Biden's climate summit brings some ambition boost but no true U.S. climate leadership Published: 4 May 2021 Analysis With the two-day Biden leaders summit on climate attended by 40 countries, the United States has returned to the international stage of climate diplomacy. Whether the increased ambition of new climate action pledges via video made by several core countries can be implemented in a binding manner, however, remains an open question. By Liane Schalatek
Civil Society Must Be at the Heart of a Renewed Transatlantic Solidarity Published: 24 March 2021 The new US administration offers the opportunity for a reboot of transatlantic relations, especially in relation to civil society. The calls and grievances expressed by Women’s movements, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the climate generation resonate strongly in both Europe and the US. By Dr. Ellen Ueberschär and Nina Locher
Peace processes need a feminist vision! Published: 25 March 2021 Background Much has been achieved at international level in the critical field of women, peace and security in recent years. Yet women are still woefully underrepresented in the Afghan peace process. The basic rights for which they fought so hard are at stake in the country’s internal negotiations with the Taliban. By Anna Schwarz and Sarah Weiss
What to make of Hungary’s budget veto? Published: 7 December 2020 Analysis Considering the current politico-economic situation in the EU, Hungary does stand a chance of achieving some of its immediate goals. So, the key question is: What does Budapest stand to gain by using its veto? By Patrik Szicherle
Systemic breaches of the rule of law in Hungary: “My biggest fear is that the EU will give in” Published: 4 December 2020 Interview Interview with Benedek Jávor about the blackmailing attempt of Viktor Orbán and Mateusz Morawiecki, the importance of the rule of law in the EU and the responsibility of the German government. By Eva van de Rakt
US election 2020: Of winning a victory for liberal democracy - and inheriting a pile of rubble Published: 11 November 2020 Analysis The election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris is a significant victory for liberal democracy in the US and for a policy of compassion and cooperation. At the same time, the new government is facing a political pile of rubble full of enormous challenges. By Bastian Hermisson
Nothing New in the North: The EU’s New Pact will not change much for Morocco Published: 19 October 2020 Commentary The Moroccan government can live happily with the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. But many activists are disappointed by the contents of the Brussels Pact. By Bauke Baumann
Moria is burnt. Europe’s values, too. Europe’s double responsibility towards human dignity. Published: 10 September 2020 In the early hours of September 9th something rather expected happened. The Moria Refugee Camp on the Greek island of Lesbos was engulfed in flames, just a few hours after the announcement of the detection of 35 cases of coronavirus in the camp. The camp, which for years was a place of degradation of human dignity on the eastern border of the European Union, was almost completely destroyed. The EU Member states can no longer be inactive - they all share the responsibility for this disaster.
Is there a solution to the Aegean dispute? Published: 9 September 2020 Background The disputes over the Aegean Sea clearly constitute the “core” of Greek-Turkish relations. Each side claims to be exclusively in the right, and that the other side is always being provocative and in the wrong. By Thodoros Tsikas
All children left behind: The Education Disaster in the USA Published: 5 August 2020 Comment In the midst of a phase of new records of COVID19 infections and an epidemic that is completely out of control in large parts of the country, the new school year in the USA is gradually beginning. The political failure in dealing with the corona epidemic is having particularly dramatic social consequences here.