Britain & EU member-states

Error message

Notice: Trying to get property 'vocabulary_machine_name' of non-object in _cer_topics_taxonomy_term_page_view() (line 104 of /var/www/vhosts/cer_live/site/sites/all/modules/custom/cer_topics/cer_topics.module).
Weighed down by gravity: UK trade policy after Brexit

Weighed down by gravity: UK trade policy after Brexit

11 March 2024
The post-Brexit vision of 'Global Britain' is slowly replaced by the reality that free trade agreements deliver marginal benefits, particularly for the UK’s service-oriented economy. 
A new equilibrium in Northern Ireland: Can it last?

A new equilibrium in Northern Ireland: Can it last?

Anton Spisak
01 March 2024
The agreement between the British government and the Democratic Unionist Party addresses immediate challenges but falls short of resolving Northern Ireland’s Brexit conundrum.
How should Europe handle China?: Annual report 2023

How should Europe handle China?: Annual report 2023

09 February 2024
The CER's annual report starts with an essay on how should Europe handle China. The report then highlights some of the CER's most important publications and events from 2023.
Brexit, four years on: Answers to two trade paradoxes

Brexit, four years on: Answers to two trade paradoxes

25 January 2024
Since the UK left the EU in 2020, its goods exports to the EU have not performed any worse than to the rest of the world, and its services exports have grown strongly. How come?
A European strategy for Labour

A European strategy for Labour

27 September 2023
Keir Starmer will find it hard to improve the Tory Brexit deal – which most EU leaders like. But if he is willing to offer something in return, they may give him a better deal.
State of the Union: From Putin's war to a trade war?

State of the Union: From Putin's war to a trade war?

Zach Meyers, Camino Mortera-Martinez, Sander Tordoir
26 September 2023
If she wants the EU to be greener, fairer, and more resilient, Ursula von der Leyen, or whoever comes next, should stay away from trade spats and support a more ambitious industrial policy instead.
What approach should Labour take to the 2026 TCA review?

What approach should Labour take to the 2026 TCA review?

Anton Spisak
06 September 2023
A Labour government will want to reshape relations with the EU. The 2026 review of the trade deal offers only limited scope for change – but that should not constrain Labour’s ambitions.
Can Meloni's balancing act continue?

Can Meloni's balancing act continue?

21 August 2023
Giorgia Meloni has blended Atlanticism and pragmatism towards the EU with right-wing populism on immigration, cultural issues and green policy.
To be influential in the EU, Spain must rebuild its political centre

To be influential in the EU, Spain must rebuild its political centre

Camino Mortera-Martinez
31 July 2023
Spain’s inconclusive electoral results will diminish Madrid’s influence in Europe. As holder of the EU’s rotating presidency, Spain will be diligent but distracted.

Building UK-EU bridges: Convergent China policies?

10 July 2023
The EU and the UK have almost identical objectives vis-à-vis China, and are pursuing very similar policies. After Brexit, can they still work together closely?
Are the costs of Brexit big or small?

Are the costs of Brexit big or small?

09 May 2023
Critics say my estimate – that the British economy is around 5 per cent smaller due to Brexit – is implausibly large. This insight tests their scepticism against other ways to estimate the cost of Brexit.

Can the European Political Community be a bridge between the UK and the EU?

28 April 2023
The European Political Community (EPC) could promote closer EU-UK co-operation. But the EPC's ability to do so will depend on its future evolution, which only partly hinges on UK-EU relations.

The best national security that (no) money can buy?

03 April 2023
The UK’s ‘Integrated Review refresh’ is more sober than its 2021 precursor. But the gap between the challenges the UK faces and the resources available to meet them has grown.

A British strategy for Europe?

03 April 2023
After nearly seven years of acrimony, the UK and the EU are talking sweetly to each other. The Ukraine war reminded them how much they have in common. 

Where is Britain's growth plan?

03 April 2023
The government will have to confront vested interests and raise investment to boost growth. A strategy founded on trade deals with far-off countries and deregulation won’t work.
Will the Retained EU Law Bill undermine Sunak's Windsor deal?

Will the Retained EU Law Bill undermine Sunak's Windsor deal?

Anton Spisak
30 March 2023
In its current form the Retained EU Law Bill is incompatible with the Windsor Framework. Rishi Sunak should make big changes to the REUL bill or scrap it altogether.
Does the Windsor deal herald warmer ties between Britain and the EU?

Does the Windsor deal herald warmer ties between Britain and the EU?

01 March 2023
The Windsor deal on the Northern Ireland protocol may herald warmer UK-EU ties. It has strengthened von der Leyen and Sunak. But the Retained EU Law bill promises trouble.

The impact of the war in Ukraine: Annual report 2022

10 February 2023
The CER's annual report starts with an essay on how the war in Ukraine is changing Europe. The report then highlights some of the CER's most important publications and events from 2022.

25 years on, the CER is more necessary than ever

David Miliband
01 February 2023
I am very proud to have played a role in founding the Centre for European Reform. The CER has done stimulating and important work for the benefit of Britain and Europe. 

Pages