Cyber Threats in Global Politics: EU Plane Hit by Radar Jamming

The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union (EU), responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the EU treaties, and managing the day-to-day business of the Union. Its primary role is to act as the “guardian of the treaties,” ensuring that EU law is applied uniformly across all member states. The Commission is composed of one commissioner from each EU country, led by a President—currently Ursula von der Leyen—who sets the political direction for the institution. ## History and Evolution Established in 1958 as part of the European Economic Community, the Commission’s powers and responsibilities have expanded alongside the EU itself. Over decades, it has evolved from a technocratic body focused on economic integration to a central player in shaping Europe’s political, social, and digital future. The Commission has been instrumental in creating the single market, launching the euro currency, and driving forward major treaties such as Maastricht and Lisbon. ## Key Achievements The Commission has overseen transformative projects like the European Green Deal, aiming to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, and the Digital Single Market, which seeks to harmonize digital regulations and boost Europe’s tech competitiveness. It has also been a driving force behind landmark regulations in data protection (GDPR), artificial intelligence (AI Act), and antitrust enforcement against global tech giants. ## Current Status and Priorities In 2025, the Commission’s work programme underscores a focus on sustainable prosperity, security, competitiveness, and regulatory simplification[1][2][4]. Major initiatives include the Clean Industrial Deal to decarbonize industry, the AI Continent Action Plan to position Europe as a leader in artificial intelligence, and a push to reduce administrative burdens by at least 25% for businesses—especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)[1][3][6]. The Commission is also prioritizing the modernization of the single market, investment in clean energy, and strengthening Europe’s strategi

## Overview The **European Union (EU)** is a unique political and economic partnership of 27 European countries that have chosen to work together to promote peace, stability, and prosperity across the continent[4]. Founded in the aftermath of World War II, the EU’s original goal was to foster cooperation among nations to prevent further conflict. Today, it is a major global actor in business, technology, regulation, and international affairs[6]. ## What the EU Does The EU operates as a **supranational union**, meaning it has authority over certain policy areas that transcend national borders, such as trade, competition, environmental standards, and digital regulation[1]. Its institutions—including the European Commission, Parliament, and Council—create laws and policies that member states must adopt, ensuring a level playing field for businesses and citizens across the bloc[6]. The EU’s **Single Market** allows goods, services, capital, and people to move freely, though persistent regulatory barriers still hinder full integration, particularly in services[5][7]. The euro, used by 20 member states, is one of the world’s leading currencies. ## History The EU traces its roots to the 1951 European Coal and Steel Community, founded by six countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands[4]. Over decades, successive treaties expanded its scope and membership. The **Maastricht Treaty** (1993) formally established the EU, and subsequent enlargements brought in countries from Central and Eastern Europe after the Cold War[1]. The **United Kingdom’s exit** in 2020 (Brexit) reduced membership from 28 to 27[4]. ## Key Achievements - **Peace and Stability**: The EU is widely credited with helping maintain peace in Europe for over 70 years. - **Economic Integration**: The Single Market and euro have boosted trade, investment, and economic resilience. - **Regulatory Leadership**: The EU

Russia, officially known as the Russian Federation, is not an organization but a sovereign state and the largest country in the world by land area, spanning Eastern Europe and northern Asia. With a population of nearly 144 million as of 2025, Russia ranks ninth globally by population and is characterized by significant ethnic diversity, with over 80% identifying as ethnic Russians and numerous minority groups contributing to its cultural tapestry[4]. The capital, Moscow, is a major global city and the country’s political, economic, and technological hub. ## Historical Overview Russia’s history is marked by its transformation from the Tsarist Empire to the Soviet Union and, after its dissolution in 1991, to the present-day Russian Federation. The post-Soviet era saw Russia’s integration into the global economy, though it retained a centralized political system with power concentrated in the presidency[7]. The country’s economy, historically resource-based, relies heavily on oil, gas, and minerals, but has also developed significant industrial, technological, and military sectors. ## Economic Profile and Key Achievements Russia’s economy is the world’s twelfth-largest consumer market, with about 70% of GDP driven by domestic consumption[1]. It has a “very high” Human Development Index ranking and boasts the fifth-highest number of billionaires globally, though income inequality and regional disparities remain pronounced[1]. Major achievements include surviving extensive Western sanctions after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, maintaining economic stability through increased military spending, and pivoting energy exports to Asia[1][5]. The country has also played a leading role in the BRICS bloc, advocating for reforms in the international financial system and promoting technological innovation among developing economies[6]. ## Current Status and Challenges As of late 2025, Russia’s economy is experiencing a pronounced slowdown, with GDP growth cooling to around 1% after robust expansion in 2023–2024[2][3]. High military expenditure (