Research

Is there a future for the EU's area of freedom, security and justice? A plan to build back trust

Camino Mortera-Martinez
26 January 2022
The EU needs a new plan to deal with its migration, security and rule of law problems all at once.

How the Digital Markets Act will challenge consumers

24 January 2022
The European Parliament’s proposals to tame big tech will challenge consumers. Some of these proposals will promote innovation – but law-makers should drop proposals which will stifle it.

Transatlantic turmoil is not over

Megan Ferrando, Luigi Scazzieri
24 January 2022
The US might be ‘back’, but sources of friction with Europe persist. And in 2022, Europeans should expect an inward-looking America as Biden focuses on domestic issues prior to the mid-term elections.

Britain needs a new Russia policy

Ian Bond, Duncan Allan
24 January 2022
The British government, once naively optimistic about Russia, has become more hard-nosed in its analysis. It should now do more to pursue a coherent Russia strategy with like-minded countries. 
What Italy's Presidential election means for Europe

What Italy's Presidential election means for Europe

18 January 2022
The election of a new Italian president could threaten the survival of Mario Draghi’s government of national unity, and will mark the beginning of the 2023 general election campaign. 
How carbon pricing can decarbonise European heavy industry

How carbon pricing can decarbonise European heavy industry

13 January 2022
To decarbonise heavy industry, the EU needs a high and stable carbon price, an end to free emission permits, a level-playing field with foreign competitors, and support for green investment.

No pain, no gain? The Digital Markets Act

10 January 2022
The EU's upcoming rules for big tech will degrade some digital services to improve long-term competition and innovation. The trade-off is justified – but law-makers must keep consumers on-side.
As Frost departs, will the ice melt across the Channel?

As Frost departs, will the ice melt across the Channel?

20 December 2021
David Frost’s resignation as Brexit minister matters: he greatly influenced Boris Johnson’s Brexit policy. With Liz Truss replacing him, UK policy towards the EU may become less confrontational.
Is the European Peace Facility really about peace?

Is the European Peace Facility really about peace?

Megan Ferrando
17 December 2021
The European Peace Facility (EPF) is a new pot of money intended to make the EU a stronger military actor in crises. But the ability to spend more will not in itself make the Union better able to resolve conflicts.

Reviving European policy towards the Western Balkans

15 December 2021
The EU sought to stabilise the Western Balkans through enlargement, but this process has now stalled.
The cost of Brexit: October 2021

The cost of Brexit: October 2021

13 December 2021
In October 2021, UK goods trade was 15.7 per cent, or £12.6 billion, lower than it would have been if the UK had stayed in the EU’s single market and customs union.
Why the West should deter a Russian attack on Ukraine

Why the West should deter a Russian attack on Ukraine

30 November 2021
Russian forces are massing near Ukraine’s border again. Putin hopes to win concessions from Kyiv without fighting, but more concessions will not bring peace. The West should focus on deterring Russia.

A permanent EU recovery fund can help Poland change

29 November 2021
The EU’s climate ambitions will add tension to its relationship with Poland. Making the EU’s recovery fund permanent would provide stronger incentives for Poland to embrace the energy transition.

Britain and France should stand together

29 November 2021
UK-French relations are fractious across the board. The two countries must not lose sight of their common international security interests. As Europe’s pre-eminent military powers, they need each other.

An isolated China is a more dangerous China

Pascal Lamy
29 November 2021
China is becoming a more difficult partner for Europe. Isolating it would only strengthen nationalist forces in Beijing, however. While standing up for its principles, Europe should help China’s outward-looking forces. 
The cost of Brexit: September 2021

The cost of Brexit: September 2021

29 November 2021
In September 2021, UK goods trade was 11.2 per cent, or £8.5 billion, lower than it would have been if the UK had stayed in the EU’s single market and customs union.
Six questions on Germany's new coalition agreement

Six questions on Germany's new coalition agreement

Sophia Besch, Christian Odendahl, Noah Gordon
26 November 2021
The German coalition agreement contains sensible commitments on security policy, an ambitious agenda on climate, new-found boldness on China and openness to use fiscal policy more aggressively, at home and in Europe.  

Bridging the Channel: The UK's nuclear deterrent and its role in European security

18 November 2021
The UK’s nuclear deterrent is intended to defend its NATO allies as well as itself. The UK must do a better job of persuading allies that its commitment to them is real.