Russia's election results are bad news for Putin for two reasons. Firstly United Russia did badly despite the election being biased in its favour, and secondly it shows that Putin can no longer rely on an apathetic population.

 

The economic crisis has huge implications for EU foreign policy. There is less time for it, less money available, and Europe's ability to project soft power is in a coma.

 

'More for more', a central plank of the EU's updated neighbourhood policy, is a laudable concept. But it is difficult to define, let alone to implement. What really is more, and how do we get it from our neighbours?

During the 1990s, democracy and reformism in Central and Eastern Europe tended to go hand in hand. In recent years, however, the picture in the EU's Eastern neighbourhood has become less clear. Ukraine and Georgia have shown how it is possible to have one without the other.

Should we be depressed or happy about the state of Europe? In truth, no one knows.

Armenia pragmatically tries to benefit from what the EU offers.

The EU's 'Georgia report' needs to be seen in light of the EU's previous performance in the troubled country.

Does the eastern neighbourhood want to join forces with Russia, be part of the EU or go it alone?

It's always good to know what Russia thinks of you, especially when it may have a point.

Moldova is the only CIS country with an uninterrupted cycle of legal and constitutional transfers of power through elections since 1991.

The Swedish presidency should tour the EU's eastern periphery to ensure the region does not feel forgotten.

On 29 July Moldova will hold early parliamentary elections. Nicu Popescu offers a snapshot of the country two days before the elections.

The EU needs to better marshal its soft power in the eastern neighbourhood.

Nicu Popescu comments on developments in Abkhazia and South Ossetia after their recognition by Russia.

The EU should start listening and involving the small and fragile states of the eastern neighbourhood, and the Swedish Presidency should be the body lead this "listening tour" charge.