Democracy in retreat: In light of recent constitutional reforms in some Member States, independence of the judiciary and freedom of the press are in jeopardy. What further steps should the EU take in confronting as well as preventing rule of law crises in Member States to ensure the protection of core democratic values and institutions?
Farming needs a revamp: The current European agriculture sector puts immense pressure on biodiversity and soil, and contributes around 10% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions. As CO2 emissions are not projected to decline within the current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), how should the EU reform this to reach the ambitions of the Green Deal and manage a socially just transition in the agriculture sector?
Zooming in on education: The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the widening inequalities amongst European education systems, severely affecting children’s access to schooling, and consequently compromising their physical and mental health. How should European countries reevaluate their existing education priorities, in order to provide equal opportunities to students from all socio- economic backgrounds?
In for a Euro, in for a Union: The slow economic recoveries following the Eurozone crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the challenges of sustaining a common monetary policy without a common fiscal policy. With new economic instruments such as the NextGenerationEU, how should European institutions work towards fiscal convergence without disregarding the economic sovereignty of national governments?
No back to normal: While disabled people constitute one of the largest marginalised groups in the European Union, the barriers to full participation in society, including access to employment, are still numerous. How should the EU ensure that, moving forward, the labour market becomes a more accessible and inclusive space?
In sickness and in health: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted an increased need for coordination among Member States to protect the health of all Europeans. How should the EU proceed with building a strong European Health Union, whilst keeping the resilience of national health systems and prevention of future health crises in mind?
What doesn’t tax you makes you stronger: While digital businesses have experienced a rapid growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, they still face significantly lower effective tax rates than traditional businesses which have become the forgotten casualties of lockdowns. How should the EU ensure fair taxation of the digital economy and establish a level playing field?
Power to the people: A shared aim of Sustainable Development Goal 7 and the European Green Deal is ensuring secure and affordable energy for all. How should the EU and European countries further develop their energy infrastructure, while ensuring accessibility?
Europe’s digital decade: Despite the increased use of technology in people’s daily lives, many governments struggle to maximise the development of their digital democracies. With the new DIGITAL Europe Programme focusing on the recovery and driving digital transformation in Europe, how should the EU and European countries facilitate the future of democratic processes?
’Til national constitutions do us part: While Member States are obliged to recognise the right of free movement of same-sex marriages within the scope of EU law, progress is met with backlash from recent political movements attacking LGBTIQ rights. In light of the European Commission’s first ever strategy on LGBTIQ rights, how should the EU and its citizens support the right to private and family life under the differing constitutional identities and divergent national legislation of each Member State?
European security at crossroads: Given the increasing geopolitical competition across the globe, the NATO 2030 Young Leaders Group’s report has called for a more effective NATO-EU partnership. How should the EU and European countries shape their future relationship with NATO to promote shared values and a rules- based order in a multipolar world whilst balancing Europe’s reliance on the Transatlantic alliance with the pursuit of European strategic autonomy?