For the past year, American Robert Francis Prevost has been at the helm of the global Catholic Church under the name Leo XIV. Until recently, one might have thought that he hadn’t really made a name for himself during these twelve months. But Donald Trump, of all people, has changed that.

Kenya’s Mrima Hill rare-earth and niobium tender highlights growing EU critical minerals ambitions, revealing gaps between Europe’s partnership model and Kenya’s evolving mining governance, institutional capacity, and geopolitical alignment challenges.

As Syria undergoes political transition, debate over the future of its Christian communities intensifies, shaped by deep uncertainty, historical rootedness, and increasingly emotional discourse within and beyond the country.

Sweden and Lithuania have responded to Europe's deteriorating security environment with far-reaching reforms of their total defence systems. Germany, by contrast, still lacks an integrated framework that effectively combines military capability, civilian resilience, and mobilization structures.

As global power shifts toward the U.S., China, and a rising India, Africa seeks stability, investment, and agency - while Europe faces a pivotal choice in redefining its partnership with the continent.

The most recent parliamentary elections in Armenia constituted a significant test of the geopolitical reorientation that the government has been pursuing in recent months. The election results have paved the way for a new foreign policy vision aimed at strengthening the country's integration into the European community. How this vision will evolve over time remains to be seen.

Pope Leo’s first encyclical reflects on human dignity, the acceptance of human limitations, and the place of humanity in a rapidly changing technological world. What does the Pope’s message mean for the relationship between human beings and technological progress?

Francesco Lapenta (Ph.D) is the director of the Institute of Future and Innovation Studies who is bringing together governments, diplomats, technology leaders, and civil society to address the governance implications of emerging technologies.

HSS Europe convened experts from the EU and NATO to discuss short-term priorities for European defence. While some cautioned against protectionism and duplicating NATO structures, others urged to “buy European” and set up new complementary frameworks.

After 16 years under Victor Orban, his challenger secured a surprising and resounding victory over the long-serving incumbent. Therefore, Hungary not only gets a new Government, but is seemingly entering a new era. Designated Prime Minister Peter Magyar wants to free frozen EU-funds, but will most likely stick to his predecessor`s tough stance on migration policy.