EU’s post-election trajectory: What role for citizens and civil society?

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On 10 July 2024, the final event of our EUact2 project, a panel discussion entitled “EU’s post–elections trajectory: What role for citizens and civil society?”, took place in Brussels at the European Policy Center (EPC).  Vladislava Gubalova (Senior Fellow, GLOBSEC) presented the EUact2 project to the audience, which the IDM, represented by Research Associate Sophia Beiter, has been jointly implementing with GLOBSEC, European Movement Ireland and ELIAMEP since 2022. The presentation included a short video summarising the various events and activities during the two-year project. In total, the project reached 1,574 people in person and over 316,000 people online via social media. 

Afterwards, panelists discussed the EU election results and the future role of civil society. The speakers were Antonella Valmorbida (Secretary General, ALDA), Apostolos Samaras (Attorney at Law and Research Fellow, Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy) and Noelle O’Connell (CEO, European Movement Ireland); the session was moderated by Johannes Greubel (Senior Analyst, Head of Transnationalisation Programme and Connecting Europe Lead, EPC).  

In the discussion, the importance of projects such as EUact2 was emphasised, especially in times of shrinking civil space and increasing polarisation in society. With regard to the increasing number of votes for far-right parties both in the EU and in national elections, the panelists agreed that far-right voters should not be demonised, but on the contrary should be listened to, in order to find out why they vote for these parties. The discussion also highlighted the power of civic engagement and the crucial role of civil society for creating trust, awareness and a shared sense of responsibility. Furthermore, the panelists agreed that civil society must decode the added value of the EU for citizens, while the EU itself needs to become more robust and defend its values, which should not be negotiable.  

Péter Techet für Napunk (Denník N) über „Patrioten für Europa“

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Im Artikel der ungarischsprachigen Ausgabe der slowakischen Tageszeitung „Denník N“ analysierte Péter Techet die neue Fraktion „Patrioten für Europa“, welche im Europäischen Parlament mit rechtradikalen Parteien unter anderem auch aus Ungarn, Tschechien und Österreich entstanden war. Er meint, dass die neue Fraktion eigentlich ein Rebranding der früheren Fraktion „Identität und Demokratie“ (ID) darstellt, weil die meisten Mitgliederparteien aus dieser Fraktion kommen. Das Rebranding ermöglicht aber Viktor Orbán und Andrej Babiš, die bei der ID noch nicht dabei waren, die neue Fraktion als ihr Erfolg zu „verkaufen“. Dass auch Marine Le Pen letztendlich bei dieser Gruppierung blieb, wertete Techet als Entscheidung von Le Pen gegen einen moderaten Weg, den etwa Giorgia Meloni und ihre Fraktion „Europäische Konservative und Reformer“ (ERC) eingeschlagen hatte. Obwohl die neue Fraktion „Patrioten“ die drittstärkste Kraft im neuen Europäischen Parlament wird, rechnet Techet nicht damit, dass sie die europäische Politik wesentlich bestimmen kann, weil die informelle Koalition zwischen der Europäischen Volkspartei (EPP), den Sozialisten (S&D) und den Liberalen (Renew) weiterhin über die Mehrheit verfügt bzw. weil auch die rechtsradikalen Parteien, etwa in der Frage zum Ukrainekrieg, gespalten sind.

Der Artikel (auf Ungarisch) kann hier gelesen werden.

IDM Short Insights 37: New EU Commission: Will von der Leyen secure another term as President?

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On 18 July, the European Parliament will vote on Ursula von der Leyen for a second term as EU Commission President. In the newest Short Insight Sophia Beiter (IDM) explains under what conditions the re-election will be successful. Von der Leyen needs at least 361 of the 720 votes. She will need the support of the EPP, S&D, Renew and potentially the Greens or the ECR. If von der Leyen’s election is successful, the process of the formation of the new Commission can begin.

Transcript:

I am here in the hemicycle of the European Parliament in Brussels, where the Members of the EU Parliament meet to hold debates and plenary sessions. And it will be the newly elected 720 Members of the European Parliament who will soon decide on the fate of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Right after the EU elections in June 2024, the race for the EU top jobs started. By now, EU leaders have approved Ursula von der Leyen for a second term as EU Commission President, Kaja Kallas as High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Antonio Costa as European Council President. But regarding Kallas and von der Leyen, the last say in the matter has the European Parliament.

Ursula von der Leyen needs to be voted by the European Parliament and she needs at least 361 out of the 720 votes. That means that she has to secure votes not only in her own political group, the conservative European People’s Party, but also in other political groups, traditionally the Socialists and Democrats and Renew Europe. Theoretically, the votes from these three groups would suffice for a majority, but not all parties in these groups support von der Leyen. And as the vote is secret, in the end the decision is up to every single Member of Parliament themselves. That is why Ursula von der Leyen might also seek support from the Greens or the European Conservatives and Reformists.

Furthermore, the dynamics in the European Parliament have still been shifting and things are moving very fast these days here in Brussels. Recently, not one but two new far right groups were formed in the European Parliament. The Patriots for Europe, consisting of many parties that previously belonged to the Identity and Democracy Group, and the Europe of Sovereign Nations, a far right group founded by the German AfD.

If the election of Ursula von der Leyen for a second term as EU Commission President is successful, the formation of the new Commission can begin. The Commission President selects the Commissioners based on nominations from each of the 27 EU countries. The Commissioners will also be assigned specific policy portfolios. After that, the commissioner-designates will be assessed by the EU Parliament in public hearings, followed by a vote of the EU Parliament. Only after this process is completed will the new European Commission be ready to start its work for the EU in the next five years.

Sebastian Schäffer hält Keynote bei den Internationalen Donaugesprächen in Ulm

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Fotos: Ilja Mess 

Am 11. Juli lud die Baden-Württemberg Stiftung gemeinsam mit dem Staatsministerium Baden-Württemberg zu den Internationalen Donaugesprächen nach Ulm/Neu-Ulm. Die Veranstaltung fand unter dem Titel “Der Donauraum nach der Europawahl 2024: Perspektiven für die Zivilgesellschaft“ statt, bei der IDM-Direktor Sebastian Schäffer die Keynote hielt. Nach seiner Analyse der Wahlergebnisse zum Europäischen Parlament mit Fokus auf den Donauraum, fand eine Podiumsdiskussion statt. Schäffer diskutierte dabei weitere Aspekte und insbesondere die Auswirkungen auf die Zivilgesellschaft im Donauraum mit hochkarätigen Gästen: 

Florian Hassler (Staatssekretär für politische Koordinierung und Europa, Sondergesandter des Landes Baden-Württemberg für die EUSDR), Prof. Dr. Ellen Bos (Lehrstuhl für vergleichende Politikwissenschaft mit Schwerpunkt Mittel- und Osteuropa in der EU, Andrássy Universität Budapest), sowie Michael Joukov (Mitglied des Landtags von Baden-Württemberg, Mitglied des Ausschusses für Europa und Internationales).  

Das gut besuchte Event fand im Erwin-Scharff-Haus in Neu-Ulm statt, in dessen Umgebung auf beiden Ufern der Donau bereits zum 13. Mail das Internationale Donaufest den Anrainerstaaten des Flusses die Möglichkeit bot sich kulinarisch und künstlerisch zu präsentieren.  

“Für mich war es nicht nur inhaltlich eine wirklich spannende Reise die Donau aufwärts, meine persönliche Verbindung zu Bayern und Baden-Württemberg machten es für mich zu einem ganz besonderen Erlebnis. Ich bedanke mich herzlich bei der Stiftung sowie dem Staatsministerium für die Einladung und die außergewöhnliche und reibungslose Kooperation. Ich habe mich auch sehr gefreut alte Kooperationspartnerinnen zu treffen, sowie neue Kontakte knüpfen zu können”, so der IDM-Direktor. 

Über die Veranstaltung ist auch ein Artikel in der Südwest Presse erschienen.

Vertreter der Bundeswehr besuchen das IDM

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Am 10. Juli begrüßte IDM-Direktor Sebastian Schäffer die Flugbetriebsstaffel HSG 64 der Deutschen Bundeswehr bei in den Räumlichkeiten des Instituts in Wien. Nach der Vorstellung der Hauptaktivitäten des IDM konzentrierte sich die Diskussion auf die Zukunft der europäischen Sicherheitspolitik, einschließlich Zukunftsszenarien für den Russischen Überfall auf die Ukraine und der Auswirkungen der ungarischen EU-Ratspräsidentschaft sowie externer Faktoren wie die anstehenden US-Wahlen. 

Darüber hinaus präsentierte Schäffer das Konzept eines Erweiterten Europäischen Rats als Begleitung eines vereinfachten EU-Beitrittsprozess sowie als Alternative zur Europäischen Politischen Gemeinschaft.  

Das IDM freut sich, die dabei entstandene anregende Diskussion fortzuführen. Vielen Dank an Kay Sperber von der Bundeswehr sowie Stefan Hofmann von der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Stuttgart für die Organisation, wir freuen uns auf die Fortsetzung der Kooperation! 

IDM signs Memorandum of Understanding with Verkhovna Rada

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The IDM has recently deepened its relations with Ukrainian civil society by commencing a cooperation with the Ukrainian parliament. 

On 4 July 2024, IDM Director Sebastian Schäffer welcomed representatives from the Secretariat of the Verkhovna Rada and the USAID RADA Next Generation Program (RANG) to the Institute’s offices in Vienna. The delegation was led by Viacheslav Shtuchnyi, Secretary General of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.  

During the meeting, Schäffer presented the activities of the IDM, focusing on the Institute’s role in facilitating working and cultural relations between the Ukrainian government, NGOs and universities. The delegation then engaged in a roundtable discussion to explore possibilities of further collaboration with the IDM, including the possibility of continuing the successful cooperation with the Austrian Parliament in implementing Democracy Workshops in the region. Secretary General Shtuchnyi kindly presented Schäffer with a set of three commemorative coins. 

Later in the day, a Letter of Intent between the Austrian Parliament and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine regarding the aforementioned Democracy Workshops was signed by Wolfgang Sobotka, Speaker of the National Council of the Austrian Parliament, Harald Dossi, Secretary General of the Austrian Parliament, and Viacheslav Shtuchnyi. The IDM is mentioned as an implementing partner in the agreement.  

© Parlamentsdirektion/Johannes Zinner

Finally, the delegation visited the Europa Experience Vienna of the European Parliament, where Secretary General Shtuchnyi and Schäffer signed a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the Verkhovna Rada and the IDM. During the next five years, the memorandum foresees that both Parties organise conferences, assist each other in establishing cooperation in areas of mutual interest and coordinate the implementation of joint projects based on grants, competitions and other forms of involvement of international technical assistance. Furthermore, the memorandum mentions the possibility of creating joint educational and scientific programmes, of organising and conducting internships, consultations and professional development (on a contractual basis) as well as assisting in the establishment and development of relations with international organisations and foundations. 

“I am honoured and it is certainly one of the highlights of my career to have been able to sign this memorandum. It is our task now to fill this with concrete actions and continue our efforts to deepen the mutual cooperation with Ukraine,”

said Schäffer. The IDM highly values its collaborations with the Verkhovna Rada as well as the Austrian Parliament, where we are especially thankful to Katharina Stourzh and her team for the long-standing good cooperation. We are looking forward to engaging in continued work together! 

Malwina Talik has been selected as a Transatlantic Security Fellow

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Our colleague Malwina Talik has been selected as a fellow of the Transatlantic Security Initiative and took part in the first study visit and workshops in Warsaw.  

The initiative brings together seasoned elected officials, their staff, and think-tank representatives from Visegrad countries, as well as Croatia, Romania, and Slovenia, to discuss current and evolving threats to democratic institutions and security. It also aims to strengthen transatlantic cooperation. 

The initiative is organized by IRI. 

Sebastian Schäffer at IRI Post-EU-Election-Analysis

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Photo credits: Mathias Weiß 

The International Republican Institute (IRI) together with the Politische Akademie organised a seminar analysing the European elections. High-level participants from Central and Eastern Europe, among them former Prime Minister Kirill Petkov, (former) members of the European Parliament and think tankers, came to Vienna for an intensive programme. IDM Director Sebastian Schäffer spoke in one module about “Re-Balancing the EU – how CEE parties and countries can work together to ensure representation in EU top jobs” and discussed amongst others the idea of a Greater European Council.   

Call for participation: 9th Young Scholars Forum on Central and Southeastern Europe 2024 “Regions as Drivers of European Integration”

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Organised and hosted by the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM), the Forum invites young, earlystage students and researchers from across Europe to present their research, fostering transnational dialogue and cooperation across borders. Aligned with the IDM’s vision and mission of promoting democracy, freedom, and human rights through regional collaboration, the Forum aims to advance the research on European integration by examining the pivotal role of regions. Participants will engage in expert-led panels, explore themes such as decentralised governance and macro-regional strategies, and partake in a vibrant social programme, while enhancing their academic and professional networks.

The first two days of the Forum will involve four thematic panels moderated by experts, the third day is designated for further exchange among participants during a thematically appropriate social programme in Vienna and Lower Austria.

Aims of the Forum

  • Promoting and encouraging young scholars to engage with Central and Southeastern Europe
  • Presentation of young scholars’ research to a wider public
  • Exchange among young and more advanced researchers on topics, methods, sources and results
  • Networking with established experts from the field
  • Facilitating mobility within the region
  • Providing cultural programme in Vienna and Lower Austria
  • Exploring the role and activities of the Government of Lower Austria as one of the federal states of Austria
  • Engaging with the project partner ARGE Donauländer (Working Community of the Danube Regions)
  • Publication of contributions and results in the IDM scientific journal Der Donauraum

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a maximum of 20 young scholars working on Central and Southeastern Europe in the fields of peace research and security policy, cultural studies, political sciences, economy, geography, sociology, media studies and history to contribute with their research to the analysis of the afore-mentioned issues.

What you need to apply

  • a full academic CV
  • an abstract (max. 500 words) of the research paper that shall be presented and discussed at the forum

Costs for travel expenses (up to € 200,-) as well as board & accommodation will be covered by the IDM.

Applications for participation should be submitted in English via e-mail by September 30, 2024. Early bird applications are highly welcomed.

 

Please send your application to:

Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM)
Mr Daniel Martínek | d.martinek@idm.at

 

Language of the Forum: English

Thematic programme of the Forum

Panel I

From local to regional

In the context of European integration, local and regional communities play a vital role in shaping and implementing EU policies using the bottom-up approach. Being the closest to the citizens, local governments address specific needs and challenges and foster grassroots democracy. Regional bodies coordinate these efforts, ensuring coherence with broader EU objectives. This multi-level governance enhances policy effectiveness, promotes economic and social cohesion at the local level, and strengthens European identity by involving citizens directly and locally in the integration process. We will focus on the role of local and regional actors within the European multi-level governance structures.

Chaired by Nadija Afanasieva, Director of Ukrainian Institute for International Politics (UIIP)

Panel II

Decentralised governance and regional autonomy

The panel elaborates on the balance and interaction between regional and national authoritiesin the framework of both the nation-state and European governance. While nation-states currently coordinate EU policies and ensure the unity and coherence of their implementation, regions are in fact the receivers and final beneficiaries who effectively tailor EU policies to local needs. This structure allows regions to innovate and address unique challenges while contributing to broader EU goals, fostering both regional identity and European solidarity. We discuss the potentials and challenges of decentralised governance and of gaining more regional autonomy, considering the distinctive nature of the countries of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe.

Chaired by Elisabeth Donat, Assistant Professor at the Department for European Policy and the Study of Democracy of the University for Continuing Education Krems

Panel III

Macro-regional strategies

We will explore the role of EU macro-regional strategies in enhancing integration, cohesion, and enlargement and how these address regional challenges, promote economic development, and foster environmental sustainability. Special emphasis will be placed on the discrepancies and differences between EU member and non-member countries, examining governance, development levels, and access to EU funding. Following the Austrian Presidency of the EUSDR in 2024, we will re-evaluate the role of macro-regional strategies and their contribution to the enhancement of regional cooperation and stability in the Danube Region.

Chaired by Robert Lichtner, Coordinator of the Danube Strategy Point

Panel IV

Bringing borders back

The impact of geographical, territorial and nation-state as well as mental borders on European integration and enlargement will be the focus of this panel. We will address the resurgence of nationalism and protectionism amongst European national governments and its effects on the perception of European multi-level governance. We will take a look at how to balance national sovereignty with the goals of European integration, cohesion and enlargement given the current stagnating and centrifugal forces of European integration.

Chaired by Almina Bešić, Assistant Professor at the Johannes Kepler University Linz

 

In cooperation with: