Publications Archive

This archive contains all documents published by cep over the last few years

  • cepAdhoc: Incisive comment on current EU policy issues
  • cepPolicyBrief: Concise reviews of EU proposals (Regulations, Directives, Green Papers, White Papers, Communications) – including an executive summary
  • cepInput: Impulse to current challenges of EU policies
  • cepStudy: Comprehensive examination of EU policy proposals affecting the economy

 

2024

cepStudy: Environment Takes a Backseat in EU Digital Push

Whether it is the digital euro or artificial intelligence (AI): The relentless digitalisation of everyday life in Europe often comes at the expense of climate protection. The Centre for European Policy (cep) has compiled evidence in two case studies on generative AI models and a potential digital euro.

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2024

cepPolicyBrief: Circular Economy in the Automotive Sector (cepPolicyBrief)

The EU wants to expand recycling in the automotive sector. The Centre for European Policy (cep) welcomes the plans in principle. However, according to a new study by the European policy think tank, the targets may be too ambitious. For example, the targets for re-use and recycling are incompatible with bans on toxic substances.

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2023

cepPolicyBrief: Better air quality: cep welcomes balanced Commission proposal

Clean air is vital for people and the environment. That is why the EU wants to further reduce air pollution in Europe. While the Parliament wants to adopt the World Health Organisation's (WHO) strict guideline values one-to-one in the new Air Quality Directive, the Centre for European Policy (cep) considers the more moderate Commission proposal to be appropriate and realistic.

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2023

cepPolicyBrief: European Right to Repair (cepPolicyBrief)

Smartphones, laptops, fridges: especially electrical appliances should be easier to repair for the sake of the environment. The EU Commission therefore wants to introduce a so-called right to repair with a new directive promoting the repair of goods. According to the Centre for European Policy (cep), the Commission’s proposal overshoots the mark to some extent.

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2023

cepInput: Recycling of Raw Materials Requires the EU's Long-term Commitment (cepInput)

Access to rare metals is crucial for the success of the energy transition. Recycling of these metals represents the missing link in the European Green Deal - environmentally friendly and free of resource limitations. The Center for European Policy (cep) has examined the recycling potential of permanent magnets used in wind power and e-mobility. The result: obstacles still outweigh the benefits.

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2023

cepPolicyBrief: Packaging and Packaging Waste (cepPolicyBrief COM(2022) 677)

With a new packaging regulation the Commission wants to strengthen environmental protection and market opportunities for recycled material. The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) sees great potential in an EU-wide circular economy. However, Brussels is only halfway there. Member states may continue to impair the single market with too many national regulations.

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2022

cepPolicyBrief: Industrial Emissions (cepPolicyBrief COM(2022) 156

In the EU, emissions of pollutants into the air, water and soil from industrial and livestock facilities are to be reduced. To this end, the Commission has proposed amendments to the Industrial Emissions Directive. The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) considers parts of the proposals to be contrary to EU law.

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2022

cepPolicyBrief: Ecodesign for Products (cepPolicyBrief COM(2022) 140)

Whether refrigerators, lamps, televisions or textiles: The Commission wants to be able to set so-called ecodesign requirements for almost all products in the EU. The goal is to reduce energy and resource consumption in the production, usage and disposal of these products. This should accelerate the transition from a "linear throwaway society" to a circular economy. The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) is concerned that too rigid and small-scale requirements will lead to trade-offs - and eventually even negative effects on sustainability.

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2022

cepInput: European Right to Repair (cepInput)

The Commission plans a "right to repair". It is intended to encourage consumers to use products longer and to oblige companies to extend the life of products as well as to guarantee better reparability. The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) warns of a conflict between consumer and environmental protection.

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2022

cepInput: The French Climate and Resilience Law (cepInput)

The European Union wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent compared to 1990 by the end of this decade. Just one day before the EU climate package "Fit for 55" was published, France passed its own climate law. This also provides for a reduction of emissions, but only by 40 percent.

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