3 Questions on Polish politics after the presidential election to Green Vice-Minister Urszula Zielińska 3 Questions After PiS' victory at the presidential election run-off in Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for and survived a confidence vote on 11 June 2025. What’s next for the country’s governing coalition, at a critical moment for Europe’s climate, democracy, and security agenda? Roderick Kefferpütz asked Urszula Zielińska, Green Vice-Minister for Climate and Environment, what the result means for the future of the ruling coalition, the Greens’ priorities in the months ahead and Poland’s role in the EU. By Roderick Kefferpütz and Urszula Zielińska
Europe needs a Security Council of the willing Commentary The withdrawal of the US from Europe's defence is taking shape. The EU is now mobilising money for defence, but remains paralysed. It is time to break new ground, says MEP Sergey Lagodinsky. By Sergey Lagodinsky
After Trump shock: Germany and Europe must rethink global cooperation Analysis Trump's return is a wake-up call. Germany and Europe must lead a new era of global cooperation - grounded in fairness, shared interests, and long-term partnerships with the Global South. By Dr. Imme Scholz, Prof. Dr. Markus Hanisch and Jörg Haas
Böll·Europe Podcast | 2025 presidential election in Poland 🇵🇱 Podcast episode Karol Nawrocki of the Law and Justice party (PiS) narrowly won Poland’s presidential run-off—dealing a serious blow to Donald Tusk’s pro-European coalition government. What does this mean for Polish politics, the EU, and the balance of power in Warsaw? In this Böll·Europe Podcast episode we focus on the run-off of the presidential election in Poland, which took place on Sunday 1 June 2025. Our guest is Maciej Makulski, Head of Europe and International Politics at the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung's Warsaw office. By Joan Lanfranco
3 Questions on South Korea’s presidential election results to Kristian Brakel 3 Questions South Korea’s presidential election on 3 June 2025 took place amid intense political upheaval and institutional crisis. Widespread public discontent over corruption scandals, executive-judiciary tensions, and democratic backsliding had dominated the pre-election atmosphere. The victory of Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung sends a strong signal about the public’s expectations for reform, stability, and credible leadership, in a context of rising regional and global tensions, challenges to multilateralism, and growing pressure on liberal democracies. We asked 3 questions to Kristian Brakel, Director of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung’s East Asia | Global Dialogue office in Seoul. By Joan Lanfranco and Kristian Brakel
In remembrance of Antonie Nord Obituary We deeply mourn the loss of our esteemed colleague Dr Antonie Katharina Nord, who passed away on 18 May 2025 after a long illness. In various roles, most recently as head of the International Department, Antonie shaped the work of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung like few others. With her death, the foundation has lost an impressive leader and a clever strategist, but above all, a humorous and warm-hearted human being. We are struggling to comprehend this profound loss. By Dr. Imme Scholz, Jan Philipp Albrecht and Steffen Heizmann
Böll EU Newsletter 5/2025 - A light for democratic resilience? Newsletter It’s never all doom and gloom. Even when political developments feel heavy and the broader context darkens, light still finds a way through. Over the past weeks, we’ve seen some encouraging signs. By Roderick Kefferpütz
Tapping into the momentum: The EU-India Trade and Technology Council Policy brief As geopolitical tides shift, the EU and India are betting big on the Trade and Technology Council to deepen ties in trade, digital tech, and green innovation. But can ambition meet action? This policy brief breaks down convergences, roadblocks—and what needs fixing to make the TTC truly transformative. By Rajat Kathuria and Amaia Sánchez-Cacicedo
Böll EU Brief 03/2025 | Cable diplomacy: Securing influence, data and global rules Böll EU Brief Subsea data cables are the digital lifelines of our modern world. Yet, external factors frequently expose vulnerabilities in the network and its supporting infrastructure. While around 150 cable faults occur globally each year, states suspect a growing number of cable faults to be linked to hybrid or malicious activity. Recognising that many states around the world face similar risks, the EU Action Plan on Cable Security proposes to establish “an advanced cable diplomacy”. But cable diplomacy is not a one-size-fits-all strategy. Technological sensitivities, dual-use aspects and geopolitical considerations demand a tailored approach. Where and how should the EU build effective cable diplomacy partnerships? By Jonas Franken
“There will be a post-Milei Argentina – and the EU must be ready for it” Interview As Argentina teeters between economic upheaval and political realignment, President Javier Milei’s radical reforms are being put to the test. From dismantling anti-corruption institutions to surprising electoral wins in Buenos Aires, the stakes are rising fast — both at home and abroad. We speak with Michael Álvarez Kalverkamp, Director of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung’s Buenos Aires office, to unpack what Milei’s ultra-libertarian agenda means for Argentina’s future. By Louise Mollenhauer and Michael Álvarez Kalverkamp
