Search

Begin New Search Political Geography Europe Content Type Policy Brief Publication Year within 25 Years

1291. How the EU Can Safeguard Its “Fundamental Values”: Two Ideas

Publication Date:
07-2013
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Open Society Foundations
Abstract:
This paper outlines two initiatives that could be taken up by the EU institutions to improve compliance with fundamental rights, democracy and the rule of law by EU Member States. These measures would not require the introduction of new legislation or amendment of the EU treaties. Rather, they could be put into effect within a short time-frame through informal changes in internal policy by the institutions and inter-institutional agreements.
Topic:
Human Rights, Treaties and Agreements, European Union, Democracy, Civil Rights, and Institutions
Political Geography:
Europe

1292. How to Monitor the Rule of Law, Democracy, and Fundamental Rights in the EU

Publication Date:
08-2013
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Open Society Foundations
Abstract:
There is a risk that no concrete steps will emerge from consultations and discussions in the European Commission and Council on how to protect the EU’s fundamental values within its member states. The European Commission could take two initiatives to improve compliance with fundamental rights, democracy, and the rule of law by its member states. Namely, to reintroduce country-monitoring and develop a fundamental rights litigation strategy. These measures would not require the introduction of new legislation or amendment of the EU treaties. Rather, they could be put into effect within a short timeframe through informal changes in internal policy by the institutions and inter-institutional agreements. This policy brief explores the legal and practical feasibility of these two initiatives with the goal of informing EU member state diplomats and Commission officials during their ongoing discussions on how best to protect fundamental rights in Europe.
Topic:
Diplomacy, Human Rights, European Union, Democracy, and Rule of Law
Political Geography:
Europe

1293. The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights: What Can It Do?

Author:
Israel Butler
Publication Date:
02-2013
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Open Society Foundations
Abstract:
The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union is a legally binding document that contains a list of human rights recognised by the European Union (EU). It could become a powerful tool available to influence policy makers or serve as a basis for litigation. Individuals can use judicial and political mechanisms to hold EU institutions, and in certain circumstances member countries, to account when they fail to comply with the Charter. The Charter can also be used to pressure decision makers to bring policies and legislation under development in line with human rights standards. This background paper explains when and how the Charter can be used by advocates at national and EU level.
Topic:
European Union and Political Rights
Political Geography:
Europe

1294. Position Paper: Bringing migrant detention into line with human rights standards

Author:
Costanza Hermanin
Publication Date:
06-2013
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Open Society Foundations
Abstract:
On the occasion of the 2013 review of the implementation of the Return Directive, this position paper encourages the European Commission to consider whether to adopt updated guidelines. It urges member states to consider adopting legislation to bring procedural safeguards and minimum conditions in line with human rights standards whenever detention is used during the return process.
Topic:
Human Rights, Migration, Law, European Union, Legislation, Migrant Workers, and Political Rights
Political Geography:
Europe

1295. Making Sense of Turkish-EU Relations in the Aftermath of the Arab Spring

Author:
Bülent Aras
Publication Date:
04-2013
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Abstract:
Both the EU’s recognition of the importance of its value system and Turkey’s rediscovery of its European component in its foreign policy identity have occurred during a period of radical transformation in the Mediterranean region. The Arab Spring has resulted in a process of renegotiation over territory, identity and governance which has eventually fostered the idea of a new regional political community. The EU is in an advantageous position now if it truly wants to build a political community eastwards and southwards. One logical move would be a renegotiation in the EU over Turkey’s role in a new vision for the future of the EU. Turkey’s European identity and policy style will continue to shape its own neighbourhood policy as it is at the centre of a new geopolitical thinking. Ankara sees itself as having an order-instituting role in its changing neighbourhood and is in a process of recalibrating its policies in this direction. The Turkish and EU models complement each other, and there is no possibility for any other model to compete with these perspectives in the foreseeable
Topic:
International Relations and International Affairs
Political Geography:
Europe and Turkey

1296. The European Global Strategy and the Mediterranean

Author:
Roberto Aliboni
Publication Date:
06-2013
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
IEMed/EuroMeSCo
Abstract:
Many recent comments on the EU's Mediterranean policy come to the conclusion that the challenge raised by the Arab Spring has less to do with existing policies than with lack of strategy. Both in the southern neighborhood and in general, all parameters underlying the Mediterranean policy have changed dramatically.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Defense Policy, Diplomacy, and European Union
Political Geography:
Europe and Middle East

1297. Walking a Thin Line: The Role of Think Tanks in Arab Transitions and Foreign Support

Author:
Pol Morillas
Publication Date:
02-2013
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
IEMed/EuroMeSCo
Abstract:
This policy brief reflects upon the results of the workshop “Rethinking the Role of Think Tanks and Research Institutes and EU Policies towards the Mediterranean”, held in Madrid on 14th December 2012 and organised in collaboration with Real Instituto Elcano and FRIDE. It argues that Arab think tanks can shape political transformations in the region by informing, convening and advocating democratic reform. It also presents a set of recommendations for external powers such as the European Union in support of Arab think tanks.
Topic:
Civil Society, Democratization, Education, and Political Theory
Political Geography:
Europe, Middle East, and Arab Countries

1298. The Future of the European Defence Industry after the December Summit: Ten Polish Priorities

Author:
Paulina Zamelek
Publication Date:
12-2013
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
December's European Council Summit for heads of state or government has been tasked to deliberate European defence industry issues based on proposals provided by the European Commission. A divergence of interests expressed by interlocutors representing Member States, national defence industries and European institutions could result in heated political debate. The ability to accommodate the interests of Central Eastern Europe and Poland in particular in this process is not yet certain, especially as the EU's ambitious plans for strengthening the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) are discordant with the current level playing field across Europe.
Topic:
Security, Defense Policy, and Arms Control and Proliferation
Political Geography:
Europe

1299. Storm over Foreign Funding Continues in Egypt

Author:
Kinga Brudzinska
Publication Date:
12-2013
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
Similar to the situation before the Arab Awakening, state control of civil associations in Egypt remains intact. Correspondingly, foreign funding for NGOs is still a controversial, selective and sensitive topic. Despite the objections of civil society and the international community, a new draft law on NGOs presented in September 2013 will most likely maintain the idea of state oversight of civil society organisations. The European Union, and Poland itself, should constantly monitor the status of the new draft law and actively encourage the authorities to comply with international standards. Despite difficulties with delivering the aid, the EU should stick to its values while supporting Egypt's transition and continue to provide aid to local NGOs.
Topic:
Civil Society, Non-Governmental Organization, and Law
Political Geography:
Europe, North Africa, and Egypt

1300. New Nuclear Builds in Central and Eastern Europe: Safety Aspects

Author:
Jodi Lieberman
Publication Date:
12-2013
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
With nearly all of the countries in Central and Eastern Europe considering construction of new nuclear plants, either to add to existing units or for the first time, it can be instructive to take stock of where they started following 1989, where they are now, and what lies ahead. Most of the countries benefited from nuclear safety-related assistance in the past. Through their membership in the EU and IAEA they also have access to the tools and institutional procedures that can be useful in assessing their nuclear programmes from a nuclear safety point of view. Poland, starting from scratch with a new nuclear build, may benefit from extensive external experience.
Topic:
Energy Policy and Nuclear Power
Political Geography:
Europe