The stakes are high when Germany holds snap elections on 23 February 2025. For the EU, both domestic and European policies in the most populous country in the Union are of great importance. Valentin Kreilinger (SIEPS) analyses what the parties' positions, the possible coalitions and the upcoming policy decisions mean for Europe. (2025:3epa)
EU enlargement will have consequences for where foreign investment is made. Colin Wren (Newcastle University) examines past enlargements and draws conclusions about future ones: which countries will be most attractive to invest in as the EU grows? (2025:2epa)
The snap election on 23 February 2025 comes at a turning point for Germany and Europe. What is likely to change under a new government and how will the election result affect EU policies and the future of Europe? What are the European issues that a new governing coalition in Berlin will have to address?
Recent publications in English
EU enlargement will have consequences for where foreign investment is made. Colin Wren (Newcastle University) examines past enlargements and draws conclusions about future ones: which countries will be most attractive to invest in as the EU grows? (2025:2epa)
The Eastern and Central European countries that joined the EU in the 2000s have experienced economic growth thanks to their membership. In this European policy analysis, Mariusz Próchniak and Ryszard Rapacki, professors of Economics, examine what is required of the current candidate countries to benefit from EU membership in a similar way. (2024:24epa)
In an uncertain world, the relationship between Europe and the United States has become more important than ever. At the same time, it is in a state of change. Ahead of the US presidential election, Marianne Riddervold analyses the transatlantic link and discusses ways forward for Europe. (2024:21epa)
Security and defence are high on the EU's agenda for the new political cycle. Katarina Engberg analyses the initiatives within the EU that point towards a total defence as well as the challenges and opportunities this brings. (2025:1epa)
For a long time, the EU has addressed but so far not prevented systematic violations of the rule of law in the member states. In this analysis, Katalin Cseres argues that EU competition law should be used more actively as part of the rule of law toolbox. (2024:23epa)
Agriculture will be a particularly difficult issue for the forthcoming enlargement of the EU. In this analysis professor emeritus Alan Matthews draws lessons from previous enlargements and considers possible options for the EU. (2024:20epa)
A new SIEPS forum where experts from research, policy and think tanks present their thoughts on EU reform and enlargement in short texts.
January 2025 • Hillion Christophe
EU leaders have asserted that enlargement is an investment ‘in peace, security, stability and prosperity’. However, for such an investment to pay off, the promise of EU membership must be credible, writes Christophe Hillion (Professor, University of Oslo and College of Europe).
December 2024 • Hollander Saskia
Can the EU accommodate an increased political and cultural diversity after a next round of enlargement? In this contribution, Saskia Hollander (Senior Research Fellow at Clingendael) assesses the impact of EU enlargement on the EU’s capacity to uphold democracy and the rule of law and project core values within its borders.
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