Articles

Published in 2021, the first European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan set concrete measures for building a strong social Europe as a way to foster Covid-19 recovery and just transitions. Its upcoming revision brings back the attention to the European social model and how this can support the green transition. We explored with Sebastiano Sabato, Senior Researcher at the European Social Observatory, how the link between social and ecological dimensions can be strengthened in the EU policy landscape to advance just transitions.

Europe is heavily dependent on US companies for cloud services, AI and digital infrastructure. However, the close ties between Big Tech and politics in the US exacerbate the risks associated with this dependence. The EU needs to realign its digital strategy.

The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue office in Brussels is seeking proposals for the drafting of two commentaries (800-1200 words) on the implications of Brazil elections for EU-Brazil relations, one published before the elections, one after. Proposals should be submitted by Friday 7 August 2026, EOB.

The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue office in Brussels is commissioning a short analysis on the external dimension of EU trade partnerships, with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as the primary case study. Proposals on other partnership structures relevant to this topic, such as WTO reform, or other multilateral or bilateral trade agreements, are also welcome. Proposals should be submitted by Monday 10 August 2026, EOB.

The NATO Summit in Ankara took place against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, growing pressure on European allies to strengthen their own defence capabilities, and continued uncertainty about the future of transatlantic burden-sharing. We spoke with MEP Mārtiņš Staķis about the Summit’s key outcomes, the roles of NATO and the EU in European security, and what new drone initiatives mean for Europe's defence.

The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue office in Brussels is commissioning factsheets to illustrate the socio-economic benefits of the EU’s renewable energy and energy savings targets.Proposals should be submitted by Wednesday 26 August 2026 EOB.

The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue office in Brussels is commissioning an update of its European Green Deal Risk Radar scorecards. Proposals should be submitted by Wednesday 26 August 2026 EOB.

After COP28 finally acknowledged the need to transition away from fossil fuels, Santa Marta tried to turn that promise into something more concrete. Journalist Seden Anlar explores whether its phaseout momentum can survive the road to COP31 and the forums where fossil-fuelled power still shapes the rules.

Record heatwaves have swept across Europe this summer, and climate change no longer feels like a distant warning. It is part of daily life. Cutting emissions remains essential, but Europe will keep warming regardless. That means climate policy must also embrace adaptation: cooler cities, more green spaces, resilient buildings, and protection for those most exposed to extreme heat. Check out also our latest content and upcoming events.

Water is scarce. Intensified by climate change, political failure, and the rising demand for agricultural export goods, people in the countries of North Africa are increasingly feeling the effects of water scarcity in their daily lives. What it means to live with too little water and yet not lose hope is illustrated by three contributions on Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco.