Posts From Niels Van Wanrooij

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Europe Politics

Crisis in Moldova presents opportunity for Russia

Moldova, a small country bordering Ukraine and Romania, has seen its government dismissed after weeks of protests in what has been called ‘Moldova’s Maidan’. Although the EU is preoccupied with

Europe Technology and infrastructure

ECJ data protection rulings drive up compliance costs for EU businesses

Two of the ECJ’s recent rulings drive up compliance costs for businesses operating across the European Union. As American technology firms adapt, it marks a win for citizens and holds

Economics International

European Commission: TTIP reforms still inadequate

The Commission proposal to drop ISDS in favour of an independent permanent court addresses a key concern about TTIP. However, major obstacles remain for the negotiating process and its acceptance

Europe Politics

Mixed feelings in the Netherlands as migrants come to Europe

The handling of the crisis by the Netherlands reflects the Dutch view that, while asylum-seekers should be welcomed in the country, economic migrants should not. An oft-underreported aspect of the

Economics Europe

Burning flowers and destroying food, Putin risks domestic backlash

The latest tit-for-tat moves between Russia and the EU over the conflict in Ukraine hit Russian consumers already struggling with high inflation. It marks the continued souring of relations between

Asia Pacific Politics

What to expect from Myanmar’s November elections

Elections in November will see the military remain the dominant political force, even if it is a further step in Myanmar’s transformation from military dictatorship towards democracy. Key issues to

Europe Politics

Moldova: The other European country going bankrupt

Moldova, a country of 3.5 million on the brink of bankruptcy, risks becoming a failed state. This would increase instability on the EU’s eastern borders by handing Russia another opportunity

Europe Security

Russia reviews Baltic states’ independence, risks further backlash

In a fresh instance of saber rattling against the EU, Russia’s prosecutor-general has decided to review the legality of recognizing the Baltic States’ independence in 1991. While legal implications of

Europe Politics

Is the Euroskeptics’ boon, investors’ bane?

The formation of ‘Europe of Nations and Freedoms’, another anti-EU bloc in the European Parliament, will give Euroskeptics a stronger voice at the supranational level. However, doubts remain on the