3 Questions on South Korea’s presidential election results to Kristian Brakel 3 Questions South Korea’s presidential election on 3 June 2025 took place amid intense political upheaval and institutional crisis. Widespread public discontent over corruption scandals, executive-judiciary tensions, and democratic backsliding had dominated the pre-election atmosphere. The victory of Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung sends a strong signal about the public’s expectations for reform, stability, and credible leadership, in a context of rising regional and global tensions, challenges to multilateralism, and growing pressure on liberal democracies. We asked 3 questions to Kristian Brakel, Director of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung’s East Asia | Global Dialogue office in Seoul. Joan Lanfranco, Kristian Brakel
In remembrance of Antonie Nord Obituary We deeply mourn the loss of our esteemed colleague Dr Antonie Katharina Nord, who passed away on 18 May 2025 after a long illness. In various roles, most recently as head of the International Department, Antonie shaped the work of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung like few others. With her death, the foundation has lost an impressive leader and a clever strategist, but above all, a humorous and warm-hearted human being. We are struggling to comprehend this profound loss. Dr. Imme Scholz, Jan Philipp Albrecht, Steffen Heizmann
In Britain, the cuts keep coming Commentary A deeply unpopular government agonises over whether to break its own rules or keep cutting budgets, writes Ros Taylor. Ros Taylor
Böll EU Newsletter 5/2025 - A light for democratic resilience? Newsletter It’s never all doom and gloom. Even when political developments feel heavy and the broader context darkens, light still finds a way through. Over the past weeks, we’ve seen some encouraging signs. Roderick Kefferpütz
Tapping into the momentum: The EU-India Trade and Technology Council Policy brief As geopolitical tides shift, the EU and India are betting big on the Trade and Technology Council to deepen ties in trade, digital tech, and green innovation. But can ambition meet action? This policy brief breaks down convergences, roadblocks—and what needs fixing to make the TTC truly transformative. Rajat Kathuria, Amaia Sánchez-Cacicedo
Böll EU Brief 03/2025 | Cable diplomacy: Securing influence, data and global rules Böll EU Brief Subsea data cables are the digital lifelines of our modern world. Yet, external factors frequently expose vulnerabilities in the network and its supporting infrastructure. While around 150 cable faults occur globally each year, states suspect a growing number of cable faults to be linked to hybrid or malicious activity. Recognising that many states around the world face similar risks, the EU Action Plan on Cable Security proposes to establish “an advanced cable diplomacy”. But cable diplomacy is not a one-size-fits-all strategy. Technological sensitivities, dual-use aspects and geopolitical considerations demand a tailored approach. Where and how should the EU build effective cable diplomacy partnerships? Jonas Franken
“There will be a post-Milei Argentina – and the EU must be ready for it” Interview As Argentina teeters between economic upheaval and political realignment, President Javier Milei’s radical reforms are being put to the test. From dismantling anti-corruption institutions to surprising electoral wins in Buenos Aires, the stakes are rising fast — both at home and abroad. We speak with Michael Álvarez Kalverkamp, Director of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung’s Buenos Aires office, to unpack what Milei’s ultra-libertarian agenda means for Argentina’s future. Louise Mollenhauer, Michael Álvarez Kalverkamp
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. 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. 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. Joan Lanfranco, Nicu Ștefănuță
