Week in Review: Historic Deals and Crucial Elections

Migration Reform

European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson speaks to the media prior to the European Home Affairs Ministers Council meeting in Luxembourg, 08 June 2023. EPA-EFE/JULIEN WARNAND

On June 8, contrary to many expectations, EU leaders announced that a new 'migration pact' had been struck to reform the block's faltering asylum system. Given how long European countries had been failing to reform the EU asylum system, many greeted that announced deal as 'historic'.

Yet as our analysis notes, not everything that is 'historic' is necessarily good, or an improvement. We take a look at what the new deal will mean for refugees - and the countries of the Western Balkans.

Read more: EU Migration Reform 'Bad News' for Refugees, and Western Balkans (June 19, 2023)

Round Two

Greek President Katerina Sakelaropoulou (centre) takes part in a meeting with Greek Prime Minister and president of conservative New Democracy party, Kyriakos Mitsotakis (5th left), president of SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance, Alexis Tsipras (2nd right), president of Elliniki Lisi party, Kyriakos Velopoulos (left), leader of PASOK - KINAL, Nikos Androulakis (3rd left), secretary general of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), Dimitris Koutsoumpas (right) in Athens, Greece, Μay 24 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE/YANNIS KOLESIDIS

Just over a month after the May 21 Parliamentary elections, which did not produce a viable ruling majority, Greek voters will this weekend head to the polls again. This time, a different electoral model - awarding a 'seat bonus' to the largest party - will be used, likely favouring the ruling New Democracy.

Our analysis takes a look at the results of the May elections, as well as what they imply...