As Ukraine approaches the end of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s first term, questions about his legitimacy linger, particularly amidst Russia’s attempts to delegitimise him. However, a recent analysis by the influential weekly publication, The Economist, suggests that these efforts from the Kremlin are futile. Despite the ongoing conflict and propaganda onslaught, Zelenskyy’s legitimacy remains solid, both…
Photo by Connor Coyne on Unsplash The upcoming Champions League final is the traditional, end-of-season showpiece event for European football. As with each season, some of the best sides on the planet lock horns, this time with Real Madrid facing Borussia Dortmund on 1 June. Even so, this top table global sporting event is not necessarily the richest…
Photo by Viktor Hesse on Unsplash The suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian exports to the European Union will be extended for another year, it has been announced. The EU said the move shows it is “delivering once again on its commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.” These so-called Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs) have been in…
Taiwan’s absence from international organisations has been likened to the search for the Loch Ness Monster. The Taipei Representative Office in Brussels says the search for “Nessie” in the Scottish loch is like looking for Taiwan’s involvement in organisations like the UN. The Taiwan Representation has collaborated with the Belgian cartoonist, Lectrr, to create a cartoon comparing finding…
Kharkiv after bombardment by Russia / photo by UNIAN (Andriy Mariienko) The city of Kharkiv, situated near the border with Russia, has become a focal point of Russian aggression in Ukraine. In March of this year, Russian President Putin introduced the term “sanitary zone” in reference to the border area of the Kharkiv region. This…
Throughout history, the pivotal role of Ukrainians in the victory over fascism during the Second World War stands as a testament to their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to freedom. Ukrainians fought on the side of the anti-Hitler coalition, both within the ranks of the Red Army and among the armies of Western allies and…
Putin’s inauguration on May 7th will be exploited by the Kremlin to portray the narrative of Putin’s supposed triumph over international isolation and the acknowledgement of his “legitimacy” by the global community. Putin is eager to ensure the high attendance of foreign leaders and heads of international organisations at the event, aiming to reinforce his…
On 15-16 June 2024, a high-level conference on peace in Ukraine will be held in Switzerland. The event aims to create a favourable basis for a comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine, as well as to develop a roadmap for Russia’s participation in the peace process. There is currently sufficient international support for the organisation…
The three years of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a terrible loss of life and exacerbated health inequalities. The global economy slumped and, worldwide, people’s lives were affected, writes Dr. Hsueh Jui-yuan This experience demonstrated that the present global health governance framework is not effective in responding to threats to global health. Although COVID-19 is…
Brussels Cathedral is set to vibrate – in an unusual way – in a homage to a Middle Ages Saint Hildegard Von Bingen. The city centre cathedral will play host to a musical “tribute” to Hildegard Von Bingen, a 12th century Benedictine Saint. Hildegard of Bingen, also known as Saint Hildegard and the Sibyl of…
