Both supporters and opponents of Ukraine’s or the Western Balkan states’ accession have valid arguments. Instead of a black-and-white approach, a more nuanced one is needed – with different stages on the path to full membership.
By David Preisendanz
At the beginning of March, the environment ministers of Germany, France, and Poland will meet. The three countries have very different climate policies – but that is precisely where the opportunities lie. Together, they could make decisive progress in advancing Europe’s climate policy.
By Marion Guénard and Sylwia Andralojc-Bodych
Europe needs not only the strategy, but also the will to implement it, so that we can break free from our dependence on products and services from the US and China. European tech companies are ready to do this.
By Werner Neubauer
European raw materials policy is contradictory, according to Pouyan Dardashti, CEO of the Thommen Group. The collection gap for e-waste, for example, is self-inflicted. What Europe and Germany can learn from Switzerland.
By Pouyan Dardashti
The parties in the S&D, Green, and Left groups have been steadily gaining ground in the polls, and their approval ratings have recently recovered somewhat. The EPP, on the other hand, has slipped to a low point.
By Manuel Müller
The European Union remains heavily dependent on China in key areas of the maritime sector. The European Commission is set to present a maritime strategy and a dedicated ports strategy in early March. Germany and the EU must make targeted investments in this sector.
By Reinhard Lüken
Cutting red tape is part of the agenda for greater competitiveness, which was the focus of the informal meeting of heads of state and government. The EU’s deregulatory zeal could massively weaken nature, climate and water protection.
By Raphael Weyland
Amid mounting geopolitical pressures and declining competitiveness, the EU faces pivotal choices. The informal leaders’ retreat presents an opportunity to chart a clear industrial strategy focused on strategic autonomy – rather than relying solely on deregulation.
By Linda Kalcher and Neil Makaroff
While the omnibus laws have eased restrictions on the environment, sustainability and digital issues, the Commission has not yet tackled social policy. In October 2025, the heads of state and government last called for the “agenda for simplification” to be advanced.
By Oliver Zander
