Belarus

At the European People's Party (EPP) congress in Bucharest, GERB leader Boyko Borissov delivered a compelling address, urging Austrian authorities to reconsider their decision to block Bulgaria and Romania's accession to the Schengen area along the land borders.

Lithuanian intelligence agencies have released a report suggesting that Russia has the resources to sustain its military operations in Ukraine for at least two more years. The report, published on Thursday, highlights Russia's ability to navigate high oil prices, circumvent sanctions, and invest in its military capabilities.

Ukraine is willing to accept limitations on its trade with the EU as a means to resolve a contentious political disagreement with Poland, according to the Ukrainian trade minister, reported by the Financial Times.

Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov and Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel engaged in discussions with Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, shedding light on the grave implications of democratic erosion within the European landscape.

Former Prime Minister and current leader of the GERB party, Boyko Borissov, welcomed Belarusian opposition figure Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya at the party's headquarters. Tsikhanouskaya, known for her staunch opposition to both the war in Ukraine and the regime in Belarus, found an ally in Borissov, who emphasized GERB's unwavering support for Ukraine and its military efforts.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the prominent figure of the Belarusian opposition, is currently on a visit to Bulgaria, where she continues her campaign for democratic reforms in her homeland. Forced into exile following the brutal suppression of protests against Alexander Lukashenko's regime, Tsikhanouskaya remains a steadfast advocate for change.

To address increased domestic demand and facilitate refinery maintenance, Russia has announced a six-month ban on gasoline exports starting from March 1, as reported by Reuters.

Apart from the realistically measurable crime rate, subjective perceptions are also taken into account. This is about worrying about break-ins, thefts or attacks, and corruption and bribery also affected the ranking.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has urged law enforcement agencies to deploy armed patrols on the streets of the country's cities to bolster public safety, according to Reuters reports.

Igar Lendnik, an activist and journalist, was arrested in December 2022 and sentenced to three years in prison for “slandering” the President of Belarus