Research
Germany, Russia and Ukraine: From 'Turning Point' to missing the point
27 January 2023
Germany’s slowness in authorising the supply of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine was bad news for Ukraine, European security and Germany itself. But other Western leaders should not be too smug.
Early impacts of the post-Brexit immigration system on the UK labour market
17 January 2023
The end of the free movement has led to a shortfall of around 330,000 workers in Britain. Most are in less-skilled sectors of the economy.
Is European defence missing its moment?
16 January 2023
European defence budgets are increasing in the wake of Russia’s war on Ukraine. But if member-states don’t co-ordinate their spending better, fragmentation will persist and Europe’s defence industry could weaken.
The cost of Brexit to June 2022
21 December 2022
My latest update estimates Brexit reduced Britain's GDP by 5.5 per cent by the second quarter of 2022. My model avoids the cherry-picking of data, and performs better than its critics’ methods.
Europe's central bankers should cherish their disagreements
20 December 2022
Promoting an open debate instead of forging consensus behind closed doors could make the European Central Bank’s decision-making culture more effective.
A new era of Finnish foreign policy begins
19 December 2022
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to unprecedented changes to Finnish foreign policy. Applying for NATO membership should only be the beginning.
China and Russia: Are there limits to 'no limits' friendship?
15 December 2022
China has mostly offered Russia rhetorical support in its war against Ukraine. Beijing seems uncomfortable with Putin’s nuclear sabre-rattling. But China is unlikely to allow Russia to be decisively defeated.
Bulletin issue 147 - December 2022/January 2023
01 December 2022
- Now is not the time for Ukraine to negotiate, Ian Bond
- How the pandemic strengthened the EU, Camino Mortera-Martinez
- The UK needs a chips strategy, Zach Meyers
The European Stability Mechanism is not ready for the next crisis
29 November 2022
Eurozone finance ministers just appointed a new head of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM). They should seize the opportunity to turn the ESM into a more useful institution.
UK science and technology after Brexit: How to fix it
28 November 2022
Brexit has hurt British science and slowed the deployment of new technology across its economy. Rejoining the single market may be politically unrealistic, but Britain can still limit the damage.
Europe's migration problems are back
24 November 2022
The migration spat between France and Italy is a reminder that EU migration politics continue to be toxic, and that Europe’s common migration and asylum system remains incomplete.
How to save energy in a smarter way
14 November 2022
Reducing energy demand can help Europe cope with high energy prices. Consumers need more than pleas to save energy: governments need to provide a mix of prompts, advice and rewards.
Can EU enlargement gain momentum?
03 November 2022
The war in Ukraine reinvigorated EU enlargement, but recent momentum will be hard to maintain. The Union should increase support for candidates and further develop ways to integrate them before membership.
The new US National Security Strategy: Battling China for technological leadership
24 October 2022
Despite the gravity of the war in Ukraine, the focus of the new US National Security Strategy is China.
The EU should abandon chip nationalism
20 October 2022
With the US aggressively throttling China’s chip capabilities, the EU wants to protect itself by subsidising its own domestic chip manufacturing industry. But Europe has better and more realistic alternatives.
In defence of borrowing for climate action
13 October 2022
Even though interest rates are rising globally, European governments should still borrow large sums to finance green projects. In some cases, the EU should help.
Bulletin issue 146 - October/November 2022
29 September 2022
- Can Truss reset relations with the EU?, Charles Grant
- Trussonomics has failed at the first hurdle, John Springford
- A world of troubles for Liz Truss, Ian Bond
State of the Union: Seven months into Putin's war
28 September 2022
Ursula von der Leyen has managed to keep the EU together so far. The coming months will test this unity.
Europe should not forget the challenges to its south
22 September 2022
Europeans are rightly focusing on the war in Ukraine, but they should not think they can insulate themselves from what happens to their south.
What Giorgia Meloni would mean for Europe
16 September 2022
A government led by Giorgia Meloni would lead to some turbulence between Rome and Brussels – particularly on migration and economic policy. But Italy’s EU and foreign policies – including towards Russia – are unlikely to change much.