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No 2 (130) (2025)
EUROPEAN PROCESS: COUNTRIES AND REGIONS
The European Educational Diplomacy: African Perspective
Abstract
Educational diplomacy is a relatively new but actively used tool of the European Union's foreign policy. The EU's educational diplomacy in Africa aims to promote a positive image of Europe and its education system. Historically, favorable conditions have developed for this, since the education systems of the African countries were built by Europeans, teaching is conducted in European languages, and generally curricula reflect the interests of former metropolises. Nevertheless, African countries seek to enhance their education systems using international models, building on the European foundation. At the same time, the struggle of African countries for independence and sovereignty and the need to rethink and overcome the colonial past and neocolonial strategies in the policies by developed countries, can generate tension and distrust between Africa and Europe. The EU offers African countries its educational standards, inter-university programmes, academic and student exchanges. However, there is still a problem of taking into account the opinions of the Africans themselves, in particular what educational programs and specialties are in demand. Furthermore, exchange programs can contribute to brain drain, hindering African development. This article examines the historical roots and contemporary trends of the EU’s educational diplomacy, as well as the attitudes of African countries towards it.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(2 (130)):5-17
5-17
German Policy Towards China
Abstract
The article is devoted to Germany's policy towards China. China displaced Germany from its first place in the world in terms of exports of goods in 2008. The late 2000s marked the lowest point in relations between Germany and China. Nevertheless, in the 2010s, the German government, understanding the economic potential of relations with China, promoted the development and strengthening of relations with China, defining them as a “strategic partnership”. Such a turn in German policy occurred under the same chancellor – A. Merkel. However, the risks associated with Germany's dependence on Chinese strategic materials supplies, the espionage possibility, as well as different positions on anti-Russian sanctions made the Olaf Scholz government approach towards China tougher than the “strategic partnership” policy under A. Merkel. The article analyzes the evolution of German policy towards China, the approaches of various political powers in Germany to China, as well as the measures of the German government for “de-risking” China policy. The author gives an answer to the question whether “strategic partnership” between Germany and China in the 2010s corresponds the actual situation. Conclusions are drawn about the impact of various factors on German policy towards China, including the government, political parties, and interest groups, as well as the complexity of international relations.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(2 (130)):18-26
18-26
Italian Policy of Cultural and Humanitarian Cooperation in the Adriatic-Ionian Macroregion
Abstract
This article analyses Italy's policy of cultural and humanitarian cooperation within the Adriatic-Ionian macroregion as an integral part of the Greater Mediterranean. By comparing Italy's engagement with Croatia (EU member) and Serbia (EU candidate), the study reveals Rome's strategic vision for implementing its foreign policy in the Greater Mediterranean. Italy employs an integrated approach to strengthen its regional position, utilising not only economic ties and military presence through international missions but also actively promoting “soft power”. Italy desires to achieve the status of a regional power in conditions of limited material resources. In this regard, Italy's contribution to the EU's macro-regional policy meets both the interests of Rome and fits into Brussels' approaches to ensuring the interests of the European Union. Participation in the EU's Adriatic-Ionian Strategy allows Italy to expand its resources for foreign policy in the Greater Mediterranean, while for the EU, the strategy serves as a tool for fostering closer ties between the Western Balkans and the Union.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(2 (130)):27-37
27-37
PARTIES AND POLITICAL MOVEMENTS
German Political Parties: Correlation between Political Positioning and Social Composition of Parliamentary Groups
Abstract
The article analyses the degree of correspondence between the political positioning of German parties and the social composition of their parliamentary groups in the 20th Bundestag. The study is based on German parties’ manifestos prepared for elections in 2021, as well as the authors' dataset containing information about the sociodemographic characteristics of members of the Parliament (gender, age, origin), their religion, marital status, and whether they have children. The authors select key programmatic points that can be reflected in the social composition of the parlia-mentary groups and then rank the parties according to the radicalism of their state-ments. According to the hypothesis, the ordinal place of the party in these rankings associates with the structure of representation in the party. The study found depar-ture from traditional gender roles being combined with a greater representation of women. Supporting youth corresponds to a higher share of young deputies, and the ethnocultural diversity endorsement positively correlates with the percentage of migrants. Traditionalist agenda increases the likelihood a party member declares its own religiosity and the presence of children. At the same time, the more tolerant the party is toward Islam, the higher the percentage of Muslims is. In addition, it was found that in parties that build their identity around specialized issues, this identity is reflected in the social composition of its deputies. Thus, the emphasis on the pro-tection of Christian values by the CDU/CSU corresponds to a higher proportion of Christians. Among the Left, which pays special attention to the new federal lands, eastern Germans have higher representation.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(2 (130)):38-52
38-52
Political Situation in Belgium and France: Trends and Limits of the Right-wing Populist Turn
Abstract
The trend toward strengthening right-wing populist parties is relevant for many European countries. That fact poses a number of questions related to both the reasons for such an upward trend and the possibility to talk about right-wing populists as a single political family. The right-wing turn, based primarily on the electoral successes of right-wing populists and far-right forces, has also affected two close countries ‒ Belgium and France. The resemblance of the political processes taking place in these countries is not limited exclusively to their geographic location, but also it is associated with the similarity of political tradition and the stable inclusiveness of right-wing populists in relation to the traditional parties. The purpose of the article which compares the right-wing populist turn in Belgium and France consists of several aspects. First of all, the authors show how the right-wing populist parties were formed and what are the key elements of their ideology. The article examines the problem of institutionalization of right-wing populists in both countries and the comparable systemic isolation of such parties. The article analyzes the position of right-wing populists of Belgium and France on the European political scene, as well as how the European policy of these parties is influenced by the perception of the European integration project. The analysis is based on social surveys and Eurobarometer data. Finally, the authors demonstrate how the results of the European elections 2024 at the national level in Belgium and France correlate with European trends.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(2 (130)):53-64
53-64
PROBLEMS OF ECONOMY
Insurance of Foreign Investments from Political Risks In EU Countries: Imperatives of International Development
Abstract
Thе article examines the specifics of the EU countries’ practices of insuring foreign investment from political risks through the lens of international development agenda. It consecutively identifies the institutional aspects of relevant activities, objectives and conditions of foreign investment insurance or guarantees, scale and geographical scope of coverage, as well as the trends that have emerged over the last years. The research demonstrates that almost all EU countries insure outward investments ignoring the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Most export credit agencies (ECAs) pursue commercial goals and hardly coordinate their activities with international development agencies and development finance institutions, cover exclusively the investments from the companies connected to the home country and do not maintain preferential conditions for the projects in the least developed countries. Against this background only Germany stands out – in its institutional separation of export credits and investment guarantees, in the participation of the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in the decision-making; in linking its activities with the SDGs, and in improving conditions of coverage for the climate-friendly projects. The sheer volume of the coverage in the EU countries – except for Germany and Italy – is very limited, whereas the actual geographical distribution of the investment guarantees and insurance unveils the prevalence of the projects in the higher income countries. Over the next 5 years other EU members might seek to “developmentalise” political risk guarantees and insurance – through “greening” of covered investments. However, the trend towards securitisation of such instruments will likely have a greater impact.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(2 (130)):65-78
65-78
Heterogeneous Effects of Unconventional Monetary Policy on Financial Stability in the Euro Area
Abstract
The European Central Bank (ECB) has been using unconventional monetary policy (UMP) since 2009, but the set of measures and their scale have varied significantly over the years. Until 2022, the measures were stimulatory and gradually expanded to increase aggregate demand in the economy. However, since 2022, the ECB has been pursuing contractionary UMP to combat inflation. This paper examines the effect of the ECB's UMP on financial stability in the euro area, which has received less attention in empirical studies compared to its macroeconomic effects. The study considers financial stability in each euro area country instead of an aggregate indicator, which determines its scientific novelty. The level of financial stability is measured by the CLIFS financial stress index, which captures volatility in key financial market segments. An indicator of the scale of UMP is the shadow interest rate, which reflects the effects of both interest rate cuts and asset purchases on the ECB balance sheet. The empirical analysis covers the period 2009–2023 and is based on a global vector autoregressive model. The results confirm that the ECB’s UMP reduces financial stress in only half of the euro area countries, including the largest economies and countries with vulnerable levels of public debt. Improving the transmission of unconventional monetary policy into lower risks to financial stability may require a revision of the ECB’s toolkit and an increase in the depth of the euro area countries’ financial markets.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(2 (130)):79-91
79-91
SOCIAL SPHERE
Municipal Digital Platforms in the Urban Socio-Economic Development (A Case Study of Amsterdam and Berlin)
Abstract
The modern realities of urban development dictate the need to search for new effective tools to solve emerging problems and leverage promising opportunities. Municipal digital platforms can become one such tool. Using the examples of two European capitals – Amsterdam and Berlin – thе article demonstrates how platforms facilitate the interaction of key stakeholders to improve the quality of urban life. It is identified that in Amsterdam, “Amsterdam Smart City” (ASC) plays a key role in the city's sustainable development. ASC brings together local authorities, research institutions, companies, and residents to address urban issues such as reducing CO2 emissions and improving mobility. The platform is based on a collective approach, innovation, knowledge dissemination, and economic viability. ASC provides educational opportunities and supports projects related to energy transition, mobility, and quality of life improvement. The development of Berlin as a smart city includes the integration of various sources of information, efficient resource utilisation, and active involvement of citizens and investors. The “CityLAB Berlin” program represents an open innovation laboratory where government agencies, companies, and residents develop and implement digital solutions for sustainable development. The program's key principles include a collective approach, innovation, knowledge dissemination, and economic viability. Unlike other platforms, in Berlin, companies are the main partners, contributing to the launch of innovative projects. Projects such as open data and energy sustainability demonstrate success in achieving sustainable development. The platform actively engages in social development, supporting the participation of various population groups and conducting educational programs for municipal employees. The research allows identifying the most successful elements of practice in creating smart cities using municipal digital platforms and demonstrates to what extent these initiatives can be implemented in the development of other cities.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(2 (130)):92-104
92-104
Business Participation in Social Crowdfunding
Abstract
Crowdfunding is an important tool of resource support for social projects. However, the role of business in organisation and support of social crowdfunding campaigns remains understudied. The goal of the research is to build up a taxonomy of models of participation of businesses in crowdfunding campaigns supporting social crowdfunding campaigns. The research is based on the method of descriptive literature review. Sources include papers dedicated to crowdfunding from Scopus and RINC data bases, as well as news publications from Russian and foreign media that describe cases of participation of businesses in support of social. The article introduces a typology of models of participation of business in social crowdfunding based on the criteria of correspondence between company’s business model and its participation in crowdfunding. For each model a detailed description is given. The paper demonstrates that a company may receive direct economic benefits within some models of social crowdfunding.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(2 (130)):105-117
105-117
The Policy of Combating Violence Against Women: the EU’s Experience
Abstract
Violence against women is one of the obstacles to gender equality. This problem is relevant to all countries of the world and causes serious concern due to the human rights violation and threat to women's health. It affects women regardless of their religion, ethnicity, class, income, status, age, educational and cultural background. The purpose of the study is to analyse the European Union's policy on the prevention and control of violence against women and to examine the European Union’s legal and policy framework to regulate this issue. The article reviews the role of the European Union in combating gender-based violence and its capacity to implement necessary changes in the national states gender policies. This article presents the results of research into political and international legal principles to prevent violence against women based on the experience of the European Union. The main instrument of European Union institutions influence on the member states' gender violence policies formation is soft policy, which includes formulating strategies, recommendations, and financing of projects. The authors conclude that despite undeniable progress in gender equality and work in this field, as well as the current EU legal framework which is aimed at combating gender-based violence, the results of the political transformation in this area are not yet sufficient.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(2 (130)):118-127
118-127
Interaction between Government and Civil Society: a Case Study of Network Activity of Ukrainians in Russia (2014‒2022)
Abstract
The study focuses on analysing the virtual interactions of displaced Ukrainians in the social media. The author highlights that the Russian federal authorities have taken steps to facilitate the integration of displaced persons: developing comprehensive adaptation programs, simplifying the citizenship process and providing diverse socioeconomic support, while cultural and some social aspects of adaptation and integration have become a field for online communities of Ukrainians. The collected empirical materials allowed for the identification of key discursive patterns and the role of virtual social constructs in the processes of acculturation and sociocultural integration of displaced persons in Russian society. The choice of temporal boundaries (April 2014 – February 2022) is determined by the specifics of the studied cohort represented by displaced Ukrainians from Donbass. The nomination of online communities was determined by individual preferences and could be conditioned by territorial or social characteristics of the participants. Geolocation markers such as “Donbass” had a prevailing significance in the context of social aggregations associated with individuals from this region; notably, there was an absence of markers like “Ukraine”, “Ukrainian” or “ukrainian”. The author notes that virtual interactions in such communities represent offline contexts, facilitating open communication and interaction among participants without hierarchical stratification. The study reveals the absence of rigid opposition from the community to the new social environment, a low level of isolationism in online groups and the presence of intra-group contacts. The research results demonstrate the evolution of interaction patterns among Ukrainians in the virtual environment and their effective adaptation to new sociocultural conditions.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(2 (130)):128-138
128-138
HISTORY AND MODERNITY
Italian Public Policy Against the Mafia
Abstract
The Mafia phenomenon in Italy starting the 19th century has managed to penetrate into many spheres of life in Italian society, such as politics, economics, culture and even sports. The history of the development of the political system in Italy is non-linear, over the last century and a half it has included at least three periods: liberalmonarchical, authoritarian and the current one, republican-democratic. These constant transformations and instability of the political system were used by the mafia. Remaining unpunished for a long time, mafia organizations seriously undermined the security of the Italian society through illegal human trafficking, drug trafficking, kidnappings and murders. Nevertheless, in the second half of the twentieth century, the political system began to react to the Mafia, trying to solve the problem of organized crime. One of the most important tools on the way to solve this problem is the development of a legislative framework to combat organized crime. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the main milestones in the development of anti-mafia legislation in Italy and to evaluate its effectiveness. Using the case study method, the authors note that the formation took place in a wave-like manner. The greatest intensity was observed in the 1960s, 1980s and in the 1990s, when the foundations of the modern anti-mafia legislation were laid, in the XXI century these norms were only expanded and improved. The authors come to the conclusion that the authorities' actions against the mafia were subject to a certain pattern: in the absence of high-profile crimes there was inaction of the political system interrupted only against the background of high-profile crimes. It was only at the beginning of the new millennium that the government shifted from a repressive to a preventive strategy. Nevertheless, the accumulated body of legal norms and statistics indicate significant progress of the state in the fight against the mafia.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(2 (130)):139-151
139-151
European Union Toolkit for Ensuring Critical Raw Materials Supply
Abstract
In the context of global energy transition to renewable energy sources, there is a growing demand for critical raw materials needed to produce climate-neutral technologies. The European Union has no reserves of such raw materials and is dependent on supplies from third countries. In order to ensure access to the critical raw materials, the EU has developed and transformed a range of policy instruments. New instruments include the proposal to create a critical raw materials club, the Global gateway initiative, anti-coercion mechanism. The size and attractiveness of the European market, the EU's normative power and strong positions in all international forums allow it to push its interests and influence the critical raw materials supply chains. This in turn affects the global market and the interests of other countries, including Russia. Russia should develop cooperation with developing countries in the supply of critical raw materials, make efforts to develop value-added chains, and prevent the EU and G7 members from imposing their interests and conditions on the CRMs markets. In this case BRICS can serve as an important platform for cooperation.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(2 (130)):164-174
164-174
The French Policy in the Republic of Armenia and Transcaucasia in 1919–1920
Abstract
The authors examine French policy in the Republic of Armenia (RA) and Transcaucasia in 1919–1920, methods of France's penetration in the region, and the rivalry with the United States and Britain at the Paris Peace Conference. On May 21‒31, 1919 the French Premier G. Clemenceau forced the US President W. Wilson to limit his claims in the big Near East and in the Armenian Republic particularly. Victorious Council of Four at Paris considered the problems of the RA in the general context of the Armenian question. France strengthened its position in Transcaucasia by economic methods and developed partnerships with new states. It prevailed diplomatically over the US in the end of May 1919 at the Paris Peace Conference. France intensified its activities in Transcaucasia after the withdrawal of British troops from the region in August 1919. In November, the Third Republic became the second most important state after Britain in resolving the Armenian issue. In 1920 the French encouraged independence of the RA, supported Armenia in territorial disputes and did not exclude future cooperation with the non-Bolshevik Russia.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(2 (130)):152-163
152-163
Mario Draghi’s Report Through the Lens of Critical Geopolitics
Abstract
Mario Draghi's September 2024 report on European competitiveness is the basis for the political economy direction that the European Union will follow in the next five years. The article analyses the report through a critical geopolitics lens, employing discourse analysis of practical geopolitics to decipher its embedded meanings within broader EU political debates. The analysis reveals three key discursive categories: foundational narratives, missed in the report narratives and new meanings. Fundamental narratives include existential threat to the EU, economic dependence, and market regulation as a geoeconomic necessity. Absent, but actively discussed by EU politicians, are narratives of EU naivety, open strategic autonomy, and EU actorness in the world system. The absence of these categories demonstrates a shift to the active phase of building unified patterns of foreign economic relations. New meanings encompass a combination of twin green and digital transition with competitiveness and strengthening of the defence industry, collective effectiveness, and the EU's foreign economic policy. Despite the fact that the EU foreign economic relations follow the logics of selection of trading partners and security concerns, the report demonstrates a demand for greater communitarianisation and prioritisation of EU-level objectives over national interests. These findings reveal the strengthening of geopolitics, which continues to play a major role in reshaping of Europe political economy.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(2 (130)):175-183
175-183
Cardinals and Education: Reproduction of the Catholic Elite in Europe
Abstract
In Europe the power of the Catholic Church is measured by the positions it provides. Cardinals are considered to be the Catholic elite since they occupy the highest positions in the church hierarchy. The aim of the article is to identify the role of education in the reproduction of the Catholic elite in Europe. The author underlines the relevance of the Pierre Bourdieu’s field theory and sociology of religion. The study is conducted in the form of structural-biographical analysis, with data being gathered from the website of the Holy See and processed in SPSS. The analysis revealed the following. Firstly, the passage of educational stages is accompanied by a decrease in the prelates’ rootedness. Obtaining higher positions in the religious field requires compliance with the “rules of the game” established in Rome. Secondly, due to the laity’s refusal to delegate the function of salvation, the value of theological and philological education increases. These qualifications allow cardinals to legitimize their own position in the religious field and clarify the content of the ritual language. Thirdly, the presence of secular education among church hierarchs indicates the interaction of the fields of religion and power. The study comes to the conclusion that there is no unified model of cardinals’ education while the key role of pedagogical activity in the Catholic elite selfreproduction is maintained.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(2 (130)):184-192
184-192
REFLECTING ON WHAT WE HAVE READ
Do Not Cutting the Gordian Knot: Hungarian Strategy for Connectivity
Abstract
The transformation of the current world order affects countries differently. Even within the West, there is no consensus on how to address contemporary instability. Individual national strategies and plans, designed by representatives of analytical and strategic centers, aim to tackle this issue. The author analyses the concepts of a “keystone state” and “connectivity” introduced by Balázs Orbán, head of the political affairs department of the Office of the Prime Minister of Hungary, to explain the exceptional position of a small state. Special attention is given to the monograph “The Hussar Cut: The Hungarian Connectivity Strategy”, published in 2023 and translated into English in 2024. The work examines the challenges facing the world order, with a central focus on the risk of impending bloc confrontation. Such global developments contradict Hungary’s national interests, as they could undermine the country’s longterm successes and benefits from the global economy. B. Orbán explores Hungary’s experience, highlighting how the nation has navigated a period of transformation and established its place in international relations through its strategic culture. Hungary’s strategy is rooted in its historical tendency to balance domestic and foreign policy goals, enabling it to integrate into the global economy while pursuing its national interests. The concepts of “connectivity” and “keystone state” are introduced to elucidate Hungary’s role in preventing the resurgence of bloc confrontation. The government’s strategy emphasises maintaining connections both within EU countries and beyond the political union through bilateral and thematic relationships. Such approach offers a unique perspective on the Hungarian political elite's view of changes and challenges facing the country in an evolving world order.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(2 (130)):193-201
193-201
IN MEMORIAM
“Dreams about Europe” by Walter Schwimmer (1942–2025)
Abstract
The article is dedicated to reflections on the activities of the prominent Austrian politician, diplomat, and public figure Walter Schwimmer (1942–2025). The author examines in detail his contributions to the development of European integration, the protection of human rights, and the promotion of intercivilizational dialogue. Special attention is given to analyzing Schwimmer's works, his public speeches, and his book «Dreams of Europe», where he advocates for the idea of a large peaceful European home without dividing borders. The article explores Schwimmer's political career, his tenure as Secretary-General of the Council of Europe (1999–2004), as well as his work as Director of the Coordinating Committee of the World Public Forum “Dialogue of Civilizations”. The author reveals Schwimmer's views on contemporary global challenges, including combating terrorism, the rise of populism, threats to democracy, reforming international institutions, and building strategic cooperation between Europe and Russia.
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(2 (130)):202-211
202-211
РЕЦЕНЗИИ
Conflict of Worlds – Conflict of Cultures
Sovremennaâ Evropa. 2025;(2 (130)):212-215
212-215