The EU looks to the future
Amid the unseemly to-ing and fro-ing around Brexit, the impression that the EU is giving to its electorate or electorates is abysmal. On the other hand, there are still a few weeks to go until the European elections so the campaigning parties can and must combine their canvassing with concrete proposals for combating all the problems that need to be dealt with. And in this regard it is encouraging to see that the EU Commission and the Council are devoting their attention to European-Chinese relations because, in the last few years, while Europe has been largely preoccupied with itself – just about managing to keep a nervous eye on Washington –, China has set about turning itself into the world’s leading economic power. Whether the EU can do anything about this will crucially depend upon its remaining united. The signs from Italy are less than encouraging. |
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| Renewable Energy in the EU |
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EU rules on support for renewable energy sources have been comprehensively reformed for the period 2021-2030. cep has assessed the individual measures in an Input.
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| Investment Stabilisation Function |
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With a “European Investment Stabilisation Function” eurozone countries experiencing an economic shock are to receive loans and interest subsidies to finance public investment. That, at least, is the Commission’s proposal to further stabilise the eurozone.
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With a regulation, the EU Commission wants to create the framework for sustainable investments. In order to attain this, the criteria that economic activities must comply with to qualify as “environmentally sustainable” are now set out.
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| Electronic Freight Information |
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Standard EU provisions on the electronic transmission of regulatory freight transport information will promote digitalisation in the freight transport sector. Electronic freight information provided by companies in compliance with these EU rules must be accepted by the authorities.
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“Nothing happens in Europe without Germany and France. But let me say this... we need many small hands and small hands are often more skilful than large ones.”
Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the EU Commission |
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“The EU’s strength and that of the individual Member States depends on us presenting a united front. External political influence is an important issue that we should discuss at the highest level in the EU.”
Jyrki Katainen, Vice President of the EU Commission |
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“Division is undermining the foundations of European integration. If things continue as they are, the EU will collapse.”
Prof. Lüder Gerken, cep President |
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“Parliament’s acceptance of the Copyright Directive is appropriate. The criticism from internet activists is misguided. The proposal to hold internet platforms accountable will not bring freedom of the internet to an end.”
Muhammed Elemenler, Policy Analyst at cep |
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| Increasing competition from China: In 2018, Chinese exports totalled US$ 2,487.40 billion. The EU intends to defend its interests more vehemently against Peking and is aiming for more vigorous enforcement of the existing regulations. Chinese companies will thus have to prepare for stricter rules in Europe in future. |
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