Thanks for having me on this EPC Update on the #EUelections2024 and the political & strategic outlook for the EU. In-depth discussion of the manifold challenges ahead. I hope I did leave you with a dose of optimism in the end - there is also good stuff happening in Europe!

As Daniela Schwarzer points out, 'The transformative power of EU #enlargement could be lost if the #EU doesn't stay committed to that goal. 🇪🇺 institutions need to be prepared and the public must be involved.'

So glad to share the panel but most of all to share the EU flag with you, Milan!

Now looking forward to our debate at #Prague castle « Enlarged Europe in 20 years »

“We know that we must defend Europe” says 🇩🇪 Pres #Steinmeier , referencing Emmanuel Macron’s #Sorbonne2 warning that “Europe can die”

Celebrating 2004 EU enlargement in Prague, he warns of nationalism & attacks on democracy. Strong support for 🇺🇦 & a stronger EU that can grow

Prime Minister Petr Fiala kicks off 🇨🇿’s EU membership celebration with a strong case for a more capable and enlarging EU, support for Ukraine, reduction of strategic dependencies, internal reforms without treaty change.

At first sight, this looks like the perfect day to spend outside in stunning Prague, rather than at a conference.
However, today, Czechia celebrates 20 years of EU membership. I am honoured to join a dialogue on European priorities for the next 20 years.

My latest for Internationale Politik: If geopolitical pressures have put enlargement back on the political agenda, the right answer is not a rushed process, but a thorough preparation of the EU to improve its capacity to act: adaptation of policies & decision making & new fundingg sources.

🚨US-Schicksalswahl: #Trump oder #Biden ? Während Martin Bialecki und Joachim Staron ein Déjà-vu erleben, beschäftigt sich die neue IP „Wer hat Angst vor Donald Trump?“ mit den möglichen Auswirkungen eines Trump 2.0-Szenarios. Ab 29.04. im Abo, am Kiosk & digital!

Danke Reinhard Bütikofer !

Habt einen tollen Start! Herzlichen Glückwunsch!

I was honoured to welcome Albin Kurti this morning to discuss Kosovo’s next steps towards membership in the Council of Europe, a historical opportunity not to be missed. Participants appreciated the frank exchange on concrete proposals, regional developments & geopolitics in #WB

Very much looking forward!

As the EU zooms in on #EP elections, the sustained interest in how to enlarge is good.
I argue that the EU needs to get ready for new members now
The geopolitical imperative of enlargment is also an imperative to strengthen the EU by solidifying rule of law & its capacity to act

Early morning podcast: We started our day with a debate on the future of democracy. Looking ahead towards upcoming elections, participatory democracy - and reviewing our discussion with Chancellor Olaf Scholz on democracy in 🇩🇪, 🇪🇺 & worldwide. Out soon! @mariejunemann

Wir haben bei unserer Jahrespressekonferenz unser Jahresthema « Demokratie stärken! » & konkrete Projekte vorgestellt, neue Zahlen zum gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhalt präsentiert und auf europäische und internationale Entwicklungen geblickt, die uns 2024ff in Atem halten werden

Overwhelming majority of 131 to 29:
Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe recommends that #Kosovo joins Council of Europe

A historical result & a vote of confidence for 🇽🇰 that hopefully creates some momentum for more democratic stability in the WB

Next, 🇽🇰 needs 2/3 gvts vote in May