EU-VALUES Talks

What do European values look like from Japan? In this interview, Professor Maiko Ichihara (Hitotsubashi University) reflects on how European values are perceived in Asia, which matter most in today's geopolitical climate, and how the EU should position itself amid growing multipolarity, democratic challenges, and strategic competition. A timely discussion on democracy, international norms, and Europe's role in a changing global order.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has reshaped European security and tested the resilience of multilateral institutions. Filmed at the EU-VALUES Conference in Jakarta (December 2025), Tadeusz Iwanski examines the EU’s response, the role of Belarus, and whether Europe can remain values-driven under geopolitical pressure.

Is climate protection still a core European value—and how resilient is EU climate policy today? In this interview, Prof. Catherine E. de Vries explores the EU’s climate commitments, its external climate role, and the growing green backlash ahead of 2025. The conversation examines far-right influence, implications for the European Green Deal, and what it will take to make EU climate action politically sustainable.

Prof. Assylzat Karabayeva discusses how the Russia–Ukraine war is reshaping Europe–Central Asia relations, exploring EU–Central Asia engagement, resilience, connectivity, and future alignment. Learn how the EU’s norms, green and digital initiatives, and multilateral efforts could influence stability, sovereignty, and regional cooperation in the coming years.

Philosopher and public intellectual Ramin Jahanbegloo, based at O.P. Jindal Global University, joins EU-VALUES Talks to reflect on how universal values sustain democracy, the tension between culture and rights, and the lessons of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. on nonviolence. Drawing on his experience with Iran, he highlights both the obstacles and opportunities societies face in pursuing justice, dignity, and democratic transformation.

In this video, Prof. Anthony M. Bertelli explores how core democratic values - rule of law, accountability, transparency, and integrity - are upheld or challenged in EU public administration. Drawing on his Democracy Administered book and the REPGOV Project, he examines governance, public trust, and how administration can safeguard democracy in a time of populism and polarisation.

What would a second Trump presidency mean for democracy and global stability? In this episode, Javier Solana, former NATO Secretary General, unpacks the EU’s shifting role amid rising geopolitical tensions, EU-U.S. relations, China strategy, and the Union’s readiness for future global challenges.

How does the current investment dispute settlement system impact democracy and global governance? Join Prof. Ivana Damjanovic in this insightful episode of EU-VALUES Talks, where she explores the challenges and reforms in international investment law. Watch now for insights on legal transparency, state sovereignty, and global investment law reform!

La profesora Esther Barbé analiza la evolución de la igualdad de género en la Unión Europea (UE). Desde su reconocimiento en la CEDAW de 1979 hasta su integración en las políticas de la UE, la igualdad de género ha sido clave para la transformación social. Sin embargo, se enfrenta a retos como los movimientos antigénero. Barbé recomienda un enfoque estratégico para defender los avances y colaborar con aliados como ONU Mujeres. Mira el vídeo ahora para saber más.

Prof. Esther Barbé analyses the evolution of gender equality in the European Union (EU). From its recognition in the CEDAW of 1979 to its integration into EU policies, gender equality has been key to social transformation. However, it faces challenges such as anti-gender movements. Barbé recommends a strategic approach to defend progress and collaborate with allies such as UN Women. Watch now to find out more.

Los regímenes personalistas, liderados por dictadores con poder concentrado, están en aumento y generan disturbios, pobreza y conflictos. Surgen de golpes o elecciones intervenidas y usan tecnología para la represión. Prevenir su ascenso es crucial, ya que desmantelarlos es difícil. Descubre más con el Prof. Abel Escribà-Folch en nuestra nueva serie EU-VALUES Talks.

Personalist regimes, led by dictators with concentrated power, are on the rise, generating unrest, poverty and conflict. They emerge from coups or rigged elections and use technology for repression. Preventing their rise is crucial, as dismantling them is difficult. Find out more with Prof. Abel Escribà-Folch in our new EU-VALUES Talks series.