Dossier

On 20 January 2021, Joe Biden and Kamala harris will respectively become President and Vice-President of the United States of America. The new administration faces great challenges after four of Trump-fuelled divisions and threats to the Rule of Law, as well as the ravaging effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. How will the USA recover its economy, overcome social and political polarisation and regain trust at global level?

On the fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Agreement, where are we at when it comes to fighting the climate crisis in a spirit of climate justice? How can we increase targets to remain below 2 degrees global warming and finds ways to achieve them in a socially just manner?

The EU-Mercosur free trade agreement raises numerous concerns about environmental and social impacts. Four factsheets by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung and the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) dissect the implications of this agreement for climate, food safety, pesticides and public procurement.

The rise of partial judicial systems, the coercion to press and academic freedom, the attack to women and minorities’ rights, corruption and cronyism are attempting against the rule of law in many EU Member States. This dossier gives a voice to politicians, civil society and academics defending democracy and fundamental rights in the EU.

After years of erratic and uncoordinated actions, the European Commission has revealed the long-awaited New Pact on Migration and Asylum to “propose a fresh start” on this highly politicised policy priority. Will the "New Pact" become the coherent strategy on migration the EU needs?

Since Jair Bolsonaro took up office as President of Brazil in January 2019, deforestation rates have curved steeply upwards once again. But it should be borne in mind that even under previous presidents, from Lula to Temer, and even with enormous global awareness of the importance of tropical forests and many national and international efforts, deforestation has never been halted altogether.

The reform of the EU Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) is underway. Each EU Member State is writing its National CAP Strategic Plan. Will these CAP Strategic Plans pave the way for a sustainable agriculture, forestry, and rural development – in the EU and beyond?

The dossier covers Green proposals and initiatives and on the key priorities of the European Green Deal, the Future of the EU and the Role of the EU in the world in the context of the German EU Council Presidency from July until December 2020. 

Global perspectives on digital trends during the crisis