After a bumpy start, the EU has drawn up a comprehensive response to the global Covid-19 pandemic by activating multilateral forums and providing assistance to third countries in need. If EU decision-makers can avoid the instinct of withdrawal that occurred during the sovereign debt crisis a decade ago, the coronavirus crisis also offers an opportunity for the Union to enhance its support for its neighbourhood and the Global South and, in so doing, to increase its global standing in a new geopolitical environment.
The notion of national sovereignty has regained importance in recent years, both on the international stage and within the EU. The current coronavirus crisis appears, at least at first sight, to be another example of the comeback of strong nation states. However, on closer inspection, a more nuanced picture emerges: as nation-state action is becoming increasingly ineffective in the medium and long term, the need for European (shared) sovereignty is being reinforced.
The Covid-19 pandemic has hit Poland in a difficult period. The issue of postponing the presidential election, originally scheduled for 10 May, has led to significant tensions in an already deeply polarised political scene. While decision-makers were quick to introduce restrictive measures, they have questioned the efficacy of the solutions to the Covid-19 crisis proposed by the EU. However, in spite of the political rhetoric of self-sufficiency, Poland needs greater EU solidarity, especially when it comes to economic challenges.
Beyond its immediate effects as a global health crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic poses manifold political and economic challenges for the EU and its member states. Previous crises have shown that the EU's crisis management is dominated by intergovernmentalism and often limited to damage control. Nevertheless, common institutions and procedures such as those of the eurozone offer clear added value for the limited capacities of each member state and will make a difference in the long run.
Depuis 2008, la Fondation Genshagen et la Fondation Friedrich-Ebert organisent ensemble le format « Weimar Young Perspectives (WYP) » qui rassemble de jeunes experts en politique extérieure de France, d’Allemagne et de Pologne. La 11ème édition du format s’est tenue du 21 au 23 Novembre 2018 à Berlin et Genshagen. Durant ces quelques jours, le groupe s’est entretenu au sujet des nouvelles dynamiques sur la scène stratégique mondiale, en se concentrant notamment sur la marge de manœuvre dont dispose l'Europe face à ces développements. Ce Genshagener Papier recueille les positions de trois de ces jeunes experts sur le rôle mondial que joue l'Europe actuellement.
Ce prix littéraire franco-allemand a été conçu par La Villa Gillet et la Fondation Genshagen. Cette distinction est décernée tous les ans depuis 2010 avec le soutien du Ministère français de la Culture et de la Déléguée du gouvernement fédéral à la Culture et aux Médias. Le prix, d‘une valeur de de 10 000 euros, récompense un auteur de chaque langue. Les lauréats sont sélectionnés par un jury franco-allemand indépendant.