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 Energy Union is a political strategy aimed at ensuring communitarian energy transition, security of supply, a fully integrated European energy market and increased energy efficiency. However, the origin and content of the strategy is simultaneously well rooted in the EU’s external relations.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of EU-China diplomatic relations, a relationship that today is one of the world’s most important bilateral partnerships. In this publication, the authors sheds light on this strategic partnership by, among other things, analysing the underlying differences between the two actors in regard to their respective views on sovereignty, power, and foreign policy.
This special SIEPS publication aims to contribute, in practical legal terms, to the review of the organization and functioning of the European External Action Service (EEAS). In particular, it offers specific recommendations for the amendment of Council Decision 2010/427/EU on which the Service’s operation is based.
During the first six months of this year Ireland holds the EU Presidency for the seventh time. With the motto "For Stability, Jobs and Growth" the Irish government has expressed its intention to focus on economic growth and implementation of existing decisions, rather than presenting new initiatives.
In July 2010, the European Council decided on the organisation and functiong of the European External Action Service (EEAS). The EEAS is currently under review, and this new SIEPS report offers – for the first time – an article-by-article analysis of the Council Decision.
The present financial and sovereign debt crisis has underlined the important role of housing finance in the economy. This analysis summarizes previous and current attempts of the European Union to create a common legal framework for mortgage credit contracts.
With the Treaty of Lisbon, the European Union has been formally instructed to “develop a special relationship with neighbouring countries” (Article 8 TEU). This new European Policy Analysis examines the nature and object of this broad EU ‘neighbourhood competence’.
According to the Europe 2020 strategy, public authorities in the European Union should make better use of public procurement in support of general societal goals such as good environmental protection and social conditions. This analysis discusses the proposal from the European Commission on new procurement rules that will enhance strategic use of public procurement.
What triggers growth? How can the EU Member States ensure conditions that have a proven positive effect on growth? These questions are relevant, not least considering the recent financial and economic crisis which represents the deepest downturn in world economy since Second World War. How important are institutions – that is to say, formal rules and capacity to enforce those rules – for the economic performance of a country? This SIEPS report discusses the relation between the quality of institutions and economic growth.