EACS Situation Room is a center for situation monitoring in crisis situations, which is activated when necessary in the event of major security changes in the world:
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Monitoring Western Balkans (November 2022 – )
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Ukrainian Crisis (February 2022 – )
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South China Sea Dispute (March – September 2021; February 2022 – )
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Balkan migration horizon (April – May 2021)
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Coup d’etat in Myanmar (February – March 2021)
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Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan (October – December 2020)
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Terrorist attack in Vienna (November 2020)
* Reports are based on publicly available sources to describe a changing situation. Information is subject to change.
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 15.4.2024
Ukrainian President signs a law lowering the age of mobilisation.
IAEA calls for restraint after drone explosion at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
NATO ministers call for the alliance to play a greater role in coordinating aid to Ukraine.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: The Kyiv Independent/Volodymyr Zelenski/Telegram stock photo)
Situation Room – Monitoring Western Balkans, 10.4.2024
The Committee on Politics and Democracy of the Council of Europe approved a report that Kosovo has fulfilled conditions to become a full member of the Council of Europe.
Kosovo Prime Minister claimed preparations are underway to launch prosecution of Serbia for crimes committed during the war in Kosovo.
EU regrets the call by political representatives of Kosovo Serbs to boycott the census and the referendum on dismissal of mayors.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Euronews)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 7.7.2023
ASEAN’s first-ever joint military exercises moved to the South Natuna Sea away from disputed parts of the South China Sea.
China’s defence ministry spokesperson accused US of interfering in China’s internal affairs and escalating tensions with its latest sales of military equipment to Taiwan.
US Treasury secretary in Beijing for a four-day visit to improve relations between the US and China and meet with Chinese officials and business leaders.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Mark R Cristino/EPA)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 18.6.2023
Japan approved a major revision to its development aid policy with focus on maritime and economic security and helping developing nations in the region.
An anonymous US official told The Wall Street Journal that China has been conducting surveillance operations from Cuba since 2019.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in China on a high-level diplomatic visit that will focus on stabilising relations between two competing powers.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Leah Millis/Reuters)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 4.6.2023
The US has revealed that the Chinese hacking group Volt Typhoon spied on a wide range of critical US infrastructure, including one at a military outpost in Guam in the Pacific.
Pentagon releases video of an incident between a US surveillance aircraft and Chinese fighter jet over South China Sea.
US and Chinese defence ministers’ speeches during Shangri-La Dialogue summit reveal deep divisions between the two states.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: IISS/Flickr)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 14.5.2023
US and Philippines establish new guidelines for defence cooperation.
US National Security Advisor met with this Chinese counterpart in Vienna.
Philippines Coast Guard sets up five buoys to mark its EEZ in response to incursions of Chinese vessels.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Philippines Coast Guard/Reuters)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 23.4.2023
United States and Philippines launched one of their largest military exercises in decades.
European Commission President presented the EU’s strategy towards China and its growing global influence to the European Parliament.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken visited Vietnam to further strengthen cooperation.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Andrew Harnik/Reuters)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 10.4.2023
US Armed Forces to gain access to four new military bases in the Philippines.
Meeting of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and Speaker of the US House Kevin McCarthy on US soil echoed loudly in the Indo-Pacific.
In response to Tsai-McCarthy meeting China conducted extensive military exercise including simulated strike on Taiwan.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
Situation Room – Monitoring Western Balkans, 31.3.2023
Joseph Borell confirms Belgrade and Pristina have reached an agreement on the implementation of the EU plan for normalisation of relations.
The Government of Republika Srpska halts cooperation with the embassies of the United States and the United Kingdom in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Jakov Milatović wins the presidential elections in Montenegro.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Reuters)
Situation Room – Monitoring Western Balkans, 15.3.2023
Serbian President Aleksandar Vućić announced the creation of a new political movement “People’s Movement for the State”.
US special envoy for the Western Balkans expects that Russia will try to interfere in the presidential election campaign in Montenegro through the usual channels of media disinformation.
Republika Srpska has announced a new law that will require organisations that receive donations from abroad to register as foreign agents.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: EPA-EFE/Stephanie Lecocq)
Situation Room – Monitoring Western Balkans, 15.2.2023
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated that he accepted the French-German proposal, because otherwise Kosovo would have found itself inconfrontation with its allies.
For the first time since 2005, the members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina visited the US.
Several thousand protesters gathered in Tirana, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, accusing him of corruption and the spread of poverty in Albania.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source:EPA/Aljazeera Balkans)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 21.122022
80% of the Kyiv region lost electricity supply due to the shelling by the Russian military.
Vladimir Putin visited Belarus to meet President Alexander Lukashenko.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy travels to the US to strengthen resilience and defence capabilities of Ukraine.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Pavel Bednyakov/Sputnik/Kremlin Pool Photo/AP)
Situation Room – Monitoring Western Balkans, 15.12.2022
Kosovo Serbs erect road barricades after arrest of a Serbian member of the Kosovo police.
Police clash with protesters in Podgorica calling for the abolition of the new Presidential law and new parliamentary elections.
EU leaders confirm candidate status for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: EPA-EFE/DJORDJE SAVIC)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 6.122022
Russia accuses Ukraine of executing a group of Russian prisoners.
EU Member States set a price ceiling of $60 per barrel for Russian oil and ban seaborne supply.
Russian air defence shot down Ukrainian drones hundreds of kilometres within Russia.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Tatiana Meel/Reuters/Al Jazeera)
Situation Room – Monitoring Western Balkans, 30.11.2022
Kosovo and Serbia have reached an agreement, ending the row over license plates.
Trial begins in the higher court in Podgorica in the case of the attempted »coup d’état« during the 2016 parliamentary election.
Bulgarian cultural club »Czar Boris the Third« in Ohrid attacked again.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Balkan Insight)
Situation Room – Monitoring Western Balkans, 15.11.2022
Row between Kosovo and Serbia over the use of new license plates continues to escalate.
Montenegrin parliament passed the changes to the law on the president of the country, forcing him to award the mandate for the creation of the government to Miodrag Lekić.
UN Security Council extended EUROFOR mandate in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Balkan Insight)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 20.11.2022
Ukrainian forces liberate Herson.
US and Russia restart talks to deescalate nuclear threat.
A missile hits a Polish farm, killing two people.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: BBC/Polish police)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 5.11.2022
Successful Ukraininan counteroffensives have seen them retaking significant tracts of territory in the Herson region and in the vicinity of Kharkiv.
Russia stopped gas deliveries through the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines to Europe in the summer. Both pipelines were later sabotaged and heavily damaged.
Military assistance to Ukraine by the US and the EU continues. On the other side, Russia has been using numerous Iranian »kamikaze« drones to target Ukrainian infrastructure.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: ISW/BBC)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 30.6.2022
Russia captures Sievierodonetsk, the offensive now shifts to capturing Lysychansk.
EU leaders give candidate membership status to Ukraine.
At NATO summit in Madrid, leaders of the member states confirm the new NATO Strategic Concept.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: NATO; Official portrait of NATO Heads of State and Government)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 2.6.2022
Fighting intensity in eastern Ukraine reaches new heights.
Russian soldier, charged with war crimes, jailed for life.
French and German leaders call for direct negotiations between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 23.5.2022
Finland and Sweden apply to join NATO.
Ukrainian fighters in Azovstal surrender, Russian army takes full control.
US gives $40 billion in aid to Ukraine, EU pledges a further €500 million.
Russia cuts electricity and natural gas supplies to Finland.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Al Jazeera)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 16.5.2022
Sattelite images show China is continuing with the constriction and militarisation in disputed areas.
Chinese aircraft carrier carries out large-scale exercise.
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the son of the controversial former president wins Philippines presidential election by a landslide.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 11.5.2022
French and Russian presidents talk on the phone for the first time since March.
Rusian Foreign Ministry ruled out the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
Putin did not use the parade to commemorate the end of the Second World War to expand operations in Ukraine.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Alamy)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 3.5.2022
First evacuations from the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visit Ukraine.
Russia cuts off gas to Poland and Bulgaria.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Al Jazeera)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 24.4.2022
According to international organisations, so far over 5200 civilians have died in the fighting. The number of internally displaced people and refugees has exceeded 12 million.
IMF predicts a 35% decrease in Ukrainian economy which will affect global markets.
US Secretaries of State and Defense visit Kiev.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: POOL/AFP)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 17.4.2022
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the outskirts of Moscow.
Russian forces have almost completely captured Mariupol, with only around 2500 Ukrainian defenders remaining.
Russian Black Sea Fleet lost its flagship the Moskva. Ukraine claims to have sunk it with its anti-ship missiles.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Washington Examiner)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 11.4.2022
The Philippines and the US organized a large, combined military exercise featuring over 8000 soldiers.
A draft proposal for a security agreement between the Solomon Islands and China leaks, causing diplomatic condemnations.
US confirmes sale of $95 million military equipment package for Taiwan air defence systems.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: dw.com, AFP, AP)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 9.4.2022
After the Russian withdrawal from northern Ukraine, heavy fighting has begun in the east of the country.
The EU passed the fifth sanctions package, including a ban on Russian coal.
UN General Assembly voted to suspend Russia from Human Rights Council.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: REUTERS/Andrew Kelly)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 5.4.2022
Russian forces continue their withdrawal from Kiyiv, but fighting intensifies in Eastern Ukraine.
Following the withdrawal of the Russian army from the towns around Kyiv, satellite images show destruction in the town of Bucha, where hundreds of civilians were reportedly killed.
Talks between Russia and Ukraine are said to have reached a point where President Putin and President Zelensky could meet in person.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: AP Photo/Rodrigo Abdir)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 1.4.2022
Over 4 million refugees have left Ukraine while 6,5 million people are internally displaced.
Ukrainian and Russian negotiators have met for another round of talks in Turkey.
Germany and Austria initiated the first steps in their gas shortage contingency plans.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Murat Cetin Muhurdar/Turkish Presidential Press Service)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 28.3.2022
Russian forces begin shelling the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, which has largely not been targeted so far. Mariupol is on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe, with Russian troops moving closer and closer to the city centre.
US President Joe Biden, said in a statement that the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, should not stay in power, which upset Moscow. The White House later clarified that the statement does not mean that the US is trying to topple President Putin from power.
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned he is willing to negotiate on the issue of Ukraine’s neutrality.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: The Sydney Morning Herald)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 24.3.2022
One month has passed since Russia began its military operations in Ukraine.
President Zelensky says the two sides could reach an agreement, but it would have to be confirmed by Ukrainians on a referendum.
NATO heads of governments meet at an extraordinary summit in Brussels.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: NATO)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 21.3.2022
China allegedly fabricated a statement by Joseph Borell, referring to it as a peace-loving superpower.
Taiwan scrambles air force fighters in response to another incursion by 13 Chinese planes into air defence identification zone.
Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong transits Taiwan strait hours ahead of Biden-Jinping call.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: AFP)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 20.3.2022
Russian forces continue shelling Ukrainian cities such as Kiev, Mariupol, Melitopol, Lviv and Kharkiv. Many of the victims are civilians.
Russia fires a hypersonic missile for the first time, destroying an arms depot in the west of Ukraine.
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has said that negotiations are the only solution to end the war. Turkey has pointed out that progress is being made in the negotiations.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: AP Photo/ Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, File/ timesofisrael.com)*
*In this photo made from the footage taken from Russian Defense Ministry official web site on Sunday, March 11, 2018, a Russia’s Kinzhal hypersonic missile flies during a test in southern Russia
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 16.3.2022
The Prime Ministers of Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and Poland visit Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.
Two Russian drones fly into Poland and Romania. The Ukrainian Air Force Command described the action as a provocation by Moscow.
The EU adopts a fourth sanctions package and US President Joe Biden announces $800 million worth of arms aid to Ukraine.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: BBC)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 13.3.2022
Russian forces have started bombarding targets in western Ukraine, specifically near the city of Lviv, 20 kilometres from the Polish border.
The European Union will impose a fourth set of sanctions against Russia.
Russia accused the US of developing biological or chemical weapons in Ukraine. The US has rejected the claims, saying that Russia wants to create a pretext to use such weapons in Ukraine.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: AJC)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 10.3.2022
Russian forces violated the ceasefire agreement, preventing safe evacuation of civilians from major Ukrainian cities.
The EU has added several Russian oligarchs and officials, involved in the Russian aggression in Ukraine, to the list of persons it is imposing sanctions against.
Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers met in Turkey. Talks have not brought the desired solutions on how to resolve the Ukraine crisis.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: CNBC)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 7.3.2022
China continues to hold periodic military exercises in disputed areas.
US Navy successfully recovered its F-35 fighter jet which sank in the South China Sea after an accident in January.
China announces a 7,1% rise in military spending.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: SCMP)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 7.3.2022
Russian troops are getting closer and closer to Kyiv, as fighting continues in other major Ukrainian cities.
Two attempts to evacuate civilians through humanitarian corridors have been largely unsuccessful.
Third round of negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegates in Belarus, focused on the establishment of humanitarian corridors. The Russian side has also said that the war could be over in an instant if Ukraine accepts Russia’s demands.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Politico)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 4.3.2022
The Russian army seized the port city of Kherson and continues its attacks on the cities of Kyiv and Kharkiv.
Russian and Ukrainian delegates negotiated an agreement on the creation of humanitarian corridors to allow the evacuation of civilians from Ukraine.
A fire broke out at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, during a Russian artillery bombardment. The fire has been extinguished and, according to experts, there is no serious threat to nuclear safety.
NATO does not support the establishment of a no-fly zone over Ukraine because, according to Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, it would lead to more civilian deaths and could spread the war beyond Ukraine.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Energoatom; archive photo)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 1.3.2022
The European Commission announces the EU will purchase €500 million worth of weapons for Ukraine.
Russian and Ukrainian delegates meet at the Ukraine-Belarus border.
Ukrainian president Zelensky signs Ukraine’s application to join the European Union and addressed EU Parliament.
Russian president Putin orders Russian nuclear forces to be put on high alert.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Belarussian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 26.2.2022
An expected Russian veto prevented the UN Security Council from passing a resolution condemning Russian aggression in Ukraine.
The West announces new sanctions against Russia, specifically against Russian banks. There is also the possibility of Russia being excluded from the SWIFT banking system.
President Putin announces further advances of Russian troops into Ukraine from all sides. The possibility of Russia occupying Kyiv is growing.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Al Jazeera)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 24.2.2022
Vladimir Putin signed the official recognition of the separatist Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics. Following the declaration he ordered Russian troops, termed peacekeepers, into their territory.
US and EU have announced severe sanctions in response to Russian actions.
Ukrainian parliament declared a state of emergency and the Ukrainian military began calling up reservists.
Russian troops entered Ukraine on several points and Russian missiles hit important targets in large Ukrainian cities.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Getty Images)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 21.2.2022
The Philippines finalises a deal to acquire Indian shore-based anti-ship missile system
China seems to shift from the ‘nine-dash line’, to the four ‘sha’ principle to substantiate its claims.
The UK pledges £25 million for a security pact with Australia, to counter the growing Chinese threat.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: US Navy Photo at USNI News)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 16.2.2022
As tensions escalate on the Ukrainian border, many countries, including Slovenia, have advised their citizens to leave Ukraine immediately.
The Russian Ministry of Defence announced that a partial withdrawal of troops at the conclusion of military exercises. The US has responded that no such moves are visible.
NATO Defence Ministers met to discuss permanently reinforcing Alliance presence in Eastern Europe.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: AS USA)
Situation Room – Ukrainian crisis, 9.2.2022
Russian deployment of troops towards the Ukrainian border in the autumn of 2021 has been presented by the US as a possible beginning of an invasion of Ukraine.
The US and NATO have rejected Russian demands that NATO should renounce the possibility of Ukrainian membership and halt military activities in Eastern Europe.
French president Macron recently met with Russian president Putin and later with Ukrainian president Zelenski. He later stated that diplomatic solutions are still possible.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Sputnik/Kremlin via REUTERS) // [Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Moscow, Russia February 7, 2022]
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 30.9.2021
In a series of statements both the US and China have repeatedly accused each other of escalating the situation in the region.
China continues to stage large-scale military exercises, many of them near Taiwan.
The US, the UK, and Germany have sailed major warships through the South China Sea to demonstrate freedom of navigation.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Reuters)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 28.7.2021
The UK aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth has entered the South China Sea.
China has conducted numerous military exercises in the South China Sea and the Taiwan straits.
US Secretary of Defense Lloys Austin began his two-day visit to Vietnam.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Chad J. McNeeley/DOD)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 21.7.2021
The US to send 25 F-22 fighters to an exercise in the Western Pacific, more than to any previous exercise.
The UK announced it would permanently station two warships in Asian waters.
US Secretary of State presented the US views on Chinese territorial claims at the ASEAN-US Ministerial meeting.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: US Air Force Photo)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 14.7.2021
This week marked the fifth anniversary of the ruling of the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration, dismissing Chinese claims.
Relations between China and the US continue to worsen, as China threatens another US Navy destroyer sailing through disputed waters.
Satellite analysis shows China is releasing massive amounts of pollutants into the South China Sea, damaging the local ecosystem.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: PCA)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 7.7.2021
Netflix removed Australian spy drama from its services in Vietnam after a governmental complaint about the appearance of a map that depicted China’s nine dash line in the disputed sea.
German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer discussed the situation in the South China Sea with her Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe.
The U.S. and Japan conducted joint military exercises in the South China and East China seas.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Netflix)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 30.6.2021
US approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets and missile systems to the Philippines.
Indonesia and US agree to establish a maritime training facility.
China deployed its J-20 combat aircraft to units monitoring Taiwan Strait and other disputed waters.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Top Aces/Air Force magazine)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 23.6.2021
Chinese military aircraft again flew into the Taiwan air defence identification zone.
Japanese defence minister called on European states to increase cooperation in Asia-Pacific.
US sent a navy destroyer on a freedom of navigation operation to sail through the Taiwan Straits.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: SCMP/Handout)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 16.6.2021
NATO leaders declare China a security challenge.
28 Chinese military aircraft flew through the Taiwanese air defence identification zone.
There is worsening congestion of container ships in southern Chinese ports due to disinfection measures amid COVID flareup.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Yves Herman/Pool/AP)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 9.6.2021
Malaysia’s foreign ministry said it would summon China’s ambassador after an airspace intrusion by Chinese military planes.
The foreign ministers of ASEAN and China commit to easing tensions and a renewal of negotiations on the Code of Conduct.
NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg to present his NATO 2030 plan which calls for NATO to be the key forum for transatlantic consultations on all issues that affect transatlantic security, including the South China Sea.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Katie Park / NPR)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 2.6.2021
Malaysia accused China of breaching national airspace after 16 Chinese military aircraft flew over disputed waters off Malaysian eastern federal state of Sarawak.
The Philippines issued a diplomatic protest over China’s continuing illegal presence and activities near Thitu island in the South China Sea.
Chinese and Vietnamese navy chiefs agreed to set up a crisis communication hotline.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: AFP/Handout)
Situation Room – Balkan migration horizon: Slovenia, 31.5.2021
Slovenia is a gateway to northern and western European countries, with considerable transit movements across its territory.
Slovenian State Secretary Stanislav Raščan met with Roland Schilling, Regional Representative of the UNHCR for Central Europe.
21 police officers from Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland began join patrols with Slovenian border police officers in May.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Slovenska Policija/BoBo)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 26.5.2021
China issued a protest on Thursday, 20 May, over United States naval activity in the region.
According to the Chinese-run state media, the Chinese air force tested an upgraded version of one of its most advanced air-defence missile systems.
The Philippines’ foreign ministry said on Saturday, 22 May that the Philippines and China held friendly and candid talks on the South China Sea.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: CCTV)
Situation Room – Balkan migration horizon: Croatia, 24.5.2021
Croatia is located at the junction of the two major migrant routes through the Balkans and therefore faces a lot of pressure on its borders.
The country is facing numerous allegations regarding illegal pushbacks and inhumane treatment of migrants and refugees.
One migrant was killed when he stepped on a landmine in central Croatia and several others were wounded.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Reuters/Branko Filipovic/Stringer)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 19.5.2021
Beijing and ASEAN are planning a meeting of foreign ministers around 7 or 8 June. Both parties are expected to revive talks toward a Code of Conduct to avoid conflict in the South China Sea.
The US Navy sent the guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur through the Taiwan Strait on Tuesday, 18 May.
The U.S. Army announced a new hypersonic long-range missile which would allow the US to parry Russia and China.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Flickr/ASEAN Secretariat)
Situation Room – Balkan migration horizon: BiH, 17.5.2021
There are 6,734 refugees and migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina of whom 4,991 are accommodated in reception facilities.
1,500-2,500 persons are estimated to be squatting outside of formal accommodation.
In March, 1,269 people arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the highest number since October 2020.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source:Matteo Placucci/New Frame)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 12.5.2021
The Chinese Army conducted an amphibious landing drill as a warning to Taiwan.
Foreign ministers from the G7 countries condemned Chinese actions in the region.
Around 200 ships are still moored at reefs in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippine Coast Guard continues to deploy its ships and air assets over the area.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: PLA Navy)
Situation Room – Balkan migration horizon: Serbia, 10.5.2021
There are 196 refugees, 210 asylum-seekers, 135 stateless people in Montenegro, as well as 12,258 internally displaced persons.
Until now, Montenegro has seen fewer illegal migrants than other countries along the Balkan migrant route.
Smugglers often attempt to transport illegal migrants across the Adriatic Sea to Italy or through the northern part of the country into Bosnia and Herzegovina.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: EPA/Fehim Demir)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 5.5.2021
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he will not withdraw navy and coastguard vessels patrolling the disputed South China Sea.
China renewed its unilateral ban on fishing for all countries in the South China Sea between May and September. Vietnam has already rejected the ban.
Kathleen Hicks, the US Deputy Defence Secretary, said that a conflict with China is not inevitable.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: | Str/AFP [Scoll.in] | China’s South Sea fleet taking part in a drill in the Xisha Islands, or the Paracel Islands, in the South China Sea)
Situation Room – Balkan migration horizon: Serbia, 3.5.2021
Serbia is a transit country on the so-called “Balkan route” for many migrants and refugees. In March, there were 3,931 newly registered people.
Migrants experience inhuman treatment along Serbian borders from all neighbouring countries.
A peer-taught programme in Serbia is helping vulnerable unaccompanied children to protect themselves from violence and exploitation as they seek safety.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Idro Seferi II/DW)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 28.4.2021
The Philippines remain concerned over the presence and activities of 160 Chinese fishing and militia vessels around the Spratly islands and Scarborough shoal. Five Chinese coastguard vessels were also spotted in the area.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has stated that she is worried that a provocation in the Taiwan Strait or the South China Sea could turn into a regional military conflict.
The UK is set to send its largest fleet in recent years into the troubled waters in Asia this May led by the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Royal Navy)
Situation Room – Balkan migration horizon: Albania, 26.4.2021
There are 129 refugees, 17 asylum-seekers, 1031 stateless people, and 2078 persons of concern in Albania.
Albania is a transit state that is becoming an increasingly popular migrant path to EU.
Frontex and the Albanian authorities have signed a mutual agreement to reinforce cooperation.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: K.Nietfeld/picture-alliance/dpa)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 21.4.2021
Philippine President Duterte is prepared to send military ships into the South China Sea to stake a claim over oil and mineral resources in the disputed part of the Philippines strategic waterway.
A US Navy destroyer sailed near the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning.
Malaysia and Vietnam intend to sign a memorandum of understanding that could end their dispute over sovereignty in the South China Sea.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: U.S. Navy)
Situation Room – Balkan migration horizon: North Macedonia, 19.4.2021
There are 308 refugees, 51 asylum-seekers and 562 stateless people in North Macedonia.
The country is facing criticism for unlawfully detaining migrants as witnesses in proceedings against smugglers and unlawfully pushing people back to Greece.
The growing numbers of migrants at the border indicate that the country will likely remain a major migrant thoroughfare.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Imago/ZUMA Press)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 14.4.2021
The US Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group entered the South China Sea. It joined the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group.
China sent a group of 25 military planes into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone. The group included four nuclear capable bombers.
Armed Chinese ships chased down a civilian naval craft carrying a Filipino news crew which was sailing within its own exclusive economic zone.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: U.S. Navy/MCSN Faith McCollum)
Situation Room – Balkan migration horizon: Greece, 12.4.2021
There are 91,945 refugees and 80,784 asylum seekers in Greece.
The UNHCR and the EU called upon Greece to investigate hundreds of cases of suspected pushback of migrants.
Greek police have arrested a group of migrants pretending to be travelling as a volleyball team using fake passports.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 7.4.2021
The US has sent the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group to the South China Sea for a second time this year.
A Chinese military anti-submarine aircraft entered Taiwan’s southwest air defence identification zone.
France, US, Japan, India and Australia began two days of joint naval exercises in the South China Sea.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: U.S. Navy/MCSN Eduardo A. Torres)
Situation Room – Balkan migration horizon: Turkey, 5.4.2021
There are more than 4.6 million foreign nationals present in Turkish territory.
The EU and Turkey have agreed to extend a 2016 agreement aimed at preventing irregular migrants from reaching Europe.
The head of the EU Frontex agency warned that after the COVID-19 pandemic many more migrants and refugees will try to reach Europe.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: picture alliance/ Photoshot I)
Sitaution Room – South China Sea dispute, 31.3.2021
220 Chinese fishing ships are still anchored in the Whitsun Reef, within the claimed exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.
Twenty Chinese military planes entered Taiwan’s air defence identification zone.
Taiwanese military increased their force training and further strengthened its defence infrastructure on Itu Abo Island.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Maxar Technologies/AFP)
Sitaution Room – Coup d’etat in Myanmar, 18.3.2021
Protesters this week attacked premises owned by Chinese companies in protest of China’s support for the miltiary regime.
Since the begining of protests at least 200 people have died and over 2000 have been imprisoned.
UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani expressed concern over the rising numbers of casualties and cases of tortue.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: UNTV CH)
Sitaution Room – Coup d’etat in Myanmar, 12.3.2021
Despite its calls for dialogue, China signals it is prepared to work with any government in Myanmar.
Death tool reaches 70, including two members of the NLD, the political party of the ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
UN special rapporteur on Myanmar accused the military regime of crimes against humanity.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Andrew Nachemson/Foreign policy)
Sitaution Room – Coup d’etat in Myanmar, 6.3.2021
Over 38 people killed in the bloodies day of protests so far .
Protests in Mandalay overflown by a formation of military fighters.
US imposes sanctions on 10 individuals connected to military regime.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: AP)
Sitaution Room – Coup d’etat in Myanmar, 2.3.2021
Myanmar military regime removed the UN ambassador over his call for a UN intervention.
Bloody protests continue, security forces still utilising live ammunition.
The US preparing new sanctions for those responsible for the bloody protests.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: UN WEB TV)
Sitaution Room – Coup d’etat in Myanmar, 26.2.2021
G7 countries condemn Myanmar coup.
Indonesia has taken a leading role within ASEAN in an attempt to resolve the crisis.
Despite court ruling, Malaysia has continued deporting people back into Myanmar.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: AFP)
Sitaution Room – Coup d’etat in Myanmar, 20.2.2021
Mass protests continue following the coup in Myanmar. Reports of new deaths amongst protesters.
Since 1 February over 640 people are said to have been arrested.
EU Foreign Ministers are set to debate imposing sanctions on the military regime.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Agence France-Presse — Getty Images)
Situation Room – Nagorno Karabah conflict, 25.11. – 4.12.2020
From 25 November – 4 December 2020, protests against the peace deal continued in Armenia. Russian and Turkish defence ministers signed a cooperation agreement and work commenced on joint control centre. Refugees from both sides of the conflict were returning to the region in great numbers.
Azerbaijan released the official casualty count saying that almost 3000 soldiers lost their lives.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Karen Minasyan AFP)
Situation Room – Nagorno Karabah conflict, 14.11. – 24.11.2020
From 14. – 24. November 2020, Armenian forces began leaving the regions agreed to in the peace agreement. Russia and Turkey to set up a joint peacekeeping control centre. Iran expresses concerns over the lengthening of its border with Azerbaijan.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: BBC)
Situation Room – Nagorno Karabah conflict, 11.11. – 14.11.2020
From 7. – 10. November 2020, after announcing the peace agreement, mass protests erupted in Armenia, demanding PM resignation.
Russian peacekeepers arrived in the region and Iran sent troops to the border.
Over 100,000 people reportedly fled from Nagorno Karabakh into Armenia.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: AP News/Dmitri Lovetski)
Situation Room – Nagorno Karabah conflict, 7.11. – 10.11.2020
From 7. – 10. November 2020, authorities reported fighting all along the frontline, with the heaviest fighting near Shusha. Iran expressed its concern over the entry of extremist groups into the conflict zone, which is a threat to the entire region.
On the night of 9 -10 November, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia signed a statement suspending fighting, according to which all the areas around Nagorno-Karabakh will return to direct Azerbaijani control by 1 December 2020. The northern part will remain under Armenian control. Russian 15th Mechanised Brigade will carry out peacekeeping activities.
More details in the article at the link. (Picture source: Reuters)
Situation Room – Nagorno Karabah conflict, 3.11. – 6.11.2020
From 3. – 6. November 2020, fighting continued for the 38th day. Both sides reported that fighting continued overnight along the eastern, south-eastern, and southern sections of the front. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, expressed alarm over possible war crimes. Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General reported that 91 civilians have been killed, and 405 injured.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: oc-media.org)
Situation Room – Terrorist attack in Vienna, 2.11.2020
Several attackers opened fire on residents in the centre of Vienna around 8 p.m. on what was the last evening before the lockdown and several residents visited pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas in the city centre.
At least 4 people have been killed, 15 people seriously wounded, among them one policeman.
People were instructed to stay at home.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: sg.news.yahoo.com)
Situation Room – Nagorno Karabah conflict, 30.10. – 2.11.2020
From 30. October till 2. November 2020, peace negotiations continued in Geneva under the auspices of the Minsk Group, unsuccessfully. The EU has added another € 400,000 in humanitarian aid this Saturday and called for an immediate end to the hostilities, which have already resulted in civilian casualties.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: indianexpress.com)
Situation Room – Nagorno Karabah conflict, 26. – 29.10.2020
In the week of October 26-29, Azerbaijan and Armenia accused each other of violating a new ceasefire. Tensions continue, a planned meeting between Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers scheduled for Thursday in Geneva has reportedly been postponed until Friday, 30 October 2020.
More details in the article at the link.
(Picture source: Wikipedia)