Europe & International Politics

The international political order has undergone fundamental changes in recent years. The European Union wants to, and should, play an important and active role within these changes. However, political declarations do not suffice in light of the challenges and present divisions. We support the activities of governments and EU institutions towards closer cooperation in international politics. Furthermore, we create space for the debates and disputes of member states representing different interests. From the Warsaw point of view we particularly stress relations with our Eastern neighbours, such as Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. In terms of security policy, we underline respect for human rights and democratic control over armed forces.

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Programme Coordination

Latest articles

Viktor Orban, Donald Trump

Orbán Took a Big Risk and Won

Analysis
For Hungary’s prime minister, who has backed Donald Trump for years, a victory in the U.S. presidential election means more than a symbolic win – it could also deliver concrete advantages. In the short term, such a result would bolster Viktor Orbán’s position both internationally and domestically. However, differences in political priorities and in economic interests in particular could create friction between Washington and Budapest in the medium to long term. Given Trump’s unpredictability, there is no guarantee that Orbán’s promises – such as swift peace in Ukraine and an economic boom – will come to pass. 
By Political Capital

European debates

The 2024 Elections in Georgia: descent into hegemonic authoritarianism

Commentary
Georgia’s 2024 parliamentary elections signal the country’s descent into hegemonic authoritarianism. The ruling Georgian Dream party won by engaging in election manipulation, adopting the classical illiberal-authoritarian playbook, spreading disinformation about simultaneously remaining on the EU enlargement track and instrumentalizing Russia’s threat to the country. If the government stays in power despite these violations, Georgia’s relationship with the EU will further deteriorate.
By Dr. Sonja Schiffers
International Institute for Environment and Development

The European green transition as an opportunity for African industry

The European Union places special importance on its relations with African states and the African Union in its geostrategic thinking. Key areas of cooperation include trade (225 billion euro annually), security issues such as terrorism, migration, human rights, democratic processes, and economic development (65 billion euro annually). However, these efforts have been affected by unequal power dynamics and resource differences. The challenges posed by climate change and ongoing energy security issues in Europe have prompted the shift towards green energy and the diversification of trade partnerships for raw materials. This presents an opportunity to redefine the relationship between Europe and Africa. 
By Aleksandra Pluta

“Democracy cannot 'do the magic' and protect itself”

Interview
As part of an EU Democracy research project funded by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union office, Sophie Pornschlegel interviewed European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, during the summer break of the European Commission. In their conversation, Vice-President Jourová reflected on five years of efforts to safeguard democracy, human rights and the rule of law in the EU, amid increasing threats against democracy and a shifting geopolitical context, not least due to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. 
By Sophie Pornschlegel and Věra Jourová
More about "European debates"

EU foreign policy

Ukraine's reconstruction: "Continue to apply the sandwich effect!"

Interview
On 21 and 22 June 2023, the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference was held in London. It is about a lot of money, its distribution and the necessary control. If many actors work together, the mammoth task can succeed without much corruption. Johannes Voswinkel, Director of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Kyiv office interviews Olena Halushka, Board Member of the Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Action Centre (AntAC).
By Johannes Voswinkel
More about EU foreign policy

Eastern neighbours

More about Eastern neighbours

Security

Third-party voters could tip the election against Harris

Analysis
As American voters have become more firmly entrenched in their party affiliations, fewer and fewer states are in contention and the margins of victory are increasingly slim. This year, polls suggest that in the handful of swing states that will determine the race, the winner could be decided by a razor-thin margin. Votes for third party candidates could be enough to tip the election – most likely, in favor of Donald Trump. 
By Hannah Winnick
More about Security

Publications

Shaping the EU's Financial Architecture for the Future

Policy Paper
The European Union faces the enormous challenge of having to achieve the necessary climate targets it has set itself, while at the same time increasing industrial competitiveness and ensuring public services of general interest. A sustainable European financial architecture based on three pillars is needed to finance these green-social investments at EU level. It is presented in this policy paper.

Actually European!? 2024

Executive summary
The sixth edition of the long-term study Actually European!? examines how the German population views the European elections and what they expect from their government at the EU level, ahead of the 6-9 June 2024 European elections.
pdf
All publications

Our dossiers

Dossier

Ost/East: Polish-German Debates on the East

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