Research

The EU's defence ambitions are for the long term

The EU's defence ambitions are for the long term

13 March 2024
The Commission’s new proposals to strengthen Europe’s defence industry will be hamstrung by limited funding and member-states' doubts. But in the long term, the EU’s role in defence will probably grow.
Weighed down by gravity: UK trade policy after Brexit

Weighed down by gravity: UK trade policy after Brexit

11 March 2024
The post-Brexit vision of 'Global Britain' is slowly replaced by the reality that free trade agreements deliver marginal benefits, particularly for the UK’s service-oriented economy. 
Two years (and ten years) of war in Europe: Hard times for Ukraine

Two years (and ten years) of war in Europe: Hard times for Ukraine

07 March 2024
After a difficult year for Ukraine, Putin may be encouraged to think he can win the war. But this is a fight neither Ukraine nor Europe can afford to lose.
What to expect from the Digital Markets Act

What to expect from the Digital Markets Act

05 March 2024
Thanks to the Digital Markets Act, large tech firms must now give Europeans more choices about how online services work. But competition authorities will see few reasons to relax.
A new equilibrium in Northern Ireland: Can it last?

A new equilibrium in Northern Ireland: Can it last?

Anton Spisak
01 March 2024
The agreement between the British government and the Democratic Unionist Party addresses immediate challenges but falls short of resolving Northern Ireland’s Brexit conundrum.
Europe and the superpowers: Responding to economic nationalism

Europe and the superpowers: Responding to economic nationalism

26 February 2024
Superpower competition poses a significant challenge for Europe's trade-intensive economy. The EU must evolve its toolkit and economic model to respond.
Helping Europe's digital economy take off: An agenda for the next Commission

Helping Europe's digital economy take off: An agenda for the next Commission

20 February 2024
The EU must simplify its digital rulebook, support more privacy-friendly data-driven innovation, and boost investment in digital infrastructure.
How should Europe handle China?: Annual report 2023

How should Europe handle China?: Annual report 2023

09 February 2024
The CER's annual report starts with an essay on how should Europe handle China. The report then highlights some of the CER's most important publications and events from 2023.
European Electricity Market Reform – ambitions and realities

European Electricity Market Reform – ambitions and realities

08 February 2024
The EU’s electricity market reforms do a good job of promoting more stable energy prices. But member-states must do more to deliver a fully integrated EU-wide energy market.
Europe should look to the West Bank

Europe should look to the West Bank

06 February 2024
The misery of the Gaza war threatens to spill over into a broader conflict. If they want to avoid escalation and advance peace, Europeans need a serious plan for the West Bank.
Delors, Schäuble and Europe's misdiagnosed competitiveness problem

Delors, Schäuble and Europe's misdiagnosed competitiveness problem

30 January 2024
European Commission President Jacques Delors and German finance minister Wolfgang Schäuble left their mark on the European project. Their thinking can still help Europe out of its current geo-economic predicament. 
Brexit, four years on: Answers to two trade paradoxes

Brexit, four years on: Answers to two trade paradoxes

25 January 2024
Since the UK left the EU in 2020, its goods exports to the EU have not performed any worse than to the rest of the world, and its services exports have grown strongly. How come?
Europe and the US election: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

Europe and the US election: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

22 January 2024
There is a good chance that Donald Trump will return to the US presidency in 2025. That would endanger European interests, but Europe is not investing in mitigating the risks. 
Can European defence take off?

Can European defence take off?

19 January 2024
The EU’s defence industrial policies will help determine whether Europeans can increase their ability to provide support to Ukraine, persuading Russia that its war is unwinnable.
A sea of troubles: Addressing the EU's incoherence on the Indo-Pacific

A sea of troubles: Addressing the EU's incoherence on the Indo-Pacific

08 January 2024
A security crisis in the Indo-Pacific would severely affect European interests.
Ten reflections on Jacques Delors

Ten reflections on Jacques Delors

04 January 2024
Jacques Delors’ impact on history, especially during the ten years that he headed the European Commission, was immense.
How to minimise the 'greenlash'

How to minimise the 'greenlash'

18 December 2023
A backlash over the EU’s green policies is not inevitable. Policy-makers should focus on designing green policies that make decarbonisation affordable, and highlight its social benefits.
Why Europe should not worry about US out-performance

Why Europe should not worry about US out-performance

13 December 2023
The US has had stronger growth than Europe recently – but its out-performance is easily explainable. Instead of worrying about the US, Europe should focus on itself and avoid repeating past mistakes.
In tech, the death of the Brussels effect is greatly exaggerated

In tech, the death of the Brussels effect is greatly exaggerated

08 December 2023
The US and post-Brexit Britain want to carve out their own paths to regulating technologies like artificial intelligence. The EU, however, will continue to enjoy the most influence on global technology regulations.
EU climate and energy policy after the energy crunch

EU climate and energy policy after the energy crunch

05 December 2023
After the energy crunch, EU member-states should roll back ‘unlimited’ energy subsidies, further co-ordinate their energy policy – for example, to expand power grids – and accelerate the implementation of climate policy.

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