Issue 3 of Government offers a focus on Europe’s role as a humanitarian aid and development superpower, with a number of European officials contributing their perspectives on priorities in this area, including supporting human rights, promoting renewable energy and responding to disasters and humanitarian crises.
This edition also celebrates the 25th year of the Erasmus programme, and the value of the cultural and educational exchange it facilitates; then, it looks eastward, taking stock of some of the EU’s newest member states, and some of the countries pursuing accession. It also highlights a range of perspectives from a variety of stakeholders on the current state of Europe’s energy market.
How is Europe supporting human rights?
- Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič details the democratic potential of the European Citizens’ Initiative;
- Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva underlines the important contribution aid can make to supporting populations;
- The Council of Europe’s secretary general, Thorbjørn Jagland, talks about vital efforts to promote human rights on Europe’s eastern fringe; and
- Human Rights Watch’s Veronika Szente Goldston details how the EU can better promote and protect rights.
How is Europe responding to crises?
- Commissioner Joaquín Almunia describes the action being taken to ensure Europe remains vibrant and competitive;
- Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani stresses the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in the European economy;
- Prime Minister of Luxembourg Jean-Claude Juncker opens up on the challenges of sharing sovereignty, wealth and political power; and
- Commissioner Andris Piebalgs reflects on European sustainability efforts in the wake of the recent Rio+20 sustainable development summit.
What are the EU’s development priorities?
- Danish Minister for Development Co-operation, Christian Friis Bach, outlines Denmark’s approach to being an international development pioneer;
- Commissioner Janez Potočnik discusses the challenges of reintroducing certain species into Europe as part of a broader conservation programme; and
- Commissioner Günther Oettinger stresses the need for European vision and strategy for the development of energy infrastructure.
