EUROPE

Moldova: a crisis of Russia’s making

Energy crunch and pro-Russia protests pose biggest post-independence test for democracy

CONFLICT | CRISIS

Georgia: danger averted, for now

Civil society sees off restrictive law – but expects more attacks

Belarus: a prison state in Europe

Putin’s ally acts the strongman but war could be his downfall

One year into Russia’s war on Ukraine: civil society in the crossfire

Ukraine’s civil society is responding while Russia’s endures further crackdown

CONFLICT | CRISIS

The Energy Charter Treaty: a barrier to climate action

European states must withdraw from rather than revise treaty that protects fossil fuel companies from environmental policy

ECONOMY | ENVIRONMENT

Spain: a victory in the struggle against sexual violence

The country’s first law on sexual consent comes after years of feminist demands for a new approach to gender-based violence

Bulgaria: stuck in a loop?

Fourth election in 18 months produces yet more deadlock with parties divided on Russia and corruption

NATO’s growing pains

Russian invasion of Ukraine pushes some states into NATO’s arms – but makes NATO membership a contentious issue in others

GLOBAL GOVERNANCE

Serbia: LGBTQI+ people the latest target of repression

Anti-rights groups find dual inspiration in US conservative Christians and Russian nationalists

Latvia: decisive election gains for pro-western parties

Government will keep standing up to Russia – but must respect rights of Latvia’s ethnic Russian population