by fnfeurope

Understanding EU Citizenship: from the Past to the Present 

An event organised by the European Liberal Forum (ELF) and supported by Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom.

«Citizenship is hereby established. […] Citizens of the Union shall enjoy the rights and be subject to  the duties provided for in the Treaties. », stipulates Article 20 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the
European Union.
However, do we as European citizens really know what the concept of citizenship means for us today and which concrete rights it entails apart from voting on 26 May ? As there remains still much to do in the field, we take the opportunity to put a spotlight onto EU citizenship shortly after Europe Day and only ten days before the European elections.

Continue reading →

by fnfeurope

Can Innovation and Direct Engagement Bring European Democracy Back to the People? 

A joint event of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and
the Mission of Switzerland to the EU, with a book presentation by N. Nuspliger

 

flag-1198978_1920

 

The 2019 European elections set the course for the future of democracy in Europe. While EU-skeptical nationalists are calling for the disempowerment of European institutions and a return to pure cooperation between nation states, EU-supporters see greater integration as the way to more democracy. This debate hides the much more fundamental challenge that the democratic model is currently facing. While authoritarianism seems en vogue, liberal democracy is coming under increasing pressure from within, thus facing the challenge to adapt and reinvent itself. Continue reading →

by fnfeurope

Liberal Breakfast on the Spanish Elections

A joint event series of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and ALDE Party

spain-379535_1920

After government only formed in a second election attempt in 2016, Spanish citizens will now cast their vote in a snap election on April 28. Less than one month later, Spaniards will have to vote again for their local, regional and European representatives on May 26.

Campaigning ahead of the Spanish parliamentary elections on 28 April has brought to the fore the many, primarily domestic, challenges that the country faces. Those range from imminent economic issues, such as a new budget, unemployment and public debts, to the political discourse on Catalonia. They also include long-term developments, such as questions on demography and ageing population, as well as immigration. These hot topics will be decisive among Spanish voters in the upcoming elections. Continue reading →

by fnfeurope

Award Ceremony – Animate Europe International Comic Competition 

57291167_2832953530078955_463940812535758848_o

The overwhelming success of our “Animate Europe” competition proves that artists have fascinating visions to share. In form of comic books, exhibitions and via the world wide web, our comics travel through Europe and overseas. They spark discussions and inspire people to get involved with Europe. In 2019, we launched a fourth “Animate Europe” competition round to get to know even more exciting stories.

Continue reading →

by fnfeurope

The European elections in Hungary and the EU

hungarian-flag-2414351_1920

European politics has been increasingly influenced by leaders promoting anti-European messages. Hungary, as the prime example of such rhetoric, is on the brink of slowly eroding its democracy. Prime Minister Orbán and his government are destructing the rule of law, dismantling constitutional checks and balances, buying up or closing down free media and threatening academic freedom. The liberty and freedom of not only Hungarians is at stake, but other Member States and the progress of European integration is as well.

Continue reading →