Putting it in reverse? The pitfalls and potential of the European Automotive Industrial Action Plan Analysis Everyone from industry to pundits, and even NGOs, have for months lamented a lack of a comprehensive automotive industrial strategy across the EU, to match the continent’s green deal agenda of CO2 targets. This finally landed in early March, dubbed the Automotive Industrial Action Plan. This analysis looks at its most prominent proposals across clean vehicle, supply chain and infrastructure aspects, outlining its strengths and missteps. By Julia Poliscanova
A summit in Albania, a silence on the Western Balkans Commentary As Europe seeks to redefine itself, it was Ukraine that dominated international discussions at the European Political Community (EPC) Summit—despite the fact that, for the first time, the event was hosted in Albania, a Western Balkan country. Very little was said about the region itself, and even that only on the media sidelines. By Alba Çela
3 Questions on Romania’s presidential election results to MEP Nicu Ștefănuță 3 Questions The failed Presidential election in Romania last year, fuelled by a wave of disinformation, triggered an unprecedented period of political instability in this EU and NATO Member State. A rerun took place on 4 and 18 May 2025, and the Mayor of Bucharest, Nicușor Dan, was elected. We asked MEP Nicu Ștefănuță (Greens/EFA), Vice-President of the European Parliament, what this result means for the future of Romania and its role in the EU, NATO and with regards to supporting Ukraine. By Joan Lanfranco and Nicu Ștefănuță
Power struggle in Warsaw – Poland faces second decisive election Analysis Following the change of government in 2023, Poland once again faces a historic crossroads. An emotionally charged election campaign reflects deep social divisions – and the struggle for the country's future. By Joanna Maria Stolarek
Böll EU Brief 02/2025 | Beyond Brexit: A new chapter for EU-UK relations Böll EU Brief The EU and the UK are holding their first post-Brexit summit on 19 May. Since coming to power in July 2024, the focus of Labour’s much-vaunted ‘reset’ with the EU has been on building friendly relations with EU institutions and Member States. Whilst these overtures have been positively received, (substantive) progress has been slow. The summit will therefore be crucial in determining whether the two sides can move from ambition to action. By Jannike Wachowiak
Press release | Green on paper – Red in practice: updated Green Deal Risk Radar warns of delays and watering down of EU’s sustainability ambitions Press release Five months into the new European Commission, the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union is releasing an updated European Green Deal Risk Radar, spotlighting critical risks to the EU’s climate, environmental, and sustainability laws in the 2024–2029 legislative term. By Roderick Kefferpütz, Jörg Mühlenhoff and Joan Lanfranco
3 Questions on Europe's policy of the new German Federal government to Chantal Kopf MdB 3 Questions With a new CDU/CSU–SPD coalition government in Berlin, the future direction of Germany's EU policy is in the spotlight. As the largest EU Member State, any shift in Berlin will inevitably echo across Europe. There are a lot of hopes and expectations and of course challenges that this coalition government will have to navigate. We asked Chantal Kopf MdB, the Europe Spokesperson for the German Green Parliamentary Group in the Bundestag, what this new coalition means for the EU. By Roderick Kefferpütz and Chantal Kopf
Böll EU Newsletter 4/2025 - Europe: looking back, moving forward Newsletter This May invites a moment of reflection. We mark Europe Day and 75 years of the Schuman Declaration, a proposal that laid the foundation for what would eventually become the EU. We also commemorate 80 years since the end of World War II, and 70 years since Germany joined NATO. These dates remind us of how our continent’s institutions have woven diverse countries together in peace, prosperity and shared values. By Roderick Kefferpütz
Friends or just fellow travellers? What Reform has in common with other populist right parties in Europe (and what it doesn’t) Commentary Populist and far-right parties across Europe share many of the same traits, says Ros Taylor. But Reform has not yet embraced the pro-natalist agenda of a lot of its counterparts. By Ros Taylor
Is the EU still transitioning to renewable energy? Analysis The EU promised a renewable energy future – but is it still on track? As political shifts, policy delays and legal battles unfold, the energy transition faces new hurdles. Are we still moving forward, or is Europe starting to backpedal? Seden Anlar reports. By Seden Anlar