Far from shifting Ukraine further towards Russia, the election of Viktor Yanukovych could provide the EU with the opportunity to reengage with the keystone to Europe’s Eastern neighbourhood, according to a new policy paper by European Council on Foreign Relations Ukraine expert Andrew Wilson.

On Sunday 7 February Yuliya Tymoshenko and Viktor Yanukovych go head to head in the second round of Ukraine’s first presidential election since 2004’s Orange Revolution. ECFR’s Andrew Wilson is available for interviews and comment.

World leaders are gathering for the London Conference on Afghanistan, on Thursday 28 January. The Conference will be co-hosted by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. ECFR Afghanistan and security expert Daniel Korski is available for interviews and comment.

On 17 January Ukraine holds its first presidential election since 2004’s Orange Revolution. ECFR’s Andrew Wilson will be in Ukraine for the elections, and is available for interviews and comment.

2010 will be a test for Europe. Upcoming elections in Ukraine, a security crisis that now draws in Yemen, and the possibility of a nuclear Iran are all tests of Europe’s capacity as a foreign policy player. But recent events in Copenhagen also suggest that the EU no longer has the influence that it needs to make an impact.

European and Chinese leaders are set to meet in the Chinese city of Nanjing on 30 November for the EU-China summit. ECFR China expert and senior policy fellow Francois Godement is available for interviews and comment.

The authors of the latest issue of China Analysis, “China and India: rivals always, partners sometimes”, argue that Western concerns over “Chindia” - the emergence of a Sino-Indian economic power bloc or strategic alliance - may be unwarranted.

The appointment of Catherine Ashton as the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy comes at a time when Europe’s voice in the world needs to be heard. The five years ahead represent an opportunity as well as a challenge.

European leaders are set to meet with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on 18 November in Stockholm for the EU-Russia summit. ECFR Russia expert and senior policy fellow Andrew Wilson is available for interviews and comment.

Europe has the US president it wished for, but Barack Obama lacks the strong transatlantic partner he wants.