Publications

War doesn't just destroy infrastructures; it dismantles the social and economic foundations that hold societies together. The US-Israeli war with Iran has exposed how Europe's response remains dangerously blind to the human dimension of conflict. 

Ten years after the Paris Agreement, the geopolitical landscape of climate action has fundamentally shifted. This policy paper examines how the EU and China interact across the Global South in support of net-zero development.

It is near consensual among Europeans that they need to strengthen the ‘European pillar in NATO’. This study traces the evolution of the concept of the European pillar, delineates potential meaning, and spells out what it would take to operationalize it.

The European Commission’s proposal for the 2028–2034 MFF opens a chance to raise ambition on climate, social, economic and security goals. This framing paper outlines key budget needs, priority areas and governance reforms.

The next MFF proposes centralised National and Regional Partnership Plans, shifting power to national governments and the European Commission. While promising coherence, this risks weaker regional involvement and oversight. 

The 2028–2034 MFF proposal acknowledges social pressures but risks diluting the EU’s social dimension. Social spending is consolidated without a dedicated European Social Fund line, while guarantees are weakened. 

The European Commission’s new MFF proposal introduces five new own resources to fund Next Generation EU debt and modernise EU revenues. This paper assesses the package and argues for a balanced basket of genuine new resources to support EU goals.

The MFF proposal sidelines climate and the environment. This paper assesses the spending target, the Do No Significant Harm principle, and climate and environmental provisions in the proposal’s two largest programmes.

Strengthening democracy, promoting equality, combating ecological crises - the Heinrich Böll Foundation combines educational work with international commitment. Active around the world, it follows the guiding principle of its namesake: get involved, help shape the future.

The incoming German government will have to navigate challenges that are existential to Germany, Europe. This publication applies a feminist perspective to the far-reaching impact of the second Trump administration on global peace and security.

Cybercrime threatens not only digital security but also deepens social inequalities, affecting marginalized groups like women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and human rights defenders. This policy briefing explores the risks of weaponized cyber laws and proposes a human rights-based approach.

As a political foundation, we are independent of the party and parliamentary group, but at the same time we are an integral part of the green movement. The headwind that blows in our face is getting tougher every day. 

Germany is dependent on labour migration from the Western Balkans. However, the emigration of young, educated people in particular is slowing down both economic and democratic progress in the region.

The Wasseratlas 2025 published by the Heinrich Böll Foundation and BUND provides information on how to protect water ecosystems from overuse and pollution – and how to strengthen the human right to water.

War in Europe, the escalating climate crisis, Europe's position in the global power structure: The EU faces historic challenges. With this issue of the Boell.Thema magazine, we aim to inform about the history and future of the EU.

How can we achieve climate targets while ensuring sustainable and equitable prosperity? This atlas identifies political instruments and solutions for an ecologically oriented social market economy in 19 subject areas.

Global demand for critical and strategic raw materials is on the rise. These resources are indispensable, particularly for the transition to clean energy, but also within other industry sectors. In this issue of our Böll.Thema magazine, we provide insights into recent developments in resource extraction, the associated challenges, and, most importantly, opportunities for positive change.

The Bodenatlas presents data and facts about the importance and condition of land, soils, and arable land. In numerous graphics and text contributions, it provides an up-to-date insight into the condition and threats to the soils on which we depend.

Fostering democracy and human rights, taking action to prevent the destruction of the global ecosystem, advocating socio-environmental change, promoting equality between women and men, and defending the freedom of individuals against excessive state and economic power - these are some of the main goals that inspire the ideas and actions of our Foundation. In our Annual Report 2022, we report on our work at home and abroad.

This strategy paper consid­ers possible ways to use mobility data for improving environmental sustainability and equitable access to transportation in Germany.

Petra Kelly was a co-founder of the German Green Party and known worldwide as a champion of ecology and human rights. She was tireless, fascinating and inspiring. So it's no surprise that her ideas and initiatives live on in today's politics: in the fight against climate change, for gender justice and the global validity of human rights. This year, the Heinrich Böll Foundation celebrates her 75th birthday and commemorates her violent death 30 years ago.

As we write this in March of 2022, our review of the year 2021 is overshadowed by Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. Because of this, not only foreign policy, but also domestic politics have now entered a new era. We are facing enormous challenges that also have a strong impact on our work here at the Foundation.

Giving birth under conditions of violence, discrimination or stress is a reality for many women giving birth. Economic and social resources often determine access to a safe and friendly birth environment.

The long-term challenges have lost none of their significance – be it climate breakdown, species extinction, the increase in inequality, or demographic change. The challenge is to craft a strategic approach that can set the course for long-term success.

The year 2020 marks the beginning of an unprecedented pandemic that continues to hold us all in its grip. In many countries, the health crisis is intertwined with political, economic, environmental, and social crises. Inequality, poverty, and hunger are rising sharply. Climate change is leaving its mark all over the world.