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

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
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Publications

2024-10-28-17_21_30-hbs-e-paper-eu-democracy

From democratic resilience to democratic security

E-paper
Based on the 2024 political guidelines and mission letters to the new European Commissioners, the EU’s approach towards democracy seems to have shifted from a focus on democratic resilience towards democratic security. After a thorough examination of the EU’s 2019-2024 democracy agenda, this study presents recommendations for the next legislative cycle.
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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.
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More Europe and a better Europe! This is the motto for our activities focused on European integration. We search for green solutions to the EU’s problems and we want to encourage active contribution to the debate about the future of the European Community. We believe that the power of the EU consists not only in the engagement of its member states, but primarily in the engagement of its citizens. 

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