Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung

The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union office in Brussels is a dialogue office. We represent the foundation vis-à-vis European and international institutions, associations, non-governmental organisations and media based in Brussels.

Today, a united Europe no longer means everyone at the same time. On key issues such as defence, digitalisation, and key technologies, alliances of the willing are needed – both within and beyond the EU.

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.

The EU still has strong rules for the major digital platforms. However, under Donald Trump and his allies - above all powerful tech CEOs such as Musk and Zuckerberg - the USA is becoming an open opponent of these regulations. 

Climate and species protection is indispensable – and costs money. Germany must not shirk its responsibilities in these areas by invoking the debt brake. Sources of financing are available – the next federal government should use them.

Pregnancy termination is still a criminal offence in Germany under section 218 of the Criminal Code, with serious consequences for access to abortion and women’s right to self-determination. There can only be one answer to this.

Infrastructure deficiencies are paralysing Germany. But as a result of the Schuldenbremse (debt brake), urgently needed investments – including to boost climate protection – are to be postponed. This is both risky and economically short-sighted.

With the floods in northern Germany, the relaxation of the country’s debt brake is back on the agenda. But instead of always returning to the same debates, what is finally needed is sustainable reform. A new study shows what this could look like and sets out the options for financing climate protection over the short term.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted seventy-five years ago this week. In view of the crimes committed in Germany’s name and the Shoah, this anniversary presents the country with a particular challenge in this post-October 7 world.

These days it is easy to become pessimistic about social cohesion and the state of democracy. But the results of the recent Polish elections show that it pays to fight for democracy.

A climate-neutral world free of hunger and poverty is a distant proposition. Still, it is achievable. If, by means of redistribution and global cooperation, we manage to create prosperity for all, democracy will profit too.

The crises of our time demand serious solutions from the parties instead of a return to the past. Those who do not dare to say so demonstrate the opposite of state-political responsibility.

Roderick Kefferpütz is the new Director of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union office in Brussels as of 15 May 2023. He takes over from Eva van de Rakt, who has been Head of the European Union and North America Division at the headquarters of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung in Berlin since May 2023.

On Saturday 4 December 2021, the Members’ Assembly of the Green Party-affiliated political foundation Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung elected Prof. Dr. Imme Scholz and Jan Philipp Albrecht with a large majority as new Co-Presidents. The duo will take office as of 1 April 2022 and 1 June 2022, respectively. The terms of the current presidents, Barbara Unmüßig and Dr. Ellen Ueberschär, will end as scheduled on 31 March 2022 and 31 May 2022, respectively. Steffen Heizmann will stay on as the Foundation‛s CEO.