Simone Tholens

Simone Tholens is a post-doctoral research assistant at the BORDERLANDS project within the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies of the European University Institute.

Partnership or power projection? The EU and its 'neighbourhood'

The EU is advancing its image as a 'benevolent neighbour' and 'democracy promoter.' Is this a reflection of reality, or good public relations?

By Simone Tholens and Raffaella A.Del Sarto

/ 18 Nov 2014

Partnership or power projection? The EU and its 'neighbourhood'

The EU is advancing its image as a 'benevolent neighbour' and 'democracy promoter.' Is this a reflection of reality, or good public relations?

By Simone Tholens and Raffaella A.Del Sarto

/ 18 Nov 2014

Conflict at the EU's southern borders: the Sahel crisis

Gradually, EU systems of governance have extended into the southern Mediterranean, linking dynamics in the Sahel with European interests through its borderlands. This could be a test of the EU's foreign policy ambitions. But is the Union ready and capable to act, and if so, what is at stake?

By Simone Tholens and Raffaella Del Sarto

/ 1 Feb 2013

Extending European borders? Paradoxes in Balkan politics between EU accession and statebuilding

The western Balkans are caught between internal dynamics acting to couple borders with national myth-making, and post-modern Europeanizing forces hoping to nurture cosmopolitan polities.

By Simone Tholens

/ 19 Jul 2012