September 2023

Dear Readers,

As summer ends and autumn approaches, Brussels politics is back in full swing, with Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address re-iterating the EU’s push for a stronger geopolitical role in a dangerous world. We followed the event on our screens and put together a quick-fire assessment across eight themes – from Enlargement via the Global Gateway to Cohesion Policy – which you can re-read below.

We also look in some depth at the current expansion of the BRICS as a demonstration of the assertiveness of the Global South on the international stage, arguing that this development more likely reflects the ongoing process of global fragmentation.

Further analyses focus on India as an EU partner in the Indo-Pacific, the pros and cons of EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and on whether European Citizen Panels are a workable instrument to improve democracy in the EU.

Finally, we would like to draw your attention to an event on the Twin Transition with specific reference to Spain, which we will be hosting on October 17 with the Fondación Bertelsmann in Barcelona. We would be delighted to welcome you virtually or in person.

With warm wishes,

Stephan Vopel and Malte Zabel

Director and Co-Director
Europe’s Future Program

 
European Flag in Front of the Federal Foreign Office Berlin

State of the Union 2023 Address: Eight Takeaways from our Experts

Ursula von der Leyen delivered the State of the Union 2023 address on September 13. It was the last SOTEU before the European elections next year, and a chance for von der Leyen to recount the accomplishments of her Commission. Eight of our Europe experts reflect both on what caught their attention and what constituted the most glaring omissions.
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Photo flags brics membership concept of the brics summit or meeting countries flag brics

The recent BRICS expansion and implications for the EU

The recent BRICS expansion reflects the Global South's challenge to the current world order, founded on Western-dominated institutions. Now, the European Union will have to re-evaluate its model for cooperation and development to avoid losing the countries of the Global South as crucial partners in a world that is increasingly marked by fragmentation and competition.
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Indian Flag

Can India Be an Economic Alternative to China? Yes and No

The EU sometimes views India as an economic alternative to China. Population development and age structure speak in India’s favour, while trade relations, purchasing power and GDP development speak in China’s. However, amidst geopolitical tensions, the EU should also look beyond economic factors when assessing India as a key partner in the Indo-pacific.
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Chinese cargo containers on a map of Europe

Should the EU place Tariffs on EVs from China? Probably not

The European Union plans to investigate electric vehicles (EVs) imported from China due to suspected subsidies. While this could potentially lead to a trade conflict, imposing tariffs may also not even effectively address the problem at hand. We look at what smarter policies might be to foster the growth of the EU's EV industry.
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Conference on the Future of Europe - Feedback-Event - Afternoon session 02.12.2022

European Citizens’ Panels Tell EU to Aim Higher

In 2022 the European Commission pledged to make citizen participation a regular feature of EU democracy by organizing first European Citizens’ Panels. In May 2021, three Panels finished their work. We assess the organization and outcomes of the panels and discuss necessary steps to make them a workable instrument in the future.
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Flag of Ireland on a World Map

Irish Reunification: Navigating Unity in a Changing Landscape

The century-long history of Northern Ireland has recently encountered a turning point with the advent of Brexit. This juncture marks the potential beginning of a new historic trajectory: the possibility of Irish reunification. The question that could mark the destination of this path is: Should Northern Ireland remain part of the United Kingdom or become part of a united Irish Republic?
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Front view of solar panels on a rooftop overlooking the Barcelona skyline

Online Event: Stepping Up the Twin Transition in Europe

Join us for a discussion from Catalonia based on the study "Technological capabilities and the twin transition in Europe: Opportunities for regional collaboration and economic cohesion". Experts on the green and digital transition discuss Catalonia’s technological strengths and the importance of interregional collaboration.
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In the next edition

 

In the next edition we will look – among other things – at the upcoming Polish elections as well as the UK Labour Party conference and its importance for the future of EU-UK relations.

To keep abreast of our work, please keep an eye on our blog: globaleurope.eu

Or follow us on social media: http://twitter.com/GED_Tweet