🇪🇺🇺🇦 On June 15, the EU opens the most critical chapter of Ukraine's accession talks — held up for months by Hungary's veto. The Fundamentals cluster, covering rule of law, judiciary, and fundamental rights, is the gateway to all other negotiating chapters. GMF's @O_Prokopenko_IR argues that "progressive accession" is the realistic path forward, and explains what both Kyiv and European capitals must deliver before the window closes. 🔗 Read here: bit.ly/4eFymop

“The Black Sea region functions as a strategic corridor connecting Europe’s security, energy diversification, enlargement process and trade connectivity.” GMF’s @EleneKintsuras2 explained why the Black Sea matters to Europe’s future at the @NATOFoundation's conference, "Balkans and Black Sea Perspectives 2026 – Democratic Resilience, AI and Cognitive Security," in Rome.

🛢️ For over a decade, the eastern Mediterranean was held up as a solution to Europe's energy vulnerability. But as Europe set out to diversify its supply, it built a new dependency. GMF's @GabiAMitchell traces how commercial decisions are locking in vulnerabilities that diplomacy cannot easily reverse. 🔗 Read here: gmfus.org/news/eastern-medit…

“Georgia should really stand as a stark warning for Euro-Atlantic policymakers that geopolitical orientation alone cannot be taken for granted.” GMF’s @EleneKintsuras2 spoke about democratic resilience and institutional fragility of Georgia at the @NATOFoundation conference, "Balkans and Black Sea Perspectives 2026 – Democratic Resilience, AI and Cognitive Security," in Rome.

🇨🇿 That's a wrap on Days 3 & 4 of TILN 2026 in Prague. The cohort explored memory and belonging, heard from leaders working inside and outside formal institutions, and looked ahead to what comes next. Our highlights👇 🔹The cohort visited one of Central Europe's most significant sites of Jewish history and memory, exploring how institutions of remembrance shape how societies understand themselves. 🔹NGO Yourchance shared their work integrating the Ukrainian community in Czechia, followed by an evening session with the European Philanthropic Initiative for Migration on belonging in a time of changing migration patterns. 🔹Fellows went inside the Czech Parliament and spoke with MP Irena Ferčíková Konečná on democratic accountability and how institutions shape public discourse. 🔹Natallia Allen, co-founder of MigAct, spoke about organizing across differences and building solidarity from within migrant communities. 🔗 Learn about TILN: bit.ly/3PN7B5b

Despite ministerial meetings of EMGF and 3 1 in the US this week, the Eastern Mediterranean is more fragmented than ever and individual commercial decisions are locking in vulnerabilities that will be hard to reverse - my latest for @gmfus gmfus.org/news/eastern-medit… 1/

GMF’s @kristinakausch spoke to @dwnews about ongoing US war with Iran:
 “What we see very clearly in this conflict is that superior military capability does not equal deterrence.” 🔗 Watch here: bit.ly/4uBcPSJ

For over 36 years, General Franco’s fascist dictatorship ruled Spain. The sixth documentary, Out of the Darkness, focuses on the Catalonian city of Barcelona, and the dramatic transformation of public spaces. These spaces, deeply connected to the past are now exemplars of democratic engagement in Spain. Produced by the Bertelsmann Foundation in partnership with GMF Cities, Local Democracy in Action is a six-part series of short documentaries showcasing the responses of local civic organizations and residents in Europe and the US to crisis, and their actions to foster social participation and reimagine public spaces in their cities. 🔗 Explore the rest of the stories: bit.ly/4ukmoFI

🇦🇲 Armenia's parliamentary election on June 7 came down to a geopolitical choice: Russia or Europe. Voters chose Europe. GMF's @EleneKintsuras2 and @LaurentiuPl argue the result signals real erosion of Moscow's influence, but the EU has an obligation to act before that window closes. 🔗 Read here: bit.ly/445ffxX

📢 We’re hiring! @GMFUS’s Indo-Pacific Program is looking for a Fall 2026 trainee to support research, events, and the #ChinaGlobalPodcast while engaging on key #IndoPacific policy issues. Apply here 👉 recruiting.paylocity.com/Rec…

🇨🇿 TILN 2026 is officially underway in Prague. This week, 2026 Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders Network fellows from across Europe and the US came together and the energy in the room has been extraordinary. Day 1 kicked off with our welcome reception, where fellows met their cohort, connected with GMF staff, and began the conversations that will carry through the week. Day 2 focused on the values, identities, and institutional contexts that have shaped each of us. We explored the changing landscape in the Czech Republic that gave fellows a grounded look at how inclusion frameworks are taking shape in Central Europe. The day wrapped up with a session that took the conversation outside for a political mapping activity that encouraged our fellows to respond to the differences in transatlantic political identities. 🌎 TILN is an empowering program for young diverse elected, civil society and business leaders, who collaborate, peer mentor, and educate each other in working to advance inclusive policies and strengthen social cohesion. Stay tuned for more from Prague as TILN 2026 continues! 🔗 Learn about TILN: bit.ly/3PN7B5b

The new AI and cybersecurity risk executive order signed by Trump aims to bolster federal cyber capacity and improve coordination of government and industry AI cybersecurity efforts. GMF's Adrienne Goldstein explains the 3 major takeaways👇 🔗Read it: gmfus.org/news/tap-brakes

🌏 Applications are open for NEXUS: Next Generation Security Exchange. @GMFAsia will select ten MA and PhD students from the US, Japan, and Europe for a series of webinars and an in-person training in Washington, DC this November, covering nuclear deterrence, nonproliferation, and trilateral alliance politics. Funded by @Japanfoundation. 📅 Apply by June 30. 🔗 More info: gmfus.org/nexus-next-generat…

A new political storm between Poland and Ukraine is a reminder that unresolved historical memory remains a serious complication of their relationship, even in wartime. GMF's Yuliia Korotia explores how these disputes are testing a key partnership Europe can't afford to lose. 🔗 Read it: bit.ly/3QbAbA5

“All of these are free…We need to give back and make sure that we are welcoming, that we are a safe place, we’re a secure place. And much of that I’ve learned from Europe.” In Chicago, @FirstLadyNJ—chair of the NY/NJ FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Committee—pointed to a key challenge ahead of the World Cup: how to build a more accessible and community-driven culture of football in the United States. ⚽ What does it take to make the culture of sport truly inclusive? Drawing on European models, Murphy emphasized the importance of free, public activations and open community spaces—not just as engagement tools, but as a way to make sport more welcoming, accessible, and grounded in shared experience. As the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup, that question will only become more important. 🎥 Watch Murphy’s reflection below. Moderated by GMF's @SudhaDavidWilp, the conversation brought together leaders across sport and policy to examine how sport shapes transatlantic connections. GMF is grateful to partners and supporters who made this conversation possible, including the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest (GACC Midwest), @adidas, @comcast, and @VW.

“They told me that my visa has been revoked because of the Muslim ban…Soccer is reminding us of that friendship.” In Chicago, German @Bundestag Vice President @nouripour reflected on how sport can reconnect people—even after moments of political fracture. ⚽ What can sport reveal about the strength of transatlantic ties? Ahead of the US–Germany friendly, leaders from sport, government, and civil society came together to explore how international sport can do more than entertain. 🎥 Watch Nouripour’s reflection below. Moderated by GMF's @SudhaDavidWilp, the conversation brought together leaders across sport and policy to examine how sport shapes transatlantic connections. GMF is grateful to partners and supporters who made this conversation possible, including the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest (GACC Midwest), @adidas, @comcast, and @VW.

🌎 What does it take to move from understanding today’s challenges to acting on them? From June 7-12 in Prague, this question will guide this year’s cohort of Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders Network (TILN) fellows. Under the theme From Context to Courage, the program brings together emerging leaders to examine how institutions are responding to current pressures and how leadership can translate insight into action. Each year, fellows are selected to take part in this intensive, week-long experience. Through expert briefings, leadership trainings, and direct engagement with policymakers, businesses, and civil society actors, they build the tools and perspective needed to lead in complex environments. But the goal goes beyond the week itself. The fellowship continues long after Prague, as participants join a transatlantic network committed to strengthening collaboration and shaping the future of democratic societies. 🎥 Hear from past TILN fellows on how the program shapes their leadership and learn more about the 2026 cohort here: gmfus.org/2026-transatlantic…

📣🇩🇪 GMF Senior Vice President for Transatlantic Security @ClaudMajor is listed in the @politico Germany, @WELT, and BUSINESS INSIDER Germany Power List 2026 as part of Germany's Top 50 most influential personalities whose actions have helped move Germany forward. Congratulations to Claudia on this well-deserved acknowledgment! #POWERLIST26 🔗 Learn more on @axelspringer_EN: bit.ly/3RTs3EY