Think Tank

EU Heads of State or Government will gather on 9 and 10 February 2023 for a special European Council meeting. In addition to Russia's war on Ukraine, which will notably be addressed in the context of the EU–Ukraine summit held on 3 February 2023, the main agenda points will include migration and the EU's economy. On migration, EU leaders will consider immediate operational action to address growing migratory pressure at the EU's borders. In particular, they will discuss measures to strengthen EU ...

Agrifood systems encompass the production and distribution of food and non-food products of agricultural origin. Unlike others, this sector has not seen a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in recent decades. While some of the sector's emissions are hard to abate, for others there may be off-the-shelf options. Certain EU policies and instruments could also help reduce the agrifood system's GHG emissions.

Sodium-Nickel-Chloride (Na-NiCl2) batteries have risen as sustainable energy storage systems based on abundant (Na, Ni, Al) and non-critical raw materials. This study offers a general overview of this technology from its initial conceptualization, along with research and development perspectives and areas of use. Applications are for grid storage mainly due to the temperature of operation (275 – 350 °C). There is no critical issue on patent portfolio as the key IP is in the public domain. In addition ...

People in the EU consume millions of tonnes of meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products every year. Animal products, which many consider essential for a balanced and nutritious diet, account for more than a third of the EU's total agricultural output, and are an integral part of Europe's rich and diverse gastronomic culture. Meeting the high demand for nutritious and affordable products of animal origin is a key task of the EU's agricultural sector, which employs millions across all Member States. However ...

Implementation of EU customs legislation with regard to areas such as risk management and impact management measures differs across Member States. National systems also diverge in the extent to which they have been updated in line with the UCC. Furthermore, significant differences in sanctions regimes create barriers to trade and distortions in the Single Market. This study makes recommendations to Member States and the EU to address some of the weaknesses of the current customs controls and sanctions ...