In light of the ongoing Brexit negotiations and fears of citizens' disillusionment at the upcoming 2019 elections, what new roles can the EU take in facing the rising tide of populist and eurosceptic movements across Europe? By Dorith Blijleven (NL) and Holly Lamb (UK)
The European Parliament and the Council recently agreed to revise the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI), introduced in the Treaty of Lisbon in 2007, in order to make it more accessible as a tool for democratic governance. With decreasing citizen engagement in the decision-making processes, causing alienation and a shrinking trust in the political institutions, what future role should elements of direct democracy play in decision-making at national and EU level? By Christina Hönings (AT) and Jakob Planinšek (SI)
The recent conflict in the Sea of Azov threatens to escalate at a rapid pace, with Ukraine requesting NATO presence in the area. What future steps should the European Union take in order to normalise the relations and defuse the tension between the Russia and Ukraine, while taking into account the overlapping role of its Member States in intergovernmental alliances like NATO? By Andrea Pozderac (BA) and Suzanne van Spijker (NL)
The discussion about the ongoing refugee crisis often mixes the cases of regular immigrants and expatriates with that of asylum seekers. Can the EU develop bilateral deals with the countries of origin of so-called “economic migrants”, in order to reduce the influx of non-asylum seeking immigration? By Sanja Pandža (BA) & Saviël ter Hart (NL)
With the US’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement as well as COP24’s unsatisfying outcome, the world lacks efficient global climate governance. How can the EU organise and enforce effective international climate policy amid the harrowing reality of climate change? By Amanda Häkkinen (FI) & Tim van Woezik (NL)
Despite the number of migrants and refugees arriving in the EU significantly being reduced since the EU-Turkey Refugee Agreement, challenges concerning their integration into the labour market as well as the political stigma that revolves around them exemplify the continued economical and social disparities between natives and third country nationals. What measures should the EU take to further bridge discrepancies between these population groups concerning their socio-economic status? By: Anna von Groß (SE) & Fadi Fahad (NL)
With nearly 160.000 people having been diagnosed with HIV in Europe in 2017, great regional disparities become apparent in fighting against the virus. How can the EU protect public health against HIV, while dealing with the wildly different approaches to the disease in different Member States? By Marts Ivaskis (LV) and Mats Meeus (NL)
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat that could potentially make current medical practices impossi- ble. How can the EU form a collective strategy to tackle this problem across the EU and protect public health? By Tjalling Fokkema (NL) and Margit Kienzl (AT)