The European Union is reconsidering its regulatory framework, aiming to reduce burdensome red tape while maintaining its core values. There is a growing awareness that excessive regulation can impede innovation and place strain on businesses, particularly within dynamic sectors such as technology and sustainability. In this Forum, contributors break down the challenges that are holding the EU back from reaching its targets efficiently and effectively, and offer paths forward.

Read more

In just a few short months, the new government administration in the United States has thrown the world order into disarray. A potential global trade war, new global value chain configurations and shifting security alliances are reshaping geopolitics. Given the current uncertainty, access to developing technologies will be decisive. What steps can the European Union take to ensure its technological sovereignty? How should it go about relations with China and the new Trump Administration with regards to its tech policy? What role does Big Tech play in European security?

Read more

Europe’s economic productivity faces long-term stagnation, with recent shocks such as the war in Ukraine disrupting the post-pandemic recovery and exposing vulnerabilities in the EU’s competitiveness. Against this backdrop, Mario Draghi’s recent report has reignited policy debates on fostering economic productivity through innovation, advancing education and skills. This Forum features contributions from the participants in the 2024 joint annual CEPS-Intereconomics conference and examines a number of the key questions to consider in addressing EU competitiveness.

Read more

The new European Commission has taken shape during a period of significant geopolitical unrest. In this Forum, our authors look at some of the priorities for the European Commission for 2024-2029 and beyond. How can the EU prepare itself for the uncertainty of a possible global trade war? What should the EU do about its Eastern Neighborhood expansion plans that have continued to stall? How can industrial policy help to create a single market for defence goods? What should be the priorities of the Commission with regards to the financial sector? This Forum examines these questions deeply and offers recommendations.

Read more

In the current landscape of significant technological, economic and geopolitical shifts, Europe needs a forward-looking industrial policy to boost innovation, productivity, quality job creation, sustainability and growth. However, simultaneous crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, have resulted in supply chain strains, rising energy prices and general uncertainty. Still, challenges can create opportunities for companies and citizens – if they are addressed properly. This Forum considers the priorities for the future of European industrial policy that are critical for the EU’s economic security.

Read more