Europe May 27, 2021 UK: Australia deal to go ahead, but questions remain around “Global Britain” Australia, Politics, UK Trade deal Carsten Nickel Following some intense debate in cabinet, it is now likely that the UK and Australia will sign a new free trade agreement at the June G7 meeting in the UK when Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will attend as... Read More...
Europe May 19, 2021 GERMANY: What does it mean to go Green? Germany, Politics Carsten Nickel, Luis Cornago The Greens are rapidly emerging as the new centrist player in German party politics and will most likely be part of the next federal government.In its manifesto, the party supports ambitious public investment and a laxer approach to public... Read More...
Europe April 28, 2021 EU: The state of the debate on further stimulus EU, Germany, Politics EU budget Carsten Nickel As national recovery plans are being finalized, it appears unlikely that the EU will expand its post-pandemic recovery resources anytime soon. A gradual reopening of economies will likely make it difficult to argue politically for additional public spending, especially in... Read More...
Europe April 1, 2021 EU: German constitutional court probes recovery fund – it is not just noise EU, Germany, Politics EU Recovery Fund Carsten Nickel Germany’s powerful constitutional court is looking into the EU’s pandemic recovery fund. Until further notice, Berlin is banned from completing national ratification, meaning the EU fund cannot come into force. The proceedings could take time; the political desire to turn the... Read More...
Europe March 24, 2021 EU: The external and internal politics of vaccination challenges Polls, EU, Politics vaccines, covid-19 Antonio Barroso, Carsten Nickel, Luis Cornago The strengthening of the EU export restrictions framework does not mean member states will back an extensive use of these powers. Supply issues aside, most member states have been able to deliver the available jabs effectively, but trust issues around... Read More...
Europe May 12, 2021 UK: Scottish independence keeps simmering, English realignment continues UK Scottish independence, editorial Carsten Nickel Despite the SNP’s win in Scotland, a second independence referendum is not likely before the next UK general election, which might now be held around 2023. Now essentially a different party from the Conservatives who returned to power over a... Read More...
Europe April 29, 2021 UK: The union’s future in spotlight UK DUP, Scottish independence, editorial Carsten Nickel European Parliament approval and the formal sign-off by EU member states marked the final stage in the ratification of the post-Brexit trade agreement. But the simultaneous resignation of Northern Ireland’s First Minister Arlene Foster highlights the Brexit-related challenges around the... Read More...
Europe April 13, 2021 UK: Playing for time on Scottish independence UK Scottish independence, editorial Carsten Nickel A second Scottish independence referendum is not the base case after the 6 May regional elections. PM Boris Johnson is likely to strike down respective demands by referring to the pandemic, trying to win time until after the next UK... Read More...
Europe March 4, 2021 UK: Sunak’s budget gives, takes away, and may give again before election UK UK Budget Carsten Nickel Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s 3 March budget is a play in three acts, the first of which sees the continuation of economic support until the lockdown is eased. While the second part is aimed at reassuring fiscal conservatives with tax hikes,... Read More...
