Global Voices Online

MoldovAnn spent over two months waiting for a package to get delivered to her in Ukraine. Then, the Ukrainian customs demanded that she pay “$53 in taxes for $100 worth of clothes.” She writes about her ordeal and inquires: “Anybody know what the heck is going on at customs? Can anybody explain to me who thinks 50% custom taxes are a good thing and why?”

Recent Links also in Eastern & Central Europe

Sublime Oblivion takes on the complex problem of Russophilia vs. Russophobia, with a very interesting and thoughtful discussion, attempting to schematically categorize bloggers and analysts, but in the process - possibly - raises more questions than providing answers, due to the very ecclectical character of the issue on various practical and theoretical levels.

The Reference Frame examines the biography of ingenious Czech inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla (1856-1943), and discusses his role for the development of science and industry.

Huib Riethof at Blogactiv.eu discusses Bulgaria's parliamentary elections, urging Europe not to neglect the political earthquake of results, as voters once more quashed the country's political élite.