The 2024 European Parliament elections saw a general shift to the political right. At the same time, the results point to both fragmentation and continuity. In this early assessment, political scientists Simon Hix (EUI), Göran von Sydow and Valentin Kreilinger (SIEPS) analyse the outcome of the elections and consider the consequences for the politics and policies of the EU. (2024:16epa)
How did Europe vote? The day after the polls closed, SIEPS hosted a webinar summarising the campaign, the results, and looking ahead to how the newly elected Parliament will shape the future of the EU. A recording is now available.
Recent publications in English
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)
Once regarded as legally and politically impossible, the Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages is now a reality. Leading labour market economist Dominique Anxo assesses whether the landmark legislation is likely to achieve its aims. (2024:2)
The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a cornerstone of the EU’s trade and climate policy. Alexandra Buylova and Naghmeh Nasiritousi present the tool, consider its potential global impacts, and discuss how the EU can minimize unwanted side effects. (2024:9epa)
The increase in border checks within the Schengen zone, since 2015, has prompted a recent EU strategy to ‘save Schengen’. But according to expert on EU law Steve Peers, the ongoing changes are unlikely to restore a fundamentally border-free travel area. (2024:12epa)
The European Parliament elections in June take place in a fragmented political landscape. Political scientists Simon Hix and Abdul Noury consider the expected election results, which point to unstable majorities and a challenge when it comes to build a majority for the election of the Commission President. (2024:10epa)
On taking office in 2019, Ursula von der Leyen declared that she would lead a ‘geopolitical’ Commission. In this analysis, political scientist Calle Håkansson shows that this ambition had a larger impact than many expected. Developments since also point to a continued active and strategic role for the European Commission. (2024:7epa)
A new SIEPS forum where experts from research, policy and think tanks present their thoughts on EU reform and enlargement in short texts.
May 2024 • Schwarzer Daniela
Enlargement policy has been re-discovered as the most powerful tool to stabilize the EU’s neighbourhood. Professor Daniela Schwarzer argues that enlargement will only be successful if the EU becomes more flexible in integrating new members and in its functioning, while enhancing legitimacy and protecting its basic principles more forcefully. (15 May)
April 2024 • Blockmans Steven
While new plans for the gradual integration of candidate countries may help to speed up their accession process in certain policy sectors and serve EU interests, Steven Blockmans argues that such advances should be firmly anchored in the formal framework of membership negotiations and checked against comprehensive reforms of the rule of law and public administration. (24 April)
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The EU is likely to eventually have up to thirty-five members and will need to adapt to accommodate them. SIEPS asks leading experts what the Union can or should do to be ‘Fit for 35’.
Watch recordings from the conference ”The Rule of Law: Crisis and Solutions”. The conference, co-organised by SIEPS on 17–18 April 2023, brought together distinguished scholars, policy-makers and practitioners to discuss the future of the rule of law in the EU.
The EU's political, economic and constitutional system represents one of SIEPS' research areas. Explore a selection of publications and seminars within this field.
