The New European Commission: Prospects and Challenges

The EU faces major challenges at home, in its immediate neighbourhood and more widely on the global stage. The security situation and the increasing threat that Russia poses requires increased defence spending, while the climate crisis calls for continued efforts to transform our economy. At the same time, there are budgetary constraints, growing public concerns about the costs of the necessary measures, and an increasing political polarisation on key policy areas. This is a challenging environment, which the new European Commission will have to deal with. The fact that Germany and France have been preoccupied with domestic issues for months and the collapse of the German government coalition are raising questions and concerns in many EU capitals. Furthermore, it is clear that the outcomes of the US elections will have tremendous impacts on Europe.

This expert discussion will provide an opportunity to exchange views on the priorities and work programme of the new von der Leyen Commission. How can Germany and Poland work together to shape an effective EU response to current challenges in these geopolitically turbulent times? And what role can the Polish Presidency of the EU Council play in this regard?


Agenda

Welcome:
Dr. Ryszarda Formuszewicz, Head of the Berlin Office, PISM

Inputs: 
Dr. Thu Nguyen, Deputy Director, Jacque Delors Centre
Dr. Jolanta Szymańska, Head of European Union Programme, PISM

Roundtable discussion moderated by
Dr. Christine Pütz, EU Senior Policy Advisor, European Union and North America Division, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung

Contact: Ewa Peteja, peteja@boell.de