International Relations

Too often, Europe's story gets told through crisis and decline. We pushed back. Our 'Facts over fatalism' social media campaign cut through the noise with hard numbers, inconvenient truths, and reasons to take Europe seriously on climate, defence, democracy, and the economy. Swipe through our different posts, share what hits, and keep the facts front and centre.

European security engagement in the Indo-Pacific has accelerated sharply, but remains deeply fragmented. A new dataset of 1,077 cooperation entries, covering EU institutions, all 27 Member States, the UK, Ukraine, and 49 Indo-Pacific partners, maps for the first time the full scope of Europe's presence in the region. The data reveals a de facto division of labour that Brussels has yet to organise into a coherent strategic offer. Jacob Mardell diagnoses the coordination deficit, and sets out how to fix it.

Global power shifts are changing international relations and the repercussions are felt around the globe. This web dossier by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung explores these changes. The contributions discuss how non-major power actors respond, the prospects of (cross-)regional cooperation and a potential role for the European Union. Many of the articles build on discussions held by the “Expert Delegation on Global Power Shifts”, a week-long event that took place in Brussels in the early summer of 2025. It brought together academics and practitioners from the foundation’s global network, examining geopolitics, the new US administration, China and the role of the EU.

Europe’s defence map is being redrawn. Our new Böll EU Brief tracks over 160 defence partnerships signed since 2014 among EU countries, the UK and Ukraine – most of them after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Bilateralism boosts trust, interoperability and procurement speed, but also risks duplication and fragmentation. To turn this patchwork into strategy, the EU and NATO should map and integrate these deals into joint planning, strengthen the European Defence Agency’s role, and use bilaterals to offset declining US support.  

Subsea data cables are the digital lifelines of our modern world. Yet, external factors frequently expose vulnerabilities in the network and its supporting infrastructure. While around 150 cable faults occur globally each year, states suspect a growing number of cable faults to be linked to hybrid or malicious activity. Recognising that many states around the world face similar risks, the EU Action Plan on Cable Security proposes to establish “an advanced cable diplomacy”. But cable diplomacy is not a one-size-fits-all strategy. Technological sensitivities, dual-use aspects and geopolitical considerations demand a tailored approach. Where and how should the EU build effective cable diplomacy partnerships?

In this era of information overload and endless content streams, time is precious. That’s why we’re launching the Böll EU Brief—a format designed to cut through the noise and deliver clear, concise, and impactful analysis on pressing EU issues and emerging debates. Each brief is packed with sharp insights and key takeaways, presented in a format that takes just 10 minutes to read. We focus on what really matters: offering concise, thought-provoking content that informs opinions and sparks meaningful discussions. Written by experts, the Böll EU Brief complements our in-depth e-papers and publications with relevant and timely perspectives.

In a pivotal week for transatlantic trade relations, the new EU Böll Brief “Trading partners? Europe's options against Trump’s tariffs“ analyses the potential consequences of rising US tariffs on European trade and explores strategic responses available to the EU, highlighting the economic risks of a tariff war for each individual EU Member State and outlining alternative strategies for the EU to safeguard its economic interests.

EU-India relations are key for the von der Leyen II European Commission, as the is also looking to expand its circle of key partners, against a backdrop of uncertainty over transatlantic relations.

The outcome of the 2024 elections in the USA will have far-reaching international consequences. How will the result affect Transatlantic relations, Europe's security policy and global climate policy? In this web dossier, the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung addresses these and other questions from a green and European perspective.

Since Javier Milei became President, Argentina's political landscape has experienced a profound shift. A self-proclaimed libertarian and populist, Milei has challenged traditional political norms, raising concerns about democratic backsliding and human rights. His administration’s pivot away from international commitments, such as the 2030 Agenda, and its focus on deregulation and extractivist industries, have set Argentina on a new trajectory. With rising state control, restrictions on civil liberties, and increased mass surveillance, many are questioning the future of Argentina's democracy and its relationships with global partners. Three civil society representatives will visit Brussels on 14-18 October 2024, to present the impact of Milei's administration on democracy, human rights, digital rights, environmental protection and economic and social rights.

These are the Members of the European Parliament seating in the Greens/EFA Group in the 10th parliamentary term (2024-2029).

2024 is a crucial year for Transatlantic relations, with EU and US elections at both sides of the pond. This web dossier compilates articles, podcasts and resources from the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung offices and partners on the future of EU-US relations.

We ask 3 questions to key EU decision-makers and stakeholders about hot topics!

Insights from the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung's offices and partners on the 2024 European Parliament elections, the next EU legislative term, and the "super election" year 2024 ✅🗳️🇪🇺

Since the EU published its EU-China Strategic Outlook in 2019, half a dozen EU Member States have come out with relevant China-related strategies. A new study by Jacob Mardell highlights that with each newly published national strategy on China or the Indo-Pacific, the overall EU approach towards China is also evolving.

Diversity in political decision-making processes contributes to more successful and sustainable policies and guarantees greater responsiveness to the people’s needs. However, women and marginalised groups still have limited access to the decision-making process, especially in the field of foreign and security policy. Feminist foreign policy offers a new approach by putting human security at its core and aiming at dismantling oppressive and discriminatory power structures, addressing the experiences and needs of all parts of society, especially of the most vulnerable and marginalised groups.

All our articles related to Ukraine 🇺🇦 🇪🇺 💚

Böll·Europe is the podcast of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union office in Brussels, presented by Gail Rego.

The uneven distribution of Covid-19 vaccines is one of the main discussion points at EU-Africa Union summit on 17-18 February 2022. Two years into the pandemic, about 75% of the EU’s population has already received at least one vaccine dose, while on the African continent only 16% has been jabbed. The sustained pandemic not only affects the public health conditions but also African economies, societies and political stability. This dossier sheds light on the impacts of Covid-19 on African countries and offers ways forward for a green, inclusive and feminist recovery.

Media mentions of the work, publications and events of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union.