International Relations

Escalating geopolitical tensions, hybrid attacks, and the climate crisis: How can democratic states and societies remain resilient and capable of action? We will discuss these questions at the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung's Annual Foreign Policy Conference on 29 January 2026.

In November, the European Commission unveiled the long-awaited Democracy Shield initiative, designed to counter threats such as disinformation and foreign interference. While it acknowledges the systemic risk European democracy faces, the Shield falls short of addressing its root causes: engagement-based algorithms, Big Tech dominance, geopolitical dependency, and deep divisions that make Europe vulnerable to polarising messages. An interview with Alexandra Geese, Green Member of the European Parliament. 

2026 is shaping up to be an extraordinary electoral year in Europe and for the European Greens. Opinion polls indicate that national parliamentary elections could reshape governments in countries ranging from Denmark and Latvia to Slovenia. The most consequential contest may take place in Hungary, where a potential defeat of long-time right-wing leader Viktor Orbán could result in a more assertive European Union. At the regional level, the Greens face a key test in Baden-Württemberg, where they have led the state government for more than a decade. 

Through activities such as the Global Development Initiative, China seeks to redefine concepts such as democracy and sovereignty, and garner support from countries in the Global South. India and Europe are both faced with this challenge. It is time they increased cooperation.

2026 cannot be 2025 on repeat. After a year of buying time and holding ground, Europe enters 2026 facing mounting pressure on several fronts. In this newsletter, we look ahead to the key challenges and choices that will shape the year to come, and where Europe still has room to act.

As the global order becomes increasingly multipolar, Africa has emerged as a key arena of geopolitical competition. Shifting power dynamics and the growing influence of China are pushing the European Union to rethink its engagement with the continent, while African countries seek more balanced and diversified partnerships on their own terms.

Given complex, uncertain and highly volatile global power shifts, the European Union (EU) holds an essential, though currently underutilized, role as a strategic partner for Cambodia, offering support for peace, stability, development and the defence of principle-based international relations. 

As the year draws to a close and Brussels slows down for the holidays, we would like to take a moment to say thank you to our community. In our December 2025 newsletter, we share seasonal wishes alongside in-depth analysis of the European Green Party’s trajectory in 2025, a report on consumers’ rights in the context of international trade agreements, an interview reflecting on the G20 Summit, and our regular “Three Questions” on the outcomes of COP30, among other highlights.

Facing US pressure to deregulate, Latin America seeks new ESG partners. As China claims sustainability leadership, the EU, once a standard-setter, now prioritises competitiveness over people and planet, risking long-term consequences for short-term gains.  

Did Africa’s first G20 presidency deliver on its promise of solidarity, equality and sustainability? Our Head of Programme for EU and International Politics, Dr. Katharina Emschermann, spoke with Paula Assubuji, Director of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung's office in Cape Town, about what the Johannesburg G20 and the AU-EU summit in Luanda reveal about power, inequality and the state of multilateral cooperation.