# Issue 29

From the war in Ukraine to the devastation of Gaza since 2023, the words ‘war’ and ‘peace’ dominate the headlines. But what kind of peace can be built in the future? Our Special Coverage Does peace still have a chance? steers the debate from topics of war and defence towards the urgent necessity of peace. The decision on the defence funds is part of a broader debate on the next EU budget – the Focus The next MFF: turning the glue into solvent critically examines the European Commission’s budget proposal, particularly the fate of the cohesion funds. 

The Dossier Benefits for all? The EU’s international partnerships asks whether the EU can pursue its strategic interests while simultaneously promoting its partners’ genuine development? And the last Dossier is dedicated to COP30: looking past the elephant in the room, where the elephant is the issue of fossil fuels, which was intentionally ignored during the negotiations held in Brazil.