Europe

Resolute action has never been one of the European Union’s strengths. Swift decision-making is not one of the advantages democracies offer. But are the other advantages enough in times of war, as in Ukraine now, when every moment of hesitation costs human lives?

Polish citizens sent a clear signal against illiberal tendencies in their country with the election in October 2023. Learn more about the challenges of the new government and how Poland now constructively engages at the EU negotiation table.

Demographic change, environmental crises, and social fragmentation – given all these challenges, generous social policy cannot be the sole solution for a European social model for the future. Rather, it must be a new form of “solidarity-based adaptation,” by which all citizens take responsibility and proactively drive change.

The objective of reforming the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) is to control what is called irregular migration. In particular, expanding the number of countries that are considered “safe third countries” and border procedures such as the “fiction of non-entry” are a threat to fundamental asylum rights.

In 2024, some EU countries will also allow minors to vote in the European elections. Six statements from under-18s and adult first-time voters from six countries show: The EU must do more to reach young people.

The European elections are not only relevant to EU citizens. Other countries around the world are also watching with great interest to see what happens in June of this year. Five experts from Argentina, India, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and the US present their view of the EU and their recommendations.