More Competitiveness and a New Industrial Strategy for Europe: Implementing the Draghi Report
The report on the future of European competitiveness, published by Mario Draghi in September 2024, marks a turning point in European industrial policy.
Mission Almost Impossible. Dilemmas of a Southern and Eastern Enlargement of the European Union
The European Union has always faced a delicate balancing act: expanding to include new countries while deepening cooperation among its existing members.
A Call to Counter the Anti-Democratic Surge Following the 2024 European Parliament Elections
The 2024 European Parliament elections reflect the ongoing trend of far-right parties gaining ground across Europe. While the anticipated rightward shift did take place, it was less pronounced than feared.
The European Union in Search of Its Own Mythology
The attractiveness of the EU is based on its economic and social model as well as on its manifold national cultural heritage. Throughout the post-Cold War period, the European Union has not actively promoted pan-European myths and struggles…
Attitudes Towards the EU and the EP Election in 2024 in Austria
With the election to the European Parliament citizens’ attitudes towards both the EP elections and the European integration are back in the focus of political and societal stakeholders. Questions like their interest…
Disinformation and Foreign Interference: A Challenge for the EU and Its Member States
Election times are always accompanied by an increased amount of disinformation from both domestic and foreign actors. In particular, international actors see them as a prime opportunity to sway public opinion…
Media and minorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina: a path towards an inclusive and democratic society
The author of this Policy Brief presents a broader overview of some of the most significant aspects regarding the role of media in building democracy in terms of the reinforcement and affirmation of minorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, whether as a result of ethnic background, religious belief, sexual orientation, geographic location, income level, etc. Once the mentioned media’s support and affirmation of minorities is accomplished, such groups can effusively participate in and contribute to this country’s institutions and society in general. This is an attempt to revive and reconsider the issue related to minority cultural identities and communication via media in the context of the democratisation process in general. It is very much needed to open new discussions related to media and democracy due to the current global political crisis that is reflecting in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s media sphere as well.
Rebuilding democracy from below: A case for local communities in Montenegro
Montenegro has been experiencing a crisis in democracy for several years now. The authors of this Policy Brief explore the role that local communities (LCs) have and/or can have within the context of democratic elections, democratic governing, and institutional reforms in Montenegro. Against this background, they recommend that the democratic potential that lies in local communities, as legally defined governing bodies, needs to be utilised in order to address the ongoing crisis of democratic governing in Montenegro and help the country accelerate key reforms in the EU accession process.
Tackling the local beyond partisan politics. Can independent lists in North Macedonia boost local democracy?
At the local elections of 2021 in North Macedonia, eight independent groups with green politics ran for municipal councillors. The relative successes and failures of the two most visible groups “Green Humane City” and “Chance for Centar” point to a public interest in solutions beyond partisan politics but also to certain shortcomings in terms of cooperation, transparency, and strategic communications. Against this background, the authors of this Policy Brief analyse their work in the Skopje municipality of Centar and give policy recommendations on their internal functioning, forming strategic coalitions, and communication with various stakeholders.