Issue 15 of Government focuses on the current geopolitical challenges faced by the EU, including a special feature on the unfolding migration crisis, the question of international development, and internal concerns such as the dire conditions facing Greece’s economy, even after a new deal was struck. It also profiles a number of innovations that will shape the future of European cities, impacting every sector from construction, to lighting, to digital technologies; talks defence in light of increasingly aggressive moves by Russia; and recaps European Green Week 2015.
What key challenges is the EU facing?
- European Commissioner Neven Mimica outlines his hopes for the development of the UN’s upcoming Sustainable Development Goals;
- European Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos talks about his work to advance the European Agenda on Migration;
- Nick Witney from the European Council on Foreign Relations discusses pressing issues including the Ukraine crisis and the conflict in Syria;
- Ireland’s minister for foreign affairs, Charlie Flanagan, offers his country’s perspective on the international development agenda;
- Philippe Fargues of the European University Institute’s Migration Policy Centre offered his thoughts on the migrant crisis; and
- Luxembourg’s minister of foreign and European affairs, Jean Asselborn, opened up about his country’s Presidency of the Council of Europe.
How are digital innovations changing Europe?
- Robert Jan-Smits, director general of DG Research, offers his thoughts on how the green agenda will impact Horizon 2020;
- Jos Delbeke, director general of DG Climate Action, highlights his priorities ahead of the COP21 meeting in Paris;
- EUROCITIES secretary general Anna Lisa Boni details the progress made in the push towards ‘smart’ cities;
- The EU-funded IMPACT2C project explains its efforts to understand the dynamics of climate change;
- Paul Meller of the eSkills for Jobs initiative talks about developing digital skills for the European workforce; and
- Antonio Avenoso of the European Transport Safety Council warns of the urgent need to reduce avoidable deaths in road traffic collisions.
