New Impulses for Europe? Von der Leyen’s State of the Union: Analysis & Debate

By: Olena Pokotilo
The attractiveness of the European Union is based on its economic and social model as well as on its manifold national cultural heritage. Throughout the post-Cold War period, the EU has not actively promoted pan-European myths and struggles today with creating a cohesive and credible common narrative. In this context, the author of this Policy Brief argues that to maintain its unity amidst global instability and evolving political landscapes, the EU must develop new, meaningful myths. She discusses the characteristics of the myth-design of the Union and offers policy recommendations.

76 % of Austrians are in favor of EU-membership | 17 % want to leave the EU

By: Sylvia Kritzinger, Katharina Pfaff
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 in the election to the European Parliament, their likelihood to vote, their stance on European unification, and policy measures they consider important for the future of the EU are in the centre of interest. In this context, the authors of this Policy Brief analysed the Austrian citizens’ attitudes towards the EP elections and their views on the future of the EU in light of the upcoming EP election. They provide valuable insights for political and societal stakeholders ahead of the election and offer policy recommendations.