European Union (EU)

The study “Actually European!?” 2026 examines for the eighth year in a row how people in Germany perceive their country’s role in the EU and what they expect from the German government’s European policy.

This series of policy papers provides impetus for the EU reform debate to make the European Union more effective, democratic, ecological and socially just. Our conclusion: Germany can play a decisive role in a successful reform process.

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.

An independent press and a diverse media landscape form the backbone of a liberal democracy. However, especially in Europe and in the EU, these cornerstones of democratic order are increasingly coming under pressure.

Data and digital technologies can support the transition to greener and more equitable urban transportation systems. This transatlantic project looks at how public-private data-sharing and seamless mobility across transportation modes can support cities in reaching their climate and inclusion goals – across very different regulatory systems.

The aggravating climate crisis has made the implementation of the Paris Agreement a central issue in German and European foreign policy. However, the integration of climate and foreign policy is still fraught with uncertainties. How to succeed with international climate cooperation? Our Foreign Policy Conference on January 13, 20 and 27 January 2022 was focused on these questions.

It will be important to shape the economic reconstruction in Europe in a socially and ecologically sustainable way. Especially municipalities and local initiatives are seen as potential drivers of the socio-ecological transformation. This year's annual European policy conference therefore focuses primarily on the local dimension of the European Green Deal.

Worldwide we are witnessing the return to great power rivalry, and – as a reaction – the calls for strategic sovereignty of the European Union are gaining strength. But how can the EU navigate through a more competitive world and maintain its core values at the same time? These questions were at the core of our 21st Foreign Policy Conference.