Trump’s tariffs on imports from the EU have attracted a great deal of attention. However, the political implications are considerably greater than the economic ones. At the same time, US households are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the rising cost of living, which in the long term could lower the barriers to EU exports to the US. This according to Harry Flam, senior adviser at Sieps.
The crisis in Ceuta highlights a dilemma in migration policy. If EU countries wish to restrict irregular migration, they need to cooperate with neighbouring countries, which also gives those countries the means to exert pressure on the EU. Bernd Parusel, a researcher in political science at SIEPS, proposes a review of the EU’s external migration policy.
The global economy is displaying signs that factors leading to the 2008 financial crisis are repeating themselves. Given the tense international situation, Europe should put its own house in order and focus on boosting productivity, writes Jonas Eriksson, researcher in economics at Sieps.
Pressure on the EU budget is mounting, prompting the Commission to propose new income sources for the Union. This analysis evaluates these proposals and finds reasons to adopt some, but not all. Moreover, they do not address the growing financial burden on Member States.
Securitisation contributed to the financial crisis but is now being discussed as a tool for financing future investments within the EU. Monika Hjeds Löfmark, a researcher in economics at SIEPS, explains the phenomenon and argues that any reform aimed at boosting competitiveness must balance risk and stability.
The EU is pushing for greater autonomy in three, US-dominated, key tech sectors: AI, cloud computing and chips production. Johannes Jarlebring describes the difficult road ahead and suggests a targeted approach that take the realities of EU governance into account.
Support for EU membership is growing among Swedes, despite the challenges facing the EU and the pressures on member state unity. However, the previously increasing support for Sweden joining the euro has declined. These findings are presented in SIEPS' annual analysis of Swedish public opinion on the EU.
Shortly, the Council of Europe is expected to adopt a declaration concerning the European Court of Human Rights’ handling of migration issues. This analysis examines its background and the contentious negotiations on the draft declaration, concluding that the outcome could undermine the Court’s independence as well as the wider Convention system.
The EU and its member states face increasing pressure to take greater responsibility for their own security. However, despite significant developments, the Union's ability to act remains constrained. A question is thus, ‘who calls the shots’ in European defence? That is the starting point for this volume, where leading experts analyse the governance and the choices for Europe’s security.
Demographic and economic trends are predicted to reduce the EU’s global influence by the turn of the next century. Key countermeasures on the EU’s part include promoting sustainable fiscal policy and safeguarding the rules-based international order, according to Harry Flam, senior adviser at Sieps.