The European Union has got a dillema whether to develop as a whole community or internationally – relying on decisions made by particular governments. It is important to not loose “the big picture” – the broader perspective. The European Union is providing us with the balance of power on the continent. In addition it provides the western world with political cohesion. Strong European Union is also in the interest of the United States. – said Janusz Reiter,  the Chairman of Centre for International Relations foundation board, in his speech on the future of the European Union during the 8th European Economic Congress in Katowice Spodek Arena.

A man who has stood for liberal democracy in Europe for almost 40 years. A true friend of Estonia and freedom. This is what the President of Estonia – Tomass Henrik Ilves – wrote on his Twitter account about Eugeniusz Smolar. An expert and a member of the board of Centre for International Relations was awarded with a class V Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana for his contribution to journalism for the Republic of Estonia. The award has been constituted in 1995 to honour the Estonian independence and it is the highest class decoration given to non-Estonian citizens for special services to the Republic of Estonia.

After Syria’s government agreed to a ceasefire deal on the 22nd of February 2016 which seems to hold until now, questions are raised on how the country should proceed if it wants to become a unified country once again. A strengthened inclusive Syrian state not only provides military steadfastness against the Islamic State but can additionally improve the political structure and tackle the social and economic deficiencies in the Middle East region - writes Alexander Grims, CIR's intern, in his analysis "Syria: federalism as the way forward?".