Hungarian government threatens its citizens’ courage with the so-called “Protection of Sovereignty Act” Analysis The new Hungarian legislative package known as the "Protection of Sovereignty Act" contains some legitimate elements. However, while serious dangers to the country's sovereignty are outside its purview, a new agency is now empowered to harass anybody accused of "serving foreign interests." By Political Capital
Forests vs palm oil Report Deforestation — the widespread clearing of forests for various purposes — has become a critical global issue with profound environmental, social, and economic consequences. Driven by factors like agriculture, logging, and urban expansion, this destructive practice exacerbates climate change, threatens biodiversity, and jeopardizes communities worldwide. In this report, we explore the multifaceted reasons why deforestation requires immediate attention and action. By Michael Anthony and Marcus Pfeil
Refugee protection in Europe: weakened at present, undermined in the future? Analysis The EU Commission, the European Parliament and EU Member States are negotiating a reform of the common asylum policy. The comprehensive reform package contains a large number of legislative proposals that would have massive consequences for asylum seekers. By Neda Noraie-Kia
European Green Party in 2023: compromised strongholds and fringe success Analysis This article chronicles how European Green Party (EGP) members performed in the 213 national, regional and major local elections in Europe in 2023. While EGP members were voted out of government in some of their strongholds, they maintained or increased their fringe influence through arrangements with larger parties in Eastern and Southern Europe. By Tobias Gerhard Schminke
75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Committed to a peaceful solution in the Middle East President's column The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted seventy-five years ago this week. In view of the crimes committed in Germany’s name and the Shoah, this anniversary presents the country with a particular challenge in this post-October 7 world. By Dr. Imme Scholz
The limits of Germany’s Zeitenwende Commentary Russia’s invasion of Ukraine did change how Germany thinks about its own security and its relationship with Russia, says Christina Keßler. But the country is still wary of playing a major role in European defence. With Russia unlikely to attack NATO territory soon, Britain should not assume that Germany will take on a leadership role on European security. By Christina Keßler
‘Fire on fire’: how migrants got blamed for Greece’s devastating blazes Climate Disinformation Media Fellowship 2023 In August, wildfires in Evros killed a group of people, including children, passing along a well-trodden migration route. Locals and politicians made the victims scapegoats for the disaster. First piece of our 2023 Climate Disinformation Fellowship by Giorgos Christides and Katy Fallon. Photos by Alexandros Avramidis. By Giorgos Christides and Katy Fallon
Laundering captured carbon: how CCS produces more oil Analysis Though many authors write that captured CO2 can and is being safely buried deep underground in geologic formations or depleted oil and gas reservoirs, most articles fail to mention that the overwhelmingly single biggest use of all captured CO2 is to directly produce more oil. By L. Michael Buchsbaum
Reviving the EU accession agenda for the Western Balkans demands credibility and engagement Press release Enlargement regained prominence of the European Union agenda after Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. However, the window of opportunity for moving forward will not stay open forever. By Western Balkan Strategy Group
We cannot lose sight of the two-state solution Statement We empathize with the pain and suffering of all Israelis – as well as with the pain and suffering of the Palestinians. A peace perspective requires a political solution that guarantees the right to self-determination and security for both Israel and Palestine. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung