After Ursula von der Leyen’s ambitious first State of the Union address: It’s time for EU action! Commentary European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s first State of the Union speech showed an ambitious and a strategic approach to the many crises hitting Europe and the world. However, words are not enough. They must be backed up by actions and coherent policy measures. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union
Key Green Ideas for the Future of Europe Feature In the context of the Covid-19 crisis, the German Presidency of the Council of the European Union faces major challenges. Considering that the conditions and circumstances will constantly change, and that the EU will face increasing uncertainty and unpredictability, we need to reflect on how it should respond to vital challenges in the long term. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union
Council Presidency as a chance? Germany’s new role for the EU Council Presidency Background On July 1st, Germany will take over the EU Council Presidency in midst the Corona pandemic. This presents opportunities for Germany to redefine its European policy. How does Germany perceive its role in the European Union and what are the expectations of other member states for the German Council Presidency? By Claudia Rothe
The Green Deal is an opportunity for Polish farmers, commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski assures Commentary Polish farmers should not be afraid of the Green Deal, nor of the pro-ecological solutions being planned for the EU’s agricultural policy, because they are an opportunity for them, not a threat, argues Janusz Wojciechowski, EU Commissioner for Agriculture during a Citizens' Dialogue. He believes that the epidemic has shown highly intensive agriculture to be more susceptible to crises. The online meeting with the public was held on April 30. By Ewa Jakubowska-Lorenz
10 ways of thinking about crisis resilience Commentary It is still too early to learn lessons from the coronavirus crisis. However, there is one term that comes to mind when addressing the inevitable directions of political thinking after the crisis: resilience. But what exactly does it mean and how will it influence the political agenda? By Dr. Ellen Ueberschär
Covid-19 pandemic shows how fragile the EU is Commentary Not only has the new coronavirus catapulted us out of our everyday lives, but the way the EU is handling the Covid-19 pandemic has made its inability to take action in times of crisis painfully apparent. Just as people are stranded at airports and railway stations, any hope that Europe is capable of pulling together has also been stranded in the last few weeks. By Florian Christl
Sustainable agriculture action month Report For several years, the countries of the European Union have seen a growing civic movement warning that the current mode of agriculture is contributing to climate change and environmental degradation. In October, some 90 various events were held in 24 European countries under the shared slogan “Good Food Good Farming”. By Ewa Jakubowska-Lorenz
European Parliament: How European Will It Be? Report Two weeks after the vote is a good time to reflect and ask questions about the future of European institutions. To what extent have the scenarios — both the optimistic and the bleak— played out? What do the election results say about the expectations and fears of Europeans? What is the balance of political power and which factions and coalitions — old and new — will set the Parliament’s agenda? How will the EP election impact the shape of other European institutions? By Alicja Sybilska
Ralf Fücks: "For me, the Foundation opened a window upon the world" On 23 Juni 2017 Ralf Fücks was given an official farewell after being chairman of Heinrich Böll Foundation for over 20 years. With Sergey Lagodinsky and Eva van de Rakt he speaks about his history and political developments.
After the Brexit: Quo vadis, EU? Great Britain will leave the EU. What does that mean for European Union going forward? What can be done to strengthen political unity within the Union? A commentary by Ralf Fücks. By Ralf Fücks