Managing the problem with gas interruptions to several EU countries in Central and Eastern Europe is one of the explicit goals of the European Energy Union. In order to enhance the diversification of energy suppliers, the Energy Union therefore emphasizes the extension of infrastructure and interconnections of pipelines between member states.
The European Commission has presented the European Energy Union as an indispensable instrument for the creation of a coherent European energy policy. This includes among other things giving the commission a bigger influence over member states’ energy deals with third countries.
In February 2015, the European Commission adopted its strategy for a European energy union. The document calls for “a fundamental transformation of Europe´s energy system” in order to provide all consumers in Europe with “secure, sustainable, competitive and affordable energy”.
The historical development and legislative framework of, on the one hand, the area of freedom, security and justice (AFSJ) and the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) on the other reflect essential components of a security-identity continuum in the EU. The author of this analysis argues that these components exist in the form of a specific attitude of the EU to the global scene, illustrated by the EU’s attempts to export its own values.
During the last decade there has been a considerable increase in European intelligence cooperation within the realm of foreign and security policy. This publication analyses the organisation and process of European intelligence cooperation and the effect that this cooperation is having on European foreign policy.
What distinguishes the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) from EU’s previous free trade agreements is that its focus is not so much on elimination of tariffs, but rather on reduction of regulatory barriers to trade. The system of regulatory cooperation, which the TTIP entails, is meant to achieve and sustain regulatory convergence between the parties, creating a “living agreement”, flexible to expand to new areas and adjustable to future regulatory developments.
Falling world prices of food and energy are the main explanatory factor behind disinflation in EU countries outside the euro zone, including Sweden. Disinflationary spillovers from the euro area is an important factor as well.
Liberal political theory, with its roots in the European enlightenment, has had profound impact on the classic-liberal criminal law movement all over Europe. The basic idea is that criminal law should be used to a minimum extent.
On the path towards the UK’s upcoming in-out referendum, the UK faces three dilemmas: first, they seek shallower integration at a time when their peers want to deepen it; second, the antagonism to deepening may obstruct what is considered to be necessary changes for the EU and the Eurozone to function effectively; and third, the UK’s demands may spur similar initiatives from other member states who are discontent with aspects of their membership. The author of this European Policy Analysis warns that too far-reaching demands may cause other members to conclude they are better off without the UK.
The European Union has no direct competence in the field of housing policy, at least not as it is conventionally defined. Housing issues have however become increasingly important across the Union, especially since the global financial crisis.