European Union

The European Union, founded in 1957, is a union of 27 member states that has significantly evolved since the end of the East-West conflict in 1990. It plays a significant role in global politics and the economy. The Heinrich Böll Foundation is deeply committed to the future of the European project and the role of the European Union in the world. You can find more about the work of our EU & North America department and our country offices on this page.

Here you will find current articles, publications, and thematic focuses on the European Union.

Recent Articles on the European Union

Photo: Night protest in a Serbian city, large crowd fills the street, many hold up phones with flashlights, one sign reads "Don't lie to my grandma!" in Serbian Cyrillic.

All Articles on the European Union

Thematic Focuses on the European Union

Selbstverständlich Europäisch - Blaue Ballons mit EU Sternchen

Actually European: Long-term study on Germany's role in the EU

Mehrere Icons sind in einem Kreis angeordnet, um der EU Flagge ähnlich zu sehen

European Union: How Can Reform and Enlargement Succeed?

Boell.Thema 1/2024: Europe – a Promise

All Thematic Focuses on the European Union

Publications on the European Union

Budgeting for Security?

E-Paper

As Europe rethinks its security strategy in light of global shifts, a new initiative aims to ramp up defense efforts. This paper warns the plan lacks real coordination incentives and calls for deeper reforms that tie funding to shared priorities like democratic resilience and climate security.

By Georg McCutcheon and Anton Möller

Photo: Several wind turbines stand in a field next to an oil pump. Overlaid is a text box with the title Trump 2.0, green transition, and transatlantic climate action by Rachel Tausendfreund, Mareike Moraal, and Loyle Campbell.

Trump 2.0, Green Transition, and Transatlantic Climate Action

E-Paper

This paper explores how the EU and its member states could adjust their climate policies based on expected Trump administration positions regarding two key elements of global climate action, and possible European responses along the variables of unity and decisiveness.

By Rachel Tausendfreund , Mareike Moraal and Loyle Campbell

Rebuilding Credibility in EU Enlargement Policy

Policy Paper

The European Union has many candidates for membership. It is currently conducting negotiations with Albania, North Macedonia, Ukraine, Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, the accession processes are complicated. The current policy paper on the reform debate analyses the arguments for and against a rapid enlargement of the EU and provides recommendations for policy-makers.

By Marina Vulović

All Publications on the European Union

European Union

Recent Articles on the European Union

How Brussels Risks Undermining Serbia’s Democratization Potential

Europe must emancipate itself from the USA in the Middle East

Creating a Globally Fair Circular Economy in the Clean Industrial Deal

Georgia and Russia: “On the Same Train” With the Occupant

Albanian General Elections 2025: Out with the Old, In with the Same?