- Please find enclosed next issue of the Bulletin: Role of the Orthodox Church in Russian Foreign Policy by Jarosław Ćwiek-Karpowicz

The recent visit to Ukraine paid by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill confirms that the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) is intensifying steps aimed at unifying Orthodoxy in the post-Soviet area, also through strengthening the links of the hierarchy and believers with Patriarch Kirill himself. The present policy of the new head of the ROC is in line with the general objectives of Russian foreign policy, constituting a crucial element of Russia’s public diplomacy towards CIS states, but the external priorities of the Orthodox Church and of the Russian state are likely to clash in the future.

- Please find enclosed next issue of the Bulletin: Perspectives for Solving the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: Regional and European Consequences by Tomasz Sikorski

There is growing understanding among the countries engaged in the Karabakh conflict resolution that stabilisation in the region is needed. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan are bearing the mounting costs of present tensions, while Russia and Turkey are more inclined to accept a change of the status quo. Under the circumstances, the European Union should pursue a more active policy, especially steps aimed at enhancing security and the level of trust near the armistice line, but without addressing the controversial question of the status of Karabakh.

- Please find enclosed next issue of the Bulletin: Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary’s Position on Energy Security by Rafał Morawiec

Energy security issues play a vital role in Polish foreign policy and are to be included on the list of Poland’s priorities for its EU presidency, but the implementation of this plan will depend on the extent to which Poland can garner support from other EU member states for those priorities. Collaboration with the V4 states could be vital for the achievement of Poland’s EU policy objectives. Recent parliamentary elections in Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia present an opportunity to look at how energy security is viewed in those countries, with particular emphasis on safeguarding the security of energy carrier supplies.

For further information: Polish Institute of International Affairs