European Student Think Tank

🌍 With the start of 2025, the MENA region is destined to be once again under the world’s spotlight, topping the EU’s external agenda at the beginning of the second mandate of Ursula von der Leyen. The war in Gaza and the protests scattered throughout the region are expected to continue. The erosion of human rights and growing migratory flows are likely to keep fueling authoritarianism in the region, while the new EU approach is likely to continue with new partners on the horizon. Therefore, 2025 already marks a critical juncture in the MENA’s trajectory, but what are the six countries to watch? ✍🏼 ️Written by Hafssa F. Elabiari, Fatin Boualite, Andrea Aznar Macià, Alicia Kerekes Ispas, Giulia Pinna, Hannah Colpitts-Elliott. 🔗 Read it here: https://lnkd.in/ekYZQemY

🌍 Call for Ambassadors: Join the European Student Think Tank! 🌍 Are you passionate about the European Union and eager to make a difference? Do you want to help bridge the gap between the EU and its students? Then this is your opportunity to get involved! We are currently looking for Ambassadors from the following countries: 🇦🇱 Albania, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 🇧🇬 Bulgaria, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇾 Cyprus, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇪 Estonia, 🇫🇮 Finland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇱🇻 Latvia, 🇲🇩 Moldova, 🇲🇪 Montenegro, 🇲🇰 North Macedonia, 🇳🇱 The Netherlands, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇷🇸 Serbia, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇺🇦 Ukraine, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom As an EST Ambassador, you’ll become the main point of contact in your country and help foster an inclusive, diverse network of students and young professionals. Gain hands-on experience in the European policy-making process and contribute to online and offline activities across Europe! 🔗 Apply now: https://lnkd.in/dMGxaBkV ✍ Deadline: 11th Feb

👋 Hey Hey ESTers, it’s weekend days and this is InsideMENA! 📝InsideMENA is the EST’s newsletter that uncovers the most important facts and events from the Middle East and North Africa, touching upon the EU’s interests. 🌍This week, we analyse the three-phased ceasefire in Gaza, the two-sided play of Iran, the developments in Egypt asylum law, and the unprecedent fractures in Sahel. Edited by Hafssa F. Elabiari and Sibilla Gosso 📝Authors: Hannah Colpitts-Elliott, Fatin Boualite, Alicia Kerekes Ispas, and Francesco Prencipe 🔗Don’t forget to subscribe to directly receive InsideMENA in your email every fortnight: https://lnkd.in/e-2gT5mE

♻️🌱 To address the environmental challenges, the EU adopted measures in various areas, including consumer law. In 2024, a new directive was adopted that requires traders to disclose certain information relating to the sustainability of products to consumers. Can these pre-contractual information duties contribute to making consumers more informed and, consequently, to making more sustainability-conscious purchasing decisions? 🗞️ The article examines the recent developments in the EU and raises attention to limitations that might hinder their ability to include sustainability considerations in the consumer decision-making process. Author: Jan Krajnik 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eU3wNuxe

📌 Haven't yet read the latest work of the EU-MENA Observatory on the evolution of regional dynamics and 2025 expectations? 👉 Don't miss this opportunity and discover more here: https://lnkd.in/ekYZQemY

Austria’s Political Crossroads: Democracy vs. Tradition In an unprecedented move, Austria’s President bypassed election results to prioritize democratic values, sparking national debate and international scrutiny. With echoes of the 2000 coalition crisis, this decision tests the resilience of Austria’s democracy amidst rising populism. Dive into the dynamics of Austria’s political turmoil, the role of the EU, and what this means for democratic norms worldwide. ✍ Julia Schurz, Ambassador for Austria 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dA85dkU8

Kaja Kallas has talked tough about China and sees it as a systemic competitor to the European Union. However, with the views of EU members divided on the issue, can she realize the full extent of her policy intentions towards the rising superpower? 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dXz7vE-t ✍ Trystanto Sanjaya

⏳ The countdown is ON! Only THREE WEEKS left to submit your policy memo for the European Policy Prize 2025! 📝✨ This year’s theme: Europe and Threats to Globalization 🌍 Showcase your ideas, gain international recognition, and compete for amazing prizes! 🏆 📅 Deadline: February 6th 🌐 Submit at https://lnkd.in/eyq5jWX5 Don’t miss your chance to make an impact—start writing today! 🚀

📓 This article is a historically embedded account of Ireland's path to reproductive liberation. It discusses early movements such as the Contraceptive Train and the Abortion Referendum, while also analysing contemporary public health policies and strategies. In addition, Ireland's unique context allows for an interesting discussion of contraception movements more widely across the EU. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/eKiC_e3v 📝 Author: Ella Barrett - EST Ambassador for Ireland

The article explores the critical concept of the "Right to have Rights" in a condition of statelessness. It delves into Hannah Arendt's theory and its relevance today, using the plight of the Rohingya population as a case study. Discover the challenges faced by stateless populations, the limitations of international law, and the urgent need for political reforms to ensure human rights are universally actionable. A though-provoking read on the intersection of citizenship, human dignity, and global justice. 🔗 Explore more here: https://lnkd.in/dmBdYXSX 📝 Author: Chiara Zampolli