March 2024

Dear Readers,

The Munich security conference dominated the debate on Europe’s geopolitical predicament over the last weeks and we kick off this edition of GED Monthly with a report on our contribution to the discussions, which focused on the nexus between climate change and security.

Continuing in this vein, further articles examine the status quo in Ukraine two years after Russia attacked, arguing that resilience will be key. With the US elections moving closer, we then look at the prospect of Donald Trump being barred from running and the complex predicament the Supreme Court finds itself in.

While matters of European security are clearly first order issues for decision-makers, holding things together economically across the continent must not be forgotten. Thankfully, EU cohesion policy is currently high on the Brussels agenda, with a report on its future published in February. Our team took a look at the proposal, arguing that its key message of connecting the policy with other EU tickets whilst retaining the place-based nature of the investments is to be condoned.

We would finally like to alert you to our upcoming cohesion policy event in Brussels on 11 March at 5:30 at the Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to the EU. We will be presenting and discussing our recent study on the impact of renewable energy production on regional growth across Europe. Please click on the link below to register.

With warm wishes,

Malte Zabel

Co-Director
Europe’s Future Program

 
View on the Earth

Bertelsmann Stiftung at the Munich Security Conference

The Bertelsmann Stiftung organized a live panel discussion at the 2024 Munich Security Conference titled “Resilient Horizons: Charting a Course for Climate Change and Global Security”. A group of transatlantic experts discussed the intricate links between climate change and security threats, effective policy responses, technological innovations, and fostering discussions on cooperation and partnerships to build a resilient future.
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Kyiv, Ukraine June 17, 2023: Ukrainian flags in suppoert of the Military Forces of Ukraine in the center of Kyiv during the war with Russia

Two Years Post-Invasion: Resilience and Ukraine's Future

For two years Ukraine has been resisting Russia’s open war of aggression. For ten years, Ukraine has been exposed to Russian attacks and from hybrid operations. The EU's support for Ukraine's sovereignty bolsters the international order. Whether this resolve will endure and lead to further action in time will determine security, peace, progress, and prosperity within Europe's borders and beyond. We take an in-depth look at the status quo.
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Facade of US Supreme court in Washington DC, USA on a sunny day

Will the US Supreme Court Disqualify Donald Trump?

The US Supreme Court’s review of Donald Trump's exclusion from the 2024 US presidential election has global ramifications. Its decision could shape the outcome of the November election, as a Trump win could lead to an illiberal democracy, isolationism, and aggressive policies, posing risks for the international community, especially for Europe. We offer an analysis oft he current situation focusing on the danger of a politicized and compromised Supreme Court.
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Headquarter of the WTO in Geneva

WTO in Crisis: EU Options for Reform

The World Trade Organization addresses topics such as fisheries subsidies, customs duties on electronic transmissions, food security, COVID-19 vaccine IP rights and industrial/agricultural subsidies. This underscores the urgent need for multilateral agreements, but the WTO faces challenges amid limited opportunities for action. The EU should consider bolstering international cooperation independently.
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Green hydrogen: an alternative that reduces emissions and cares for our planet

Hybrid Event: MENA – Mapping EU’s Near Shore

The economic relationship between Europe and MENA is of paramount importance to both regions. Through a Bertelsmann infographic series, experts explored future trade for socio-environmental transformation, emphasizing fair partnerships and joint initiatives. Join "MENA: Mapping EU’s Near Shore", organized by the Bertelsmann Stiftung and DAFG, to discuss EU-MENA relations on March 6 at 6 p.m. at DAFG e.V., Berlin, and online.
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Multicultural hands union concept over European flag

Cohesion Policy is More Important than Ever

Substantial reforms are called for by February 20th’s second-ever European Commission initiated expert report on Cohesion Policy. Cohesion Policy should be more in tune with its original form, should have a sharper focus on a genuine place-based and transformative approach, and should builds bridges to other EU policies, conclude the authors, who write, “Cohesion is far too important to be left to Cohesion Policy alone." We analyze the group’s report.
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Green energy

Energising EU Cohesion: Addressing Territorial (In-)Equalities from the Energy Transition

The shift from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources could bring about significant economic transformations for different European regions. A recent study by the Bertelsmann Stiftung reveals that the energy transition is particularly advantageous for lagging rural regions. We kindly invite you, together with the Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to the EU, you to an upcoming event on this subject in Brussels.
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In the next edition

 

The next edition will include an assessment of 60 years of Franco-Chinese relations as well as an analysis of the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act.

To keep abreast of our work, please keep an eye on our blog: globaleurope.eu

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