100 Years of a Republic: The Next Chapter in Türkiye-EU Relations

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(https://pixabay.com/photos/blue-country-europe-european-union-2806/)

by Eylül Begüm Sağlam, PhD student in Political Science and a 2023-24 Research Assistant at the European Union Center

Alongside the pre-Republic shift towards more Westernization, enlightenment and modernity in the Ottoman era[1], the early diplomatic history of Türkiye-EU relations could be dated back to Türkiye’s application for association with European Economic Community (EEC) on 31 July 1959.[2] As the country celebrates its hundredth-year anniversary, Türkiye-EU relations deserve a fresh analysis.

A European Country in the Middle East?: The Early Days of Türkiye-EU Relations

Domestic politics have been seen as a “significant barrier” for Türkiye’s accession to the EU since the early days of the negotiations.[3] On September 12, 1963, Türkiye and the EEC signed the Ankara Agreement, establishing “the legal basis of association.”[4] The Additional Protocol of 13 November 1970 could be regarded as a step from preparation to transition.[5] Although the country applied for full membership in 1987, it was not until the Helsinki European Council’s meeting in December 1999 that Türkiye became a candidate country, which could be regarded as a transformation from a vicious cycle kind of relationship to a virtuous one.[6] This shift could be interpreted as a change of relations from unresolved chains of disputes on how to proceed with expectations on both sides to willingness to apply particular criteria (e.g., the paced negotiation process on the EU part, and expected socio-economic changes in the domestic realm on the Türkiye part) on both sides.[7]

Accession to Suspension: An In-Between Türkiye

Even if negotiations for accession started in 2005, Türkiye has continued to have a shaky relationship with the EU.[8] The low point came in the post-2016 period, when negotiations were suspended following two resolutions shared by the EU in November 2016 and July 2017, respectively.[9] Scholars have pointed to various factors in explaining the deterioration of relations between Türkiye and the EU, including the rise of populism, anti-Muslim sentiments, the changing dynamics of refugee influx, and Türkiye’s de-secularization as well as de-Europeanization.[10] Eventually, the Türkiye-EU relationship transformed from an accession-oriented position to a “strategic partnership,”[11] where Türkiye’s role has been mostly conceptualized as securing the EU with regards to refugee flows coming beyond EU borders.

Those Were the Days?: The Future of Strategic Partnership

Even if accession does not look as promising as it did in the heydays of the 1999 Helsinki Summit, it is possible to interpret the EU-Türkiye dynamic as an ongoing question. It is difficult to foresee how this relationship will evolve in time, however, one could not deny that both sides will at least stick to their strategic partnership in various issues from immigration to securitization, considering the long-lasting history of the EU-Türkiye relationship. Türkiye still remains as an essential regional partner for the EU, so does the EU for Türkiye. Immigration will not only be a salient issue in terms of the immigrants who are currently hosted in Türkiye, but also be an essential mediator of this bond with regards to the increasing number of Turkish immigrants in Europe.

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[1] Önis, Ziya and Suhnaz Yilmaz. “The Turkey-EU-US Triangle in Perspective: Transformation or Continuity?.” Middle East Journal 59, no. 2 (2005): 267.

[2] Directorate for EU Affairs. “History of Türkiye- EU Relations.” Accessed November 14, 2023, https://www.ab.gov.tr/111_en.html.

[3] Öniş, Ziya. “Luxembourg, Helsinki and Beyond: Towards an Interpretation of Recent Turkey-EU Relations.” Government and Opposition 35, no. 4 (2000): 465.

[4] Directorate for EU Affairs. “History of Türkiye- EU Relations.” Accessed November 14, 2023, https://www.ab.gov.tr/111_en.html.

[5] Directorate for EU Affairs. “History of Türkiye- EU Relations.” Accessed November 14, 2023, https://www.ab.gov.tr/111_en.html.

[6] Öniş, Ziya. “Turkey-EU Relations: Beyond the Current Stalemate.” Insight Turkey 10, no. 4 (2008): 37-38.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Müftüler-Baç, Meltem. “Remolding The Turkey-EU Relationship.” Turkish Policy Quarterly 17, no. 1 (2018): 120.

[9] Ibid.

[10] Kaya, Ayhan. “Right-wing populism and Islamophobism in Europe and their impact on Turkey–EU relations.” Turkish Studies 21, no.1 (2020): 11.

[11]  Saatçioğlu, Beken. “The European Union’s refugee crisis and rising functionalism in EU-Turkey relations.” Turkish Studies 21, no.2 (2020): 170-171.

100 Years of a Republic: The Next Chapter in Türkiye-EU Relations

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EU Center at the Multicultural Night of Leal Elementary School

by Eylül Begüm Sağlam, PhD student in Political Science and a 2023-24 Research Assistant at the European Union Center

On November 14th, 2023 (from 6pm to 7:30pm), the EU Center participated in the Multicultural Night of Leal Elementary School. The Multicultural Night included many activities to familiarize students with different cultures in the world, from being introduced to different alphabets to meeting various traditions.

The event hosted many different Illinois Global Institute members, including but not limited to Center for African Studies, Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. Every center had their own activity to contribute to the multicultural aspect of the event.

The EU Center was represented by the EU Center Research Assistant Eylul Begum Saglam. As a part of the Multicultural Night, the EU Center organized guessing the flag game, which included forty European countries (including the EU member states, EEA countries, candidate countries and potential candidates). Students chose a flag and tried to guess which country the respective flag belongs to. Regardless of their answer, all students who participated in the guessing game received symbolic travel stamps on their symbolic passports. 

EU Center at the Multicultural Night of Leal Elementary School

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TED Global STEM Conference Brings Together Educators from 16 Countries, 18 U.S. States

by Rhett Oldham, Ed.D, moderator of the Transatlantic Educators Dialogue (TED) program

One of my favorite aspects of being the moderator of the Transatlantic Educators Dialogue (TED) program is how many talented educators I get to interact with during each cohort. Each teacher brings a growth mindset and incredible curiosity to the group, so it was no surprise when Sara Leisten brought up an idea that needed to be explored. Sara, a biology teacher from Connecticut and TED 2023 alum, noticed that most of the collaborations between American and European teachers revolved around social studies and language topics. So she suggested that TED create a platform for STEM educators to meet, discuss global collaboration possibilities, and bring in keynote speakers to provide in-depth analysis of topics in STEM. The TED Global STEM Conference was born!

On November 5, 2023, STEM educators from 16 countries and 18 U.S. states signed up to come together and discuss best practices in STEM education and ways to collaborate globally. The lineup of keynote speakers was simply outstanding:

• Thomas Leisten has worked as a mathematics teacher in Glastonbury, Connecticut for more than 15 years and is a 2023 state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. Thomas is a doctoral candidate at the American College of Education, focusing on curriculum and instruction with a specialty in instructional leadership. His professional interests include developing authentic and engaging collaborative activities that challenge students to apply critical thinking skills in diverse and interdisciplinary situations
• Nuria Muñoz is a physics and chemistry teacher and the headmistress in a school in Algeciras, Cádiz, Spain. She is on the board of a STEM teacher association called DIVERCIENCIA that organizes an international science fair and many other STEM activities every school year. She is also on the board of a specialized group of didactics and history of physics and chemistry. She belongs to the Spanish Royal Society of Chemistry and serves as the Spanish ambassador for Science on Stage. 
  
  
• Marco Nicolini teaches mathematics and physics at Liceo Scientifico Statale "A.Tassoni" in Modena, Italy, and he teaches astronomy at the Planetario di Modena. He also works with Science on Stage, an organization in Europe focusing on forming collaborations between students in different countries.
• Dr. Michael Tissenbaum is an associate professor of curriculum and instruction and educational psychology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He studies how digital games, simulations, and augmented and mobile technologies can transform physical spaces into immersive, engaging, and embodied learning environments. This work has shown how the interplay between physical space, technology, and data representations can provide learners with unique opportunities to set their own learning goals and collaborate with peers. These findings have had important implications for understanding open-ended exploratory collaboration. Mike uses this data to develop new forms of real-time support for both teachers and learners.
• Dr. Janice Gobert is a professor of learning sciences and educational psychology in the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University. Her work focuses on developing technology for learning that makes use of AI, including data mining and eye tracking. She is an esteemed science education expert with over 25 years of experience who has executed over $25 million in federal research funding. She has spearheaded and oversees the research and development of Inq-ITS.

What made this conference so unique was the format. After the keynote speakers presented, conference attendees went to one of five breakout rooms led by the keynote speakers to participate in a deeper dive of the topics presented. That process was then repeated. During the final rotation, participants moved to a breakout room based on the ages of the students they teach for further discussion. 

Overall, the TED Global STEM Conference was a great time with outstanding collaboration from participants and keynote speakers alike. It would not have been possible without the hard work and vision of Sara Leisten and the global vision of the Transatlantic Educator Dialogue.

TED Global STEM Conference Brings Together Educators from 16 Countries, 18 U.S. States

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U.S.-German Forum Future Agriculture Cohort Publishes Policy Recommendations on Climate Change and Arable Farming

By Neal Benjamin, PhD student studying ecology, evolution, and conservation biology at the University of Illinois and a graduate assistant working with the Aspen Institute Germany

The U.S.-German Forum Future Agriculture has completed the exchange of its first cohort, which focused on climate change and its impact on arable/row crop agriculture. The project which is coordinated by the Aspen Institute Germany in partnership with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign brought together 16 German and American farmers and other key stakeholders from Eastern Germany and the U.S. Midwest for a yearlong exchange which included virtual and in-person meetings. These regions in both countries are characterized by extensive row crop agriculture and face similar challenges related to climate change. 

To cap off the year, the group has developed extensive policy recommendations related to climate change and arable farming for both their respective countries as well as further transatlantic cooperation. The project was supported by the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded by the European Recovery Program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

These recommendations are a guide for improving climate resilience, mitigating climate change, and balancing sustainability and productivity in agriculture and rural regions generally. Their recommendations are divided into three main sections, each focusing on a different aspect of agriculture and climate change. The first section discusses the challenges that farmers face due to climate change and provides recommendations for improving climate resilience at the national and transatlantic levels. The second section focuses on how agriculture can be used to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect natural resources. The third section discusses the importance of balancing the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of agriculture and rural regions. 

These recommendations are a consensus of the group and reflect the diverse personal experiences, expertise, ideas, and opinions of each participant. This guide will serve as a valuable resource for anyone interested in improving climate resilience, mitigating climate change, and balancing sustainability in agriculture and rural regions. Moreover, it provides practical recommendations that can be implemented at the national and transatlantic levels to help farmers adapt to the challenges of climate change and protect natural resources.

The completion of the first cohort of the U.S.-German Forum Future Agriculture and the policy recommendations developed by the group are significant steps towards promoting sustainable agriculture and addressing the current and coming challenges of ongoing climate change. The project's success is a testament to the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges and shaping the future of agriculture, and it sets a positive precedent for future transatlantic collaborations in the field. We invite anyone interested in these important conversations to click here to view the policy recommendations in their entirety (approx. 20 minute read) and to share within your networks.

U.S.-German Forum Future Agriculture Cohort Publishes Policy Recommendations on Climate Change and Arable Farming

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Ukraine’s Sacrifice Paves Way for EU Membership Negotiations

By Markian Dobczansky, Associate Director, European Union Center

“We have sacrificed a lot for this,” wrote Mustafa Nayyem, the Afghan-born Ukrainian journalist and politician, on November 8. On that day, the European Commission issued its 2023 Enlargement package, which recommended that the EU begin membership negotiations with Ukraine. In doing so, the EU’s executive agency recognized the country’s progress in implementing substantial reforms of its judicial institutions, curbing the influence of oligarchs, and investigating corruption.

Ukraine’s path toward the EU can be traced back to the Euromaidan protests. Nearly ten years ago, the Ukrainian government under Viktor Yanukovych backed out of signing an Association Agreement with the EU. In protest of this reversal, Nayyem wrote a Facebook post calling people onto Kyiv’s Independence Square. This touched off what came to be known as the Revolution of Dignity. Police violence took the lives of dozens of protesters before Yanukovych lost control of the situation and fled the country. Russia’s subsequent annexation of Crimea and the war in the Donbas indeed imposed a high cost on Ukraine.

In spite of that cost, the EU remained hesitant to offer Ukraine full membership after the revolution. It quickly signed an Association Agreement with the new government in March 2014, but it did not fundamentally revise its enlargement policy, leaving Ukraine without a membership perspective. The door to the EU remained closed.

Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 changed the picture entirely. European publics and policymakers rallied around Ukraine. In June 2022, the European Council unanimously granted Ukraine and neighboring Moldova candidate status. Less than eighteen months later, the Commission now recommends that the Council begin membership negotiations with both countries.

Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, said, “Completing our Union is the call of history, the natural horizon of our Union.” The strong rhetoric is a rejoinder to Europeans suffering from enlargement fatigue. It is also a reminder of the Commission’s purpose of representing the interests of the EU as a whole and using its executive power to coordinate the policies of member-states. Its recommendation now moves the action to the Council, the institution in which member-state interests are most strongly represented. European unity is likely to be tested in negotiating Ukraine’s accession. Moreover, membership does not proceed along a pre-set schedule and much will depend on Ukraine’s continued reforms.

The Commission’s Enlargement package contains opinions about the membership prospects of other countries too, from Albania to Türkiye. Yet Ukraine stands out among them as a country fighting a war for its national survival while simultaneously pushing for membership in the EU. Along with liberating its territory still under occupation, Ukrainians see membership in the EU as a key war aim, one that gives meaning to their enormous sacrifices over the last ten years. Having committed itself to Ukraine so strongly, the stakes are also high for the EU.

Ukraine’s Sacrifice Paves Way for EU Membership Negotiations

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“How Democracies Die" and What Does It Have to Do With Europe?: The Democracy Summit Keynote Lecture Recap & The European Context

by Kelsi Quick, Political Science PhD Student & Research Assistant at the European Union Center

The Democracy Summit ft. Dr. Daniel Ziblatt

On the evening of October 23, 2023, the Student Affairs Office of Civic Life at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign hosted Dr. Daniel Ziblatt of Harvard University for the keynote lecture kicking off the week-long “Democracy Summit” centering recent American experiences of democracy with the aim of fostering civic engagement. Dr. Ziblatt, who is the Eaton Professor of the Science of Government at Harvard University as well as co-author of the bestselling book “How Democracies Die,” invited the audience of Monday night’s lecture to examine democracy with him, as well as to ask deeper questions about where America is headed if serious action is not taken to salvage our democracy.

While questions about the health and quality of democracy have been asked with increasing levels of concern over the past several years, the focus of Ziblatt’s lecture drew primarily from his new book, again co-authored with Steven Levitsky. Titled Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point, the book focuses on the specific institutional challenges that struggle to adequately accommodate the multiracial society that America has become. Ziblatt began the keynote lecture by confronting the audience with a stark reality: the objective quality of American democracy has decreased (per Freedom House scores), and our society is in a particularly vulnerable place as democracy is pushed to its breaking point by institutions that become less a facilitator of freedom and more of an excessive constraint. Murmurs of assent could be heard throughout the audience as Ziblatt touched on a truth that resonated with audience members across generations.

What is the biggest challenge to America’s democracy today, then? Ziblatt reassured the audience that he intends to be as nonpartisan as possible when he says that one of the major threats to America’s democracy is the radicalization of the far-right wing of the Republican party and the institutions that protect and enable them to prevent the passage of policy supported by the majority of Americans. As in all things, context matters. Historically, the institutional structure of American democracy did work for the purposes of a homogeneous portion of the population, but as our democracy becomes much more inclusive, multiracial, and heterogeneous, consensus across broad groups becomes ever more crucial. When institutional structures and/or norms such as the Electoral College, Senate filibuster, life appointment for Supreme Court justices, and lack of a retirement age for politicians are countermajoritarian in form and practice, our democracy’s lack of responsiveness to the popular will is revealed. If anything is to be done to prevent the continued deterioration and possible failure of American democracy, Ziblatt argues that changing these institutional structures is a great place to start.

What Does It Have to Do With Europe?

While it’s true that Ziblatt’s lecture focused largely on democracy in the specific context of American institutions, many of the themes discussed can also be observed in the European context today. In his lecture, Ziblatt discussed radicalization in the Republican party being driven by a backlash of (largely) white men who experience a perceived loss in status as a result of demographic changes in society. The same trend has been observed in Europe. In a 2019 book entitled Cultural Backlash: Trump, Brexit, and Authoritarian Populism, political scientists Pippa Norris and Ronald Inglehart find that authoritarian populism in America and Europe can be observed in the “Interwar generation, non-college graduates, working class, white Europeans, the more religious, men, and residents of rural communities” (p. 15). The rise of far-right radical populist parties all across Europe further demonstrates this trend: Viktor Orbán and the Fidesz party in Hungary, the Alternative für Deutschland party in Germany, the Law & Justice Party in Poland, and the Sweden Democrats, among others, are examples of this trend.

But institutions are built differently in Europe. Parliamentary structures, term limits, mandatory ages for retirement, multi-party and proportional representation, and the lack of electoral colleges make democracy in Europe, if not a different game from that of the Americans, at least the same game but with different rules. Can we, then, learn something from the European experiences?

In Defense of Hope

But maybe, just maybe, there’s something to be learned from Europe’s experience with handling far-right radical populist parties. There may be institutional models to study and learn from as Americans fight to change current institutions to make them more responsive to citizens. After all, America began the modern-day experiment with democracy, and Europe followed along. Maybe this time, it’s time for America to learn from their European partners. As Ziblatt pointed out, Norway has the world’s second-oldest constitution and it has been amended 316 times; the U.S. constitution has been amended only 27 times. Maybe a bit of change wouldn’t be so bad.

Major social movements have led to amendments in the American constitution in the past, and they certainly could again. While Ziblatt stressed that the situation of American democracy is dire, there is still room for hope. The idea that the situation is unsalvageable is what kills democracy, Ziblatt argued. Ziblatt ended with the importance of hope—and the message to become involved in democracy. Run for office, fight for change, and keep engaging with democracy. Democracy won’t be able to fight for us if we don’t find it worth fighting for first.

Works Cited

Levitsky, S., & Ziblatt, D. (2018). How democracies die. Crown, an imprint of Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House.

Levitsky, S., & Ziblatt, D. (2023). Tyranny of the minority. Crown, an imprint of Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House.

Norris, P., Inglehart, R. (2019). Cultural Backlash: Trump, Brexit, and Authoritarian Populism. India: Cambridge University Press.

“How Democracies Die" and What Does It Have to Do With Europe?: The Democracy Summit Keynote Lecture Recap & The European Context

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Interlaced: Weaving Art and Stories Together

by Chiara Vincenzi, Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Art & Design

Between September 18 and 22, we had the privilege of hosting George A. Miller Visiting Artist Patrizia Polese on our campus. This residency was made possible through the support of the School of Art & Design, the European Union Center, and the Center for Advanced Study.

During her visit, Polese conducted a three-day weaving workshop that was open to both the campus and the local community. The workshop provided an opportunity to dive headfirst into the world of textile art and encouraged participants to weave together personal stories.

Under Polese’s expert guidance, participants embarked on a creative journey exploring the art of weaving. Participants were equipped with looms, personal objects, and a vibrant array of materials dyed with colored tissue paper on cotton canvas. Each tapestry they created became a canvas for personal expression, offering a glimpse into their unique stories and perspectives.

"Interlaced" served as a platform for participants to share their stories using the language of textiles. Polese's expertise served as a guiding light, helping participants translate their thoughts and emotions into tangible art. Through the interplay of threads and colors, these tapestries became vibrant reflections of life stories, cultural influences, and personal experiences. Throughout the workshop, participants were encouraged to embrace natural fibers, textile waste, and unconventional materials, transforming them into meaningful pieces of art.

At the end of the three-day workshop, all the individual tapestries were connected together to create a large woven piece that features a communal narrative.

This collaborative woven piece is now on exhibition at the Siebel Center for Design until December 6.

Interlaced: Weaving Art and Stories Together

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HOPE AMID POLARIZATION: POLITICS OF VOLLEYBALL IN TÜRKİYE

Photo shared by Ebrar Karakurt on Instagram (@ebrarkarakurt18)

by Eylül Begüm Sağlam, PhD student in Political Science and a 2023-24 Research Assistant at the European Union Center

Türkiye’s women’s national volleyball team had crowning achievements in this season by gaining consecutive victories in both the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship and the Women's European Volleyball Championship. As the team reached the top in the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Ranking, reactions to these victories by the public were twofold: on the one hand, the women’s team received considerable recognition; on the other hand, these victories have been debated within the context of an alleged clash between Islamic values and the LGBTIQ+ community. This blog aims to elaborate on the politicization of volleyball and why it is essential for understanding politics in Türkiye.

Origins of the Story:

To run the tape back, the first considerable tension arose following the 2020 Olympic Games. One of the youngest players on the volleyball team, Ebrar Karakurt, known as the opposite hitter at the 2020 Olympics, shared a photo with her then-girlfriend on social media. Though not openly stated by her, Karakurt’s sexual orientation has been a topic of debate by many on social media which then turned into a smear campaign against the player. Following several successive victories of the women’s national volleyball team in 2023, this issue gained more traction when Karakurt replied to a critical comment she received on social media. Because the owner of the critical comment was portraying himself as “Abdul Hamid II,” one of the late-era Sultans of the Ottoman Empire and a symbolic figure for the proponents of Islamic Ottoman nostalgia, Karakurt’s reply was perceived as an attack against national and religious values in the country. Though the hatred seems to circle around Karakurt and her sexual orientation, it also stems from other criticisms toward the volleyball team such as the clothing of the women during matches or on the other side, criticisms related to the withholding the praise the team deserved as the heroes of such a huge accomplishment compared to many other men’s national teams. One instance of these debates emerged when team members flew on an economy class flight after their Women's European Volleyball Championship. As many members of the women’s national volleyball team attributed the latest victories to the founder of the Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who became a unifying symbol for many of the proponents of a secular state, the issue extended beyond that of a national victory and instead became yet another topic widening the gulf between the secular and religious camps in Türkiye.

Why is Volleyball Political:

There are three main reasons why women’s volleyball gets political in the context of Türkiye. Firstly, volleyball is one of the few sports which does not necessarily incorporate a socio-economic barrier: it is enjoyed by a wide array of socio-economic backgrounds, and mostly accessible to girls coming from poor households. Second, the international prominence of the women’s volleyball team opens up new avenues for Türkiye’s cultural image to evolve in a more secular and European direction. This also helps explain why Türkiye’s victory in the Women's European Volleyball Championship received more media coverage than the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship. This victory was also an extra validation of success such that receiving a gold medal in the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship could not be reduced to a coincidence by critics. Furthermore, the amount of attention paid by the people and domestic media to the Women's European Volleyball Championship was a signal of embracement of European identity as well as locating Türkiye’s socio-cultural belongingness to Europe in a regional sense. Lastly, the representation of LGBTIQ+ identities that took place in the persona of Ebrar Karakurt opened another arena for discussing queer politics in a wider realm which had been largely left on the shelf after Türkiye’s withdrawal from the İstanbul Convention.

Hope and Volleyball: Where to Next?

Despite the polarizing debates surrounding the team, the consecutive victories of Türkiye’s women’s national volleyball team were celebrated all around the country, even watched from the big screens put on the streets, for the successes of the national women’s volleyball team means more than a mere professional victory. Their victories introduced a glimpse of hope, albeit miniscule, for providing unity in an already polarized country. The days ahead will show whether this glimpse will turn into a crystal-clear view for Türkiye or not.

REFERENCES:

Karakurt, Ebrar (@ebrarkarakurt18). 2023. "Herkesi böyle kucaklıyorum. Birleşerek kazanacağız, ayrışarak değil." Instagram photo, September 3, 2023. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwv9LEjICYQ/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

HOPE AMID POLARIZATION: POLITICS OF VOLLEYBALL IN TÜRKİYE

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What’s Up in the EU?: Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union Address to the EU

by Kelsi Quick, PhD student in Political Science and a 2023-24 Research Assistant at the European Union Center

With the 2024 elections on the horizon, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, gave what could be her last State of the Union address to the European Union as the body began its new session. She remains hopeful that the EU will further solidify its role as an important global actor and self-sufficient union over the coming years. Von der Leyen’s address was one that ultimately called for perseverance, unity, and hope as the EU navigates both the joys and the trials that are sure to come its way. Here are the main takeaways from her speech:

Where the EU has been

Von der Leyen began her address by focusing on the achievements the EU has had to date. Her first focus was the European Green Deal, which she described as a major move towards a sustainable future that made sustainability the “centerpiece of the economy.” By emphasizing innovation and protecting European industry, she argues that the EU is working to prepare a way towards a “fair and just” green transition while also allowing the EU common market to thrive. Von der Leyen applauds the EU for taking a stand against an “aggressive” Russia and an “assertive” China; it is clear that she sees that the path forward for the EU is one of greater conviction. She additionally points out how the EU has expanded on this conviction by becoming a “global pioneer” in online rights and fighting for data privacy.

Where the EU is now

While many great strides have been made, the EU still faces several ongoing crises that demand its attention. Von der Leyen emphasizes the importance of biodiversity of Europe and stresses that nature and wildlife must be protected and preserved. In addition, she brings attention towards the necessity of self-sufficiency in food production, urging that strategic dialogue is needed to address the future of agriculture in the EU. She similarly acknowledges ongoing economic concerns such as the “skills shortage” and the need to improve access to the labor market, inflation, and the need to make business easier for companies, especially smaller businesses.

Where the EU is going

The work that the EU has done, coupled with the challenges it faces now, builds a pathway forward. Von der Leyen acknowledges that voters in the coming year are likely to vote on issues that impact their daily lives right now, issues such as climate change, the housing crisis, and the Russia-Ukraine war. Aware that migration remains a central topic, she implores the EU to focus on passing a new pact on migration asylum, a venture that will require unity within the EU. But the future doesn’t only hold challenges; it also holds hope, a hope that the EU will become an even stronger union of even more countries as the EU enlarges to include the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine. Ultimately, von der Leyen concludes, it is the EU’s “collective duty to write a new story of Europe.”

What’s Up in the EU?: Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union Address to the EU

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Accelerating Climate Change Mitigation: Policy Statements on the Road to 2030

by Bruce Murray, Professor and Director of Illinois in Vienna Programs, retired.

As I write these lines in July 2023, a little more than six years remain to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50%, as prescribed by the Paris Agreement. The European Union (EU) has adopted five more pieces of its “Fit for 55” package, including the groundbreaking Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. The United States (US) is implementing its Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) with unprecedented provisions for the transition to a renewable energy economy, and the Biden administration strives to further limit combustion engine and coal power plant emissions, as well as introducing carbon pricing for methane gas. Meanwhile, the world climate clock keeps ticking, and the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) AR6 Synthesis Report warns of unavoidable and irreversible consequences if we do not further accelerate our efforts to mitigate climate change quickly.

Against that backdrop, 14 students from Europe and the US offer their policy statements for accelerating climate change mitigation with bold action in the EU, US, and globally. They focus our attention on sectoral, as well as business monitoring-standard, conflict-area reconstruction, and educational approaches, proposing action capable of helping us turn the corner on GHG emissions by 2030. Their proposals deserve our close attention.

In the context of their work in a course on EU and US Climate Change Mitigation during the spring of 2023 at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, these guest experts expanded the students’ knowledge base and provided invaluable insights: 

• Christina Voigt, UNFCCC PAICC Co-Chair (video)
• Günter Hörmandinger, EUC Secretariat General Senior Expert (video)
• Stephan Renner, Austrian Ministry for Climate Action Cabinet Member
• Claudia Kettner, Austrian Institute of Economic Research Senior Economist (slide presentation)
• Fritz Bachmair, Senior Economist, International Monetary Fund 
• Dominik Zotti,  Co-Founder, AxessImpact (slide presentation)
• Raimund Mair, Senior Water Resource Management Specialist, World Bank Group in Vienna (slide presentation)
• Dr. Alexander Frech, President, Energy Globe Foundation and Partner, Aeiphoria Capital (slide presentation)
• Charles Berckmann, Senior Finance Manager, bettervest (slide presentation)

So, too, did field study visits at select sites where state of the art renewable energy and energy conservation projects exemplify the potential for catalyzing climate change mitigation:

• Vienna University of Economics and Business campus
• Wien Energie Waste Incineration Plant (slide presentation)

Interacting collaboratively, the students developed their policy statements from topic selection to thesis statement, abstract, outline, oral presentation, written draft, and final text. Their ultimate goal has been a package that attracts the attention of decision makers and can make a meaningful difference in achieving the Paris Agreement goals. The results appear in four categories:

1. Sectoral approaches, representing the top five emission sectors

• Transportation William Ahern proposes legislative options to improve e-mobility charging infrastructure with a focus on the number of stations and their location, as well as the charge time and cost. Nicholas Skowron posits legislative change and educational measures to improve public transportation, especially in urban settings. Dylan Kanner broadens the scope with proposals for the EU and US to accelerate the transition to e-mobility with enhanced carbon pricing and utilizing the generated revenue to incentivize corporate investment.
• Electricity Nicholas Elfering highlights prospects for moving beyond the estimated 40% GHG emission reduction associated with IRA implementation, reaching 50% by declaring a National Climate Emergency and allocating Department of Defense resources to address what he describes as our greatest national security threat.
• Industry Liam Cooley casts the well-developed and expanding EU Emissions Trading System as a model for a similar US system as an effective means to limit industrial GHG emissions.
• Housing Luis Eguiguran promotes the U.S. transition to mixed-use urban development, prevalent in the European Union, citing a growing number of examples in US cities, and encouraging more ambitious federal and other legislative initiatives to expand the scope nationally, 
• Agriculture Molly Boyd asserts the need for more regenerative agriculture and methane management to reach US Paris Agreement goals. She proposes implementing techniques that could lead to significant progress by 2030.

2. Business Monitoring Standards

Lou Ellstrand posits a standardized US government Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scoring system to reduce greenwashing and maximize its benefit for GHG emissions reductions. Hannah Gallainitis proposes redesigning carbon markets to incentivize emissions reduction with five core carbon principles, foremost among them transparency, integrity, inclusivity, and international collaboration/ coordination. Zsófia Győrfi identifies the potential benefits and costs of deglobalizing the world economy, recommending international carbon-pricing systems and utilizing the revenue to support decarbonization in the global south. Gustav Klaphake focuses attention on the EU Carbon Adjustment Mechanism and advocates in favor of expanding it with international collaboration to incentivize global GHG emissions. Timoteus Kraml envisions a Sector-specific Carbon Emissions Reduction Ranking and Incentives Program that could be adopted at the national level and offer participants tax incentives for higher-ranking performance.

3. Ecological Conflict Area Reconstruction

Artur Balakin, a Ukrainian citizen, envisions the ecological reconstruction of conflict areas all over the world, selects the Donbas region as a case study, and suggests initiatives for industry and housing, transport, and energy production.

4. Education

Anna Fischer, whose policy statement won an award at the 2023 KURIER Speak Out Festival, proposes the introduction of climate change as a dedicated subject in EU education in elementary, secondary, and higher education.  

As you read the policy statements, consider other options to group them. Also, contemplate the effect of implementing their proposals by 2030. Above all, use them as a catalyst for your own recommendations for the big and bold action we need now!

Accelerating Climate Change Mitigation: Policy Statements on the Road to 2030

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U.S. Transportation's Role in Climate Change Mitigation for 2030

by Nicholas Skowron (United States)

Abstract

The United States (US) is currently not ready to meet its Paris agreement 2030 climate change mitigation goals. With more aggressive and targeted regulation and legislation, this outlook could drastically change. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was a step in the right direction for climate change mitigation policy but it fell short in one massively important category, addressing public transportation. The US transportation sector accounts for 28% of all greenhouse gas GHG emissions; leading the next highest sector by 3%. This policy statement delves into the legislative and educational needs regarding the funding of new green public transit models. By analyzing current legislation, as well as other US climate policies, I seek to set guidelines for new and more aggressive strategies in green transportation, as well as funding and education towards creating a less car-dependent culture. A tangible switch in favor of public transportation over individual automobile dependence would greatly reduce emissions and significantly improve the chances for the US to achieve its climate change mitigation goal for 2030.

Introduction

The US is in dire need of sweeping legislation regarding climate change mitigation. As it stands, the US with its current climate change mitigation initiatives, programs, and bills are not insufficient to reach the Paris Agreement goal of a 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030. Policies such as the IRA have made significant strides in efforts to mitigate climate change but have fallen short of the true needs to effectively meet this extreme challenge. With the suggestions and guidance offered in this policy proposal, I seek to amend these shortcomings and create a plan that can guide the US to a prosperous and green future. Introducing a system for tax credits for utilization of public transport, shifting of funding towards increased infrastructure for public transit, and hybridizing the next generation of public transport buses will correct the course to accomplish this lofty goal. While additional policy changes are necessary for the US to realize its goals for 2030, the introduction of these would be a massively important step in the right direction. A less car-dependent society is exactly what the US needs to massively reduce transportation emissions. Therefore, more aggressive legislation regarding the electrification and hybridization of public transportation and infrastructure will reduce GHG emissions drastically by 2030 by reducing fossil fuel and automobile dependence. ​

The Inflation Reduction Act

The IRA is the most ambitious bill to date regarding climate change mitigation. In addition to this, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the IRA is “the most significant climate change legislation in U.S. history.” With an influx of $370 billion towards climate change mitigation and green infrastructure, this is a massive step in the right direction. This is important because all emissions sectors of the United States are being targeted in this bill, which is necessary if the US plans to reduce its GHG emissions 50% by 2030. Despite this positive development, only approximately $23.4 billion has been directed towards transportation. This means that even a smaller percentage of this funding is being directed toward public transportation. The IRA also features several concessions by not tackling fossil fuel funding, which opens the door to the continued use of fossil fuels and aids in keeping this industry alive. Even more alarmingly, the IRA touts a “40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030”, an entire 10% less than the 2030 Paris Agreement goal. To account for the projects that are desperately needed, funding must be pulled away from the $20 billion in subsidies and around $100 billion in tax breaks given to fossil fuel corporations every year to more effectively tackle this climate crisis. Currently, the transportation emissions sector is not being effectively targeted. With more aggressive and intuitive legislation this could be amended.

Methods for 2030

A three-pronged approach is necessary for the US to reach its Paris Agreement obligations by 2030. Firstly, to encourage the use of public transportation, tax credits must be implemented as a tangible incentive for shifting away from automobile use. Secondly, the US must commit to developing green infrastructure such as passenger rail outside of main population centers and existing transit hubs. Lastly, the current fleet of diesel buses are incompatible with efficient emissions reductions by 2030 and must be replaced with much more energy- and emissions-efficient hybrid-electric vehicles. Currently, there are few physical incentives for Americans to use public transportation, this could be easily amended with a form of tax credits for the purchasing of transit passes. Encouragingly, tax credits have already shown real world success with policy implementation in Canada. I seek to recreate this success with a 15% tax credit for a purchased transit pass, which would allow for annual or monthly transit passes to be written off on taxes, putting money directly into citizens’ pockets. This will help to shift away from automobile dependence, providing an economic and environmental benefit. It would be effective because the process is incredibly simple to understand, unlike the current tax credit system regarding EVs for example, which is very narrow in eligibility and scope.

Improving rail infrastructure outside of major transit hubs is important, too. For example, the population of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs is about 9 million people while the population of Tokyo sits at about 14 million. According to the nonprofit research center Urban.org, Chicagoland emits 3-4 times more greenhouse gases than Tokyo every single year. This is the consequence of the disparity in the development of public transportation infrastructure. Tokyo possesses an extremely developed and well-funded public transport system and, although Chicago has a modern and efficient public transit system inside the city, it is severely lacking in the suburbs. Chicago proper has a highly-developed transportation infrastructure and this is the case in many large cities in the US. The ability to scale this infrastructure outside of these main hubs would be essential to encouraging public transit use, thus lowering emissions. Current legislation is insufficient for this infrastructure development and must be prioritized to not only reduce emissions from single automobile use, but also shift transportation preference in favor of public transit. Before this shift can occur , the infrastructure must be available to use, and in many places it is simply not an option. Figure 1 displays this inability to use public transport in action, with all public transport networks in the US paling in comparison to one form of transport available in Europe: high speed rail.

Lastly, according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, about 80% of the current bus fleet in federal public transportation uses diesel combustion engines. For the United States to meet its Paris Agreement obligations the US must shift completely to electric-hybrid vehicles. Studies done by this same institute show that these modern buses can be up to 75% more efficient in lessening GHG emissions as compared to diesel and with specialized filters this figure can reach up to 90%. Even more shockingly, even though these hybrids cost on $300,000 more per unit than diesel on average, they will actually save around $170 thousand in fuel costs, another reason to make the shift. To fund these programs the FTA must overcome its severe deficits at less than 2% of all federal funding. By pulling funding away from the bloated budget of the Department of Defense, the United States could fund these projects with ease.

Figure 1: Comparison between all available public transport in the US (top) and high speed rail in Europe (bottom)

An Optimistic Future

Swift implementation of these policies and programs in the US can right its current climate change mitigation wrongs and set an optimistic direction to Paris 2030. Climate change mitigation activities already exist and in the tax credit example, have been proven effective when implemented. Most importantly, the US has excellent public transportation infrastructure in large cities and transport hubs, but the key is scaling this infrastructure to target severely lacking areas of the country where this public transportation is unavailable. With greater policy ambition and more aggressive implementation, the US can use tax credits, rail construction, and hybridization of public transport to effectively target the transportation emissions sector and drastically reduce its carbon footprint in preparation for Paris Agreement compliance in 2030.

Works Cited

Agency, C. R. (2020, July 3). Government of Canada. Canada.ca.  
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/programs/about-canada-revenue-agency-cra/federal-government-budgets/budget-2017-building-a-strong-middle-class/public-transit-tax-credit.html
 
Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). EPA. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://www.epa.gov/green-power-markets/inflation-reduction-act
 
Europe, A. M. of. (2019, May 22). Rail Map Europe: Map of Europe: Europe Map. Map of Europe | Europe Map. https://mapofeurope.com/rail-europe/ 
 
Coleman, C., & Dietz, E. (2019, July 29). Fact sheet: Fossil fuel subsidies: A closer look at tax breaks and societal costs. EESI. https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/fact-sheet-fossil-fuel-subsidies-a-closer-look-at-tax-breaks-and-societal-costs
 
D.O.D. (2023, March 13). Department of Defense releases the president’s fiscal year 2024 defense 
budget. U.S. Department of Defense. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3326875/department-of-defense-releases-the-presidents-fiscal-year-2024-defense-budget/#:~:text=On%20March%209%2C%202023%2C%20the,billion%20more%20than%20FY%202022. 

Federal Transit Administration. (2018). 2018 National Transit Summaries and trends. National 
Transit Database. https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/ntd/data-product/134401/2018-ntst_1.pdf
 
Laporte, A. (2019, July 29). Fact sheet: Fossil fuel subsidies: A closer look at tax breaks and societal costs (2019). EESI. https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/fact-sheet-fossil-fuel-subsidies-a-closer-look-at-tax-breaks-and-societal-costs
 
Ranganathan, S. (n.d.). Hybrid buses costs and benefits - EESI. https://www.eesi.org/files/eesi_hybrid_bus_032007.pdf
 
Yau, N. (2014, February 6). Map: US bus and Amtrak routes. FlowingData. https://flowingdata.com/2014/02/06/map-us-bus-and-amtrak-routes/

U.S. Transportation's Role in Climate Change Mitigation for 2030

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Competing for a Greener Future: The EU Sector-Specific Carbon Emissions Ranking Initiative

by Timoteus Kraml

Abstract

The European Union (EU) must address the pressing issue of climate change by promoting environmentally sustainable business practices. This policy statement proposes a Sector-specific Carbon Emissions Reduction Ranking and Incentives Program, whereby businesses can voluntarily apply to be ranked, based on their carbon emissions relative to competitors in their sector. Participants will receive tax breaks proportional to their ranking, with all participating businesses receiving a minimal tax break regardless of their rank. To ensure transparency and accountability, the EU will fund a new institution dedicated to monitoring and evaluating the businesses involved in the program. Additionally, the EU will provide free consultation and support for businesses seeking to adopt more sustainable practices. This sector-specific approach allows businesses in carbon-intensive industries, such as oil companies, to have an incentive to improve their environmental performance. Via financial incentives, the proposed program has the potential to motivate businesses to make small but significant changes in their operations, thereby contributing to the broader EU climate goals and fostering sustainable economic growth.

Urgency

Climate change presents an urgent global challenge that requires concerted efforts from governments, industries, and individuals alike. One critical aspect of addressing climate change involves promoting environmentally sustainable business practices across various sectors. With the EU committed to achieving ambitious climate goals, such as a 55% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, it is essential to create innovative strategies that incentivize businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their environmental performance.

This policy statement introduces the Sector-specific Carbon Emissions Reduction Ranking and Incentives Program, a novel approach designed to encourage businesses to adopt more sustainable practices. By offering financial incentives through tax breaks proportional to a business's carbon emissions ranking within its sector, the program aims to motivate businesses to work towards reducing their emissions and contribute to the broader EU climate goals. In the following sections, I will explore the details of this program, its potential benefits, and the support structures needed to ensure its success in fostering a sustainable economic future.

Program Description

The Sector-specific Carbon Emissions Reduction Ranking and Incentives Program is designed to encourage businesses across various sectors to engage in environmentally sustainable practices voluntarily. By adopting a sector-specific ranking system, the program enables businesses to be compared and evaluated based on their carbon emissions relative to their competitors within the same industry. This approach ensures that even companies within carbon-intensive sectors can find incentives to improve their environmental performance.

The program offers tax breaks and incentives to participating businesses based on their ranking. The better a company's ranking, the more significant the tax reductions it receives. This system creates a direct financial incentive for businesses to reduce their carbon emissions and adopt more sustainable practices. Furthermore, the program aims to be inclusive, targeting businesses from various sectors, including carbon-intensive industries. This inclusivity ensures that a wide range of companies can contribute to the EU's climate goals and benefit from the incentives provided by the program.

EU-funded Institutions and Support

To ensure the success of the Sector-specific Carbon Emissions Reduction Ranking and Incentives Program, it is crucial to have robust institutions and support systems in place. First, evaluating and monitoring the performance of participating businesses is vital to maintain transparency and accountability. To this end, the EU should fund a dedicated institution, responsible for tracking, measuring, and verifying the carbon emissions and environmental performance of the businesses involved in the program.

Additionally, offering free support and consultation to businesses seeking to adopt more sustainable practices will help facilitate their transition towards greener operations. This assistance can include guidance on best practices, resources, and technological solutions tailored to each sector. One option would be to link business responses to support and consultation with a deadline for the implementation of suggestions for improvement. If the business implements before the deadline, its ranking improves.

The proposed program could be funded by allocating a small percentage of the €1 trillion budget set aside for the EU Green Deal, which aims to mobilize investments towards sustainable growth. By leveraging the financial resources of the EU Green Deal, the program can draw inspiration from existing EU initiatives, such as the Emissions Trading System (ETS), which creates a market-based approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which helps companies set science-based emissions reduction targets. By building upon these successful models, the program can effectively contribute to the broader EU climate objectives.

Impact on Small Businesses

The Sector-specific Carbon Emissions Reduction Ranking and Incentives Program has the potential to impact small businesses significantly in a positive way. By participating in the program, small business owners can identify feasible changes they can implement to improve their environmental performance. For example, as an owner of a small Airbnb business, one could consider using eco-friendly cleaning products, washing linens and towels in an eco-friendly mode, or providing guests with eco-friendly shower gels and soaps. These small adjustments can be very easy and impactful. With the right incentive, many entrepreneurs would happily develop a more sustainable business operation.

Financial incentives play a crucial role in motivating businesses to adopt sustainable practices. By offering tax breaks to participating businesses based on their ranking, the program creates a direct financial benefit for businesses that take steps to reduce their carbon emissions. This economic motivation can make the prospect of transitioning to more sustainable practices more appealing, encouraging businesses of all sizes to engage in environmentally responsible operations.

Outlook

The Sector-specific Carbon Emissions Reduction Ranking and Incentives Program presents a promising approach to addressing climate change by promoting environmentally sustainable business practices. By offering financial incentives through tax breaks based on a company's carbon emissions ranking within its sector, the program can motivate businesses of all sizes to reduce their emissions and contribute to the EU's broader climate goals.

The potential benefits of the program are vast, from enhancing the environmental performance of businesses to fostering a sustainable economic future. By implementing this program and supporting the necessary institutions and initiatives, the EU can pave the way for a greener, more resilient economy. It is crucial for policymakers and stakeholders to recognize the value of this program and take decisive action to implement and support its development, ensuring that the fight against climate change remains a top priority for businesses across the European Union.

Literature

European Commission (2019). A European Green Deal. [online] European Commission. Available at: https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en.

Science Based Targets. (n.d.). How it works. [online] Available at: https://sciencebasedtargets.org/how-it-works.

European Commission (2022). EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). [online] European Commission. Available at: https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/eu-emissions-trading-system-eu-ets_en.

Competing for a Greener Future: The EU Sector-Specific Carbon Emissions Ranking Initiative

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