UK/EU: An extension to calm the sausage row?
Ahead of the end-June deadline, another extension to the grace period for British chilled meat exports to Northern Ireland is likely. The question is how this will be achieved: by agreement or via unilateral UK action, to which the EU would respond with infringement proceedi… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
Digital European Economic Sovereignty? The Case of Semiconductors
Study prepared for the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET).
BELARUS: An increasingly brash Lukashenko regime poses multiple risks to Europe
The brazen arrest of a dissident journalist Roman Pratasevich reflects an increasingly restrictive and unpredictable political environment in Belarus, which will continue to pose multiple risks in Europe.The European Union’s (EU) sanctions will hurt the Belarusian aviation secto… Become a member to read the rest of this article
EU: The state of the debate on further stimulus
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 … Become a member to read the rest of this article
EU: German constitutional court probes recovery fund – it is not just noise
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 tu… Become a member to read the rest of this article
EU/CHINA: CAI down but not out
Last week’s row between the EU and China has raised doubts about the future of the so-called Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI). Since member states will likely green-light the agreement, the European Parliament remains the key veto player in the ratification proc… Become a member to read the rest of this article
EU: The external and internal politics of vaccination challenges
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 the AstraZeneca vacci… Become a member to read the rest of this article
UK/EU: Arbitration threats do not have to mean the end of Irish protocol
Given the ongoing tensions over Northern Ireland, the European Commission is now preparing for both legal action against and renewed political talks with the UK. This follows the UK’s decision to unilaterally prolong the grace periods on the introduction of new customs controls b… Become a member to read the rest of this article
EU: Divisions over vaccination strategy continue to grow
Several governments are looking beyond the EU procurement scheme amid continued discontent with the bloc’s overall vaccination strategy. Countries with a high capacity for vaccine deployment and/or greater EU skepticism might be more likely to follow unilateral approache… Become a member to read the rest of this article
UK/EU: Commission’s vaccine fiasco has repercussions for Irish protocol talks
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 UK has to implement new border con… Become a member to read the rest of […]