IDM Short Insights 29: EU Elections 2024: Which path will Europe choose?

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In 2024 the citizens of the EU will vote in the European Parliament Elections. At the moment, polls still indicate a majority for the traditional centre-right, centre-left coalition of EPP, S&D, and Renew Europe. In the newest IDM Short Insight Sophia Beiter explains how right-wing and Eurosceptic parties are expected to gain votes at the expense of centre parties. They are profiting from the worries and concerns in the population caused by the war in Ukraine, the Covid pandemic, inflation, the energy crisis and migration.

Transcript:

In 2024 the EU will vote. Behind me you can see the building of the European Parliament in Brussels. And from 6th to 9th June a new European Parliament will be elected. Since the last European elections in 2019, Europe has had to face lots of crises. Especially the covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine, which have deeply affected the whole of Europe. The energy crises and the inflation are causing concerns in the population, and are leading to distrust in national governments and the EU. A special Flash Eurobarometer survey from autumn 2023 shows that a majority of EU citizens are discontent with the overall course of the European Union. 39% of EU citizens think that things are going in the wrong direction in the EU currently, while only 26% think that things are going in the right direction. In some Central European countries these rather negative attitudes towards the EU are even more evident. In Austria 50% of the population are not satisfied with the situation of the EU. And in its neighbours, Slovakia and Hungary, this proportion rises to just over 50%. Far-right parties are using these sentiments, the economic uncertainty and the topic of migration for themselves. In the future they are expected to secure votes not only in national governments in Europe but also on EU level. For now, the polls still indicate a majority voting intention going towards a traditional centre-right, centre-left coalition of the European People’s Party, the Socialists and Democrats, and Renew Europe. However, polls also show that right-wing parties are making up ground at the expense of centre parties. The outcomes of the 2024 European Parliament elections will shape the political scene in the EU for the next 5 years. Therefore, already now these elections are greatly awaited not only here in Brussels, but in all member states. 

A Summary: The Schengen Area Enlargement: In Need of a Constructive Solution

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At the beginning of December, the Council of the European Union is expected to hold another vote on the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Area. Ahead of this, the IDM organized a high-level discussion on the future of the Schengen Area at its premises in Vienna, exploring the possibility of enlargement. The panel featured a selection of distinguished speakers: H.E. Daniel Glunčić, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia; H.E. Emil Hurezeanu, Ambassador of Romania; H.E. Desislava Naydenova-Gospodinova, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria; Tom Snels, Head of Unit, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, Deputy Director-General in charge of Schengen & Internal Security, European Commission; and Georg Stillfried, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Austria. 

The discussion addressed the issues surrounding Bulgaria’s and Romania’s accession to the Schengen Area in light of the recent successful example of Croatia. While Croatia was admitted to the Schengen area as of 1st January 2023, Romania and Bulgaria are still waiting to join. For nearly a year, Austria has maintained its veto on their accession, and there have also been concerns expressed by the Netherlands.  

One of the main reasons for Austria’s continued veto of the proposed Schengen enlargement is the multiple illegal external EU border crossings, which have put pressure on Austrian Schengen frontiers, as well as the issue of security. For example, three quarters of those arriving in Austria have not been registered before. Austria is not the only country that has concerns: It is worth noting that 11 member states have recently reinstated internal border controls. 

There was no consensus among panellists as to what extent the Schengen zone has become dysfunctional, whether the expansion should happen before or after it is fixed, or whether it should be adjusted if all EU member states join. While many countries criticize the functioning of the border-free area, the Schengen zone attracts over six million travellers in one year, and only around 0.05%, a small but tricky proportion, arrive illegally. 

Bulgaria and Romania have made significant progress in meeting the requirements for joining the Schengen Area. In view of this, accession is arguably a right, not a privilege. Moreover, the proposed enlargement is not merely a technical or symbolic issue but also has very practical implications, allowing students, workers and the transport sector to cross borders with considerably less delay, as well as reducing the pollution caused by long queues of vehicles at the borders.  

The Schengen Area is one of the greatest achievements of European integration. Bulgaria’s and Romania’s accession would further promote this integration within the EU, paving the way for an effective joint external border management. While the timeline for an expansion of Schengen remains to be decided, there is still hope that a positive decision could be made at EU level by the end of the year. H.E. Daniel Glunčić stressed the idea of solidarity and the importance of supporting Europe, channelling national identity into the European idea. 

These were some of the key points raised in the panel discussion “The Future of the Schengen Area: Exploring its Enlargement” held at the IDM in Vienna on 7th November 2023. The discussion was moderated by managing director Sebastian Schäffer. It was implemented within the project EUact2 “Towards Democratic and Inclusive Europe: EP Elections and Active Citizens Participation and Contribution” funded by the European Union. 

The event was recorded and can be watched here:

The Future of the Schengen Area: Exploring its Enlargement

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The Schengen area is one of the greatest achievements of European integration. But the area of free movement survives only when trust and solidarity prevail over conjunctural national interests among member states. While Croatia was admitted to the Schengen area as of 1st January 2023, Romania and Bulgaria – both meeting the requirements – are still waiting for their accession. The European Parliament and the overwhelming majority of member states repeatedly stressed the relevance of concluding the enlargement of the Schengen area by the end of 2023 and in her recent State of the European Union address, also President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of Bulgaria and Romania joining the Schengen zone.  

This panel discussed the prospects for enlarging the Schengen zone after the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council, scheduled for October 2023. It discussed the impact of denying Schengen accession on the population of Bulgaria and Romania – especially on young people. Additionally, it examined the current challenges in the zone, such as the increased flows of migrants and refugees and border controls inside the zone.  

The discussion covered the following aspects: 

  • How does the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen zone contribute to strengthening, rather than weakening, the overall security framework in Europe? 
  • Between concerns about migration and a labour market relying consistently on Romanian and Bulgarian care workers – how can some member states’ veto be comprehended, and what could Bucharest and Sofia do on the diplomatic front to change the position of the blocking MS?  
  • Could, if it would be the case, another veto against the Schengen accession of Romania and Bulgaria fuel anti-European sentiments in the countries, especially among young voters? 

The goal of the event is to build and enhance engagement and participation of EU citizens and deepen knowledge and awareness about the EU among citizens. 

The discussion is implemented in a framework EUact2-“Towards Democratic and Inclusive Europe: EP Elections and Active Citizens Participation and Contribution” project that  aims to build a sustained level of citizens’ activism, especially among young people, so their voices are better represented in the European policymaking. It is funded by the European Union. 

 

Robert Fico Returns: Will Slovakia Become the New Hungary?

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Left-wing populist Robert Fico, who was removed from power in Slovakia in 2018 after corruption scandals, has returned to power and formed a coalition with leftist and nationalist parties, which could have significant implications for Central Europe and the European Union.

Read the whole article by Daniel Martínek and Péter Techet here.

Press release Danubius Awards 2023

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BM Polaschek: Forschende im Rahmen der Danubius Awards 2023 ausgezeichnet 

Bei der Verleihung der Danubius Awards 2023 wurden Forschende aus dem Donauraum für ihre wissenschaftlichen Leistungen geehrt. 

Am 19. Oktober wurden im Rahmen der Danubius Awards 2023 Forschende, die sich in hervorragender Weise mit dem Donauraum auseinandergesetzt haben, ausgezeichnet. 

Der „Danubius Award 2023“ ging an Univ.-Prof. PD Dr. Andreas H. Farnleitner MSc.Tox. Ass.Prof. Dr. Marco Beaumont wurde mit dem „Danubius Mid-Career Award 2023“ ausgezeichnet. Darüber hinaus wurden 14 Nachwuchswissenschafterinnen und –wissenschafter aus dem Donauraum mit dem „Danubius Young Scientist Awards geehrt. 

Martin Polaschek, Bundesminister für Bildung, Wissenschaft und Forschung gratulierte den Preisträgerinnen und –trägern und betonte die hohe Relevanz exzellenter wissenschaftlicher Forschung für den Wissenschaftsstandort Österreich und den Donauraum. 

„Die Preisträgerinnen und Preisträger zeigen in eindrucksvoller Weise den elementaren Beitrag der Wissenschaft zur Erhaltung des Donauraums als Lebens- und Wirtschaftsraum und zur Entwicklung von Lösungen im Sinne der Nachhaltigkeit. Ich gratuliere Univ.-Prof. Dr. Farnleitner und Ass. Prof. Dr. Beaumont sehr herzlich zu ihrer verdienten Auszeichnung und bedanke mich für ihr wissenschaftliches Engagement“, betont der Bundesminister. „Zudem freue ich mich, dass wir heuer zum bereits zehnten Mal die Danubius Young Scientist Awards vergeben haben und so zur Sichtbarmachung der exzellenten Talente in der Region beitragen. Ich gratuliere allen Ausgezeichneten herzlich zu ihrem Erfolg. Mit ihrer hervorragenden Leistung bringen sie unseren Forschungs- und Wissenschaftsstandort einen großen Schritt weiter.  

Der „Danubius Award wurde 2011 zur Auszeichnung von Personen ins Leben gerufen, die sich mit ihrem wissenschaftlichen Werk oder Schaffen in hervorragender Weise mit dem Donauraum auseinandergesetzt haben. Der Arbeitsschwerpunkt des diesjährigen Preisträgers Dr. Farnleitner liegt im Bereich Wasserqualität und Gesundheit mit dem Fokus auf Gefahren- und Risikobewertung sowie dem Management mikrobiologischer Verschmutzungen im Wasser. Er trägt mit seiner Arbeit zum grundlegenden Verständnis der Wasserqualität entlang der gesamten Donau und ihres Einzugsgebiets bei. Dies zum Beispiel durch die Entwicklung und Anwendung neuer genetischer Analysewerkzeuge zum Herkunftsnachweis fäkaler Verschmutzungen und Krankheitserreger im Wasser.
Prof. Farnleiter ist berufener Professor für Mikrobiologie und molekulare Diagnostik an der TU Wien und hält auch den Lehrstuhl für mikrobiologische Diagnostik an der Karl Landsteiner Privatuniversität. 

Ass.Prof. Dr. Marco Beaumont, der mit dem „Danubius Mid-Career Award 2023“ ausgezeichnet wurde, widmet sich in seiner Forschung der Verwertung von Biomasse-Abfallströmen und der Entwicklung nachhaltiger chemischer Prozesse zur Modifizierung von Biopolymeren. Seine Arbeit trägt zur Entwicklung lokaler Bioraffinerie-Konzepte bei, die Wasserpflanzen aus dem Donauraum als Rohstoffe nutzen und die Entwicklung einer zukünftigen biobasierten Wirtschaft in dieser Region unterstützen sollen.
Marco Beaumont ist an der Universität für Bodenkultur Wien, am Institut für Chemie nachwachsender Rohstoffe tätig und leitet dort die Forschungsgruppe für Chemistry of Renewable Nanomaterials.  

Preiskategorien und Auswahl  

Der „Danubius Award“  wird jährlich im Rotationsprinzip für Leistungen in den Geistes-, Kultur- und Sozialwissenschaften oder in den Lebenswissenschaften (2023) vergeben und ist mit € 5.000,- dotiert.  

Der „Danubius Mid-Career Award“ ist mit 2.200,- Euro dotiert und wird seit 2017 an Forschende bis maximal 15 Jahre nach ihrem letzten formalen wissenschaftlichen Abschluss vergeben, die in ihrer wissenschaftlichen Karriere wichtige Impulse für den Donauraum gesetzt haben.  

Die beiden Preisträger wurden von einer unabhängigen Fachjury unter dem Vorsitz von Univ.-Prof. Dr. Martin Gerzabek (Universität für Bodenkultur Wien) ausgewählt.  

Seit 2014 werden auch die “Danubius Young Scientist Awards“ vergeben. Diese Nachwuchsförderpreise, die für alle Disziplinen offenstehen, heben die wissenschaftliche Arbeit und das Talent junger Forscherinnen und Forscher hervor und tragen dazu bei, dass sich die Nachwuchsforschenden mit der Donau und dem Donauraum auf vielfältige Weise beschäftigen. Die Nachwuchspreise sind mit € 1.350,- je Preisträger/ Preisträgerin dotiert. Die Auswahl erfolgte durch eine internationale Begutachtung.  

Mit der Vergabe dieser Awards leistet das BMBWF einen Beitrag zur Umsetzung der 2011 vom Europäischen Rat beschlossenen EU-Strategie für den Donauraum (EUSDR).  

 

Preisträger/Preisträgerinnen der “Danubius Young Scientist Awards“: 

Bosnien und Herzegowina  Mirza Buljubašić  
Bulgarien  Nevena Aleksieva 
Deutschland  Benedikt Bagemihl  
Kroatien  Stjepan Srhoj 
Moldawien  Anastasia Ivanova  
Montenegro  Isidora Stanković 
Österreich  Magdalena Baran-Szołtys  
Rumänien  Alexandra Cehan  
Serbien  Olja Šovljanski  
Slowakei  Dominika Oravkinová 
Slowenien  Tina Kegl 
Tschechien  Zdeněk Jakub 
Ukraine   Ivan Laktionov 
Ungarn  Ádám Lovas-Kiss  

 

 

Poland after Elections: Malwina Talik at the Discussion of the IIP (Vienna)

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International Institute for Peace (Vienna) organized a panel discussion about the outcomes of the parliamentary in Poland and their impact on the regional, especially its relations with Ukraine and Belarus.

Our colleague Malwina Talik was among the speakers together with Maciej Kisilowski, Associate Professor of Law and Strategy, Central European University, Artyom Shraibman, Belarusian Political Analyst; Contributor to Carnegie Politika and Olena Khylko, Researcher at the Comenius University in Bratislava. The event was moderated by Marylia Hushcha, Researcher at the IIP.

More information here.

This may also be of interest:

Wohin steuert Polen?

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Polen hat ein neues Parlament gewählt, die Opposition um Donald Tusk könnte künftig regieren. Politologin Malwina Talik analysiert im Video, was das für die Zukunft des Landes heißt.

Lesen Sie den gesamten Artikel hier.

 

Melanie Jaindl receives award for „Best Master Thesis in Southeast European Studies”

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Photo credit: Südosteuropa Gesellschaft e.V.

For her master thesis with the title “Gender and Visual Securitization of Migrants along the Balkan Route”, Melanie Jaindl received the award for the best master thesis in Southeast European Studies from the Südosteuropa Gesellschaft e.V. The award ceremony took place in the framework of the International Academic Week at the Akademie für Politische Bildung in Tutzing, Germany.

Melanie finished her Joint Master’s Degree in Southeast European Studies at the University of Graz and University of Belgrade in March 2023. Her thesis investigates the visual portrayal of refugees and other migrants in Hungarian and Serbian online news media and conceptualizes how collective memory and the representation of intersectional identity markers (gender, race, age, etc.) led to securitization of people travelling the so-called Balkan Route in 2015.

Is the Polish Government’s Provocative Immigration Rhetoric Going To Work?

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Poland’s general elections are coming up this Sunday. The ruling Law and Justice party has added a referendum to the ballot, with questions intended to stoke fears about immigration. This may be a tactic Law and Justice is using to edge out its right-wing challenger, Konfederacja. But will it work?

Read the whole article here.

Moldova’s candidate status and how think tanks can contribute to EU integration – the example of the IDM

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Date:
October 12, 2023
13:00 – 15:00 CEST

‘Ion Creangă’ Pedagogical State University of Chișinău, str. Ion Creangă No. 1, main building, 2nd floor, Mediatica 

With the unprovoked and unjustified full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, not only has the European security  architecture been destroyed, but also the Eastern dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy has ultimately become obsolete. Moldova, together with Georgia and Ukraine, had already been pushing within the so-called Associated Trio for a closer cooperation as well as approximation to the EU. Contrary to the other three target countries of the Eastern Partnership (EaP) – with the suspension of Belarus’ participation in the EaP, the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement with Armenia and a similar agreement being negotiated with Azerbaijan – Chisinau wants to become an EU member. Following the application for membership in March 2022 as well as the candidate status received in June 2022, expectations are high that by the end of 2023, negotiations with Brussels could be opened. Regardless of when this happens, integration will take significant time and effort. Civil society organizations and think tanks play an important role in supporting these efforts. We discussed how the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM) had been fostering European integration through regional cooperation over the past 70 years and proposed the concept of a Greater European Council, a policy that could contribute to a better transition in becoming an EU member both in general and in the specific case of Moldova.