EU Topics | cep - Centre for European Policy Network

Immerse yourself in the crucial issues shaping the future of the European Union. This page gives you a fascinating insight into the major issues shaping the future of the EU, from technology regulation to economic policy coordination, as well as social and environmental issues.

EU Treaties & Institutions

The European treaties regulate the EU's relationship with the Member States and the responsibilities of EU organs. The most recent revision of the treaties was brought in by the Lisbon Treaty which came into effect in 2009. cep looks into proposed amendments to the treaties, paying particular attention to the distribution of competences, adherence to subsidiarity and proportionality and the loss of parliamentary control by way of delegated acts and implementing acts.

Economic & Fiscal Policy

The economic and fiscal policies of the Member States are coordinated at EU level during the European semester. Coordination of economic policy takes place inter alia by way of country-specific recommendations which the Council puts to the Member States. Coordination of fiscal policy takes place by way of the Stability and Growth Pact and the annual review of the national draft budgets. cep analyses EU policy in these areas.

Single Market & Competition

The Single Market is the main pillar of the European Union. A large part of EU legislation relates to the four basic freedoms on which the Single Market is based: free movement of goods, services, capital and people. In order for the Single Market to retain a positive influence, uniform competition rules are required. cep continuously monitors EU proposals aimed at completing the Single Market and relating to competition law.

Environment

Environmental pollution does not recognise national borders, thus the bulk of national environmental law is today based on EU legislation. In this regard, EU environment policy focuses on the protection of the environment and human health as well as the sustainable use of natural resources. cep analyses EU proposals on the handling of waste and chemicals, protecting rivers and seas, noise prevention, clean air, environmental impact assessments and environmental management by companies.

Energy

In the area of energy policy, the EU faces the challenges of safeguarding energy supply, creating a competition-based internal energy market and at the same time reducing greenhouse gas emissions caused by the use of fossil fuels. cep examines EU proposals for the deregulation of the internal energy market, the diversification of energy supply, increasing energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy sources and establishing trans-European energy networks (TEN-E).

Climate

In order to protect the environment, the EU wants to reduce greenhouse gases by at least 20% by 2020 as compared with 1990 levels. The economy is to be largely de-carbonised by 2050, allowing greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced by 90%. cep follows EU proposals such as the European Emissions Trading System, the reduction of CO2 emissions from vehicles, plans for energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable product design („Eco-design“) as well as the promotion of renewable energy.

Transport

The ability of persons and goods to move freely across borders is essential for European integration. The EU wants to create a „Single European Transport Area“ in which obstacles, both between the national transport systems and between the various modes of transport, are removed. cep analyses EU proposals for the deregulation of the internal transport market, for transport infrastructure and for rules on efficiency and safety for all modes of transport.

Financial Markets

As a consequence of the financial and euro crisis, the European Union is carrying out a thorough overhaul of the regulation of financial markets. This applies equally to banks and insurance companies as well as to other stakeholders. The focus is on more intensive regulation and the partial communitisation of the risks. The emphasis is on risk management by financial markets participants, the cooperation and integration of the supervisory authorities as well as investor protection. cep continuously monitors these proposals.

Information Technology

In the last few decades, the EU has successfully deregulated the market for telecommunications and the internet. The „Digital Agenda for Europe“ and the regulation of roaming prices and network neutrality indicate the formative role which the EU intends to play in the future. cep actively monitors the substantive regulation of the IT markets and efforts to further Europeanise regulatory competence.

Digital Economy

Digitalisation continues its advance across all sectors of the economy bringing with it huge opportunities for consumers and businesses alike. The ability to make use of these opportunities calls for high-grade IT infrastructure, effective competition and the confidence of consumers and businesses. It is the task of the European Union to ensure the existence of a legal framework which satisfies these three requirements EU-wide.

Innovation

The European Union stands at the crossroads of innovation and sustainability, anchored in an ambitious vision for a prosperous future. From the ongoing changes to the European treaties to the adaptation of economic policies, every initiative is part of our commitment to balanced development that respects the environment.

New Technologies

The European Union is at the centre of technological advances, with ambitious initiatives in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data regulation. This exploration of new technologies highlights the challenges and opportunities of this ever-evolving digital age within the EU.

Civil & Procedural Law

Responsibility for the law on judicial and extra-judicial proceedings traditionally lies with the Member States. As a result of the Lisbon Treaty, the EU has attained not-insignificant powers in this area and is making increasing use of them. On the agenda are also questions about the harmonisation of substantive law. cep analyses EU legislative proposals which are of economic relevance in the judicial field.

Consumer & Health

During the course of European integration, consumer protection and health protection have gradually developed into independent policy areas and goals of the EU, alongside and supplemental to the realisation of the Single Market. Under the European treaties, the EU is now not only under an express duty to ensure a high level of consumer and human health protection, but according to the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights everyone has also the right of access to preventive health care and the right to benefit from medical treatment. cep keeps track of EU legislative proposals which are of economic relevance in these fields.

Employment & Social Affairs

Even after the Lisbon Treaty, employment and social affairs remain largely within the remit of the Member States. Nevertheless, the EU also wants to achieve full employment and social progress by way of EU-wide proposals and by coordinating national policies. It encourages solidarity between the generations and the prevention of discrimination. cep PolicyBriefs keep track of EU policy in this sensitive area.