The economy, security, health and development: we asked experts on Europe for their views on the key topics shaping Germany’s presidency of the EU Council.

Economist Siegfried Leffler has been Director of the GIZ Representation in Brussels since 2016. He manages GIZ’s cooperation activities with the institutions of the EU, primarily with the European Commission.

People around the globe yearn for democracy – at least when it offers more than elections. Stefano Palestini explains why the Chilean example is a case in point.

People are calling for political and economic participation. GIZ takes a holistic approach to fostering democratic principles and endeavours to involve pro-reform forces.

Opinions, feelings and hypotheses about the state of democracy abound. A look at the world of facts and figures helps to put things in perspective.

There are many individuals and initiatives that have made invaluable contributions in the pursuit of civil rights and liberties. We have put together some

In democracies, towns and local authorities should be given more powers, says social scientist Shandana Khan Mohmand from the University of Sussex.

In April 2013, the Rana Plaza textile factory in Bangladesh collapsed, killing more than 1,100 people.

They challenge stereotypes and are role models: female members of Jordan’s regional councils in action.