Liam Nolan

Eastern Europe Reporter

Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Donald Trump and said that he recalled his 'great meeting' with him in September

What Trump's victory means for security in eastern Europe

Donald Trump's presidential election victory was keenly observed in central and eastern Europe. In light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the region's leaders are hoping that the US will remain committed to safeguarding security along NATO's eastern flank.

Europe • 08 Nov 24

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un attend a welcoming ceremony before talks in Pyongyang last June

North Korean troops in Russia: how significant is it?

NATO and the Pentagon this week confirmed intelligence reports that North Korea had deployed an estimated 10,000 of its own troops to Russia. Does their deployment mark a significant escalation in Russia's war in Ukraine?

Europe • 02 Nov 24

Pro-EU supporters at a rally in Tbilisi earlier this week hold a banner that reads: 'Georgia chooses the European Union'

What's at stake in Georgia's election?

Georgians go to the polls today in a parliamentary election that is viewed as the country's most decisive vote since regaining independence in 1991 from the former Soviet Union.

Europe • 27 Oct 24

Polish soldiers patrolling the border with Belarus along the border fence in the Bialowieza forest.

Polish government adopts new approach to asylum claims

One year since Poland's pivotal general election which resulted in victory for a four-party coalition government made up of pro-EU parties, migration remains a divisive issue.

Europe • 19 Oct 24

Estonian soldiers chatting with a local during a training exercise last year in Kadrina, northern Estonia

Conscripts and allies: Estonia's approach to defence

Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine put Estonia's defence forces into a state of heightened alert. Since then, the government has increased spending on defence and required more young men to complete conscription each year. But the defence of the state rests on NATO's plan to stay and fight too.

Analysis and Comment • 09 Oct 24

A man enters into the Morawka river to clean his boots after the flood left debris and damaged houses in Stronie Slaskie, Poland

How Poland and neighbouring countries faced the floods

The provision of €10bn in cohesion funding central and eastern European countries devastated by floods this week will help their regions rebuild and recover. But climate activists say that the real answer to avoiding such extreme weather lies in tackling climate change.

Europe • 22 Sep 24

A view of the drought-affected Vistula River in Warsaw earlier this week.

The European river that fell to a record low level

The central section of Poland's Vistula River had a recorded water level of just 20 centimetres on Wednesday this week, the lowest in the river's history. Experts say the drought is a result of hotter summers and the effect of climate change.

Poland • 16 Sep 24

Simon Harris was shown the destruction caused by the Russian invasion in the town of Borodyanka

Taoiseach's visit to Kyiv against backdrop of attacks

Taoiseach Simon Harris visited Kyiv on Wednesday against the backdrop of Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and a major reshuffle of Ukraine's cabinet.

Ukraine • 07 Sep 24

Taoiseach Simon Harris made the remarks after meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk today

Harris to discuss Irish commissioner with von der Leyen

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said that he expects to speak with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the coming days about the Government's nomination of Michael McGrath as commissioner.

Politics • 05 Sep 24

Simon Harris and Volodymyr Zelensky shake hands after signing the joint memorandum

Zelensky tells Taoiseach Ukraine 'grateful' for support

Taoiseach Simon Harris has held a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv where the two leaders signed a joint memorandum on areas of co-operation.

Ukraine • 04 Sep 24