Britain & EU member-states
Poland's U-turn on European defence: A missed opportunity?
09 March 2012
In failing to respond to Poland's proposals on EU defence, European governments are missing an opportunity to improve Europe's ability to tackle military crises abroad.
Pressure and tact are the right response to Victor Orban
23 February 2012
The West should not isolate Hungary's Viktor Orban. While some of his instincts are deeply undemocratic, he is also a pragmatist, capable of adjusting course.
Greece's real challenge
03 February 2012
Greece's new bail-out package needs less austerity and more structural reforms. A bloated and immobile public sector remains a drag on growth.
Is Austria the new Finland?
13 January 2012
Germany and France tend to pre-cook euro rescue plans. Smaller EU countries resent being sidelined. Slovakia and Finland have threatened vetoes and demanded concessions. Which country is next?
What Europe's new diplomatic service can do for Britain
10 January 2012
Following a recent agreement on EU foreign policy the UK should not miss an opportunity to use Europe's new diplomatic service to reinforce British interests.
The UK-EU split: The impact on Central Europe
13 December 2011
The UK decision to boycott the new EU treaty has left like-minded countries in Central European in weaker position to resist France's etatist tendencies.
Britain on the edge of Europe
09 December 2011
The Brussels agreement on December 9th will weaken British influence in the EU and could damage the single market.
The French learn followership
30 November 2011
France is backing Germany’s wish for a new treaty to enshrine strict budgetary discipline. In exchange, it hopes Germany will save the euro.
The curious case of German leadership
29 November 2011
Is Berlin leading in the euro crisis? Many Germans say it does, by spreading ‘stability culture’ – but not by telling the ECB what to do.
Monnet loses to de Gaulle
28 November 2011
The euro crisis is transforming the balance of power in Europe. Germany is emerging, for the first time in the EU’s history, as the unquestioned leader. France is having to adjust to a subordinate role. The euro countries are likely to integrate more closely, leading to a two-speed Europe. Britain...
Britain, the City and the EU: A triangle of suspicion
11 October 2011
Britain has abandoned 'light touch' regulation and signed up to greater supervisory powers at EU level. Yet the Channel looks as wide as ever.
Merkel's euro shackles
28 September 2011
Chancellor Angela Merkel’s apparent inability or unwillingness to take bold steps could sink the euro. Yet is it even realistic to expect her to overcome growing opposition from within her own coalition government, a hostile public mood and the red lines drawn by a powerful constitutional court? Merkel cannot...
Marine Le Pen and the rise of populism
20 July 2011
Marine Le Pen's anti-EU populism resonates in much of northern Europe. Debating the CER's director, Charles Grant, she claimed she was neither left nor right.
Germany's brief moment in the sun
27 June 2011
Four years ago, Germany was widely seen as the sick man of Europe, beset by weak economic growth, a fast-ageing population and a pervasive sense of angst about the future.
Issue 76 - 2011
28 January 2011
- European political parties are the key to EU legitimacy, Sir Julian Priestley
- A new opportunity for EU foreign policy, Charles Grant, Katinka Barysch, Tomas Valasek
- Is Germany really rebalancing?, Simon Tilford
Ireland’s election and the EU: From poster child to enfant terrible?
28 January 2011
Ireland will elect a new government on February 25th to replace a discredited administration loathed by most Irish voters. At first sight, it seems unlikely the election will re-open the fundamentals of a bail-out agreed with fellow eurozone members and the IMF last November.
Can Greece be saved?
20 January 2011
Will Greece have to restructure its debt? Among most West European economists and investors, this now seems to be a foregone conclusion.
Britain cannot afford to neglect EU defence efforts
01 December 2010
Britain is showing an unprecedented interest in closer defence co-operation with its European partners. The coalition government in London should be commended for initiating bilateral deals and projects amongst a limited number of EU countries.
The 'new' Poland and its neighbours
29 November 2010
Poland is shedding its 'new member-state' image and is instead trying to join the exclusive club of big EU countries. It is a laudable and so far largely successful goal, but not one without risks.
Issue 75 - 2010
26 November 2010
- The eurozone enters a critical phase, Simon Tilford
- The next five years of the euro crisis: Five key questions, Charles Grant
- Britain cannot afford to neglect EU defence efforts, Clara Marina O'Donnell