Albanian general elections 2025: Out with the old, in with the same? Commentary On 11 May 2025, Albania will hold parliamentary elections, the first since officially opening EU accession negotiations. While some significant changes mark this election—most notably, diaspora voting and partial candidate list openness—major systemic factors remain unchanged. The Socialist Party (SP), in power since 2013, appears poised for an unprecedented fourth mandate. By Alba Çela
Trump vs. Europe: The role of the Digital Services Act Analysis The European Digital Services Act (DSA) lays down new rules for online platforms, seeks to strengthen user rights and intends to hold tech companies to account. But what specific measures does the DSA include and why is it under so much pressure from the new US government and big tech companies? By Svea Windwehr
2025: finally a breakthrough for cross-border passenger rail in the EU? Article Boosting passenger train transport is key for reducing greenhouse gas emissions of transport and for accelerating Europe’s energy transition. Are EU railways on track? Establishing a fair picture of the state of Europe’s passenger railways is a hard task. It is essentially a question of whether you see the train as half full or half empty. Jon Worth reports. By Jon Worth
Dealing with Donald: Five guiding lines for the European Union Commentary Trump is back. And so is his erratic shock and awe style of politics. One day he announces tariffs on Mexico and Canada, the day after he puts them on hold. Who knows what he’ll do next. Europe cannot afford to be paralysed by panic, divided by discord or swept up in performative outrage. Instead of being shocked and awed, the EU must stay calm, adapt and – most importantly – act. By Roderick Kefferpütz
The UK has finally committed to carbon capture. But not everyone is happy Commentary After years of setbacks, the UK is finally pushing ahead with two carbon capture and storage projects. While there is scepticism about the technology, says Ros Taylor, its supporters argue the cost is justified if the UK means to reach net zero. By Ros Taylor
2025: another tough year ahead for the Greens? Analysis After a rocky 2024, electoral prospects look bleak for members of the European Green Party. However, with at least seven national parliamentary and 10 head-of-state elections, as well as dozens of local and regional elections in 16 countries, there is plenty of opportunity for a Green surprise. This article reviews the 2025 electoral prospects for European Green Party members in Europe. By Eric Balonwu
Pace of war shortens EU-based training for Ukrainian troops Media Fellowship As the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine grinds into its third year, Ukraine is in desperate need of experienced troops. Western military training, like that seen in Poland, could be the answer. Western officers say their high-quality training, which emphasizes initiative, is a key advantage that their armies have over Russia. By Sam Skove
Trump and big tech: Europe’s sovereignty at stake Presidents’ column The EU still has strong rules for the major digital platforms. However, under Donald Trump and his allies - above all powerful tech CEOs such as Musk and Zuckerberg - the USA is becoming an open opponent of these regulations. By Jan Philipp Albrecht
Böll EU Newsletter 1/2025 - Trump 2.0: Brace for impact Newsletter Brace for impact: Trump is moving full-speed ahead with his reactionary agenda. Signing over 100 executive actions, he has declared the border with Mexico a national emergency, lifted restrictions for oil and gas drilling, withdrawn the US from the Paris Climate agreement and the World Health Organization, weakened AI safety regulation, and more. By Roderick Kefferpütz
For climate protection, this Trump Presidency could be worse than the last Analysis On the campaign trail in 2024 and since the November election, former president Donald Trump has not let up in denying the tie between fossil-fuel use and global warming. His supporters include the world’s largest petroleum companies and they are expecting to be paid back. But it won’t happen on ‘day one,’ as he claims. By Paul Hockenos