Publications Archive

In the EU, greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced to zero by 2050. On the way there, they are to be reduced by 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990. To achieve this goal, the Commission has presented a comprehensive package of measures ("Fit for 55") for all sectors. The Centre for European Policy (cep) considers central proposals to amend the directive on emissions trading for industry and energy to be questionable. The think tank fears production and emissions relocations to third countries.

The European Union wants to reduce CO₂ emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990. To this end, a separate emissions trading system for buildings and road transport is to be introduced. The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) is opposing demands from member states and the European Parliament to suspend or soften the introduction in view of skyrocketing energy prices.

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.

Lithium, cobalt, rare earths: The energy transition and electromobility require substantial quantities of critical metals. The prerequisite is a new European risk management in business and politics. Until now, many raw materials have come from autocratic states – especially China. The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) has developed a multi-stage strategy plan. It envisages diversifying sources of supply and specifically promoting the recycling of critical metals.

Recent attacks on gas pipelines and railway cables have highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. Efforts to protect Europe's digital backbone have been slow and inadequate. The Centre for European Policy (cep) is calling for an immediate European clean cable campaign. Nodes should be monitored and existing initiatives should be accelerated.

This publication is only available in German.

Medical findings, X-rays, prescriptions: With the Health Data Space (EHDS), the Commission wants to utilise storing and making use of sensitive patient data throughout the EU. In essence, it provides for national electronic health records that can be used across borders. The Centre for European Policy (cep) calls for better control rights for EU citizens, especially regarding the so-called secondary use of health data.

Hybrid warfare, hacker attacks, cyber-attacks: Parliament and Council have agreed on new cyber security regulations in Brussels. According to the so-called NIS 2 Directive, around 160,000 European companies and public authorities will in future be subject to uniform EU requirements for managing cyber risks and reporting cyber incidents. The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) considers some regulations too broad and calls for a more efficient focus.

France in a new political era: the French government should look for a robust parliamentary majority to preserve political stability in times of unprecedented crises. The Centre de Politique Européenne (cep) Paris has analysed the political situation in France and recommends to  keep on looking for a long-term commitment with the conservative party LR to avoid political and economic instability.

In Italy's parliamentary elections on 25 September, the extreme right under Giorgia Meloni looks set to win. The right-wing populist is considered particularly Eurosceptic. Nevertheless, the Centro Politiche Europee ROMA (cep) does not expect an anti-EU political course. According to the author, the room for manoeuvre of a government of right-wing extremists and centre-right parties were too small for that.

Scarce resources, exploding prices: The existence-threatening energy crisis forces the EU and Member States to cushion the costs for consumers and companies without jeopardising energy-saving incentives. The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) calls for a quick implementation of the Commission’s proposal for an emergency regulation. However, interventions in the electricity market should be limited to this winter.