Financial and political constraints will make it harder for many governments to maintain balance in the coming months.

Slovenia is small, but its struggles illustrate growing political problems in Europe.

The country's obstacles to accession highlight structural challenges inherent in the European Union.

Moscow is using financial opportunities and energy projects to strengthen its influence in the region.

The Western Balkans will be shaped more by external forces than by its internal dynamics.

The 17-member eurozone is slowly pulling away from the EU.

Slovenia is likely to seek a bailout by the end of 2012.