- Please find attached next issue of the Bulletin PISM: “Belgian Crisis and Its Repercussions for the EU” by Jakub Kumoch.

The conflict between Flemish and Walloons triggered an early election in Belgium for 13 June and brought a serious risk of weakening the country’s Presidency of the EU Council. This would bolster the political position of the President of the European Council Herman van Rompuy while enfeebling the institution of rotating presidency itself.

- Please find attached next issue of the Bulletin PISM: “The Military and Political Significance of the Black Sea Fleet Following the Agreement of 21 April 2010” by Robert Śmigielski.

The signing of the agreement to keep the Russian Black Sea Fleet stationed at Sevastopol is a major diplomatic success for Russia and could be a prelude to closer political and economic cooperation with Ukraine. Despite the decline in combat capability of the Fleet it remains an important instrument for implementation of Russia’s foreign policy. The currently existing plans for upgrading the Fleet will not however lead to change in the balance of power in the Black Sea region.

For further information: Polish Institute of International Affairs