From division to Union : Europe's missing 20%
Also in the thematic:Belarus economic partnerships: decisive elements of the longevity of the regime
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Sweden and social democracy: is the old couple about to break up?
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EU relations with Myanmar: just not enough
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Are Britain and Argentina on an other collision course over the Falklands ?
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Hungary: the Black Sheep of the EU?
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This month, the French and English-speaking redactions of Nouvelle Europe team up to bring you a fresh look of the issues faced by some of the nations in the Balkans, most of which are now on the path to European integration.
The recent economic crisis affecting Belarus is seen as one of the harshest the country has ever been through. The government is covered in debts and has difficulties in paying for its imports, as its currency is constantly devalued. Consequently, it is forced to negotiate several economic and financial aid deals. Moreover, degrading relations with the West and unstable relations with Russia show the fragility of the country. Such a situation raises the question of the stability and longevity of the government. How to stay in power in such unfavourable conditions? Lukashenko has found parts of the answer: to reinforce relations with countries like China, Iran or Venezuela that have a similar vision of the world and international relations.
In days gone by, the Social democrats were seen as the natural rulers of Sweden. But in the past few years the center-right coalition has managed to hold on to power by drawing votes from the middle-class. Does it mean the Swedes are rejecting the traditional, strong Nordic welfare state? Or is it rather a sign of a more European-wide malaise about social-democracy?
In November 2010, Myanmar saw the first poll in 20 years. Even though the main military-backed party claimed victory, for the first time since it came to power the military regime yielded to the opposition forces. A civilian power took over from the Junta, marking the first transition to democracy. This sudden political transition sparked the most significant political and economic reforms that the country has witnessed for the past half decade.
"Best pleased to inform Her Majesty that the Union Jack once again flies over Stanley. God save the queen." Those were the words of Major General Jeremy Moore on 14 June 1982 when the Argentinian garisson in Port Stanley surrendered to the British, ending the Falklands War. But today tensions seem to have resumed. Argentina has stepped up its attacks against Britain in what it calls an "illegal occupation" of the islands. Why is this resurfacing today, after such a landmark conflict, and what is it about ?
.JPG "Hungary: the Black Sheep of the EU?")
In our series of articles about Hungary, Nouvelle Europe concludes with the perspectives of two Hungarian students on the new Constitution, Hungary in the EU, and alternatives to the current government.
