Blog
-
The shared pursuit of a values-based Globalisation
Western liberal globalisation needs a reboot. Over the past years, the West and its institutions have distanced themselves from the outside world, while becoming entangled in their own economic...
-
The EU stuck between trade openness and strategic autonomy
The European Union’s new trade policy motto of Open Strategic Autonomy is defined as ‘EU’s ability to make its own choices and shape the world around it through leadership and...
-
European strategic autonomy – Aim or bane for our generation?
In September 2020, European Council President Charles Michel delivered a long speech on Europe’s “strategic autonomy, sovereignty, and power”. He concluded that “whichever word you use”, it...
-
Could friend-shoring stop protectionism undermining trade and climate change measures?
When considering trade rules and climate change, current developments point towards more protectionism, with the WTO’s role devalued, and progress in reducing emissions at the mercy of government...
-
European strategic autonomy – What role for Europe’s fragmented single market?
30 years after the establishment of the European Single Market, regulatory convergence reversed or came to a halt in the EU. This lack of integration is the expression of a “Single Market...
-
Sender-Pays: Rethinking incentives for infrastructure investments
By Robin Baker and Hosuk Lee-Makiyama Summary As the Sending Party Network Pays debate resurfaces, the question of whether users and senders should contribute network fees is somewhat secondary....
-
The costs of the EU’s strategic autonomy agenda – Why member states should stop ignoring them
The EU is pushing a controversial policy paradigm: strategic autonomy. The term is increasingly institutionalised. It is commonly referred to in speeches by high-level officials. New EU laws are...
-
Europe’s Carbon Border Adjustment moves to trilogue: potential impact on trade and WTO compatibility still unclear
Introduction On June 22nd, the European Parliament and Council of the EU submitted amendments to the European Commission’s proposal for an EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The final...
-
The L’Oréal principle: How the EU leverages its single market for its trade policy objectives
Products of the skincare company L’Oréal have been marketed over the years using the self-reassuring tag line “because you’re worth it”. The EU has recently launched a new line of trade...
-
The hidden complexities of the UK Government Northern Ireland Protocol Bill
The publication of the UK government’s Northern Ireland Protocol Bill appears to have brought UK-EU relations to a new low ebb, with trade war an increasing concern to businesses. Below the...