The EU-VALUES Network (EU Research and Education Network on Foreign Policy Issues: Values and Democracy) unites 21 leading higher education institutions from Europe and beyond to enrich the debate and deepen understanding of values and democracy in the EU's foreign policy.
Comprising nearly 100 academic experts from six continents, this coalition was formed with a focus on scholarly excellence and inclusiveness, emphasising gender equality and geographic diversity. Our network recognises the urgent need to bolster the EU's external legitimacy as a force for good amid global challenges.
Explore our latest quarterly newsletter for an in-depth look at the Network’s current focus, featuring key initiatives, research, and standout projects in the fields of Human Rights, Democracy, and EU actions.
Navigating Uncertainty: The EU's Stand for Democracy with Prof. Javier Solana | Full Interview
EU-VALUES Talks
What does a second Trump presidency mean for democracy, human rights, and the international order?
We hear from Professor Javier Solana - President of ESADEGeo, former EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy and former Secretary General of NATO, to explore how the European Union is recalibrating its global role in response to growing geopolitical uncertainty.
The video delves into the impact of the renewed Trump administration on transatlantic relations and the stability of shared democratic values. Solana examines whether the European Union is moving toward strategic autonomy by seeking new alliances, from advancing Mercosur agreements to deepening partnerships in Asia. The video also covers the evolution of EU-China relations, with Brussels reassessing its stance toward Beijing amid shifting global dynamics.
Finally, we ask the pressing question: Is the EU geopolitically prepared for what comes next? Can it act swiftly and cohesively in a rapidly changing world?
Ideas and Insights from the EU-VALUES Network
Finland’s revised Integration Act, taking effect in January 2025, places greater responsibility on immigrants, reflecting a broader EU shift toward assimilation. Influenced by rising right-wing politics, the policy moves away from mutual adaptation, pushing immigrants into unstable jobs and limiting their social rights. Researcher Dionysia Kang examines how migrants in Finland face job discrimination and welfare exclusion…
Thomas Aubineau explores how democracies worldwide face rising authoritarianism and declining trust. Leaders like Nayib Bukele and Viktor Orbán centralize power, while citizens, frustrated by inequality and corruption, reject democratic norms. Using cases from Latin America, Europe, and Africa, the article examines democracy’s decline and potential resilience…
Dr. María Belén Herrero examines Argentina’s withdrawal from the WHO, warning it threatens public health, democracy, and international cooperation by bypassing parliamentary debate. Supporters claim it boosts sovereignty and cuts costs, but WHO guidance is non-binding, and membership benefits outweigh contributions…
The European Dialogue Podcast
Listen now on Soundcloud, Spotify or Youtube
Latest Episode: A Fragile Partnership: Rethinking Turkey-EU Relations with Prof. Meltem Müftüler-Baç
Drawing from her recent paper, “A Fragile Relationship: Turkey and the European Union Moving Beyond Membership with External Differentiated Integration” (2025), Meltem unpacks the nuanced and often tense dynamics shaping Turkey’s unique relationship with the EU beyond the traditional membership framework. Listen now to learn about:
What “external differentiated integration” is, and what it means for Turkey and the EU
How Turkey’s selective adoption of EU rules challenges European values like democracy and the rule of law
The EU’s approach to encouraging political reform in Turkey, and Ankara’s response
The role of economic and trade ties in sustaining the relationship despite political deadlock
How Turkey’s ties with the EU compare to other non-member European countries
The prospects and pitfalls of this model as a long-term solution for Turkey-EU relations
Sign up to our mailing list to receive the latest Network’s updates straight to your inbox
Consent
By clicking above, you agree to join EU-VALUES mailing list. We will use your information to be in touch with you and to provide news, activities and events. Your data will be kept indefinitely until you indicate otherwise. The communication to third parties is not expected. You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at euvalues@ibei.org. We will treat your information with respect.