Research
Democracy and the rule of law: Failing partnership?
20 January 2020
Lack of respect for the rule of law is not just a Central European problem. EU institutions must make defending the rule of law in all member-states a top priority.
Flexibility does not come for free
16 January 2020
An EU-UK free trade agreement will result in new barriers to trade and border friction even if the UK chooses to unilaterally align itself with EU rules and regulations.
Conference report: Five challenges for Europe
16 December 2019
A new CER report summarises its 2019 Ditchley Park conference, which brought together 50 leading economists to discuss 'Five challenges for Europe'.
Bulletin issue 129 - December 2019/January 2020
28 November 2019
- How should the EU 'get Brexit done'?, Agata Gostyńska-Jakubowska
- How economically damaging will Brexit be?, John Springford
- Defence without direction, Sophia Besch
Can Europe learn to play power politics?
28 November 2019
The EU's liberal model of shared sovereignty is under threat. Europe cannot afford to remain a pure soft power. It has to reform and learn how to play power politics.
Towards a European Security Council?
27 November 2019
France and Germany have discussed forming a ‘European Security Council’ to strengthen European foreign policy and co-ordinate closely with the UK after Brexit. While it could make Europe stronger, it may also prove divisive.
Can the European Commission develop Europe's defence industry?
18 November 2019
The EU aims to develop a home-grown European defence equipment market, and has created a new defence industry and space portfolio in the Commission to facilitate this.
Schengen reloaded
11 November 2019
The EU's Schengen borderless area is popular, but has been challenged by the migration crisis and terrorism. It needs updating, but not a complete reset.
What a Boris Johnson EU-UK free trade agreement means for business
05 November 2019
Johnson's EU-UK free trade agreement would increase friction and costs of trading with the EU. Many businesses would find adapting to a new FTA just as troublesome as if the UK had crashed out without a deal.
The EU budget needs climate-proofing
04 November 2019
Greenhouse gas emissions from Europe’s farms have been flat since 2005. The Common Agricultural Policy, which consumes 37 per cent of the EU’s budget, subsidises a sector that needs to clean up its act.
The EU should reconsider its approach to trade and sustainable development
31 October 2019
In specific circumstances, the EU should make trade concessions contingent on partner countries meeting international environmental and labour standards.
One step closer to a rupture: Europe, the US and Turkey
17 October 2019
Turkey’s relations with the EU and US are in freefall after its new offensive in northern Syria. The EU should do what it can to avoid a broader rupture between Ankara and the West.
The cost of Brexit to June 2019
16 October 2019
The UK economy is 2.9 per cent smaller than it would be if the UK had voted to remain in the European Union, according to our latest estimate of the cost of Brexit to the end of the second quarter of 2019.
Four questions on the Polish parliamentary elections
10 October 2019
The Polish Law and Justice party will probably remain the largest political block after Sunday’s general elections. If it secures a parliamentary majority it will carry on its illiberal reforms.
Bulletin issue 128 - October/November 2019
30 September 2019
- Can Josep Borrell get EU foreign policy off the ground?, Ian Bond, Luigi Scazzieri
- Christine Lagarde must get ready to fight on two fronts, Christian Odendahl
- Choppy waters ahead for EU trade policy, Sam Lowe
Should the EU tax imported CO2?
24 September 2019
An EU carbon border tax would be tricky to design, costly to implement and sure to provoke legal challenges. But if done properly there are reasons to think it could succeed.
Moving back the finishing line: The EU's progress on climate
23 September 2019
European leaders’ aim to go carbon neutral by 2050 will not happen without much tougher emissions curbs by 2030, and a sizeable increase in research and development funding.
Deal or no deal? Five questions on Boris Johnson's Brexit talks
20 September 2019
The rough shape of a deal between the UK and the EU is emerging: Northern Ireland would follow EU rules in some areas but not others. Yet the two sides remain far apart.
Up in arms: Warring over Europe's arms export regime
10 September 2019
The European Union's poorly co-ordinated arms export policy is undermining Europe's foreign policy, credibility as a principled power and defence industry. The EU should take steps to move towards convergence.
How would negotiations after a no-deal Brexit play out?
03 September 2019
After no deal, the EU would demand that the UK sign up to the provisions of the withdrawal agreement, but in exchange for an emergency deal that is far worse than the standstill transition.