Money Pits and Public Duty: How Orbán’s government fails to restore Hungarian public’s trust Published: 16 December 2020 Analysis The EU summit in Brussels has brought the attention of the public to the issue of how the European idea should be approached. Is Europe a mere community of countries sharing similar economic interests, or is it more than that? A clear response is still awaited to this question, even if the circumstances arisen due to the COVID-19 pandemic have revealed with unusual clarity the stance taken by the EU member countries concerning the rule of law. By Emese Pásztor
What to make of Hungary’s budget veto? Published: 7 December 2020 Analysis Hungary and Poland indicated in November that they would veto the European Union’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2021-2027 and the Next Generation EU (NGEU) economic recovery fund. However, recent developments indicate that Hungary’s and Poland’s views on the matter have diverged. Hungary continues to risk delaying the arrival of new EU subsidies that would allow the Government to make new spending commitments in the last full year before the 2022 general election. Yet, considering the current politico-economic situation in the EU, Hungary does stand a chance of achieving some of its immediate goals. So, the key question is: What does Budapest stand to gain by using its veto? By Patrik Szicherle
Germany’s EU Council presidency paves the way for closer European cooperation - and draws Czechia into it Published: 7 December 2020 Analysis When Germany took over the presidency of the Council of the European Union from Croatia, the rest of the EU Member States welcomed it with a kind of relief. After the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020, Europe found itself on the brink of a deep economic crisis. The EU capacities were occupied with other burning issues: post-COVID economic recovery, negotiations of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the climate crisis, the ongoing Brexit negotiations, and the need for a new pact on migration. Germany’s takeover was seen as good luck during a European misfortune, as the country well known for its negotiation skills and experienced diplomats is also the EU’s economic powerhouse. By Vendula Karásková
Congress of Young Europeans Prague Published: 28 February 2018 Applications are open for the 6thCongress of Young Europeans, which this time is going to take place in Prague, Czech Republic between 30 August and 2 September 2018.
Capacity Building for the Post-Brexit Generation ‘Why We're Stuck and How We Want to Get out of This’ Published: 2 June 2017 The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union (hbs EU) invites young Europeans from all Member States and the UK to Brussels in order to discuss with each other, with actors of the European institutions, NGOs and think tanks as well as with journalists and local politicians, initiatives, students and academics in Belgium how they see their future in and for Europe.
Lex CEU: Orbán’s attack on academic freedom in Europe Published: 5 April 2017 The Hungarian government tries to shut down the renowned Central European University. This is an attack on academic freedom in Europe. By Eva van de Rakt
Glorious past and identity – the driving forces behind the populist resurrection? Published: 15 March 2017 Based on Adam Balcer’s new study “Beneath the surface of illiberalism: The recurring temptation of ‘national democracy’ in Poland and Hungary – with lessons for Europe”,WiseEuropa and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, in cooperation with Political Capital, organise a round table to discuss populist and illiberal tendencies in the CEE region with a special focus on politics of identity and memory, and significance of these developments for the political situation in particular countries and their impact on the future of the EU.
Call for Papers: Current Populism in Europe and the Role of the Media Published: 21 November 2016 3rd International Populism Conference will take place in Prague 22 – 23 May 2017. The conference programme will focus mainly on analysis of the relationship between populism and the media and will discuss the phenomenon of “media populism” in the context of upcoming elections in various EU member states. Applicants are invited to submit their abstracts by 28 February 2017.
After the Brexit: Quo vadis, EU? Published: 24 June 2016 Great Britain will leave the EU. What does that mean for European Union going forward? What can be done to strengthen political unity within the Union? A commentary by Ralf Fücks.
In Favour of a Solidary EU Refugee Policy Published: 21 September 2015 A special EU summit of heads of state and government will take place on 23 September. After years of neglect, however, a solidary EU refugee policy cannot be elaborated in summary proceedings and under pressure. A commentary by Eva van de Rakt. By Eva van de Rakt