Member States and European Integration

Within this area, SIEPS analyses developments in the Member States and their relationship with EU decision-making.

Below you will find a selection of our work in this research area. Find more under Publications and Seminars. (For material in both Swedish and English, go to the Swedish web site).

Widening Without Falling Apart: Germany’s EU Enlargement Policy

What is Germany’s view on enlargement? In this European Policy Analysis, Theresia Töglhofer (German Council on Foreign Relations) describes the evolution of Berlin’s policy on the future shape of the EU. Consolidation was once seen as a prerequisite, now the geopolitical context means that the enlargement of a (reformed) Union is considered vital. (2024:13epa)

The Italian Elections of 2022: what do they mean for the EU?

Following the decisive victory for the right in its parliamentary elections, Italy will shortly have a new government. The Prime Minister will almost certainly be Giorgia Meloni of Fratelli d’Italia. In a new analysis Giovanni Capoccia of the University of Oxford explains what all this might mean for Italy and for the EU. (2022:17epa)

Strategic Autonomy – Views from the North

The concept of strategic autonomy has been a frequent topic in the EU the last few years. The continuous management of political crisis has expanded the discussion beyond security and defence. How do the Nordic countries relate to this pursuit of sovereignty and capacity to act? This anthology explains and analyses how Denmark, Finland and Sweden view strategic autonomy, what similarities and differences exist between the countries' attitudes and how they view their and the EU's role in a polarized world. (2021:1op)

Restricting human rights in the Member States during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most EU Member States found themselves obliged to derogate from certain civil and political rights. Even though these derogations differed in both style and extent, they have had implications for the democratic systems in the Member States. But what are the implications of these derogations for the EU legal system? Valeriia Varfolomieieva, Research Assistant in law at SIEPS, raises this issue by analyzing the European and EU legal framework for human rights derogations. (2021:18epa)

The European Pillar of Social Rights meets the Nordic model

In November 2017, the European Pillar of Social Rights was adopted at a summit in Gothenburg. While the initiative could lead to some changes, its value is above all symbolic, writes Caroline de la Porte, professor at Copenhagen Business School. (2019:2epa)

A Political Presidency: the 2022 French Presidency of the Council of the European Union

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. (2022:2epa)

Germany goes to the polls: how will its EU policies change?

On September 26th 2021 Germany goes to the polls. Who will govern after the election, and how will they deal with upcoming EU policy questions? SIEPS Senior Researcher Valentin Kreilinger sets the election in its European context, by examining the parties’ manifestos and outlining possible coalition governments. (2021:16epa)