Photo recap from our conference at the European Parliament in Brussels on the contradictions and consequences of the EU climate agenda. Thank you to Anja Arndt, Dr. Marc Jongen, and Dr. Bernd Fleischmann for their valuable contributions and thought-provoking insights, as well as to everyone who attended and participated in the discussion. The event provided an opportunity to examine the economic, industrial, and social implications of current EU climate policies and to exchange views on the challenges facing Europe's future.
This morning, René Aust, Stanislav Stoyanov, Rada Laykova and Petar Volgin held a press conference on “EU Facing Geopolitical Challenges.” The discussion provided an opportunity to address some of the key geopolitical challenges facing Europe today and to exchange views with journalists on the European Union’s role in an increasingly complex international environment. It was also an opportunity to highlight the growing impact of the ESN Group within the European Parliament. Since its creation, the Group has established itself as an active political force, bringing forward its priorities on sovereignty, security, migration, competitiveness and the future direction of the European Union. Thank you to all journalists who attended and contributed to the discussion.
Yesterday, the panel discussion “Europe: Yes – But How? Rebuilding a Continent” took place at the European Parliament at the invitation of Tomasz Froelich. In a stimulating and thought-provoking debate, the speakers discussed the future of Europe in a rapidly changing world. The discussion focused on questions of European sovereignty, geopolitical agency, cultural identity, and Europe’s role in an increasingly multipolar world order. Through valuable contributions from Prof. Dr. Ulrike Guérot, Prof. Dr. David Engels, Dimitrios Kisoudis, Benedikt Kaiser, and Philip Stein, Europe was reimagined from a variety of academic, political, and cultural perspectives. The discussion highlighted that Europe’s future is neither predetermined nor self-evident, but something that must be actively shaped. Many thanks to Tomasz Froelich for organizing this successful event, and to all speakers and guests for the inspiring exchange of ideas.
Historic step towards a European migration policy shift. Today’s conclusion of the trilogue negotiations on the Return Regulation lays the foundation for faster, more effective and more consistent returns of individuals who have no legal right to remain in the European Union. Key measures such as external return hubs and stronger consequences for third countries that refuse to cooperate on readmissions send a clear signal: Europe is moving towards a more credible and enforceable migration policy. Several important provisions, including stronger return mechanisms and tougher measures against non-cooperative countries, have been retained throughout the negotiations. The ESN Group played an active role throughout the legislative process, with Shadow Rapporteur Mary Khan contributing to the negotiations and advocating for stronger return provisions. The final vote is expected before the summer recess. If adopted, the new framework will mark a major step towards restoring order, strengthening border management and ensuring that return decisions are effectively enforced.
Europe: Yes – But How? Rebuilding a Continent The ESN Group in the European Parliament is pleased to invite you to a panel discussion on the future of Europe: “Europe: Yes – But How? Rebuilding a Continent” Europe stands at a historic crossroads: marginalisation and external determination, or sovereignty and self-assertion. This question is no longer merely theoretical. It will determine whether Europe remains a political, economic, and cultural force in the world. Together with distinguished guests from academia and public life, we will discuss the challenges facing our continent and the prospects for a stronger Europe in an increasingly multipolar world order. Speakers • Prof. Dr. Ulrike Guérot – Political scientist and publicist specialising in European integration, democracy, and institutional reform • Prof. Dr. David Engels – Historian and professor known for his work on European civilisation, cultural history, and the crisis of modern Europe • Dimitrios Kisoudis – Political theorist and author focusing on geopolitical strategy, multipolarity, and European political thought • Benedikt Kaiser – German political scientist and author specialising in geopolitics, metapolitics, social policy, and questions of sovereignty • Philip Stein – German publisher and entrepreneur, founder of the publishing house and media platform Jungeuropa Date: 2 June 2026, 18:00–20:00 Venue: European Parliament, Room ASP 1E2 Interpretation: English / German / French A buffet reception will follow the discussion. We look forward to welcoming you to this timely debate on Europe's future.
The Future of European Energy International Conference We are pleased to invite you to the international conference “The Future of European Energy”, which will take place on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, at the Jalta Hotel in Prague, from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The conference will bring together experts, policymakers, and public representatives to discuss the key challenges and future direction of European energy policy. The programme will focus on the expected development of the European energy sector and its economic and social consequences. The main topics will include: Renewable energy sources Hydrocarbons Nuclear energy Speakers will include MEP Anja Arndt and MEP Milan Uhrík, together with other invited guests and experts. The conference will consist of 15–20 minute oral presentations. Audiovisual equipment will be provided. The event will be streamed online, and recordings will be made available to participants for further dissemination. Interpretation will be provided in English, German, and Czech. The conference is organized with the support of the European Parliament group Europe of Sovereign Nations. Those interested in participating are kindly asked to send their applications to: ivan.david@europarl.europa.eu Please use the subject line: “Prague Energy Conference” A second announcement with more detailed information about the conference programme and practical arrangements will be sent at the beginning of June. On behalf of the preparatory committee: Ivan David, MD, MEP Ivan Noveský, Dipl. Ing.
Gaming Without Greed “We want a clean game, and we do not want to be exploited,” said Milan Uhrík. Players deserve games made for entertainment, not systems designed to squeeze more money out of them
Europe must defend its own market Our MEP Petras Gražulis highlights how the Green Deal, bureaucracy, and new trade agreements are weakening European businesses and farmers. “Europe does not defend its citizens or its businesses.”
This plenary week was once again marked by growing criticism of the European Union’s political direction. Whether on agriculture, industry, energy, fisheries, or family policy, ESN argued that Brussels is moving further and further away from the interests of Europe’s citizens. 🚜 Agriculture under pressure The new EU fertiliser action plan faced sharp criticism. ESN warned against additional climate regulations, rising costs, and more bureaucracy for Europe’s farmers. Instead of ideological policies, Europe needs affordable energy, less regulation, and stronger domestic food production. 🚗 Climate policy makes cars more expensive The expansion of the emissions trading system is, according to ESN, creating new burdens for the automotive industry. Higher costs for steel, aluminium, and energy threaten jobs and weaken Europe’s industrial base while benefiting non-European competitors. 🎣 Fisheries and food security at risk During the debate on maritime spatial planning, criticism was raised that the EU increasingly prioritises offshore wind projects over the interests of the fishing industry. ESN warned against further weakening Europe’s own food security. 🏛️ Protest against Merkel honour The awarding of the new European Order of Merit to Angela Merkel sparked major controversy. Right-wing groups jointly protested against the ceremony, pointing to the consequences of the migration policies introduced in 2015. 👨👩👧 Criticism of EU gender policies ESN criticised the billions spent by the EU on gender and equality programmes, as well as what it described as growing ideological interference by Brussels in family policy and societal values. Instead of symbolic politics, Europe needs policies that support families and respect national sovereignty. 📉 Growing criticism of the EU’s direction Throughout the plenary week, criticism focused on rising bureaucracy, ideological regulation, and Europe’s declining competitiveness. ESN warned of further economic decline and an increasing disconnect between EU institutions and Europe’s citizens.
Rebuild Europe Now Europe’s economic problems did not come from nowhere. Roberto Vannacci’s speech points to the Green Deal, sanctions, common debt, and failed Commission policies as causes of poverty and industrial decline. For ESN, Europe needs sovereignty, responsibility, and policies that rebuild prosperity instead of deepening the crisis
Away with the Green Deal! Marcin Sypniewski’s speech highlights the message from the streets of Warsaw: ordinary Europeans should not pay the price for failed climate policies, higher energy bills, and ETS burdens. ESN stands for affordable energy, secure jobs, and policies that protect normal life — not punish it.
