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No 1 (129) (2025)
EUROPEAN PROCESS: COUNTRIES AND REGIONS
Enlargement as a Special Case of EU External Differentiation
Abstract
The multi-format system of external differentiation of the European Union has existed for many decades. A special place in it is occupied by relations with candidate countries, which are built on the principles of conditionality and evaluation of “merits” in the process of implementing reforms, but at the same time require an update of the structure of the European Union itself. After 2022, this approach has been significantly transformed. The article analyzes the main parameters of changes in relation to enlargement after 2022, when geopolitical considerations began to prevail over the requirement to comply with EU rules. In order to give impetus to the integration of old and new candidate countries, the Commission presented the concept of gradual sectoral integration. From a geopolitical point of view, the proposed path may become a solution to the enlargement problem and will give candidate countries real advantages before full membership. But from a practical and institutional point of view, limited sectoral integration may conflict with the principles of the indivisibility of the functioning of the European Single Market (ESM) of the EU and replace the accession negotiations. It is concluded that the updated enlargement strategy, when implemented, will create a new format of external integration with a very complex governance structure
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(1 (129)):5-17
5-17
The Chinese Vector of EU Cooperation in Science and Technology: Adjusting the Strategy
Abstract
An integral part of the modern international science and technology policy of the EU has become a radical reformatting of cooperation with China in order to defend European interests and assert strategic autonomy in the field of science, technology and innovation. In recent years, the EU has been striving to combine, on the one hand, the support and development of a joint open research environment, within which the effectiveness of solving global and national problems is increasing, and, on the other hand, the need to ensure national and regional interests. The purpose of the article is to identify directions and instruments, as well as problematic aspects of the EU policy to recalibrate scientific and technological ties with China. The study highlights the systematization of problems that have accumulated in European-Chinese scientific and technological cooperation, as well as the identification of a range of instruments that contain measures aimed at solving them. The author demonstrates the EU’s achievement of strategic maturity in building new scientific and technological ties with China in the context of increasing tension in bilateral relations. As part of the distance, which is relative in nature, the EU is pursuing a policy of securitisation of scientific and technological ties through the prism of “challenge-response”. The significance of the study lies in the substantiation that the recalibration policy is multi-level in nature and involves a flexible and pragmatic EU-wide approach by all stakeholders in the form of establishing a balance between research safety and academic freedom.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(1 (129)):18-33
18-33
Patriotic Issues on the Integration Agenda of the Union State of Belarus and Russia
Abstract
The research is focused on the Union patriotic agenda verification in the conditions of modern geopolitical crisis. The importance of the humanitarian dimension of the Russian-Belarusian integration, the overlapping of patriotic issues and multilayered security topics at the level of the member-states and the Union State are emphasized. Certain positive changes in the humanitarian field among the key directions of the Union as well as some gaps and vulnerabilities are shown. The content analysis of the materials of the Union State Internet resources has allowed to identify main subjects of the value agenda of its bodies, to characterize the specifics of the perception of the components of patriotism and proposals for the implementation of the institution and measures of patriotic education in the integration field. It is concluded that the degree of patriotic issues implementation in the integration agenda is increasing due to the growing awareness of challenges and threats. References to the destructive external influence and expansion of Euro-Atlantic actors are demanded in the system of argumentation of its importance within the Union State. The historical, military and civilpatriotic vectors of projects and initiatives in the context of integration are demonstrated. Most of them are addressed to the youth of the Union State. The escalation of the sanctions policy stimulates the promotion of the economic and sports tracks. The common cultural heritage and common historical memory and opposition to attempts to falsify and revise history remain in the focus of attention of the Union. The findings of the research enable the authors to recommend to extend the tools of Union programs to the sphere of patriotic education, to intensify the development and adoption of Union conceptual and strategic papers, to motivate public support for Union building.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(1 (129)):34-44
34-44
PARTIES AND POLITICAL MOVEMENTS
The Role of President R. Radev in the Political Struggle in Bulgaria (2016‒2024)
Abstract
Bulgaria embarked on the path of democratic transformation in 1989. Over the decades since then, the chosen development model has revealed its weaknesses: political corruption, influence trading, merging of parties with business, low level of public trust in democratic institutions. These features by the end of the 2010s led to the situation when the head of state, who according to the Constitution was assigned a representative rather than a political role, began to take greater part in the party-political system than is customary in parliamentary republics. This phenomenon became possible due to a powerful demand in society for a political alternative, which the existing parties were unable to offer. As a result, President Rumen Radev found himself in the role of an independent political center. His actions played an important role in organising the mass protests of 2020 and setting off the subsequent political crisis of 2021‒2023. The internal political turbulence accompanying Radev's presidency led to technical governments appointed by him and responsible to him ruled the country for a total of almost two years. The growing influence of Radev and the deterioration of relations between him and the leading parliamentary parties in 2023 led to amendments to the Constitution and further limitation of the powers of the president. Despite this, during his eight years as the head of state, Radev managed to maintain his status as the most popular politician in Bulgaria.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(1 (129)):45-55
45-55
Autonomist and Separatist Parties in Britain and France: Emphasis on the Left
Abstract
The article examines the state, activity and ideology of left-wing autonomist and separatist parties in Britain and France. The authors compare their experience and come to the conclusion that the separatist trend prevails in the UK, whereas in France the autonomist one is more popular. The Scottish National Party as a ruling party in the region stands for Scotland’s independence from the United Kingdom, the country’s integration to the EU and active membership in NATO. The Party of Wales also shares a separatist view. It strives for the integration of Wales into the EU in the long term and does not put NATOrelated issues on the agenda. Sinn Féin, active both in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, supports the Irish unification. Moreover, it is Eurosceptic and Atlanticsceptic that is manifested in a desire to reform the European Union and limit Ireland’s participation in NATO-related structures. At the same time foreign policy for French regionalists is not a central topic in their manifestos. For the most part, wanting to remain part of France, the autonomists focus on local issues. Membership in the European Free Alliance and commitment to the project called Europe of the Regions are characteristic of all the parties under consideration, with the exception of Sinn Fein. Due to their commitment to the principles of democracy, equality, solidarity, environmentalism and inclusivity, these parties belong to the European left movement. The research is based on official party documents, commentaries provided by politicians and academic literature on the topic.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(1 (129)):56-66
56-66
PROBLEMS OF ECONOMY
Leave Not Stay: Analysis of the Behavior of European Companies Under Sanctions on Russia
Abstract
This study aims to assess the real scale of European companies leaving the Russian market after the start of the Special Military Operation and their interest in working in Russia. Expert assessments are based on original databases data of foreign companies’ behavior and their participation in Russian industry exhibitions after February 24, 2022, compiled by authors based on the Center for Expertise on Sanctions Policy, MGIMO University. The study tries to more objectively assess European companies’ behavior in the Russian market amid an unprecedented corporate boycott, as well as to identify the factors determining the choice of certain behavior model, which is possible due to a more critical approach to analyzing the most speculative strategy “leave the market”. The research found that the leaders in the number of companies leaving Russia are the UK, Germany, Finland, Poland and Switzerland. The companies with the largest share of the Russian market in their income structure also left the Russian market most willingly, thus, European companies would better turn down commercial benefits to comply with sanctions than companies from other countries. At the same time, Italian, German and Spanish companies are least willing to leave trade, agricultural and food sectors. Therefore, the scale of the negative impact on the Russian economy appeared to be lower than analysis estimates of the list of companies.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(1 (129)):67-81
67-81
Prospects of Russia in the European LNG Market Under Sanctions
Abstract
The article examines the evolving dynamics of the European liquefied natural gas market amid sanctions and geopolitical shifts triggered by the escalation of the Ukrainian crisis in 2022. The primary objective of the study is to identify the factors influencing Russia’s position in the European LNG market and assess the prospects for maintaining its competitiveness. The research employs methods of comparative analysis, retrospective analysis of LNG import dynamics, and source analysis of data from international organizations. The European Union aims to reduce its reliance on Russian pipeline gas by increasing LNG imports, primarily from the United States, which has become the region’s dominant supplier. While Russia remains competitive due to its lower LNG prices in several European terminals, it faces significant restrictions imposed by sanctions. The differing motivations behind EU and U.S. sanctions further shape the market: the EU seeks to diversify its energy supply, whereas the U.S. aims to displace Russia from the European gas sector. Although American LNG is more expensive than Russian LNG in certain EU countries, rising domestic gas shortages in the U.S. could push prices even higher. However, political factors play a decisive role, as European nations continue to distance themselves from Russian energy despite the economic burden. Russia can strengthen its market position by achieving echnological independence, expanding the Northern Sea Route, and increasing state support for the industry. A complete phase-out of Russian gas in favor of U.S. LNG poses risks to European energy security, as overdependence on a single supplier could lead to price volatility and supply disruptions. Despite mounting pressure, the European market remains a crucial destination for Russian LNG exports, offering a premium sales outlet with more favorable logistics for supplies from the Yamal Peninsula. This helps Russia mitigate its dependence on the Chinese market, where buyers hold stronger negotiating power.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(1 (129)):82-95
82-95
Fiscal Rules in the European Union: Goals, Evolution, Results
Abstract
Common fiscal rules are necessary in the EU to avert cross-border negative spillovers from national fiscal policies and to maintain financial stability and confidence in the single currency. The EU fiscal rules have undergone numerous reforms and over time they have become very complex. While fiscal rules have had some impact in constraining deficits, they did not prevent the euro area debt crisis and the rise in debt ratios. The main reason for the low effectiveness of fiscal rules was poor compliance. On average budgetary policies of the EU member states were compliant with fiscal rules in just over half of the cases. The main points of rules' critique were their procyclicality, negative growth impact, excessive complexity, insufficient transparency and weak enforcement. Many countries have broken the rules without facing sanctions. After the suspension of the rules during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council in April 2024 approved new fiscal rules. The key changes in the rules are: the adoption of a differentiated approach towards each member state, the usage of single operational indicator – net primary expenditure, setting a reference trajectory for countries that do not comply with the rules, and the encouragement of reforms and investment in key domains. The new rules have retained a number of weaknesses of the old rules and have received an ambiguous assessment from expert community.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(1 (129)):96-108
96-108
SECURITY ISSUES
Mechanism of Foreign Policy Coordination Within the Framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization
Abstract
The current reconfiguration of the world order strengthens the role of regional military political associations. Their influence is largely determined by the consistency of the participating states’ actions and positions. The purpose of this work is to study the mechanism and limits of foreign policy coordination of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) member states within the context of the actual practice of functioning of such structures. Increasing changes in the system of international relations in the current conditions require states to create and ensure the dynamic operation of regional institutional mechanisms Such a mechanism within the CSTO ensures coordination of the member states’ positions on international and regional security issues. Among global problems, the CSTO is most interested in fundamental aspects of the world order, countering modern challenges and threats, and issues of historical memory. Author concludes that the establishment of permanent institutions of foreign policy coordination within the CSTO does not guarantee coordination of positions on issues important for the Russian Federation, which are of fundamental importance for the formation of a new world order, since an organization operating on the basis of consensus a priori cannot go beyond the formulated positions of its member states. Membership in an international organization cannot limit the desire of the latter to search for any opportunities to realize the totality of their national interests. Taking them into account when developing a consensus position is one of the most important functions of allied foreign policy coordination.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(1 (129)):109-120
109-120
GEOPOLITICAL CONFLICT BETWEEN GREAT POWERS IN THE 21ST CENTURY: ANALYSIS OF THE UKRAINIAN CRISIS
Abstract
The Ukrainian crisis is not just an armed conflict between two nations, but also reflects the geopolitical competition between great powers in the 21st century. This paper will analyze the deep-rooted origins leading to the military conflict through a geopolitical lens, delving into the long process of historical tensions and confrontation between Russia and the West represented by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) regarding the issue of Ukraine. The study will explore Russia’s geostrategic motives in starting special military operation in Ukraine, NATO’s efforts to expand its influence into this region, as well as the complex developments that caused the conflict to escalate into the largest armed war since the beginning of the 21st century. Through this, the paper analyzes the profound nature of the geopolitical crisis in Ukraine in the context of the power struggle between major powers in this strategic region; provide a comprehensive view of the motives, strategies of the parties involved, as well as the far-reaching implications this conflict has caused for security in the European region. In doing so, it contributes to a better understanding of the complex nature of geopolitical conflict and security in the 21st century.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(1 (129)):121-135
121-135
SOCIAL SPHERE
Digitalization of Healthcare in BRICS+ Countries
Abstract
The increasing activity of national governments in the field of digital healthcare development has an impact on a wide range of areas, from providing remote services to the population in the process of maintaining health to strengthening health systems through the management of medicines supply chains and monitoring of employees. The digital healthcare market, which includes digital image of the patient’s physical condition and well-being, online consultations with doctors and digital treatment markets, refers to the use of technology to improve health and provide medical care. BRICS+ countries face a number of similar challenges in the field of national healthcare systems, including the implementation of digital solutions to provide highquality, effective and safe medical care to the population, and the need for cooperation between partner countries in the association to ensure universal health coverage is emphasized in almost every declaration of the annual summits. Research and development, exchange of experience in the application of digital technologies in healthcare will always be an important area for BRICS+ interaction and exchange of experience. As the analysis shows, BRICS+ countries with a low level of economic development strive to implement digital systems in healthcare, but they are still far from the desired results due to insufficient development of informatization and limited sources of funding. It is noteworthy to compare the cases of the BRICS+ countries with the best EU practices, accumulating the experience of the member states. BRICS+ countries that have the ability to implement advanced digital technologies in healthcare are able to assist their partners in the association in the transition to a new level of digital healthcare.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(1 (129)):136-149
136-149
British Higher Education for International Students: New Challenges
Abstract
The article focuses on the current developments and challenges in the international education sphere. The author analyses the UK position in the global international education market and the approaches to internationalization of higher education adopted by the UK governments in the last twenty five years, looks at the impact of recent social, economic and political transformations and identifies key contradictions. Since the late 1990s, UK leaders and governmental departments view education export as an important economic sector and also as a source of national soft power. Despite the lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, the aftermath of Brexit, and recent socio-economic challenges, the UK retains the second place after the US in the global higher education market, attracting a substantial share of international students. Nevertheless, new economic and political factors and imbalances have influenced the sector. Overreliance on inflow of international students in the context of unfavourable social and economic situation as well as a demand for stricter immigration rules from parts of the society and new visa regulations introduced by Conservative Government led by R. Sunak create new risks for some universities and for the sector in general. The author notes that the crisis phenomena affecting education exports reflect the larger challenges facing the United Kingdom in today's changing world: new demographic trends, a relative decline in the economic and political influence of Western countries, and negative trends in the socio-economic and political spheres. The conclusions are offered on the probable scenarios of further development of education exports.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(1 (129)):150-163
150-163
ПРОБЛЕМЫ МИГРАЦИИ
Afghans in Europe: From Victimhood to Activism?
Abstract
The article adresses the main characteristics and reveals the peculiarities of the Afghan diaspora in Europe. It examines the period after the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan in August 2021. The life activities of Afghan migrants are examined through the lens of the theory of victimhood. The significance of the past and victim status has increased the cohesion of the Afghan diaspora in Europe and led to its mobilization. The article presents a model of moral typecasting of Afghans, where entire segments of Afghan society are represented as “moral patients”: women and girls, Hazaras, former collaborators during the period of foreign presence and refugees. At the same time, members of Afghan diaspora organizations appear as “good moral agents”, often acquiring this status when moving from the category of “moral patients”. The paper reveals a mismatch between the goals of Afghan diaspora organizations and the host states of the European Union. There is dissatisfaction among Afghan immigrants with the EU policy, the main objective of which is not to integrate Afghans into European society, but to return them to their homeland. The article points out the reasons why the return of a significant number of Afghans to the country of origin seems unrealistic. At the same time, it is noted that members of the Afghan diaspora have an inseparable spiritual connection with their homeland. It seems that if socio-cultural integration of some Afghan diaspora members into the European society takes place, it is only with parallel engagement in the affairs of the country of origin.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(1 (129)):164-174
164-174
HISTORY AND MODERNITY
The Historical Memory of the Grand Principality of Lithuania in the Belorussian Society in the XX – early XXI century
Abstract
The article explores the state of historical memory of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania during the XX century and the beginning of the XXI century. Previously the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was not an element of the historical memory of ordinary inhabitants of the Belarusian provinces. The memory of Lithuania was preserved only among the Polish residents of the region. Russian imperial scholars were interested in the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, but they did not contribute to the formation of Belarusian view of the history. The formation of the Belarusian historical memory began quite late – at the turn of the late XIX – early XX centuries. At the beginning of the XX century, nationalists constructed the Belarusian image of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, but after the revolution they emigrated. The historical memory of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the Belarusian society in the XX century was determined by the representation of this medieval state as Lithuanian, not Belarusian. During the period of Perestroika, emigrant stereotypes about the historical past began to penetrate into Belarus. After the collapse of the USSR, Belarusian intellectuals shaped a new view of the past. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania was presented as a Belarusian state. The idea of the medieval Lithuanian state as Belarusian became deeply ingrained at the early XXI century.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(1 (129)):175-184
175-184
ТРИБУНА МОЛОДОГО УЧЁНОГО
Formation of the European Identity of the Western Balkan States in the XXI Century
Abstract
The article explores the peculiarities of the formation of the European identity in a region. The author aims to assess the prospects for the spread of European values in the Western Balkan states. The research reviews the positions of Russian and foreign scholars on European identity and its criteria and examines the possibilities of its spread in the region. The European Union attracted political and economic changes in the Western Balkans, but its ability to act as a catalyst for reforms continues to depend on the image and attractiveness of the EU. The European supranational identity is opposed to ethnic identity and ignores the originality of individual peoples. The EU strategy does not pay due attention to issues of interethnic communication. European politicians are trying to push them into the background, considering democratisation as a reliable mechanism for solving them. The EU’s main tool for influencing the formation of European identity is the prospect of possible EU membership for Western Balkan states. It is gradually losing its relevance against the backdrop of delayed negotiations and a differentiated approach to candidate countries.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(1 (129)):185-192
185-192
Norway's Policy of Self-Imposed Military Restrictions: Contemporary Challenges and Contradictions
Abstract
The article analyses the current state and prospects of Norway's policy of selfimposed military restrictions, which prohibit the deployment of foreign military bases and nuclear weapons on Norwegian territory. During the Cold War this policy played a crucial role in ensuring Northern Balance and maintaining regional stability in Northern Europe. Despite the official rhetoric of the Norwegian political leadership about commitment to the principles of the base policy regarding foreign military bases and the nuclear policy regarding non-deployment of nuclear weapons, nowadays the Norwegian authorities take steps that directly contradict self-imposed restrictions. These include the authorised deployment of U.S. rotational military contingents in northern Norway in 2016–2020, the admission of NATO nuclear submarines into Norwegian ports in the period from 2018 to 2024, as well as the creation of special areas for Norwegian-American military use in 2022–2024. The article demonstrates the reasons for transformation of self-imposed restrictions, including changes in the international system, growing interest in the militarisation of the Arctic, and accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO. It also evaluates the prospects for Norway's complete abandonment of self-imposed restrictions.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(1 (129)):193-203
193-203
REFLECTING ON WHAT WE HAVE READ
Conflict and Crisis Knots of Modern Geopolitics: French Analytical Experience
Abstract
Nowadays, the interconnection between world politics and the world economy, strategic security and the balance of international development has increased to an unprecedentedly level. The degree of control over global processes has practically dropped to zero. The previous institutional mechanisms and instruments of interaction in world politics and international relations do not work or are extremely ineffective. The instability of the international system has reached a critical level. Crisis processes in the modern geopolitical space directly and indirectly reflect the essence, depth and features of transitional-systemic transformations. They are objective prerequisites of a new world order. The need for it has matured as a lack of stability of the world system has reached a critical point. All this taken together predetermines, to varying degrees,the substantive content and features of analytical reflection in modern France.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(1 (129)):204-213
204-213
IN MEMORIAM
Vitaliy Vladimirovich Zhurkin (14 yanvarya 1928 ‒ 26 fevralya 2025)
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(1 (129)):214-226
214-226
Sergey Mikhaylovich ROGOV (22 oktyabrya 1948 ‒ 9 fevralya 2025)
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(1 (129)):227-227
227-227