21st Century Disenfranchisement: Recent political movements across Europe and the world suggest that a significant number of people no longer feel represented by mainstream politics. The issue of systemic problems causing citizens to feel left behind by modernisation and globalisation, and therefore support populist or radical views has become increasingly relevant. How can European countries deal with this rising sense of anger and fear amongst voters and ensure governments’ accountability?
Troubled Neighbours: Given the corrupt administrative structures in Eastern Europe, how can the EU better contribute and foster the implementation of good governance principles in Eastern Partnership countries, in the light of a long-term neighbourhood strategy?
Global Legacy: Following the successful creation of the EU Global Strategy in 2016 and the EU’s commitment and continuous effort to peacebuilding, how can the EU be a leading force and mediator of stability in war-torn and disaster-stricken regions across the world?
Mind The Gap: The poorest 20% of the European population has 5.2 times less disposable income compared to the top 20%, indicating an alarming tendency toward severe income disparity and social exclusion. With nearly one in four European citizens living at risk of poverty or social exclusion, how can European countries change this trend and improve the quality of living of individuals in the lower tail of the wealth distribution?
P(l)aying With Numbers: With the Nordic countries switching to cashless societies, how should European countries improve their economic infrastructure for a widespread transfer of digital information, while protecting themselves from identity thefts, cyber attacks, and rising consumer debt?
#MeToo: With numerous allegations of sexual misconduct taking over media and the discussion spreading all across the globe, what measures should the EU take to safeguard the rights of its citizens against sexual violence and encourage victims to speak up?
Ice Ice Baby: With global warming's impact on the Arctic region being twice as palpable than the rest of the world, and its culmination in rapidly growing exploitation of previously unreachable natural resources and energy reserves, how can the EU work together with its northern Member States and other actors in the region in order to safeguard a safe distribution of Arctic natural resources, with the goals of the Energy Union in mind?
The Line of Fire: Amidst continuous political tensions in regions surrounding the European Union, the Baltic States have reinforced their commitment to the international security regime as well as to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). With recent initiatives including plans for stronger EU-NATO military mobility, how should the EU in cooperation with NATO and the US adapt and develop its Security and Defence policy in order to safeguard the stability and safety of all Member States?