Articles

Brazil is positioning itself as an important player for multilateralism and international law in global crises and geopolitical upheavals. This raises high hopes for COP30 in November under the Brazilian presidency – but the challenges are also immense.

On 3 September 2025, the European Commission presented the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement and the modernised EU–Mexico deal for approval. In the context of the recently announced EU-US trade agreement, they mark one of the biggest steps in EU trade policy in years. After long and difficult negotiations, the EU is moving forward in a rapidly changing global trade order. Yet, a number of EU Member States are opposed and questions about sustainability and Europe's agricultural sector remain. We asked 3 Questions to MEP Anna Cavazzini (Greens/EFA).

As Europe’s energy system shifts from fossil fuels to decentralised renewable energies, one challenge is coming into focus: how can the rising costs of expanding and modernising the electricity grids required for the transport of renewable power be financed fairly and efficiently? And how can tariff design help reduce pressure on the grid by encouraging consumption patterns that make better use of existing infrastructure?    

In November 2024, the collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad killed 16 people and sparked the largest student-led protests in Serbia's modern history. Initial grief gave way to a decentralised movement that is demanding accountability, far-reaching reforms and new elections, despite brutal repression by the regime. The protests have exposed the failure of 'stabilitocracy' and brought Serbia's democratic future — and the EU's role in it — to the forefront of political debate.

Dire headlines followed the EU-US trade deal – but this is not Europe’s death, it’s a test. Europe still has strengths, but must use this moment to reform and adapt. Read more in our Böll EU 8/2025 Newsletter.

This month, we’re highlighting some of our key articles and publications from the past few months – perfect for your summer reading list.

For the third time, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue, in partnership with the Heinrich Böll Foundation, Washington, DC, is looking for a select number of journalists reporting on climate disinformation. Apply now if you have research ideas on the threat of growing climate denialism, the relation between big tech and climate obstruction, the climate counter-disinformation community or similar topics. The application deadline is Tuesday 9 September 2025, 23:59 CEST.

As Karol Nawrocki assumes office as president, subtle shifts reshape the Polish political landscape in the wake of the election. In the new study summarized here Przemysław Sadura and Sławomir Sierakowski explore the potential collapse of the long-standing KO-PiS duopoly and its replacement by a new duopoly on the horizon.

Viktor Orbán scored a major “own goal” by banning Pride celebrations in Hungary, to summarize what happened in his political vocabulary, provoking Hungary’s biggest-ever Pride in Budapest, resulting in 200,000 participants and a strong sense of demanding political regime change in the country.

Tackling climate disinformation requires sustained investment, yet the counter-disinformation community remains underfunded, and regulation faces significant resistance, writes Zora Siebert.