B&K Explains: Portugal’s Presidential Run-Off
Executive Summary The Portuguese Republic has entered a period of unprecedented institutional tension following the first round of the 2026 presidential election. For only the second time in the five decades since the restoration of democracy, the country will proceed to a second-round run-off on 8 February. The results from 18 January have crystallised a fragmented political landscape. Moderate […]
The Commission Unveils the New Cybersecurity Act
On 20 January, the European Commission unveiled a proposal for the new Cybersecurity Act, signaling a switch in how the Union views the digital component of its economy. While the original 2019 Cybersecurity Act was characterised by a focus on softer measures, including voluntary certification schemes and the institutional strengthening of European Agency for Cybersecurity, this revised version is a far more assertive legislative instrument. […]
The Digital Networks Act: A Single Framework for Digital Connectivity
The Digital Networks Act, which is being unveiled in January 2026 by the European Commission, is the European Union’s attempt to pull together all the main standards that govern digital connectivity into one single, predictable framework. This will be the beginning of a lengthy process towards final approval, which we can expect in about a […]
A New Dawn for the EU Trade Policy: The EU-Mercosur Accord
After twenty-five years of diplomatic games, the ghost of the Mercosur trade agreement has finally materialised into a hard political reality – although this is still just the beginning. A New Dawn for the EU Trade Policy: The EU-Mercosur Accord The EU and Mercosur will sign their long-awaited trade agreement on Saturday, with European Commission […]
Iran’s Black Swan Moment. Strategic Assessment
Executive Summary Iran is currently navigating its most profound period of domestic instability since the 1979 revolution. This wave of unrest was precipitated by a catastrophic systemic economic failure and the geopolitical repercussions of the “12-Day War” with Israel in mid-2025. What began as localised demonstrations on 28 December 2025 has rapidly transitioned into a comprehensive nationwide […]
Breaking the Read Sea Taboo: Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland. Strategic Assessment
Executive Summary On December 26, 2025, the State of Israel executed a diplomatic maneuver that fundamentally reordered the geopolitical architecture of the Horn of Africa. By officially recognizing the Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign, independent nation, Israel became the first UN member state to break a 34-year diplomatic embargo that had kept the breakaway […]
Operation Absolute Resolve and the New European Landscape
The beginning of the year was all but uneventful for Europe, with the US Operation and the subsequent fall of Maduro’s regime receiving mixed reactions from EU countries, and Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the Council. Operation Absolute Resolve and the New European Landscape The events of 3 January 2026 represent a definitive pivot point […]
The Cyprus Presidency: Breaking Down the Agenda
On 1 January 2026, the Republic of Cyprus assumed the rotating Presidency at the Council of Ministers, taking over the role from Denmark. This was the last transition of the current three-piece Presidency (consisting of Poland, Denmark and Cyprus) and comes at a moment when the Union is facing several challenges, most notably regarding competitiveness […]
US Strikes in Venezuela and the Fall of the Maduro Regime: Strategic Assessment
The events of 3 January 2026 represent a definitive pivot point in modern geopolitics. The successful execution of the attack, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, and the subsequent extraction of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores have signalled the dawn of a “Restorative Era” in the Western Hemisphere. By transitioning Venezuela away from a regime defined by […]
So Close, Yet So Far Away: Prospects for Peace in Ukraine
Christmas came later in the State of Florida, and an “almost agreed” peace plan is hiding under the tree. So Close, Yet So Far Away: Prospects for Peace in Ukraine The year 2025 is drawing to a close in dramatic fashion. As many enjoy the winter break, all eyes are set on Mar-a-Lago. Donald Trump and […]