Every Monday, the Research Trainees of the CERESE assess the news of the previous week. You can read their opinions below:

I like…

... the news that, with the support of the European Union, two schools in Zhytomyr, Ukraine, have been transformed into safe havens for more than 1000 students. The 1st and 26th Lyceum, destroyed by the initial attack, have undergone extensive renovations under the EU4UASchools: Build Back Better project, with the help of the United Nations Development Program. An EU grant of €390.000 funded not only the repairs, but also ensured the provision of basic furniture. The project aims to create safe and comfortable spaces for all children, promoting the revitalization of schools and learning. The initiative is proof of the EU’s commitment to rebuilding communities and investing in the future of the Ukrainian youth.

… the news of the first meeting of the Foreign Ministers of China and Japan, which took place on Saturday, 25 November. Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi for the first time after the initiative by South Korea’s Foreign Minister Park Jin. The meeting was held in Busan, with the aim of lasting cooperation among the three Foreign Ministers. The last ministerial meeting happened in August 2019, and the last summit among the three countries was held in the same year. With this meeting, South Korea wants to improve its relations with the two countries, while it is the first step toward a closer relationship for the respective relations between the two Far Eastern powers.

I dislike…

… the action of the Albanian opposition Members of Parliament, who ignited smoke bombs during the plenary session for the approval of the annual budget. This marks a dark chapter in Albanian parliamentary history. The Parliament, as in all democratic states, is a place where democratic values are celebrated. At the same time, this event brings to light the significant citizen mobilization against the government, which tends toward authoritarianism. Consequently, the widespread political turmoil in Albania hinders its European Union integration, facilitating the government in cultivating a corrupted regime.

… the news that Turkey has postponed the ratification of Sweden’s NATO candidacy. Final approval of any country’s membership requires the unanimous decision of its members. The country’s NATO membership process has faced many challenges and objections, especially from Turkey, which has expressed concerns and maintains objections to Sweden and Finland joining NATO. Relations between Turkey and these two countries have been linked to other issues, such as Ankara buying the F-16 aircrafts from the US, as well as US-Turkish relations, especially following the conflict in the Middle East.