Institute of Government and Politics

The European Debt Crisis induced by the failure of several European Member states ability to refinance their governments’ debt led to the large-scale socio-economic and political transformations in Greece, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Cyprus. A gradual increase of unemployment rate, especially among the youth, GDP contraction, cuts in public services and other economic plight led to the power change in a range of the Eurozone countries, out of which this paper will focus on the political shift in Spain, Greece and Portugal. Social unrest and economic downturn prepared a solid ground for the radical politicians, who railed against the austerity policies imposed on their countries due to the bailout programs, which in some cases amounted to several billion Euros. Radical movements became increasingly popular in Greece and Spain, which was clearly expressed in the emergence of two left-wing parties: Syriza and Podemos, out of which the former has successfully undergone the electoral campaign and came in power as a result of the snap election held on January 25, 2015 while the latter has a relatively modest, but promising record. In addition to analyzing the origins of Syriza and Podemos, the paper will seek to study the socio-economic and political circumstances, which considerably contributed to the emergence of the radical left-wing parties in Greece and Spain, while not leaving the similar track in other crisis inflicted EU state-Portugal.

The matter of EU enlargement to the Western Balkans has become overshadowed by pressing issues such as Brexit, the rise of the radical right and international terrorism. Notwithstanding the pressure to address these issues accordingly, increasing tensions and ethnic outbursts across the Western Balkan region are reason enough for the European Union to devote significant attention to accession talks. This article addresses the Western Balkan countries' Europeanization process with consideration of Russia as an external actor. By assessing the candidate countries' progress amid EU negotiations, the article suggests that the countries' bilateral ties with Russia have an impact on the Europeanization process which is particularly visible in Chapter 31 Foreign, security, and defence policy of the acquis communautaire. The broader geopolitical framework that comprises the multifaceted relationship between the EU and Russia is crucial for understanding the dynamics of EU-Western Balkans-Russia triangle.

Despite the nurturing of warm ties for decades, Montenegro’s NATO membership appeared to be an impediment for the continuation of positive relations with Russia. By examining economic repercussions, political connections with Montenegrin opposition, and deceptive media campaigns led by Russia, this article demonstrates the variety of Russian reciprocal measures taken prior to and after Montenegro’s acceptance to NATO in June 2017. The article argues that, unlike in post-Soviet countries where Russian influence is still strong, Russia is gradually losing its position in Montenegro, as the polarisation of the Montenegrin political scene goes in favour of the ruling coalition, whose foreign policy aspirations match those of NATO and the EU. The Kremlin’s incapacity to alter Montenegro’s direction toward NATO caused a setback in political relations between Moscow and Podgorica and brought upon the country a series of actions that were backed by an anti-Montenegro media campaign.