Why the British are still heat pump sceptics Commentary Most Britons have no intention of installing a heat pump. Given the cost of electricity in the UK, that’s not unreasonable. Ros Taylor looks at why it is so hard to tempt them away from gas boilers. By Ros Taylor
Will Serbia’s protest movement lead to a democratic beginning? Interview The student protests have sparked a wave of democratic mass mobilization throughout Serbia. However, it remains to be seen whether the students’ demands can be translated into political and parliamentary action to enable a peaceful democratic new beginning. On March 15 2025, the most massive protest action yet is called for. Here are some assessments from an activists, journalists, analysts and representatives of the political opposition. By Katja Giebel
Creating a globally fair circular economy in the Clean Industrial Deal Analysis A new study examines how the transition to a circular economy can be made fair globally. Against this background, we evaluate the Clean Industrial Deal presented by the European Commission in February 2025. By Luisa Denter and Johanna Sydow
Georgia and Russia: “On the same train” with the occupant Analysis The Kremlin denies sovereignty and territorial integrity not only to Ukraine but also to Georgia. But unlike Ukraine, the ruling Georgian Dream party follows the Russian playbook and uses the Russian threat to maintain authoritarian power. By Dr. Sonja Schiffers
100 days in office: Assessing main initiatives of the von der Leyen II European Commission Analysis This week marks 100 days of the von der Leyen II European Commission. A deadline by which President von der Leyen promised a range of initiatives, as outlined in her 2024-2029 political guidelines. We take a look at the main initiatives launched, in a time when Europe is adapting to shifting geopolitical paradigms. By Jörg Mühlenhoff, Zora Siebert , Anton Möller, Hannah Goerlich and Joan Lanfranco
EU special Summit: Towards a European Defence Union Analysis After years of hesitation, the EU – driven by geopolitical shifts – is finally moving forward. The special summit in Brussels shows momentum in defence policy. But Europe remains vulnerable without a big step forward. By Eva van de Rakt and Roderick Kefferpütz
Europe is reinventing itself Commentary It's not just about money. We can be the innovative and cultural magnet of the world. That is the strength of democratic and open societies. By Bastian Hermisson
Russia after Putin Book summary There is a broad consensus that no significant change can be expected in Russia so long as Vladimir Putin remains in power. The big question is: what will happen when he steps down or dies in office? Summary of Jens Siegert's book "Where is Russia Heading? Scenarios for the Time Afterwards", presented in Brussels on 6 March 2025. By Jens Siegert
Böll EU Newsletter 2/2025 - Europe must step up Newsletter Europe must step up. While EU leaders have expressed solidarity in the wake of the Trump-Vance-Zelensky Oval Office meeting, tweets and statements do not help on the battlefield. Ukraine needs weapons and financial support. The challenge Europe faces is not a lack of capability, but a weakness of will. Europe possesses immense resources but struggles to mobilise them effectively. By Roderick Kefferpütz
The Greens after Germany’s election: Seize the opportunity for a new start! Commentary Despite the more difficult majorities in society and parliaments, the Greens should not spend too much time licking their wounds. Instead: open the gates and invite people everywhere to get involved in forward-looking politics. By Jan Philipp Albrecht