The outgoing European Commission has been defined by the idea of a more “political” institution. While the ambition proved difficult to implement, a return to the role as a neutral arbiter is no longer an alternative.
Since the 1990’s, the number of EU agencies has increased steadily and rapidly. While they have been given more discretionary powers, the mechanisms of control and accountability have not kept up with this development.
Italy was selected to join the euro among the first group of EU member states. The country’s experience of the single currency is however mixed, which has led to a sceptical attitude towards the euro reforms proposed.
No society is free from corruption. According to a new study, weak governance structures are also closely related to the considerable socio-economic differences across EU regions.
In the discussion about EU’s future, a euro area reform is one of the main priorities. Regarding the scope of the reforms, the position defended by Germany will be crucial, but the EMU members’ differing views of the Economic and Monetary Union also need to be considered.
The goal of entering the EU used to unify the Visegrad countries. Today, they are increasingly critical of the EU, especially concerning migration. Behind the unity there are however key differences.
The Swedish Riksdag is one of the most powerful parliaments in terms of engagement in EU affairs. It could however do better – by prioritising the most important issues and debating them publicly. Katrin Auel is Associate Professor at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Vienna, Austria.
The three Nordic and the three Baltic countries cooperate informally within the EU. While the similarities are important, the differences should not be underestimated. One example is security in the Baltic region – an area where there are shared interests but policy responses based on different experiences.
The Member States should take greater ownership of EU agricultural policy. A co-financing model would also close the funding gap caused by Brexit, writes Professor Alan Matthews.
The Common Commercial Policy (CCP) is perhaps the most expressive incarnation of the EU external action. The Treaty of Lisbon considerably revised this policy, both in substantive and institutional terms.