Society & Participation

A campaign bus belonging to Rafal Trzaskowski, mayor of Warsaw and candidate for the Civic Platform (PO) party in the upcoming presidential elections, drives away after a campaign event in Krakow, Poland, on 13 May 2025.

Power struggle in Warsaw – Poland faces second decisive election

Following the change of government in 2023, Poland once again faces a historic crossroads. An emotionally charged election campaign reflects deep social divisions – and the struggle for the country's future.

By Joanna Maria Stolarek

Two Proposals to Re-Establish the Rule of Law

Analysis

Since the Law and Justice (PiS)-led government began restructuring Poland’s judiciary in 2015, legal certainty has steadily declined. Now, the Codification Committee has put forward two proposals to restore the rule of law in Poland: one advocating for a swift, decisive approach, while the other follows a slower, more gradual path. Both have sparked a controversial debate about how to restore the rule of law.

By Paul Naumann and Ewelina Lipska

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Journalism in Exile – New Reality for Azerbaijan's Independent Media

In the face of increasingly shrinking space for freedom of speech and tightening repressions against independent media in Azerbaijan, the only way for them to continue their activity is immigration and working in exile. But to do this means adapting to an entirely new reality, frightening and complex.

By Lora Reissner

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2025: another tough year ahead for the Greens?

Analysis

After a rocky 2024, electoral prospects look bleak for members of the European Green Party. However, with at least seven national parliamentary and 10 head-of-state elections, as well as dozens of local and regional elections in 16 countries, there is plenty of opportunity for a Green surprise. This article reviews the 2025 electoral prospects for European Green Party members in Europe.

By Eric Balonwu

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Politics of protest. Understanding political protest in Central Europe

The project organized in cooperation with Collegium Civitas examines recent popular protest movements in Central European countries. Six expert seminars serve to examine recent protests in Bosnia, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Poland and Romania. Invited country experts will discuss the political background, sociological causes and motivations of protests as well as organizational forms of current mobilizations. The case studies will help us to develop a common analytical framework for understanding political protest in the region. Project description.

Publications

We barely have time to celebrate our wins … or to process what we’ve lost

The Ukrainian House report, issued in cooperation with the Open Space Works Ukraine and the Heinrich Böll Foundation in Warsaw highlights how Ukrainian Women-led Organisations (WLOSs) have played a key role in responding to the humanitarian crisis caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion. Drawing on research in Ukraine and Poland, it explores their grassroots efforts in providing emergency aid, psychosocial support, and long-term solutions.

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EU defence industrial policy in a new era

E-paper

The 2024 re-election of Donald Trump as US president, and the realignment of US security strategy that is expected to follow fundamentally changes Europe’s security outlook. The EU cannot become Europe’s security provider, but it can, through its defence industrial policy, support the funding and organization of the rearmament effort.

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Böll.Thema 2/24: Democracy

Worldwide, democracy is under pressure. In this edition of the magazine Böll.Thema we introduce people who inspire us with their commitment to democratic values. Because without dedication and action, there can be no democracy. And without democracy, everything is for naught.

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Our intellectual patron, Heinrich Böll, used to say: “Meddling is the only way to stay realistic”. In keeping with this motto, we support different forms of active civic participation in social life and the struggle for a democratic and friendly world. We particularly care for urban movements, digital rights and freedoms, as well as the development of green political power in Poland and the region.