In this latest report of the Climate Network, policy-makers, civil society actors and local stakeholders in both the US and Europe address how to enhance renewable energy policies in rural and industrial regions despite current economic and political barriers.

As the United States and Europe transition from the post-Cold War era of Western dominance to a more uncertain future, their commitment to each other in world affairs has been called into question by both sides. Once a given in international affairs, the future of the transatlantic relationship is anything but certain.

A strong wind of change is blowing throughout the entire state of Baden-Württemberg in Germany. What do the people expect of their new government? How much change should there be? And in what areas?

The expectations towards the German Green Party have changed since March 27, 2011. Clearly, the Greens no longer serve an ecological niche. In their new role as a party of the center, the Greens will automatically have to assume more responsibility if they do not want to disappoint their new voters.

The people of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, and also in other countries such as Yemen, Bahrain and Algeria are revolting against encrusted structures. Which direction the movement will take is still open, but one thing has become clear during the last few weeks: Neither the EU nor the EU Member States can claim that the current transition process in Tunisia or Egypt is a direct result of the European democratization policy.

The European Union ushers in the new year amid the ruins of its foreign policy with regard to Eastern Europe. If the EU wants to be a strategic actor in Eastern Europe, it will have to offer credible accession perspectives to all countries wishing to be a part of democratic Europe.

It is particularly difficult to attain higher social status in Germany. Why is that, how should we tackle the issue and how the German situation differs from the situation in North America? At a conference organised by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung several experts and politicians tried to find answers to these questions.

The Treaty of Lisbon represents another attempt in the history of EU integration to tap the potential of the EU in external relations as well as in other fields. However, it stops short of taking the ultimate step: The member states have not consented to a communitization of foreign and security policy. Instead, a complicated new structure was adopted which leaves much to be desired and creates new areas for friction.

FRIDE, the Heinrich Böll Foundation and CEPS are teaming up for a stock-take of transatlantic relations after the first year of the Obama administration.

The Sahara can become a power hub to provide renewable energy to Europe by the mid of the century. This project should become a cornerstone of a new European Community for renewable energies, argues Ralf Fücks.