Series:PISM Bulletin

Acceleration of Climate Policy and the Energy Transformation in Slovakia

Acceleration of Climate Policy and the Energy Transformation in Slovakia

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

Keywords: Slovakia; energy; transformation; climate; policy;

The Eduard Heger government wants to increase the production of energy from renewable sources and nuclear energy. This is evidenced among others by the preparations for the commissioning of two new units of the Mochovce nuclear power plant. Although Visegrad Group states include pronouncements they plan to use nuclear power in their national energy mixes, the difference in those mixes limits the possibilities of formulating regional climate policy and results in a lack of coherence on the EU forum. Hydrogen fuel, the use of which is growing in Slovakia, also remains an untapped potential for regional cooperation.

The Biden Administration’s Vision of North Korea Policy

The Biden Administration’s Vision of North Korea Policy

Author(s): Oskar Pietrewicz / Language(s): English

Keywords: Biden; administration; North Korea; foreign policy; security;

The main goal of U.S. policy towards North Korea remains the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. The Biden administration intends to implement it by continued sanctions pressure, direct negotiations with North Korea, and coordination of actions with allies and other countries. The flexibility of the U.S. approach suggests its readiness to initiate talks aimed at freezing and limiting the North Korean nuclear programme. However, the vague nature of the American declarations and the expectant attitude towards North Korea pose the risk of maintaining the deadlock in the U.S.-North Korea talks and the further development of the North Korean nuclear and missile potential.

Tax Ambitions in the EU and Their Global Context

Tax Ambitions in the EU and Their Global Context

Author(s): Marta Makowska / Language(s): English

Keywords: Tax; EU; economic policy; global context;

Along with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and digitalisation of the economy, there is growing political pressure from several Member States to communitarise EU tax policy. The ambitious plans outlined by the European Commission (EC) for the coming years must be placed in the wider global context, including the agreement reached in July at the OECD/G20 on establishing a common framework for taxing multinationals. However, the lack of support for this project from Estonia, Ireland, and Hungary in particular puts into question the possibility to implement the EC proposals.

Perspectives on the Introduction of a European Digital Identity

Perspectives on the Introduction of a European Digital Identity

Author(s): Stefania Kolarz / Language(s): English

Keywords: Europe; digital identity; introduction; perspectives; eIDA; EU; security; data;

The European Commission’s (EC) proposal to introduce a European Digital Identity (eIDA), enabling electronic confirmation of personal data, is the next step in the development of the EU digital market. The eIDA is intended to increase trust among users of electronic services and may facilitate and speed the flow of documents between EU countries. Challenges include ensuring compatibility and the security of systems operated by individual Member States.

A Technological Arms Race: Chip Manufacturing

A Technological Arms Race: Chip Manufacturing

Author(s): Oskar Szydłowski / Language(s): English

Keywords: chip; economy; manufacturing; global economy; Taiwan; USA; foreign policy;

The supply gap in the chip market caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the chips’ growing role in the global economy, as well as in international relations. Countries where chipmakers are headquartered are restricting exports of this good, and the competition for access to these products has opened a new phase in the technology race between China and the U.S. Currently, the U.S. is emerging victorious, significantly limiting China’s ability to modernise. The European Union plans to cooperate with Taiwan and the U.S. on chip supplies and is working on production technology.

Perspectives on U.S.-UK Relations after Brexit

Perspectives on U.S.-UK Relations after Brexit

Author(s): Przemysław Biskup,Paweł Markiewicz / Language(s): English

Keywords: USA; UK; relations; Brexit; foreign policy

The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU and Britain’s new integrated strategy from March 2021 is creating challenges for President Joe Biden’s transatlantic policies. The lack of cooperation between the UK and EU in areas of foreign and security policy may adversely affect U.S. policies in Europe. Even though the new UK strategy generally emphasises the importance of British-American cooperation, it also suggests potential tensions in relations with the U.S. associated with the question of Northern Ireland, economic relations with China, or shifting British involvement to the Indo-Pacific.

The Biden Administration’s Vaccine Diplomacy

The Biden Administration’s Vaccine Diplomacy

Author(s): Andrzej Dąbrowski / Language(s): English

Keywords: Vaccine; diplomacy; Biden; USA; COVID-19;

The United States has begun redistributing procured SARS-CoV-2 vaccines to countries affected by a shortage of doses. The U.S. joined the international COVAX initiative and declared it would provide 500 million doses to it by the end of 2022. The goal of U.S. diplomacy is to improve the country’s image on the international stage and compete with China, which uses vaccines to strengthen its relations with African and Latin American countries.

Germany-U.S. Relations: A Return to the Strategic Partnership

Germany-U.S. Relations: A Return to the Strategic Partnership

Author(s): Lidia Gibadło,Mateusz Piotrowski / Language(s): English

Keywords: Germany; USA; relations; strategic partnership;

Since Joe Biden’s presidency began, Germany’s relationship with the United States has improved. The U.S. made significant concessions, primary among them agreeing to the construction of the Nord Stream 2 (NS2) gas pipeline. This is a new opening for the U.S. in the bilateral relations and sets the foundations for the reconstruction of the strategic partnership with Germany that Biden sees as necessary to implement U.S. policy towards a post-Brexit Europe. However, the possible reluctance of the next German government to adopt a more confrontational policy towards China could be a challenge to that goal.

The Specificity of Hungarian-Israeli Relations

The Specificity of Hungarian-Israeli Relations

Author(s): Veronika Jóźwiak,Michał Wojnarowicz / Language(s): English

Keywords: Hungary; Israel; relations; foreign policy; EU;

Hungary under Viktor Orbán’s premiership has become one of Israel’s most important European partners. This is reflected in the diplomatic support for Israel by Hungary, mainly at the EU level. Close relations with Israel serve Hungary’s foreign and domestic policy goals and at the same time weaken the effectiveness of the EU’s Middle East policy. However, the new Israeli government may be less open to political cooperation with this country because of earlier criticism of Hungary on, for example, historical issues.

A New Impulse for the Development of Military Mobility in the EU

A New Impulse for the Development of Military Mobility in the EU

Author(s): Aleksandra KOZIOŁ / Language(s): English

Keywords: EU; military policy; development; new impulse; USA; foreign policy; NATO;

In May, the Council of the EU agreed that Canada, Norway, and the U.S. can join the EU’s Military Mobility project. This is the first decision to allow third countries to participate in Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO). The political impulse has the potential to improve the speed and flexibility of the deployment of military forces within the EU. However, a coherent approach by the EU and NATO should be maintained and joint investments in transport infrastructure increased.

The EU Economic and Investment Plan for the Eastern Partnership Countries: Prospects and Challenges

The EU Economic and Investment Plan for the Eastern Partnership Countries: Prospects and Challenges

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

Keywords: EU; economy; investment plan; EaP; foreign policy;

The economy of the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries has been strongly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the low level of vaccination of their populations hampers its recovery. Before the upcoming EaP summit in December this year, the EU has proposed the Economic and Investment Plan (EIP) to help its partners. The plan has the potential to develop the digital economy and support enterprises, but infrastructure investments may be limited by prevalent corruption in the region. Its success also will depend on the acceleration of vaccination, which could be facilitated by an increase in the vaccine supply from the EU.

More Than Just Economic Growth: Social Issues in EU Politics

More Than Just Economic Growth: Social Issues in EU Politics

Author(s): Melchior Szczepanik / Language(s): English

As the pandemic-related economic crisis unfolded, some Member States from Southern Europe, backed by left-wing factions in the European Parliament (EP), promoted greater coordination in the realm of social policy at the EU level and more ambitious goals in combatting poverty and unemployment. However, a large group of states, mostly from Northern Europe, expressed reservations about such proposals. As a result, the majority of planned actions are declarations rather than binding commitments.

Elections and Presidency: Priorities of French EU Policy

Elections and Presidency: Priorities of French EU Policy

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

Keywords: France; EU; policy; elections; presidency; foreign policy;

The French presidency of the Council of the EU, which will be in the first half of 2022, will coincide with the presidential and parliamentary campaign in that country. President Emmanuel Macron’s goal is to convince voters that he effectively supports the interests of French businesses in the EU and is laying the foundations of the EU’s superpower status based on the Franco-German tandem. The electoral context may make the EU a hostage to internal politics in France. Certain French demands, such as deepening social integration, will increase divisions in the Union.

Jordan’s Political Strengthening: Regional and International Context

Jordan’s Political Strengthening: Regional and International Context

Author(s): Sara Nowacka / Language(s): English

Keywords: Jordan; political strengthening; regional context; international context; Middle East policy; USA: EU;

The July meeting of U.S. President Joe Biden and Jordan’s King Abdullah II was a manifestation of the improvement in relations between the two countries. Abdullah’s distinction as the first Arab leader Biden met since becoming president confirms the shift in U.S. Middle East policy from the previous administration’s, which enhanced the kingdom’s destabilisation. Jordan’s stability is crucial for the EU to maintain its influence on the security situation in its immediate neighbourhood.

Development and Budgeting of U.S. Hypersonic Defence Projects

Development and Budgeting of U.S. Hypersonic Defence Projects

Author(s): Marcin Andrzej Piotrowski / Language(s): English

Keywords: USA; Hypersonic defense projects; development; budgeting; USA;

In parallel to the development of hypersonic weapons, the Americans are also researching active defences against this kind of threat. So far, the Pentagon has revealed few of its hypersonic defence (HD) projects, although the U.S. Congress each year has increased funds for these efforts. The first generation of HD systems will force a choice between the most effective systems and the use of elements of “classic” missile defence. The resulting increased deterrence potential of the U.S. in Asia and Europe might be favourable for its allies, which have no real capabilities to build indigenous, holistic, and integrated HD systems.

Implications of Nord Stream 2’s Completion for Ukraine

Implications of Nord Stream 2’s Completion for Ukraine

Author(s): Bartosz Bieliszczuk,Maciej Zaniewicz / Language(s): English

Keywords: Nord Stream 2; energy policy; Ukraine; implications;

Commissioning of the Nord Stream 2 (NS2) gas pipeline will lead to a halt in the transit of Russian gas to the EU via Ukrainian territory, which will have a negative impact on Ukraine’s security and fiscal situation. Germany, the main promoter of NS2 in the EU, managed to persuade the U.S. administration to allow the project to be finalised in exchange for promises of German-American support for Ukraine. The real aim of the German initiative, however, is to defuse the controversy surrounding NS2 rather than to provide tangible support for Ukraine. The planned compensation does not adequately consider the security implications for the country of the construction of the pipeline.

EU Increasing Its Commitment to the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Conflicts

EU Increasing Its Commitment to the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Conflicts

Author(s): Aleksandra KOZIOŁ / Language(s): English

Keywords: EU; cultural heritage; conflicts; protection; policy;

In June, the Council of the EU endorsed the “Concept on Cultural Heritage in Conflicts and Crises”, developed by the European External Action Service (EEAS). It sets specific political goals for the Union to strengthen its soft power and contribute to building lasting peace in conflict-affected areas. However, its implementation will require coherence in the Union’s external action as well as the adoption of specific guidelines for the protection of cultural heritage during EU civilian missions and operations.

The Potential Threat of the Ties between the Taliban and Al-Qaida

The Potential Threat of the Ties between the Taliban and Al-Qaida

Author(s): Marcin Andrzej Piotrowski / Language(s): English

Keywords: Al-Qaida; Taliban; security; threats; terrorism; Afghanistan;

The collapse of Afghanistan’s government and security forces might increase the terrorist threat to the U.S. and Europe. During the period before 11 September 2001, the leaders of Al-Qaida and the Afghan fundamentalists cooperated closely. According to UN estimates, there are currently between a few hundred to a thousand members of Al-Qaida in Afghanistan. Despite weakening since the death of Osama bin Laden, Al-Qaida in future might use Afghanistan to regroup and as a safe haven.

Canada’s Transatlantic Agenda

Canada’s Transatlantic Agenda

Author(s): Paweł Markiewicz / Language(s): English

Keywords: Canada; Transatlantic agenda; EU; COVID-19; economy; security; foreign policy;

Canada is strengthening its economic and security relations with Europe. The search for new areas of cooperation with the European Union (EU) is linked to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s plans for rebuilding the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an element of a broader strategy that seeks to tighten transatlantic relations and assist democratic partners in their long term rivalry with China and Russia. Common positions on climate issues, technological development, and defending civil rights will foster deeper strategic cooperation.

Regional Consequences of the Taliban’s Takeover of Afghanistan

Regional Consequences of the Taliban’s Takeover of Afghanistan

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

Keywords: Taliban; Afghanistan; takeover; region; China; security;

The Taliban seizure of Kabul will affect the largest countries in the region in various ways. Pakistan is the main winner, while India finds itself in the worst situation. However, the biggest beneficiary could be China, which may gain access to Afghanistan’s minerals and implement its Belt and Road Initiative there. Most countries in the region believe that if the Taliban were to introduce a government approved by the majority of the population and control the entire territory, the new situation may bring more opportunities than threats. However, this requires the Taliban to restrict the activities of terrorist organisations and Afghanistan’s neighbours to recognise the new government.