Think Tank

Batteries, widely used in the transport and energy sectors, are central to the global energy system. They will be key to the EU's clean energy transition, industrial future and strategic autonomy. Boosting the industrial base for battery production is therefore a key task for the EU. While the EU battery sector enjoys strong support for its research and development activities, it also faces significant challenges such as dependencies on third countries and high energy and labour costs. Developing ...

The first plenary session of 2025 featured a debate on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 19 December 2024, with António Costa participating for the first time in his new capacity of President of the European Council. A debate on the programme of the Polish Council Presidency followed, with the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, who underlined the Presidency's focus on prioritising EU security and defence. Parliament's President and political group leaders adopted a statement ...

The Strategic Compass, adopted by the 27 EU Member States in March 2022 – only weeks after the onset of Russia's unjustified and unprovoked aggression on Ukraine –emphasised the need for robust partnerships, for the EU to be able to achieve its objectives in the area of security and defence. Alongside 'acting' (operations), 'securing' (resilience) and 'investing', 'partnering' is one of the four main pillars of the Compass. The document itself outlines specific targets and deadlines to measure progress ...

Discussions on the next EU multiannual financial framework are expected to begin soon. These talks on the allocation of future budget resources have a direct impact on all European Union policies, including EU cohesion policy. A reflection on the future of cohesion policy is underway, engaging EU institutions and advisory bodies, EU Member States, regional and local authorities, and stakeholders. The European Commission set up a high-level group of specialists to examine the direction of cohesion ...

The European Commission has a near monopoly on legislative initiative in the European Union (EU), with special initiative rights for other institutions applying only in certain specific cases. However, the European Parliament and the Council may invite the Commission to submit legislative proposals. While this 'indirect' initiative right does not create an obligation on the Commission to propose the legislation requested, the Treaty of Lisbon codified the Commission's obligation to provide reasons ...