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Germany continues to support Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression and its aspirations to join the EU. The significant reduction in Germany's business ties with Russia shows a strategic shift in priorities. Berlin also looks forward to fostering strong cooperation with Warsaw, aiming to assist Kyiv. Andreas Metz, Director for Public Affairs at the German Eastern Business Association, emphasizes the need for the EU to undergo reforms and prepare for the uncertainties surrounding American support for Ukraine.

The Czech Republic and Poland stand at a pivotal juncture to emerge as a central hub for regional political advancement. Prague and Warsaw, united not only in their position against Russian aggression in Ukraine and on, possess the potential to forge shared perspectives within the structures of the European Union and NATO. This collaborative effort can garner support from neighboring countries, fostering mutual benefits for all stakeholders. However, Pavel Havlíček, from the Association for International Affairs in Prague, highlights the potential challenge of internal Czech politics posing a risk to this collaborative development.

Russia is not only engaged in a conflict with Ukraine. It is also actively challenging the West and endeavoring to shape a new global order. In this pursuit, Moscow may not perceive itself as losing, on the contrary. Agnieszka Bryc from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń sheds light on the Kremlin's perspective on the war. Even the expansion of NATO could be viewed not only as a setback but also as an opportunity. Furthermore, Moscow appears to be executing an effective cognitive campaign, contributing to its perceived success in this multidimensional conflict.

Ukraine can start the formal accession talks with the European Union. However, as highlighted by Iryna Solonenko, a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Liberal Modernity, these negotiations are anticipated to be challenging and protracted. Solonenko underscores the importance of avoiding shortcuts, emphasizing Ukraine's commitment to undergoing necessary reforms. Simultaneously, she advocates for a comprehensive overhaul of the EU's accession system. Solonenko hopes that the ongoing war will end before the conclusion of negotiations, clearing the path for Ukraine's full accession.

Not everyone in Russia supports Putin's regime and the aggression in Ukraine. Even some independent media outlets from abroad reach audiences in Russia. Barbara von Ow-Freytag also talks about members of ethnic minorities, who oppose the regime and its war. Considering the risks related to any for of dissent, all these voices and actions should be acknowledged and supported.

NATO plays a pivotal role in bolstering Ukraine's resistance against Russian aggression. Olha Nykorak, Human Security Coordinator at Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, delineates the evolving connection between the Alliance and Ukraine. She underscores the significance of the ongoing development in their relationship and emphasizes the ultimate goal of Ukraine's accession to NATO. The transformation of the NATO-Ukraine Commission into the NATO-Ukraine Council serves as a tangible manifestation of the deepening partnership between the two parties.

With the defeat of Law and Justice in Poland, Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary finds himself without a key illiberal ally in Europe. Having previously placed his bets on a swift Russian victory in Ukraine and diverged from European values, Orban is now confronted with an impossible dilemma. On one hand, he requires EU funds to sustain his government, while on the other, the EU insists on reforms that threaten to undermine his administration. Zsuzsanna Vegh, a visiting fellow at the German Marshall Fund, sheds light on Orban's ominous impact on civil society, noting his ability to "engineer public opinion" to his advantage.

Belarusian democratic forces have joined together in a fight for freedom and to pursue their goal of European and NATO integration. Alina Koushyk, a Representative for National Revival in the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, emphasizes the imperative for active support from the West. She highlights the significance of recognizing new passports as a positive measure. Furthermore, Koushyk presents potential scenarios for the future, stressing their interconnectedness with Ukraine. She underscores the shared struggle against Russian colonialism, portraying Belarus and Ukraine as integral components of this collective fight.

Concerns have been raised regarding the illiberal inclinations of Slovakia's new government. Tomáš Strážay of the Slovak Foreign Policy Association suggests that despite the populist rhetoric of Prime Minister Robert Fico, there may be more policy continuity than initially apparent, both concerning the EU and Ukraine. Additionally, he emphasizes the continued relevance of the V4 forum, despite regional differences among member countries.

The present Czech government is currently experiencing its lowest popularity levels since the collapse of communism. However, it is essential to note that despite this, it remains a remarkably stable cabinet, boasting a strong parliamentary majority and pursuing a reasonable agenda. On the flip side, a noteworthy player in the political landscape is the populist party ANO, led by the former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. This dynamic introduces an intriguing competition in the months leading up to the European Parliament elections, as elucidated by Vit Dostal, the Executive Director of the Association for International Affairs.

Poles have elected a new parliament, ousting the Law and Justice government. A new coalition will have to deal with an illiberal heritage of the predecessors. What has really happened and how Polish society is changing? Is there a mandate for a thorough change and reinvigoration of a liberal democracy weakened by eight years of anti-liberal and Eurosceptic government accused of autocratic tendencies. Prof. Maria Wincławska from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń stresses that the work has only started.

The Black See plays a key role in the Russian aggression on Ukraine. Together with the Caucasus, it also has an important role for the EU and NATO. Despite its crucial position, as well as political and economic weight, the West has neglected the area, as argued by Wilfried Jilge, an expert on Eastern Europe, Ukraine and the Black Sea Region at the Center of International Peace Operations in Berlin. The fault has to be mended.