The unique geography of the Black Sea region confers several geopolitical advantages to Russia. The Black Sea holds a special significance for Russia  for several reasons. Firstly, it is an important crossroads and strategic intersection for the entire region. Access to the Black Sea is vital for all littoral and neighboring states, and greatly enhances the projection of power into several adjacent regions. Secondly, the region is an important transit corridor for goods and energy.

The European Commission set out a 10-point plan for more balanced economic relations with China, urging EU leaders to back its ideas to curb Chinese state-owned enterprises and increase their guard against cybersecurity threats. The action plan marks a shift in the EU’s  stance toward its top trading partner.

The Commission said the European Union should cooperate more with China in areas such as climate change and peace, but should also push for a more reciprocal economic relationship and take steps to protect its industry.

Author: Fianan Cunningham

In a controversial snub to international law, the United States has signaled that it is moving to officially recognize the Golan Heights as part of Israeli territory. If the US does so, then it forfeits any moral authority to sanction Russia over allegations of “annexing Crimea”.

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Contemporary Italians perceive a strong and charismatic leader as a shield against disorder, someone to protect them. Promises of more police and more security are reassuring to those Italians who see today’s enemy in immigrants and in the European Union with all its rules including its Euro currency. The new man is 45-year old Matteo Salvini nicknamed The Captain/Il Capitano, co-Vice Premier and simultaneously Minister of the Interior, the most powerful ministry in Italy’s political system. Matteo Salvini was born in 1973 in Milano and joined the Lega Nord in 1990 at age 17.

The European People’s Party (EPP) suspended Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party over alleged violations of EU rule-of-law principles on Wednesday (20 March).

Fidesz will be suspended with immediate effect and until further notice following the  vote of EPP members (190 in favour, 3 against. Fidesz will no longer have any rights as a party member. Fidesz will no longer have the right to vote in any party meetings and will no longer have the right to propose candidates for posts.

Declaration by the EU High Representative Federica Mogherini (18/03/2019)

Source: Standard Chartered Bank

Projected GDP in 2030

Source : Transparency International

1. Russia is the 12th-largest economy, with a GDP in excess of $1.5 trillion, larger than many developed economies such as Australia (N° 13), Spain (N° 14) and the Netherlands (N° 18).
2. Russia is the world's largest oil producer, with output of 10.6 million barrels per day, larger than both Saudi Arabia (10.5 million barrels) and the United States (9 million barrels).
3. Russia has the largest landmass of any country in the world and a population of 144 million people, the ninth largest of any country.