Search results for: european law in All Content

The Baltic States on Brexit and EU Reforms

The Baltic States on Brexit and EU Reforms

Author(s): Kinga Raś / Language(s): English

Keywords: Estonia; Latvia; Lithuania; Baltic states; European Union; United Kingdom

In shaping the future relations between the EU and the UK as it withdrawing from Union membership, the Baltic States will opt for restraint and wait for a coalition of major countries to develop. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are eurozone members and support deeper European integration in connection with the negotiations with the UK on the conditions of its exit from the Community and the future shape of relations.

More...

Possible Consequences of the Presidential Election in the Republic of Moldova

Possible Consequences of the Presidential Election in the Republic of Moldova

Author(s): Jakub Pieńkowski / Language(s): English

Keywords: Moldova; elections; presidential elections

The first direct presidential elections in Moldova in 20 years will take place on 30 October. The withdrawal of Marian Lupu, the ruling Democrats’ designated candidate, four days before the election and the transfer of his votes to the pro-EU Maia Sandu will, in fact, strengthen the position of pro-Russian Socialist Igor Dodon, who is leading in the polls. Should Dodon win, he may pull back from the prevailing idea in the country of closer ties with the European Union and instead propose strengthening relations with Russia. This would pose a challenge to the EU’s Eastern Policy, the effectiveness of which was to be confirmed by pro-Union changes in Moldova.

More...

France’s Position on the UK’s Post-Brexit Relationship with the EU

France’s Position on the UK’s Post-Brexit Relationship with the EU

Author(s): Elżbieta Kaca / Language(s): English

Keywords: France; United Kingdom; Europe; European Union

France will try to use the situation following the result of the British referendum on exiting the EU to deepen integration in the sphere of EU Common Security and Defence Policy. The French government is also trying to attract international companies to move from London to Paris. In the process of shaping new relations between the EU and the UK as the latter drops its membership, France will be in favour of limiting the UK’s impact within the internal market, namely in the sphere of financial services.

More...

“Polish Energy Policy by 2050” in light of the EU’s Long-term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategy

“Polish Energy Policy by 2050” in light of the EU’s Long-term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategy

Author(s): Julia Michalak / Language(s): English

Keywords: energy and climate; energetics; Europe; Poland

The new global climate agreement struck in Paris at the end of 2015 recommends its signatories to formulate long-term greenhouse gas emission development strategies by 2020. In March 2016 the European Commission outlined a plan to start preparations of the EU’s low-carbon development strategy. The Commission’s recommendation was welcomed by the European Council. Furthermore, several EU Member States are currently developing their own long-term climate and energy scenarios. In this context Poland also should start to develop its own long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategy. Ongoing work on the long-term energy scenario Polish Energy Policy by 2050, which should take into account both the EU’s and EU Member States’ climate policies, offers a good opportunity to do so.

More...

0.00 €

№176: Can Aid Solve the Root Causes of Migration? A Framework for Future Research on the Development-Migration Nexus

№176: Can Aid Solve the Root Causes of Migration? A Framework for Future Research on the Development-Migration Nexus

Author(s): Patryk Kugiel,Henriette U. Erstad,Morten Bøås,Jolanta Szymańska / Language(s): English

Keywords: Migrations; causes of migrations; European Union; migration policy; refugee and migration management;

An important dimension of the European Union’s response to the 2015 refugee and migration management crisis has been to address the root causes of irregular migration. A major tool the EU has to mitigate push factors of migration is development assistance. Yet, the literature shows that the casual relationship between aid and migration is complex and far from obvious. This article summarises the ongoing debates and major findings concerning the development-migration nexus in order to better inform policymakers about the potential risks and shortcomings of using aid in migration management. It suggests a framework for future research on what kind of assistance might work, for whom, and where.

More...

0.00 €

Financial “Shield”: Germany’s Actions to Face the Pandemic-Fuelled Economic Crisis

Financial “Shield”: Germany’s Actions to Face the Pandemic-Fuelled Economic Crisis

Author(s): Sebastian Płóciennik / Language(s): English

Keywords: Germany; Coronavirus pandemic; financial shield; economic crisis; economic policy; health crisis; financial measures;

The coronavirus pandemic carries the risk of a deep economic downturn in Germany. The government has decided to minimise this decline by enacting a liquidity support programme for companies and protecting employment. These actions increase the chances that the crisis will be milder and the economy will rebound faster in the second half of the year, assuming the health crisis is resolved. The decisions by Angela Merkel’s government have boosted a difficult discussion about the need for joint fiscal measures in the euro area.

More...

0.00 €

The Czech National Investment Plan for 2020-2050: Plans for Infrastructure Development

The Czech National Investment Plan for 2020-2050: Plans for Infrastructure Development

Author(s): Łukasz Ogrodnik / Language(s): English

Keywords: Czech Republic; national investment plan; infrastructure development; EU support funds;

In December 2019, the government of Andrej Babiš presented the National Investment Plan (NIP) for 2020 to 2050. The core of the plan, which also aims to bring image benefits to the ruling Action of Dissatisfied Citizens (ANO), is composed of infrastructure projects. Including EU funds for supporting investments, among other sources, the energy transformation is set to strengthen the Czech position in negotiations on the EU financial perspective for 2021 to 2027. The implementation of NIP projects, such as the development of road connections with Poland, will strengthen the regional infrastructure network.

More...

0.00 €

The Political and Military Significance of the Defender Europe 2020 Exercise

The Political and Military Significance of the Defender Europe 2020 Exercise

Author(s): Wojciech Lorenz / Language(s): English

Keywords: Military exercise; Defender Europe; US Army; military policy; security and defence; NATO; military cooperation;

In April and May, as part of the military exercises called Defender Europe 20, the U.S. Army will deploy a reinforced division-size force (over 20,000 soldiers) across the Atlantic. For Poland and other European allies, the manoeuvres will offer the opportunity to test organisational, logistic, and military support for large-scale collective defence operations. The exercises should strengthen the credibility of deterrence policy, reassure NATO’s Eastern Flank countries, and augment the political cohesion of the Alliance.

More...

0.00 €

Fast-track EU Trade Agreements

Fast-track EU Trade Agreements

Author(s): Marek Wąsiński,Damian Wnukowski / Language(s): English

Keywords: European Union; trade agreements; EU Member States; economic policy; trade policy;

The European Commission (EC) is negotiating separate agreements on trade matters, which fall under the exclusive competence of the EU, and other issues such as investment protection, for which the Union and the Member States share responsibility. Separating the purely commercial component avoids the need to ratify trade deals in individual EU countries and allows them to be adopted by the European Council by a qualified majority. The aim is to increase the effectiveness of trade policy by preventing deals from being delayed excessively, or even blocked.

More...

0.00 €

Inevitable Transition: EU’s 2050 Climate Strategy

Inevitable Transition: EU’s 2050 Climate Strategy

Author(s): Marta Makowska,Marek Wąsiński / Language(s): English

Keywords: European Union; climate policy; long-term climate strategy; clean energy; low- or zero-emission economy;

The EU is preparing a long-term climate strategy for 2050 with a view to a comprehensive transition to a low- or zero-emission economy. Although EU countries are divided about the scale and pace of the actions, the direction is inevitable. This creates opportunities for Poland to obtain additional funds for a “just transition” and benefit from a boost in the domestic clean energy technologies market.

More...

0.00 €

The UK Political Crisis as a Barrier to the Ratification of the Brexit Agreement

The UK Political Crisis as a Barrier to the Ratification of the Brexit Agreement

Author(s): Przemysław Biskup / Language(s): English

Keywords: United Kingdom; political crisis; Brexit; ratification of Brexit agreement; European Union;

The European Council accepted an extension of the UK’s exit period from the EU until 31 October. The conditions, though, included no further negotiations on the Withdrawal Agreement (WA) by the EU and the UK’s commitment to participate in the European Parliament elections. At the same time, however, the political crisis in the UK has fundamentally limited the freedom of action of both the UK government and its two dominant parties. The scale of the British crisis was demonstrated by the local and European elections in May. Since the crisis probably will not be resolved by autumn, EU leaders are likely in October to face another decision concerning the further postponement of Brexit.

More...

0.00 €

The Likely Impact of the Presidential Election on Lithuania’s Foreign Policy

The Likely Impact of the Presidential Election on Lithuania’s Foreign Policy

Author(s): Kinga Raś / Language(s): English

Keywords: Lithuania; presidential elections; foreign policy; international relations; government;

Lithuania’s presidential election on 12 May will determine key directions of the country’s foreign policy, as the president, in cooperation with the government, is responsible for leading it. Now, after two terms in office, President Dalia Grybauskaitė gives way. Although Lithuania’s foreign policy priorities will be maintained, they may be adjusted, including relations with Poland. The range of changes is likely to be small if one of the opposition candidates wins, but it could be significant if Saulius Skvernelis, the current prime minister and presidential candidate, wins the election.

More...

0.00 €

The Introduction of Qualified Majority Voting in EU Foreign Policy: Member State Perspectives

The Introduction of Qualified Majority Voting in EU Foreign Policy: Member State Perspectives

Author(s): Elżbieta Kaca / Language(s): English

Keywords: European Union; EU foreign policy; decision-making process in EU; international relations;

The European Commission’s (EC) proposal to resign from the unanimity rule in certain areas of the EU’s external relations will not be supported by many smaller EU countries. However, ahead of the Sibiu summit in May 2019, Member States will debate other mechanisms to improve the decision-making process in EU foreign policy, for example, the creation of a European Security Council (ESC). In a contribution to this process, Poland may exchange views on the ESC concept within the Weimar Triangle format (Poland, Germany, France) and propose an EU representative be present in international conflict-resolution negotiation formats in which Member States participate.

More...

0.00 €

Assumptions and Prospects of Russia’s Policy Towards Georgia

Assumptions and Prospects of Russia’s Policy Towards Georgia

Author(s): Jakub Benedyczak / Language(s): English

Keywords: Russian Federation; Georgia; Russia-Georgia relations; Russia’s obstruction of development; economic development; energy independence; Georgia-EU cooperation;

Russia's strategic goals regarding Georgia are to block its NATO and the EU membership and limit its role in the transit of non-Russian gas and oil to Turkey and later to European countries. These aims are fostered by the improvement of relations between Moscow and Tbilisi, chaos in Georgian domestic policy and the distant prospect of integration with the Euro-Atlantic alliance. Diversification of energy supply sources to the EU requires support for Georgia’s economic development and energy independence.

More...

0.00 €

Prospects for CEE-China Relations after the Sofia Summit

Prospects for CEE-China Relations after the Sofia Summit

Author(s): Justyna Szczudlik / Language(s): English

Keywords: Central and Eastern Europe; People’s Republic of China; CEE-China cooperation; China’s investment policy; 16+1 Summit in Sofia;

The context of the 7th “16+1” summit in Sofia indicates that this format of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)–China cooperation is an instrument used by the latter to achieve its main political goals. Through it, China wants to win European allies in its dispute with the U.S. on trade. At the same time, China is trying to reduce the EU's scepticism of China’s investment policy and the 16+1 format. While also facing tensions in relations with the western part of the EU, China intends to maintain sanguine relations with the 16 countries. However, concerns about an improvement in U.S.-Russia ties has China hoping for closer relations with countries from the 16 that cooperate closely with Russia.

More...

0.00 €

Political and Military Significance of NATO’s Mission to Iraq

Political and Military Significance of NATO’s Mission to Iraq

Author(s): Wojciech Lorenz / Language(s): English

Keywords: Iraq; NATO; NATO’s mission to Iraq; Iraq’s security; collective-defence mission;

NATO plans to expand its presence in Iraq. Despite the initially small scale, the mission may have much political significance, facilitating the Alliance’s adaptation to the Russian challenge. A significant increase in responsibilities for Iraq’s security could, however, strain the Alliance’s command structure, limiting its ability to carry out collective-defence tasks.

More...

0.00 €

EU Development Cooperation Policy in the post-2020 Budget

EU Development Cooperation Policy in the post-2020 Budget

Author(s): Patryk Kugiel / Language(s): English

Keywords: European Union; multiannual financial framework; European development cooperation policy; EU funds; assistance programmes; EU budget;

Negotiations of the EU’s next multiannual financial framework (MFF) present an opportunity to reform European development cooperation policy and define the future role of the Union in the world. The most important issues to be resolved are the total amount of funds for Official Development Assistance (ODA) in the period, the shape of the aid instruments, and an update of the EU’s main objectives in this area. Strengthening the Union’s global influence requires maintaining high expenditures on ODA, simplifying and reducing the number of assistance programmes and focusing on areas where the EU brings added value.

More...

0.00 €

Russia’s Eastern Mediterranean Policy

Russia’s Eastern Mediterranean Policy

Author(s): Agnieszka Legucka / Language(s): English

Keywords: Russian Federation; Eastern Mediterranean; controlling the security of subregion; extraction of energy resources; Russia’s Eastern Mediterranean policy;

Russia treats the Eastern Mediterranean as an area of competition with the United States and the European Union. It wants to control the security of this subregion and the extraction and transport of its energy resources to Europe. To achieve this, it has increased political contact with every Mediterranean country, including Turkey, Greece, and Israel, despite some conflicting interests. Russia’s activity challenges both EU and NATO influence in the region and its stability.

More...

0.00 €

This Is Not Over Yet: Terrorism and Counterterrorism in the EU after the Paris Attacks

This Is Not Over Yet: Terrorism and Counterterrorism in the EU after the Paris Attacks

Author(s): Kacper Rękawek / Language(s): English

Keywords: Paris terrorist attack; terrorism; counterterrorism; violence; European Union; Islamic State; new security measures;

The attacks in Paris are not the beginning of new terrorism in Europe. EU Member States have been threatened by such deeds perpetrated by individuals motivated by the Islamic State (IS), or IS returnees from Syria, for at least three years. Countering this threat proves difficult, and one could expect French pressure to see other Member States prioritise counterterrorism more in their security strategies. Central European countries, far less threatened by terrorism than their Western European counterparts, will also be forced to respond to such calls.

More...

0.00 €

Europe Left Behind: Trans-Pacific Partnership and Its Impact on the EU

Europe Left Behind: Trans-Pacific Partnership and Its Impact on the EU

Author(s): Marek Wąsiński / Language(s): English

Keywords: European Union; Trans-Pacific partnership; free-trade agreement; Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership; EU’s economic interests;

The U.S. and 11 Pacific Rim countries, together totalling 40% of global GDP, concluded on 4 October the Trans-Pacific Partnership. This landmark free-trade agreement leaves the European Union behind and will make it more challenging to defend its economic interests. However, the EU should not rush to complete trade agreements, such as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, but should take care to secure its goals and defend its economic interests.

More...