Romanian businessman Gabriel ‘Puiu’ Popoviciu’s lengthy legal battle has reached a final conclusion with a robust and final decision in his favour. On 15 January 2025, Romania’s High Court of Cassation and Justice, Romania’s equivalent of a Supreme Court, upheld an earlier decision by the Bucharest Court of Appeal in July 2024 to completely acquit…
Photo by Adi Goldstein on Unsplash On 10 January, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico suggested that the recent cyberattack on Slovakia’s land registry may have originated from Ukraine. Similarly, Slovakia’s Interior Minister, Michal Š. Eštok noted that the attack could potentially involve cybercriminals operating from Ukraine, referring to a similar breach in Russia. While these…
Zhanna Shamalova represents a notable example of entrepreneurial success in the post-Soviet era, having transformed early adversity into opportunity through strategic vision and adaptability. Her journey from late Soviet Moldova to becoming a sophisticated London-based investor and healthcare innovator illustrates the possibilities that talented individuals may exploit in a period of profound global change. I…
Photo by Myko Makhlai on Unsplash Russia’s persistent efforts to undermine trust in Ukraine are playing out both domestically and internationally, with the Kremlin deploying a range of propaganda tactics aimed at distorting reality. From claims about Ukraine’s alleged failure to manage effective mobilisation to the unfounded fears of Western support being cut off, the…
It’s that time of year again…. oh yes it is. In the best traditions of this time of the year, a Belgian audience is set to be treated to that good, old-fashioned English tradition – a pantomime. This year, the offering by the English Comedy Club later this month is Cinderella. The panto is something that…
The rise of the shadow tanker fleet is a ticking time bomb for both the global environment and international maritime security. These vessels, operating outside the reach of established regulations, are increasingly involved in transporting oil and oil products from countries such as Iran, Venezuela, and Russia — states that face international sanctions. While this…
Photo by Julius Drost on Unsplash Russia is waging war against Ukraine in the forests of Kharkiv, the steppes of Kherson, and the coal dumps of Donbass. However, the battlefield extends beyond Ukraine’s east and south. Russia’s use of rockets, guided bombs, tanks, and artillery is matched by its strategic war on the information front,…
Photo by Ahmad Sofi on Unsplash In a surprising development, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has announced his decision to step down and leave Syria, directing the government to transfer power peacefully. This unexpected move marks a dramatic shift in the political landscape of the Middle East. It raises questions about Syria’s future stability and the…
The prize for the Champion Cheese of 2024 has been awarded to a Portuguese cheese, Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado which is produced by a small farm in northern Portugal Quinta do Pomar. A family run business, the farm employs ten persons. The cheese competition was organised by the London based Guild of Fine Foods, with…
Photo by Hongbin on Unsplash The former EU foreign affairs chief has been elected for a second term at the helm of the College of Europe in Bruges. Francesca Mogherini has been the Rector of the College of Europe since September 2020. She has also been director of the European Union Diplomatic Academy, implemented by…
