Further publications

Geopolitics and Connectivity Take the Center Stage at the First EU-GCC Summit

The first ever EU-GCC Summit on 16 October 2024 served as a pivotal moment for both the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), emphasiz-ing mutual interests in economic growth, security, and energy cooperation. Two areas dominated the discussion: on the one hand finding common ground on pragmatic cooperation, particularly in the field of energy and connectivity, on the other hand finding common language on a number of current regional conflicts. While the number of concrete deliverables of the meeting has been limited (which was to be expected) and much work still lies ahead, the summit as such is remarkable signal. Both sides decided to meet every two years at heads of state level, the next meeting is to take place in Saudi-Arabia in 2026.

Indonesia's new president – an opportunity for Germany

Prabowo Subianto sworn in as President of Indonesia. New opportunities for Germany?

Indonesia has a new president. Eight months after his election victory, Prabowo Subianto was inaugurated into his new office on 20 October. In terms of domestic policy, the former general is in favour of continuing the policies of his predecessor Joko Widodo. In terms of foreign policy, however, he has announced a more active role for Indonesia. Prabowo made a name for himself during the election campaign as a fierce critic of the EU. At the same time, he is considered to have an affinity for Germany. German foreign policy will play a key role in Indonesian-European relations in the future.

Mauritania becomes the new main route for migration to Europe

Spain and EU concerned about rapid increase in boat departures to the Canary Islands

Mauritania is turning into a main migration route to Europe. Arrivals by boat to Spain’s Canary Islands are expected to double this year, driven by more poverty-driven migration. Human traffickers exploit Mauritania’s proximity to the islands, fuelled by demand from Malians fleeing conflict and Senegalese poverty at home. The EU has unveiled an aid package worth 210 million euros for Mauritania to improve living conditions and help stop boat departures. But if more migrants get stuck there, social tensions are set to rise in the poor Sahel country as migrants compete with locals for jobs.

Georgia votes: Calm before the storm?

Georgians will vote for a new parliament on 26 October. It is a directional election, Europe is in demand

For the first time since 2012, the opposition in Georgia appears to have a serious chance of replacing the government of pro-Russian oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. Many observers are talking about a mood for change in the country. Although the ruling Georgian Dream party is likely to become the strongest political force again, it will fall short of the necessary majority. There have been no widespread protests during the election campaign so far, but that could change. The current relative calm seems deceptive and a major confrontation could be imminent. Will the government try to manipulate the elections? How will Ivanishvili behave? How will the transfer of power proceed if the opposition wins? What role will the president play? It is an election with many unknowns.

Is China's Stimulus Package Delivering?

A Closer Look at Economic Revival Efforts

After initial market optimism, uncertainty is rising as China's stimulus measures lack clarity. While economic indicators showed a promising start, vague policy details are putting pressure on investor confidence. Is Beijing's strategy enough to deliver sustainable growth?

The Republic of Moldova ahead of the presidential election and the EU referendum

Will Moldova choose Optimism?

On October 20, Moldovans will decide on the person in the presidential palace and their country's accession to the EU. Both elections are about Moldova's fundamental political direction. Will the country remain on a pro-European and reform-oriented course, which continues to be supported by a majority of the population, or will the country - as has often happened in the past - fall back into a gray zone in which Russia and a few oligarchs can expand their influence on politics and society and necessary reforms, especially in the judiciary? A victory for the president and a clear yes from Moldovans to EU accession would also send a signal to Moscow that a Moldova controlled by Russia will only be possible with massive resistance from the population.

Namibia on the eve of decisive elections

After decades in power, the ruling party SWAPO has to strive more fiercely to stay on top.

A record number of voters has registered to cast their ballots for the presidential and parliamentary elections, which are taking place on 27 November. One and a half million voters want to decide the political future of their country. Will they punish the governing SWAPO, in power since independence in 1990, just like voters did for the ANC in neighbouring South Africa?

Tools for ‘smart’ urban development: Urban Digital Twins

Organising Smart City as a platform: realistic digital images of a ‘city section’, for the evaluation and simulation of urban situations or processes

Cities are complex and multifunctional network structures. Smart tools are needed to operate in this complexity: Depending on the available data, Urban Digital Twins can represent a realistic digital image of a ‘city section’. This allows complex interrelationships, specific urban constellations or processes to be visualised for evaluation and simulation. They can support administration, business and urban society as well in better solving real problems in a city.

After the national elections, Austria faces a long and difficult process of forming a government

Decision on direction postponed

What had been predicted in all opinion polls since 2023 has now become reality in figures: The right-wing populist Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) has emerged victorious from the election on September 29 with 28.8%, making it the strongest force in a National Council election for the first time ever in its approximately seventy-year history. While the FPÖ was still relatively close to first place in the European elections in June – for the first time in a nationwide election – this time it was two and a half percent behind the ruling Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), which lost around eleven percentage points of votes with a result of 26.3 percent.

Central America: Russia on course for expansion

Ortega regime is the driving force behind the Parlacen expansion

With its admission as a "permanent observer" in the Central American Parliament PARLACEN, Russia has achieved an important long-term success for its geopolitical positioning. The democracies and their parliaments should see this as a wake-up call and a warning call.