EU leaders have asserted that enlargement is an investment ‘in peace, security, stability and prosperity’. However, for such an investment to pay off, the promise of EU membership must be credible, writes Christophe Hillion (Professor, University of Oslo and College of Europe).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The EU is likely to eventually have up to thirty-five members and will need to adapt to accommodate them. SIEPS again asks leading experts what the Union can or should do to be ‘Fit for 35’.
The EU is pursuing an increasingly activist industrial policy. Amid rising global competition, the aim is to create a level playing field for EU and non-EU firms and to strengthen European companies in the global market. Harry Flam, senior advisor at SIEPS, examines the flagship projects in the fields of semiconductors and batteries and finds it unlikely that they will succeed.
France has taken over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. What does this major Member State hope to achieve during its term? And what will be the impact of France’s general elections, which are to be held in April and June? These questions are discussed in a European Policy Analysis by Olivier Rozenberg, Associate Professor at Sciences Po, Paris.