The EU-VALUES Network (EU Research and Education Network on Foreign Policy Issues: Values and Democracy) unites 21 leading higher education institutions from Europe and beyond to enrich the debate and deepen understanding of values and democracy in the EU's foreign policy.
Comprising nearly 100 academic experts from six continents, this coalition was formed with a focus on scholarly excellence and inclusiveness, emphasising gender equality and geographic diversity. Our network recognises the urgent need to bolster the EU's external legitimacy as a force for good amid global challenges.
Explore our latest newsletter for an in-depth look at the Network’s evolving focus - highlighting key initiatives, research insights and flagship projects on Human Rights, Trade, Democracy, and the EU’s global actions, alongside achievements, challenges and future directions.
The EU at a Crossroads:
Upholding Peace, Freedom and Multilateralism in a Changing World
Ideas and Insights from the EU-VALUES Network
The war in Ukraine has forced the EU to rethink its role on the continent, transforming enlargement from a normative project into a strategic instrument of security. In this blog, Seçkin Barış Gülmez examines Ursula von der Leyen’s speeches since 2022 to show how Brussels frames Ukraine’s EU accession not as routine integration but as a decisive tool against Russian aggression.
Amid rising geopolitical pressures, the EU’s enlargement policy reveals a troubling paradox: bold rhetoric on democracy, rule of law, and human rights paired with strikingly cautious action toward the Western Balkans and Turkey. In this blog, Erman Ermihan and Nasuh Sofuoğlu unpack the EU’s strategy of nihilistic responsibility—a performance of moral commitment that avoids real transformation—raising urgent questions about credibility, leadership, and the Union’s future as a normative power.
Voluntary Sustainability Standards are taking centre stage at COP30, where experts stress their role in advancing climate and supply-chain goals, reducing trade fragmentation, and improving traceability through digital tools. Read our reflections now to understand the key priorities, include cutting certification costs, strengthening inclusion, and harmonizing standards. As implementation accelerates, VSS will be vital for credible, practical, accessible sustainable trade.
Between Sovereignty and Normative Power: Reassessing EU–ASEAN Relations
with Dr. Sukmawani Bela Pertiwi
How has ASEAN evolved beyond economics - and what does this mean for democracy, human rights, and its partnership with the European Union?
On the podcast now, Dr. Sukmawani Bela Pertiwi unpacks the political development of ASEAN, its foundational principles of sovereignty and non-interference, and how these shape the region’s engagement with Europe.
Drawing on Bela’s extensive expertise in Southeast Asian studies and EU–ASEAN cooperation, this conversation explores the intersection of regionalism, values, and political diversity, and asks a crucial question: How much space does the EU really have to promote human rights in a region where sovereignty is fiercely protected?
Navigating Uncertainty: The EU's Stand for Democracy with Prof. Javier Solana | Full Interview
EU-VALUES Talks: The Russia–Ukraine War and Its Implications for Central Asia with Assylzat Karabayeva
Co-editor and author Prof. Assylzat Karabayeva of 'The Russia–Ukraine War and Its Implications for Central Asia: Resilience, Connectivity, and Decolonization' reflects on how the war has reshaped Europe–Central Asia relations and what the future might hold. Watch now to learn about:
Opportunities for multilateral engagement between Central Asian countries and European institutions to promote stability and conflict prevention.
How the EU’s normative power—around rule of law, sovereignty, and human rights—resonates in Central Asia after the invasion of Ukraine, and where the gaps lie.
The EU’s potential role in strengthening regional resilience through green transitions, digital connectivity, and educational cooperation.
The key variables that could reshape Central Asia’s alignment and autonomy over the next five years. - The lessons for European policymakers and analysts seeking a more coherent and credible approach to the region.
This conversation with Karabayeva (KIMEP University) explores the intersections of resilience, connectivity, and strategy in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
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