Democracy is going through hard times all around the world. And that includes Europe. Marked by Trump’s comeback, intensifying conflicts, the uncertain trajectory of far-right parties and a surge in public protests, 2025 proved to be a turbulent year.

Before 1945, Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice were one single city, both banks of the Oder sharing one administration, one economy, one community. On April 19, 1945, retreating German soldiers blew up the bridge to slow the advancing Red Army, cutting all connections overnight.

We already live in a world organised through networks: from social media to global activism. What if the EU worked like that, too? That idea has a name: polycentricity.

Last month, I wrote about why Europe needs more women in politics. This month, I wanted to zoom in on the numbers. Just in time for Women’s Month, the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) released its latest report, Women in Politics in the EU: State of Play in 2026. So, where does the EU actually stand today?

On 28 February, Israel launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran. According to the world of Israel Katz, the Defence Minister of Israel, this action was carried out ‘to remove threats to the State of Israel’. The interest of Israel is the complete blockage of the development of Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure, and not only a halt to the process of enrichment. 

Is the EU family getting bigger? The current debate in Brussels increasingly suggests that it is, though not in the immediate future. Enlargement is a long and torturous process that involves multiple rounds of negotiation and, most importantly, requires unanimity. And it is no secret that in recent years, some EU member states have been less willing to fall in line. Thus, for now, there is no certainty about who will eventually get a seat at the table. Or when.