Energy & climate
Beware of cheap oil!
07 October 2015
Europe’s economies welcome the collapse of oil prices. But serious foreign policy problems await if oil remains cheap.
Cleaning the neighbourhood: How the EU can scrub out bad energy policy
22 April 2015
The EU should not buy electricity from countries with highly-polluting coal power stations, and should instead support efficiency and clean energy in neighbouring countries.
The Commission’s energy union ‘strategy’: A rebranded work programme
27 February 2015
President Juncker promised that his Commission would be more political. But its 'energy union' strategy is too timid and bureaucratic, and lacks focus.
State aid for energy: Climate action is more important than the single market
23 February 2015
The Commission has handled the issue of state aid for nuclear energy well, but should use its powers to end coal subsidies.
Annual report 2014
02 February 2015
Charles Grant discusses three challenges facing the EU in 2015: the combined problems of Russia and Ukraine; the continuing fragility of the eurozone; and the growing risk of Brexit.
Genetically modified crops: Time to move on from theological dispute
30 January 2015
GMOs should not be supported or opposed as a single technology. The compromise that the Juncker Commission has negotiated must now be implemented.
Issue 99 - 2014
27 November 2014
- Ukraine after the elections: Democracy and the barrel of a gun, Ian Bond
- What should an energy union cover?, Nick Butler
- Free movement: Why Britain does not need to change the rules, Camino Mortera-Martinez
What should an energy union cover?
27 November 2014
Energy union should result in a connected European energy market, not a single buyer for imported gas.
International climate negotiations should focus on money, not targets
17 September 2014
The G20 should implement its 2009 pledge to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and give the money instead to the Green Climate Fund.
Russia's gas deal with China: Business is business
25 June 2014
Russia's gas deal with China helps Beijing more than Moscow. It should also encourage the EU to reduce its energy dependence on Russia.
The green benefits of Britain's EU membership
30 April 2014
European rules have delivered cleaner air and water in Britain, and protected wildlife. Outside the EU, Britain would again be 'the dirty man of Europe'.
The EU and Russia: Uncommon spaces
16 April 2014
The House of Lords has published a report on the EU and Russia, incorporating recommendations from this 2014 policy brief - a good guide to a troubled relationship.
Russia is challenging the EU’s values and interests, above all in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus. The Union has struggled...
Russia is challenging the EU’s values and interests, above all in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus. The Union has struggled...
How to reduce dependence on Russian gas
10 April 2014
Europe should improve energy efficiency, develop all alternative gas sources, and expand renewable, CCS and nuclear energy. The foreign policy advantages would justify the cost.
Annual report 2013
10 February 2014
Charles Grant discusses the challenges facing the EU in 2014, such as the European elections, Britain's slide towards the exit and the continuing travails of the eurozone.
Climate policies are more important than targets
17 January 2014
The EU should set ambitious 2030 targets for carbon reduction and renewables. And it should adopt strong binding measures on energy efficiency.
Gas on troubled waters?
13 January 2014
Cyprus must find a way to export its natural gas. A grand bargain with Israel and Turkey would improve politics in the region and benefit Europe.
On target, off track: Europe’s failure to protect the climate
29 November 2013
Europe likes to see itself as a leader in attempts to control climate change. But it is not. The EU's own greenhouse gas emissions are falling. However, that is due to de-industrialisation and the fact that so many of the goods Europeans consume are now manufactured in China or India.
Europe should regulate to promote carbon capture and storage
30 October 2013
The EU should give grants to coal and gas carbon capture and storage demonstration projects, and regulate to require coal plants to use this technology.
How to build a modern European Union
10 October 2013
The CER proposes reforming the EU’s policies and institutions, to foster a more dynamic European economy and to make decision-making more accountable.
Can shale gas transform Europe's energy landscape?
10 July 2013
Shale gas could slow the increase in Europe's dependence on imported gas. But it will not be the game changer it has been in the US.