09 September 2026
Closing Without Closure
In the aftermath of the explosive-drone incident at Leipzig airport, German Foreign Minister Wadephul announced a package of measures against Russia, including the closure of Germany's last remaining Russian consulate-general in Bonn and the termination of the bilateral agreement governing the activity of Russian and German cultural centres – chief among them the “Russian House” in Berlin. Moving forward on the path of definite closure will, however, involve cutting a number of legal Gordian knots. Continue reading >>
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21 July 2026
Parade of Fear
Since May 2026, Russia’s war against Ukraine has entered a new phase. Ukrainian long-range drone operations are increasingly reaching targets deep inside Russian territory, following a familiar pattern of war: sooner or later, it returns to the place from which it was launched. Whether these attacks will prove to be a strategic turning point remains unclear. One consequence, however, is already visible. The war is beginning to affect Russia’s state rituals and commemorative practices. Continue reading >>
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12 June 2026
The EU Sanctions against Jacques Baud and the Crisis of Freedom of Expression
On 15 December 2025, the Council of the European Union placed (a further) twelve individuals and two entities on a sanctions list, intended to counter Russian “information manipulation and interference”. Among them is the Swiss military analyst, former colonel and long-serving UN and NATO official Jacques Baud. His assets are frozen, any financial or other economic support is prohibited, and he may neither enter nor leave EU territory. The supposedly “smart” sanctions directed against private “disinformers” are not only contrary to fundamental rights, but also foolish. They amplify the reach and impact of the very propaganda they seek to combat, while at the same time discrediting the Union itself. Continue reading >>12 June 2026
Die EU-Sanktionen gegen Jacques Baud und die Krise der Meinungsfreiheit
Am 15. Dezember 2025 setzte der Rat der Europäischen Union (weitere) zwölf Personen und zwei Organisationen auf eine Sanktionsliste, die der Abwehr russischer „Informationsmanipulation und Einflussnahme“ dienen soll. Darunter befindet sich der Schweizer Militäranalyst, frühere Oberst und langjährige UN- und NATO-Mitarbeiter Jacques Baud. Sein Vermögen ist eingefroren, jede Bereitstellung von Geldern oder wirtschaftlichen Ressourcen ist verboten, er darf das EU-Gebiet weder betreten noch verlassen. Die Sanktionen sind nicht nur grundrechtswidrig, sondern auch dumm. Sie verstärken die Reichweite und Wirkungsmacht der Propaganda, die sie zu bekämpfen suchen, und diskreditieren zugleich die Union selbst. Continue reading >>28 May 2026
Towards an “Associate Membership” Status for Ukraine?
In a recent letter addressed to the Cypriot Council Presidency and the leaders of the European Commission and the European Council, German Chancellor Friederich Merz proposed a status of “associate membership” for Ukraine. This “innovative solution” is presented as an intermediate step towards full membership. Whereas the political inspiration of Merz’s proposal is clear, its translation into practice raises significant questions. Continue reading >>26 January 2026
How Ukraine Should Join the European Union
The European Union is ill prepared for the new world of geopolitical competition. It faces grave external threats, some from unexpected quarters, and struggles to be united in its response. Eurosceptic and nationalist forces continue to obstruct the EU's internal reform. But there are external challenges, principally Ukraine, that will not disappear by the charm of inaction. If a sovereign Ukraine is to be salvaged, it must be admitted to EU membership, and quickly. Continue reading >>23 January 2026
Kreditaufnahme statt Konfiskation
Am 14. Januar 2026 veröffentlichte die Europäische Kommission eine Reihe von Legislativvorschlägen, um die Vergabe eines 90-Milliarden-Euro-Darlehens der EU an die Ukraine zu ermöglichen. Seit dem EU-Gipfel vom 18. Dezember 2025 steht fest, dass dieses Darlehen durch eine Kreditaufnahme der Union am Kapitalmarkt finanziert werden soll, nicht durch den Einsatz der russischen „frozen assets“. Diese Form der Finanzierung muss sich in den Rahmen des geltenden Primärrechts fügen. Aus europaverfassungsrechtlicher Perspektive spricht einiges dafür, die Kreditaufnahme im Eigenmittelbeschluss der Union zu verankern. Continue reading >>
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16 December 2025
Eingefroren, aber nutzbar
Die Europäische Union (EU) diskutiert seit Wochen darüber, die Ukraine mit eingefrorenem russischen Zentralbankvermögen zu unterstützen. Im Zentrum steht dabei die Idee eines EU-Reparationsdarlehens, das den eigenen Haushalt entlasten und gleichzeitig eine unliebsame Konfiskation vermeiden soll. Entgegen vorgebrachter Bedenken ist eine völkerrechtskonforme Konstruktion unter reduzierten Haftungsrisiken möglich. Continue reading >>08 December 2025
Walking a Tightrope
The EU’s proposed Reparations Loan – using immobilised Russian state assets to finance support for Ukraine – sits on precarious legal and political ground. While the Commission argues the scheme is temporary, reversible, and defensible under international and EU law, critics warn that it risks disguised confiscation, countermeasures, investment claims, and long-term damage to Europe’s financial stability. Belgium’s strong objections highlight the deep uncertainties surrounding a mechanism that touches vital national and Union interests ahead of a decisive European Council meeting. Continue reading >>
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25 September 2025