Volodymyr Zelensky. During a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, she emphasised that “Ukraine’s victory in the war with Russia will also open the way to...
A new Ostpolitik? Ukraine as a priority of the Merz government
One year after the CDU/CSU–SPD coalition took office, the continuation of civilian and military support for Kyiv remains one of the principal directions of German foreign policy. …read more Source:: Centre for Eastern Studies...
High unemployment and labour shortages: paradoxes in Ukraine’s wartime labour market
Even before Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Ukrainian labour market lacked transparency due to the enormous shadow economy, involving as many as 3 million people and generating more than 30% of the country’s GDP. The war has acted as a catalyst for several important developments, including a significant rise in wages, particularly...
Ukraine: corruption scandal involving senior government officials continues
On 11 May, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) charged former head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak with money laundering. Investigators allege that 460 million hryvnias (almost €9 million) were used to finance the construction of the luxury Dynasty residential complex near Kyiv. The following day, the High...
