Latvia Moves Forward on Euro
Riga has garnered widespread support within Europe, which is desperate to shore up the besieged currency. However, Riga’s entry looks like rats running onto a sinking ship to many Latvians.
European Battle Against Gazprom Continues
Europe is tired of the Gazprom monopoly and isn’t going to take it any more. At least, that appears to be the message from Lithuania, which will take over the European Union’s rotating presidency in July.
Lithuania Steps Up to Head European Council
Vilnius inevitably will be drawn further into the debate over how best to extricate troubled European states from their economic difficulties. Lithuania is particularly interested in stabilizing the eurozone since Vilnius hopes to enter the monetary union in 2015.
Georgia Should Be Friends with Both Europe and Russia
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili is being challenged to demonstrate that his government can be friends with both Europe and Russia. The charge that the new government is moving the country eastward is a frequent claim with few specifics behind it.
Armenia Looks to Europe
Through history and culture, Armenia views itself as part of the West. Armenia cannot escape its geographical position: it should seek a solid relationship with Moscow and a warmer peace with Azerbaijan.
Challenges Grow to Azerbaijan’s Government
In this world, Azerbaijan would benefit from improved relations with the West. That is most likely to come in response to domestic liberalization.
Old Europe Fears Immigrant Influx from Eastern Europe
Rather than reacting out of fear, attempting to reduce natural economic links, the wealthier EU states should encourage poorer nations to the east to more fully participate in the economic mainstream.
Latvia to Adopt Euro
Not everyone is certain that this is a wise decision. Nevertheless, Latvia has followed policies which make its economic success likely irrespective of the fate of the Euro.
Holocaust Memorials Expand
Those living today in the former communist states obviously were not generally responsible for the Holocaust; but the rise of extremist parties makes it especially important to preserve the memory of what happens when the bonds of civilization are broken.
Agenda of Growth for the New Georgian Government
Political cooperation would create a better climate for further reform and, equally important, to attract new foreign investment. If Georgia succeeds it has, suggested ICG, an opportunity “to serve proudly as a true development model for the region.”