The question of treaty change has come to the forefront due to the major challenges facing the EU: from geopolitics and enlargement to competitiveness and respect for the rule of law. But what does it take to change the EU treaties? This analysis maps out the procedures that apply to different kinds of treaty amendments. Some are extensive, others simplified – but all are complex and fraught with risk.
The role of President of the European Commission is the most significant among the top-level positions within the EU. This analysis evaluates the procedure by which the Commission President is appointed. While the aim is to make the EU more democratic, the character of the EU system makes the procedure complex and ambiguous as well as hard to change.
At the EU-UK summit on 19 May, the UK secured trade concessions on food and agricultural products in exchange for an extension of EU fishing rights in UK waters. In this perspective, Harry Flam, Senior Advisor at SIEPS, accounts for the UK's reduced economic growth and trade with the EU since Brexit. Could the economic impact increase the likelihood of future re-entry into the EU?
The European Commission has proposed a tougher and more coherent system for returning irregular migrants. SIEPS migration policy expert Bernd Parusel examines the proposal in a wider context and notes controversial elements but no magic cure to long-standing problems.
A positive attitude towards membership but doubts about deeper cooperation. This summarizes this year's analysis of Swedish public opinion of the EU, and the same could be said about the attitudes of Swedes during the 30 years that Sweden has been member of the Union. The analysis shows that recent years’ rise in support for EU membership remains, and that the euro issue may see a revival.
Friedrich Merz’s high ambitions on spending and speed have already clashed with harsh realities. Political Scientist Valentin Kreilinger (SIEPS) sheds light on the difficult tasks facing the soon-to-be German Chancellor when balancing election promises with responsibilities towards Germany and Europe.
In the shadow of recent moves to impose trade tariffs, US President Donald Trump has attacked EU digital market regulations. Johannes Jarlebring, senior researcher at SIEPS, identifies three possible ways for the EU to take action in response.
As researchers in the United States face budget cuts and political interference with their work, European universities see opportunities to attract more talent to Europe. Bernd Parusel, senior researcher in political science at SIEPS, and Lisa Lundgren, intern at SIEPS, ask what the EU could do to support such initiatives.
The decision-making bodies of the EU are negotiating a revised EU-framework to prevent and counter the facilitation of unauthorised entry, transit and stay – a phenomenon commonly called smuggling of migrants. In this analysis, Gabriella Sanchez (Georgetown University) takes a critical look at the planned legislation.
How will the EU’s decision-making processes be affected if the number of member states grows significantly? This issue has been discussed since enlargement once again became a priority for the EU. In this analysis, Piret Ehin (University of Tartu) assesses the effects of three enlargement scenarios on the balance of power in the Council.