Reducing the regulatory burden on businesses is a high political priority in both Sweden and the EU. In Sweden, there is also an ongoing debate regarding the over-implementation of EU law, the effects of which are considered unmotivated and detrimental to businesses. This analysis examines the concept and phenomenon of over-implementation and discusses Sweden's broader approach to implementing EU law.
With new rules on safe countries of origin and safe third countries, the EU aims to make asylum procedures more efficient. It also paves the way for shifting Member States' responsibility for asylum seekers to countries outside the Union. Bernd Parusel, Senior Researcher in Political Science at SIEPS, briefly explains the news and discusses possible consequences.
Since 2023, the EU has had an Anti-Coercion Instrument in place to counter economic coercion by third states. However, the consequences of activating the instrument are difficult to predict and could also affect the Member States themselves, some more than others, writes Anna Horn, Senior Researcher in Law at SIEPS.
On 18 December 2025, EU24 leaders agreed on a €90 bn loan to Ukraine. This Q&A addresses central aspects of the European Council decision, particularly regarding the immobilised Russian assets, the enhanced cooperation, and the EU as a foreign and security policy actor.
One of the world's largest free trade agreements has been reached between India and the EU. Negotiations were accelerated by the turbulent global situation, and in addition to economic gains, the agreement strengthens European security.
The European Commission's proposal for a competitiveness fund is unlikely to accelerate productivity growth – which is one of the fund's many objectives. Completing the EU's internal market is more important, writes Harry Flam, senior advisor at SIEPS.
Today’s geopolitical realities demand greater clarity about leadership in EU foreign policy – either through renewed intergovernmental trust in the High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) or by embedding external action within the European Commission. Maintaining the current halfway arrangement will lead to a gradual decline of EU diplomacy.
The EU’s decision to immobilise the assets of the Russian Central Bank was a bold move just days before the European Council on 18–19 December. The measure could signify a decisive juncture for the EU but does not come without risks and legal challenges.
The EU has made strategic autonomy its defining ambition. But to achieve true autonomy, the Union cannot continue relying on ad hoc fixes. This analysis thus argues for a profound treaty revision in three areas: fundamental values, the euro and defence.
The European Commission's proposed seven-year budget has already been criticized and is unlikely to be adopted in its current form. Economist Harry Flam welcomes increased flexibility in the budget but calls for stronger monitoring mechanisms.