Austrians Elect Left-Wing President, Italians Vote Renzi Out
Alexander Van der Bellen defeats the far right. Matteo Renzi resigns after losing a referendum.
Central Europe
Trump’s European Admirers Are Deluding Themselves
European nationalists see a kindred spirit. They shouldn’t get their hopes up.
Ties with Germany Divide Central Europe
Nationalists in Hungary and Poland like to pretend Germany doesn’t exist. Czechs and Slovaks know better.
Central Europeans Can’t Count on France Alone
Now is the time for Poland to repair relations with Berlin.
With Britain Out, Poland Must Repair Ties with Berlin
Polish conservatives can’t let historical grievances stand in the way of an alliance with Germany.
Central Europeans Urge EU to Get Back to Basics
The four Central European member states recognize that Britain’s exit should give the bloc pause.
NATO to Deploy Battlegroups to Baltic States, Poland
The alliance sends troops to its northeasternmost member states but shies away from building new bases.
Poland Ignores Expert Advice to Shoot Itself in the Foot
Polish leaders are determined to correct the “neoliberal” ways of the recent past, whatever the consequences.
Austrian Nationalists Take Risk by Demanding Recount
The Freedom Party is giving credence to conspiracy theories.
Polish Reforms Endanger Rule of Law: Commission
The European Commission slaps the government in Warsaw on the wrist for undermining the judiciary.
Austria’s Presidential Election Was About the Next Election
Austrians used the relatively inconsequential contest to signal their intentions for 2018.
Poland Warned Policies Will Damage Economy
Polish leaders are warned that populist spending pledges and institutional instability will affect growth.
Faymann’s Resignation May Not Help Social Democrats
Austria’s Social Democrats have the same problem as center-left parties elsewhere in Europe.
Fear of In-Between Europe Premature
Central Europeans must be patient while Germany shifts its strategic orientation away from Russia.
Poland’s Government Steps Up Battle with Court
The conservative Law and Justice party continues to try to stack the Constitutional Tribunal in its favor.