Research

France

Sarkonomics – a user’s guide

Philip Whyte
08 November 2007
President Sarkozy is frequently portrayed in France and elsewhere as an “economic liberal”. This is a mistake. He is undoubtedly an economic reformer prepared to take on the privileges of labour market “insiders”; but he retains a French dirigiste’s belief in an active role for the state in economic development. This manifests itself in several areas, including his support for “national champions”, his mercantilist vision of international trade, and his belief that governments should have greater influence over the European Central Bank (ECB).
EU-Russia: No more ambitions

EU-Russia: No more ambitions

Katinka Barysch
01 November 2007
The CER organised a conference on EU-Russia relations in Brussels on October 30th, together with ‘Russia Profile’ magazine. I have been to dozens of these EU-Russia meetings in the last couple of years.
The US elections and Europe

The US elections and Europe: The coming crisis of high expectations

Kori Schake
01 November 2007
The election of a new US president in 2008 offers an opportunity to repair US-European relations. But, as Kori Schake argues in this essay, both sides must guard against high expectations.
Can the EU learn to live with Chinese mercantilism? thumbnail

Can the EU learn to live with Chinese mercantilism?

Philip Whyte
29 October 2007
Not long after its launch, the euro was famously dismissed by a disgruntled currency trader as a “toilet currency”. How things have changed.
A grand bargain with Russia?

A grand bargain with Russia?

19 October 2007
Relations between the Russia and the West have not been so prickly since the break-up of the Soviet Union. Viewed from the US and the EU, Russia is being obstructive across a whole swathe of issues, such as its blockade of trade with Georgia, its refusal to accept independence for Kosovo, and its opposition to further UN sanctions on Iran.
The CER guide to the Reform Treaty

The CER guide to the Reform Treaty

Hugo Brady
17 October 2007
European leaders will meet in Lisbon this week to reach final agreement on the EU's new 'Reform Treaty'. The main objective is to make the enlarged Union work better, streamline the EU's foreign policy machinery and facilitate co-operation for fighting crime and terrorism.
What now, Ukraine?

What now, Ukraine?

Tomas Valasek
05 October 2007
Ukrainians voters have spoken, sort of. On September 30th, they elected a new parliament. They made some heartening choices, backing forces of reform and sidelining smaller, less relevant parties.
What should Europe do about sovereign wealth funds?

What should Europe do about sovereign wealth funds?

Katinka Barysch, Philip Whyte
01 October 2007
Several EU governments have become alarmed about sovereign wealth funds (SWFs). Germany, for example, is thinking of preventing such funds from buying local companies in sensitive sectors.
Yes to a referendum, but not on this treaty

Yes to a referendum, but not on this treaty

01 October 2007
Britain is divided over the EU’s new Reform Treaty. The eurosceptic lobby is ratcheting up a well-funded, media-savvy campaign to pressure the government into holding a referendum on the treaty.
Transatlantic relations after Bush

Transatlantic relations after Bush

Kori Schake
01 October 2007
Answer this: which US president bombed Iraq, attacked Afghanistan, and started a war without UN Security Council approval? Here is a hint: the same president, explaining why he launched the strike on Iraq, said: “Saddam Hussein must not be allowed to threaten his neighbours or the world with nuclear arms,...
What Europeans think about Turkey and why

What Europeans think about Turkey and why

Katinka Barysch
25 September 2007
Surveys show that a majority of EU citizens are against Turkish membership. This matters since France, Austria and probably other countries too will hold a referendum on Turkish accession.
Middle ground missing in Middle East?

Middle ground missing in Middle East?

Clara Marina O'Donnell
21 September 2007
Over the last few weeks,Tony Blair, Javier Solana and Bernard Kouchner have been there; this week Condoleezza Rice has done so – as, for that matter, has Madonna.
The Microsoft appeal: The Commission was right

The Microsoft appeal: The Commission was right

Simon Tilford
13 September 2007
On September 17th the European Union’s Court of First Appeal will rule on Microsoft’s long-awaited appeal against the record fine imposed on the company by the Commission in 2004 for abusing its dominant position in computer operating systems.
Sarkozy on America and the world

Sarkozy on America and the world

Tomas Valasek
29 August 2007
In his first 100 days in the office, Nicolas Sarkozy turned France’s domestic political scene on its head. He trounced and marginalised the far-right National Front in the May presidential elections.
Poland’s poll and the EU treaty

Poland’s poll and the EU treaty

Katinka Barysch
24 August 2007
Poland’s early election may coincide with the last days of talks on the new EU Reform Treaty. Although the Kaczynskis are unlikely to reopen a deal agreed in June on the treaty's content, last minute political posturing for a home audience could delay the text being signed off.
Europe in the US-UK special relationship

Europe in the US-UK special relationship

Tomas Valasek
02 August 2007
Gordon Brown scarcely mentioned Europe during his visit to the United States, certainly much less than Tony Blair used to. That is understandable.
The EU should talk to Hamas

The EU should talk to Hamas

Charles Grant, Clara Marina O'Donnell
01 August 2007
In Britain, senior diplomats are mulling over whether to revise the government’s policy of not talking to Hamas. Until now Britain has staunchly defended the EU policy of opposing talks with Hamas. That policy, shared by the other members of the ‘quartet’ – the UN, the US and Russia...
Re-imagining EU development aid

Re-imagining EU development aid

Simon Maxwell
01 August 2007
Imagine the Berlaymont late at night. A full moon hangs in the sky. High up in the building, an office lamp still shines. It illuminates four people. They are sprawled comfortably in armchairs for an intimate conversation. The four lead the EU on international affairs.
Reciprocity will not secure Europe’s energy

Reciprocity will not secure Europe’s energy

Katinka Barysch
01 August 2007
As Moscow growls angrily at the West, Europeans are becoming more worried about their energy supplies. Will Russia be willing to sell us the gas we need to heat our houses and power our industries? Will it be able to?