Finnish Elections: Conservatives Emerge Victorious

Since no party has won an absolute majority, a coalition government is expected, which is common in the country. However, it is not yet clear what kind of alliance will be established, although it seems likely that the two major right-wing parties will form a coalition government.

Brussels,,Belgium,-,May,13,,2019:,Nato,Star,Sculpture,In

Finland Becomes the 31st Member of NATO

With Finland’s accession, NATO will become stronger, and as Finland becomes a safer place through membership, Sweden’s security environment will also improve and bring the country closer to full integration.

Realpolitik: A Reflection on Hungary’s Recent Meetings with Iran

In essence, Orbán’s government is signalling a willingness to cooperate with the internationally sanctioned Iranian regime even in areas such as nuclear policy. 

Diplomacy has always been a complicated game of chess, not every move is going to be a winning one. It goes without say that there are advantages in implementing realpolitik, even with oppressive regimes. The paradox is that it can also make them even stronger.

Brexit: an Agreement on Northern Ireland Is About to Be Reached

The mechanism of the Northern Ireland Protocol made the everyday lives of citizens and businesses in Northern Ireland significantly more difficult. Food supply, for example, proved to be particularly problematic, as the EU’s strict consumer protection requirements caused serious disruptions and shortages in Northern Ireland.

Belief, Opinion, and Free Speech — On the Brink of an Age of Restrained Expression

The focus of Anna Loutfi’s talk at Danube Institute was the category of philosophical belief in UK equality law and its implications for general freedom of expression under common law and ECHR regimes. Dr Loutfi’s discussion explored how the case law evolution has gradually eroded the space for questioning and debating what are essentially deeply held opinions.