After months of polling, speculation, and hand wringing over the European Parliament election this month, one might think that nothing else matters, writes Carl Bildt.

The article by Mr Carl Bildt ‘Ukraine has fended off Russia and the EU deserves credit’ (Irish Examiner, April 24) not only presents events in Ukraine in a misleading way, but contains a great number of factual errors as well.

The Kremlin’s military aggression in 2014 finally failed because of Ukraine’s strengthened links with the West, says Carl Bildt

Renewed interest in military integration reflects the erosion of Europe’s strategic position as a result of Brexit and, in some respects, Trump, writes Carl Bildt.

We must highlight the dangers of cyber weapon proliferation and urge governments to develop defensive rather than offensive capabilities, writes Carl Bildt

One of the lessons from the 2015 refugee crisis is that the EU will need to develop a far stronger common foreign and security policy, says Carl Bildt

Some attempts to rid the world of nuclear weapons, like the proposed multi-lateral nuclear-ban treaty, could prove self-defeating, writes Carl Bildt            

The Queen's private secretary has confirmed he is leaving but says he is confidently handing on the job, knowing the monarch's "unwavering commitment as sovereign" has the "full and active" support of her family.

The detainment of 100,000 people since the failed coup of July 2016, and constitutional reforms that bolster the president’s powers threaten a fragile democracy says Carl Bildt.

America’s global re-engagement should be welcomed, but not through a military lens. Diplomacy, not fighting, brings peace, says Carl Bildt.

The uncertainty of administrational transition is greater in the Trump era and while it is not time to hit the bunker just yet, it wouldn’t hurt to have one nearby, writes Carl Bildt

Former politician and diplomat Carl Bildt charts Britain’s relationship with the EU, from exclusion to integral to integration, and the ramifications of Brexit    

Globally accepted norms on internet privacy and data use must be agreed if the digital era is to be enjoyed by all, writes Carl Bildt

The EU’s dream of building “a ring of friends” from the Caucasus to the Sahara has turned into a nightmare as conflicts beyond its borders send refugees teeming into Europe.

Prime Minister David Cameron will hold an early referendum on membership of the EU if he can first reach a deal that satisfies his demands for major changes in Britain’s relationship with Europe.

The framework nuclear agreement with Iran has caused little consternation in Europe, but has got the US Republicans up in arms, writes Carl Bildt

A nuclear deal should be the means for the international community to engage Iran in addressing the difficult issues in the volatile region, writes Carl Bildt.

Sunday’s election is crucial for Ukraine but there are hopes it will also encourage a more democratic Russia, writes Carl Bildt

Ukrainian forces said that one of their fighter jets has been shot down by a Russian missile in combat against Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Several European Union (EU) foreign ministers today accused Russia of invading eastern Ukraine and said Moscow should be punished with more sanctions.

By Ann Cahill, Europe Correspondent

As riots spread from Ukraine’s embattled capital to nearly half of the country, President Viktor Yanukovych promised yesterday to reshuffle his government and make other concessions.

Two topless activists have climbed over a fence into the Russian embassy in Stockholm to protest against the country’s anti-gay Bill and stigmatisation of homosexuals.

Politician accidently flashes followers

A Swedish politician who wanted to show his new tattoo to followers on a social media site accidentally revealed far more than he intended.

David Cameron’s demand for an EU with trade at its core was swiftly followed by reactions that saw Britain leaving the EU as offering more business opportunities for the rest, including Ireland.

Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte has claimed victory for his conservative VVD party in national elections widely seen as a referendum on the Netherlands’ commitment to Europe.

While WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange battles to stay in Britain, Sweden is incensed he has belittled one of the world’s most respected justice systems and questioned a nation famed for welcoming — not extraditing — political refugees.

Belarus has expelled Sweden’s ambassador for being “too supportive of human rights”, it is claimed.

Chrystia Freeland meets three public leaders who are exploiting social media to forge a direct connection with their communities

Vaira Vi-k,e-Freiberga and António Vitorino consider potential leaders to drive European Union foreign policy

European Union foreign ministers are recommending that Serbia be allowed to become an official candidate for membership of the bloc after the country reached a key agreement with its former province of Kosovo.

Two Swedish journalists have been jailed for 11 years after illegally entering Ethiopia with a Somali rebel group.

The significance of Indonesia’s decision to ratify of the nuclear test-ban treaty should not to be underestimated, write Carl Bildt and Patricia Espinosa Cantellano

European leaders hailed it as a victory, Libyan exiles celebrated in the streets and the mother of one of Muammar Gaddafi’s many victims said she was treating herself to an expensive bottle of champagne.

BOSNIAN Serb wartime general Ratko Mladic was arrested in Serbia yesterday after years on the run from international genocide charges, opening the way for the state to approach the European mainstream.

The Egyptian government must begin political reforms immediately, European leaders demanded today amid violent clashes on the streets of Cairo.

IN his final words before emergency heart surgery, Richard Holbrooke, the influential US diplomat who died on Monday following complications, urged an end to America’s nine-year old Afghanistan conflict.

The Taliban has today denounced this week's international conference on Afghanistan's future, saying the "vague and terrible agenda" showed that the US and its allies intended to abandon the country and blame their ultimate defeat on the Afghan government.