The 2024 Elections in Georgia: descent into hegemonic authoritarianism Commentary Georgia’s 2024 parliamentary elections signal the country’s descent into hegemonic authoritarianism. The ruling Georgian Dream party won by engaging in election manipulation, adopting the classical illiberal-authoritarian playbook, spreading disinformation about simultaneously remaining on the EU enlargement track and instrumentalizing Russia’s threat to the country. If the government stays in power despite these violations, Georgia’s relationship with the EU will further deteriorate. Dr. Sonja Schiffers
Net zero and energy bills: more payback, less push back Commentary To win hearts and minds, and to prevent green backlash, net-zero policies must translate into lower bills and better services for ‘ordinary’ households. An inclusive demand flexibility strategy is vital to this. Sophie Yule-Bennett, Euan Graham
Project funding Project funding While the majority of grants and projects are identified and initiated by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue, we publish a yearly call for proposals that align with our values and make a positive contribution to our programmatic work. Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue
Reindustrialisation, battery factories and Hungary's workforce gamble Background Hungary's ambitious plan to reindustrialise hinges on bringing in hundreds of thousands of migrant workers. However, this strategy faces a significant hurdle: a society already grappling with deep-seated distrust, both among its citizens and towards the influx of foreign labour. Péter Vigh
Third-party voters could tip the election against Harris Analysis As American voters have become more firmly entrenched in their party affiliations, fewer and fewer states are in contention and the margins of victory are increasingly slim. This year, polls suggest that in the handful of swing states that will determine the race, the winner could be decided by a razor-thin margin. Votes for third party candidates could be enough to tip the election – most likely, in favor of Donald Trump. Hannah Winnick
Migration policy: EU increasingly outsources responsibility for asylum Analysis Externalisation is increasingly seen as a lever for solving the EU’s migration issues, yet poses serious legal, ethical and practical problems. Judith Kohlenberger
What Labour has done on green energy — and what it could do next Commentary Tough decisions lie ahead for the UK government as it tries to decarbonise electricity generation by 2030. Several key decisions have been made but much remains unknown, particularly on reform of the electricity market and the detail of collaboration with the EU. Ros Taylor reports. Ros Taylor
Global digital governance after the UN Summit of the Future Analysis Digital technologies are now a global priority, like security and climate change. The 2024 UN Summit of the Future brings the Global Majority into internet and AI governance. The UN Convention on Cybercrime may do the same for cybersecurity. At the same time, the centralization at the UN risks empowering governments and undermining human rights. Sabine Muscat
Hidden hazards: Disinformation and waste in Hungary's battery boom Background Explore the untold environmental and health risks of Hungary's rapidly growing battery industry. Our 2024 Climate Disinformation Fellow Péter Vigh uncovers government data that reveals the widespread presence of hazardous waste, raising serious concerns about the sustainability of an industry vital to the green transition. With battery production set to shape Hungary’s future, why are the dangers being kept in the dark? Péter Vigh
For the legalisation of abortion – now! President's column Pregnancy termination is still a criminal offence in Germany under section 218 of the Criminal Code, with serious consequences for access to abortion and women’s right to self-determination. There can only be one answer to this. Dr. Imme Scholz