Student Blog
Center for European Studies Student Blog
Cyberattack That Crippled European Supermarkets Last Month Linked to Iran, French Government Alleges
BY: SUTTON CROUCH | 11/10
On October 12, as stores were being looted across the country amid protests, French supermarkets were experiencing their own internal crisis. Smart refrigeration systems across France were hacked, causing temperatures to rise to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) for six hours. Approximately 700 French supermarkets were affected, forcing stores to discard spoiled fresh and frozen goods. An estimated €10–20 million worth of food was lost.
UK Prime Minister says Russia influenced 2016 Brexit Referendum
BY: SUTTON CROUCH | 10/13
In 2016, the United Kingdom held its infamous Brexit referendum, voting to leave the European Union. Alongside the United States, British citizens had expressed skepticism toward international institutions and globalism, as well as a desire to return to protectionism. Now, following a simulated decrease in UK GDP growth of 6–8%, left-wing Prime Minister Andy Burnham is suggesting a referendum on rejoining the European Union, to be held in November.
Thaçi Sentenced to 25 Years for War Crimes
BY: SUTTON CROUCH | 9/29
This past week, Kosovo’s former President, Hashim Thaçi (2016–2020), was sentenced to 25 years by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers for war crimes, while being found not guilty of crimes against humanity, during the war in Kosovo against Serbia. Thaçi served four of his five years in office, resigning in 2020 to face his charges in the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague.
Leaked Death Toll officially puts Russian losses over 400,000 in Russo-Ukrainian War
BY: SUTTON CROUCH | 11/10
As the fifth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine quickly approaches in the coming months, intelligence analysts have increasingly attempted to estimate the death toll of the Russo-Ukrainian War. For Russia, acknowledging a high death toll would make it increasingly difficult to find willing recruits to enlist in the military. As Russia becomes increasingly authoritarian during wartime, it is important for the Kremlin to conceal casualty statistics from both the international community and its own domestic population.
Nationwide High School Protests Grip France
BY: SUTTON CROUCH | 10/6
Beginning in Parisian suburbs known for poverty, teacher shortages have led to the cancellation of English, math, and athletics classes. Schools have also been reported to lack drinking water. France is short a total of 3,256 teacher positions. Within the past few weeks, France has seen a shocking wave of protests. Overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and dilapidated schools have resulted in French youth taking to the streets to protest.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic concedes in bid for Prime Minister in parliamentary elections
BY: SUTTON CROUCH | 11/3
In the Balkan country of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić has served as the leader of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and the country’s dominant political figure for the past 14 years. Vučić has been criticized by opposition figures for seeking to return to his former role as prime minister. He served as deputy prime minister from 2012 to 2014, prime minister from 2014 to 2017, and president from 2017 to 2026.
Canada in the EU?
BY: SUTTON CROUCH | 9/29
Recently, European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s offer of ‘Associate Membership’ to Canada has prompted a flurry of questions for North Americans and Europeans alike. As U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration’s Tariff Wars have shifted the status quo, Canada and the European Union have looked to strengthen trade relations.