Articles

Good news: Wind power is now the most important source of electricity in Germany. Twenty years ago, no one would have imagined this. There's still more to come.

The state election reflects a deep-seated division. The far right narrowly missed securing the absolute majority it had sought, thereby triggering a political earthquake. Forming a government is likely to prove difficult.

The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue office in Brussels is commissioning a policy paper studying past EU foresight reports. Applications should be submitted by Thursday 1 October 2026, EOB.

Europe faces war, trade tensions, climate chaos and AI disruption all at once, with limited political bandwidth to match. This month's newsletter explores what real capacity to act requires: dynamic institutions, bold partnerships beyond full EU membership, political leadership amid fraying centrism, and the funding to back it all up.

Iceland has voted against reopening EU accession negotiations on 29 August 2026. Kikka Sigurðardóttir, Leader of the Icelandic Greens Græningjar, explains what really drove the 52.8% referendum result: fishing rights, rural identity, and a simple lack of urgency. She also looks at what deepening ties with Brussels could still mean for Iceland, and how the country should position itself as the US grows less predictable and Arctic tensions rise.

Fossil fuel volatility is driving inflation across the EU, but the solution is already available.This analysis the financial case for the energy transition shows how solar and wind lowered wholesale electricity prices by 24.2% between 2023 and 2025, and why the price effect grows stronger as renewable capacity increases. It also examines the investment gap still holding the transition back, and why the cost of capital will decide how fast Europe can build its way to cheaper, more stable energy.

The new British prime minister is a far better communicator than Keir Starmer. But we have little idea of his thinking about the world beyond Britain, says Ros Taylor. For the moment, Andy Burnham’s priorities lie at home.

When the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan five years ago, the EU set out conditions for engagement, but the prospect of them being fulfilled is more remote than ever. Nevertheless, ties are growing closer.

Since Germany’s last federal election in 2025, its centrist parties have lost large numbers of voters to the fringes – particularly to the Right. At the same time, the Greens have also regained ground. A new study gives clues as to how a centre-left political platform can secure a strong governing majority.

Testimonial by Irene Cresci, Trainee from March to July 2026.