EU/North America

In a globalised world, energy independence can not be achieved. Successful energy policies require inter-sectoral co-operation, supervision, and long-term public policies concerning employment, the environment, and investment.

From 4-18 July 2010 the Heinrich Böll Foundation hosted the second "Summer School for Young People from Belarus" in Berlin. Twelve young adults from Belarus had been selected to participate based on their demonstrated interest in politics and local community initiatives.

For a generation to come, relations between the EU and Russia will be shaped by the question of gas, as this is highly important for the EU’s energy security, climate changes policies, and commerce.

Turkey has close ties to the Caspian region, Central Asian, and the Middle East. Its longstanding cultural, historic, and economic interrelationships in the area means that Turkey is an ideal intermediary for the EU in its efforts to develop an energy dialogue.

Europe should recognize the U.S. coming on board finally with relatively ambitious 2020 targets (compared to the status quo), but has to push for further acceleration on efforts of the U.S.

Over the past years the Heinrich Böll Foundation has developed a large number of EU-funded projects in over 60 different countries worldwide, both as a project co-ordinator and a project partner. The foci of our EU projects are ecology, democratisation, international understanding and gender democracy.

President Barack Obama’s call for a "new beginning between the United States and the Muslims" on June 4th 2009 resonated deeply throughout much of the Middle East, drawing both praise and criticism. A review of Arab journalists’ responses.

The international relations coordinator of the new Hungarian Greens analyzes the countries results of the European Party Elections. The radical right Jobbik has risen, while the left is in disarray. The new green party surprisingly also won a seat.

The Merida Initiative, a programme against the illicit trade in drugs headed by the USA and Mexico, is too focused on law enforcement. What is needed is structural reform of the police and judicial systems and more economic development.

The Czech EU Presidency was thrown right into the middle of the war in Gaza. And Czech politicians stumbled. Unlike the majority of their colleagues from Western Europe, who condemned Israel’s actions as disproportionate, the Czech prime and foreign ministers initially blamed Hamas for the conflict.