Interview to Věra Jourová, European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency

“Democracy cannot 'do the magic' and protect itself”

In a conversation with Sophie Pornschlegel, Věra Jourová reflected on five years of efforts to safeguard democracy, human rights and the rule of law in the EU, amid increasing threats against democracy and a shifting geopolitical context, not least due to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. 

Read more
Placeholder Image for Video Content

Upcoming events

See more upcoming events

Latest articles

The EU’s free rider at the steering wheel: Orbán in charge of the EU’s rotating presidency

Commentary
Orbán aims to make a big impact during Hungary's six-month EU Council presidency, starting with a controversial visit to Moscow. Shortly after, his party, Fidesz, joined the far-right Patriots alliance in the European Parliament—a long-time goal for Orbán, despite its likely marginal influence. Betting on Trump's re-election, Orbán still ensured a handshake with Biden at the NATO summit. Meanwhile, EU leaders are increasingly sidelining him during the presidency.
By Kata Moravecz and György Folk
vera-jourova-sophie-pornschlegel.png

“Democracy cannot 'do the magic' and protect itself”

Interview
As part of an EU Democracy research project funded by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union office, Sophie Pornschlegel interviewed European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, during the summer break of the European Commission. In their conversation, Vice-President Jourová reflected on five years of efforts to safeguard democracy, human rights and the rule of law in the EU, amid increasing threats against democracy and a shifting geopolitical context, not least due to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. 
By Sophie Pornschlegel and Věra Jourová

Whitewashing Orbán’s image and ideas in Brussels

Commentary
Already within its first few weeks, Hungary’s EU Council presidency has managed to outrage many international commentators. Still, there are indications that Viktor Orbán’s six-month gig in Brussels aims to be first and foremost a PR stunt to sell the Hungarian prime minister and his ideas to the European public. In Europe, this mission is supported by the Mathias Corvinus Collegium, Hungary’s principal “talent promotion institution”. 
By Konrad Bleyer-Simon
nienass-3qs-980-x-654-px.png

3 Questions on the EU's space policy to Niklas Nienaß

3 Questions
In 2023, the European Commission published the first EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence, highlighting the need for a shared understanding and approach to space threats, and promoting global partnerships for responsible space conduct. Space technology plays a crucial role beyond military concerns, affecting our daily life globally. Disruptions to satellite infrastructure can lead to severe consequences, ranging from military incapability to supply chain breakdowns. Space has become a global focal point and a stage for geopolitical manoeuvring. Niklas Nienaß, a former MEP (Greens/EFA, Germany), has been a strong advocate for a cohesive EU space policy. We asked him three questions about the future of EU space policy.
By Hannah Goerlich and Niklas Nienaß
Read all our latest articles

Latest web dossiers

WEB DOSSIER

Europe after the EP 2024 elections

Insights from the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung's offices and partners on the 2024 European Parliament election results, the next EU legislative term, and the "super election" year 2024 ✅🗳️🇪🇺

Read more
Placeholder Image for Video Content
Read all our web dossiers

Latest publications

2024-07-03-11_49_31-.png

Böll.Thema 1/24: Europa - A promise

böll.thema
War in Europe, the worsening climate crisis, Europe's position in the global power structure: the EU is facing historic challenges. The European elections in June 2024 will decide what happens next. Current surveys see right-wing populist parties on the rise. They stir up fears about the future and stir up sentiment against Brussels without themselves having answers to the problems of our time. But we need positive and courageous ideas for Europe.
pdf

Transatlantic Strategy on Critical Raw Materials

Brief
Jacob Mardell compares the US and EU strategies to ensure access to raw materials necessary for the green transition in the face of global competition and shows how these should be based on genuine and inclusive partnerships rather than just economic interests.
pdf
Read all our publications

#StandWithUkraine

We declare our full solidarity with Ukraine. We stand by the side of our Ukrainian partners and colleagues, and at the same time also by the side of our partners in Russian civil society who are under harsh state repression.

Read our statement

In English | Українська версія | Auf Deutsch | En français | En español | Wersja polska

Follow us

Contact us

Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union​
Rue du Luxembourg, 47-51
BE-1050 Brussels, Belgium
Map | Staff

Phone: + 32 (0)2 743 41 00
Fax: + 32 (0)2 743 41 09
E-mail: info [at] eu.boell.org

Sign up to our email updates

© Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung e.V.
Schumannstraße 8
10117 Berlin
T +49 (30) 285 34-0
F +49 (30) 285 34-109
www.boell.de
info@boell.de

back to top