Publications Archive

Maritime transport accounted for around 2 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2018. This corresponded to about 85 percent of German emissions. Commission, Council and Parliament want to agree on reduction measures for the European Union. The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) warns against Brussels going it alone.

Well intended, not well done: The European Union wants to oblige companies to protect human rights and the environment in the EU and third countries - from raw materials to products and their disposal, throughout the entire value chain. The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) criticises the Commission's draft directive as too vague.

Blood, plasma and other Substances of Human Origin (SoHOs) are becoming increasingly important, especially in the fight against rare diseases. Since essential products are not sufficiently available in the EU, dependence on imports, especially from the USA, is growing. The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) believes that the Commission's goal of providing better care for EU citizens in the future is right - but that some of the planned measures are questionable.

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.