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...
Europe February 24, 2021 UK: Vaccination success leads to lockdown and fiscal debates UK vaccines Carsten Nickel The country’s stellar vaccination performance has had two implications on the policy front. First, the provision of a first vaccine shot to the 15mn most vulnerable people has raised the expectations for an easing of lockdown measures, to which... Read More...
Europe February 3, 2021 EUROPE: Behind the EU’s procurement disaster, the old rollout risks loom EU, Politics vaccines Carsten Nickel, Luis Cornago The EU’s failed vaccine procurement efforts, followed by the chaotic handling of its fallout, mark a turn of the tide in the ongoing comparison with the post-Brexit UK. However, there is no consensus among health experts what the UK strategy... Read More...
Europe January 15, 2021 NETHERLANDS: Rutte’s resignation may work out politically Netherlands, Politics Carsten Nickel Some two months ahead of the 15 March general election, the government of PM Mark Rutte has collectively resigned over a childcare benefits scandal. Rutte and his cabinet will continue to serve as caretakers until a new government has... Read More...
Macro January 14, 2021 EUROPE/MACRO: Balancing the vaccines-lockdown-economics triangle Macro, Politics covid-19 Antonio Barroso, Carsten Nickel, Luis Cornago While planning and logistical challenges might explain the variation in vaccination rates across Europe, it is too early to draw conclusions about these differences. A majority of the population still supports lockdowns, but compliance with restrictions and certain groups’ opposition... Read More...
Europe February 17, 2021 UK/EU: Commission’s vaccine fiasco has repercussions for Irish protocol talks EU, Politics, UK Irish protocol Carsten Nickel As talks continue about the implementation of the Brexit deal’s Northern Ireland protocol, partial extensions to the current grace period are the most likely outcome beyond 1 April. The grace period currently still limits the degree to which the... Read More...
Europe January 7, 2021 UK/EU: New year, new deadlines, new (slow-moving) drama EU, Politics, UK Brexit Carsten Nickel As anticipated, both sides agreed on a zero tariffs/quota trade deal just in time for Christmas. But the limited nature of the deal leaves many questions unanswered, chief among them the outlook for the (financial) services sector.… <a href="https://speevr.com/2021/01/07/uk-eu-new-year-new-deadlines-new-slow-moving-drama/"... Read More...
Europe March 2, 2021 GERMANY: Regional elections will heat up Merkel succession race Germany, Politics editorial Carsten Nickel Ahead of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s 3 March meeting with the 16 regional state leaders, lockdown fatigue and popular disgruntlement are growing, given the vaccine fiasco. Coordination problems are being exacerbated by two key regional state elections looming on 14... Read More...
Europe February 9, 2021 GERMANY: Geopolitical electioneering does not equal strategic debate Germany, Politics editorial Carsten Nickel Berlin’s (and Europe’s) positioning between Russia, China, and the new US administration has created an unusual amount of geopolitical debate in Germany at the beginning of this crucial election year. While this partly reflects Germany’s increased role in global politics... Read More...
