EUROPE: Behind the EU’s procurement disaster, the old rollout risks loom
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 of delaying the second dose will event… Become a member to read the rest of […]
UK/EU: New year, new deadlines, new (slow-moving) drama
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. Respective talks began this week, as a first dea… Become a member to read the rest of […]
CHINA/EUROPE: Investment pact is economic win for EU, political win for Beijing
Following seven years of negotiation, Beijing and Brussels concluded negotiations on an EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) on 30 December. Beijing’s willingness to accept a relatively one-sided deal reflects China’s concern to avoid international isolation … Become a member to read the rest of this article
UK/EU: Deal or delay?
Speculation has been growing that a post-Brexit trade deal will be announced before or on 24 December. In true Brexit fashion, however, earlier expectations for an imminent presentation of a deal turned out to have been too optimistic. As discussed in the past, a deal before ye… Become a member to read the rest […]
POLAND/HUNGARY: Compromise agreement only postpones rule of law battles with EU
The proposed rule of law mechanism in the EU remains ambiguous and will likely be postponed due to legal battles, which suits Budapest and Warsaw. The threat of financial sanctions could force Poland and Hungary to alter their policies directly linked to the EU funding but w… Become a member to read the rest […]
UK/EU: Why in Brussels, arbitration must not be called arbitration
As the negotiations about a post-Brexit trade agreement continue, level playing field provisions and their enforcement remain the central stumbling block. However, the EU’s position has continued to shift away from earlier ideas of “dynamic alignment” and its upfront enforcemen… Become a member to read the rest of this article
EU: Towards overcoming the Polish and Hungarian budget vetoes
The German EU Council presidency appears to have reached an agreement with Poland and Hungary that should allow passage of the bloc’s macro budget and the pandemic recovery fund when heads of state or government meet on 10-11 December. As discussed in the past, the solution see… Become a member to read the rest […]
UK/EU: High-level meeting could kick the can further down the road
The upcoming meeting between PM Boris Johnson and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen might be what is needed to finally get a trade deal signed off – or at least to prevent a collapse of the negotiations ahead of time. Johnson’s direct involvement is positive, because at… Become a member to read the […]
EU/US: New hopes, but also new political realities
While a Biden presidency will likely entail an end to new trade hostilities, any further progress on trade will be constrained by the new political realities on both sides of the Atlantic. The EU’s more assertive approach towards Big Tech could become a source of transat… Become a member to read the rest of […]
EU: Rule of law dispute may delay but will not stop recovery fund
Poland and Hungary are expected to maintain their tough line in the talks with the EU over the budget and recovery package.The rule-of-law mechanism could undercut the political standing of both countries’ right-wing governments in the longer term.West European governments face … Become a member to read the rest of this article