@techreport{Mack, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Mack, Sebastian}, title = {Don't change horses in midstream - How to make NGEU bonds the euro area's safe asset}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b1570-opus4-42361}, pages = {19}, abstract = {The bonds financing the European Union's recovery remain short of being the much-hoped-for safe asset of EU monetary union (EMU). However, with the right reforms they could well turn out to be just that. To earn safe asset status, the volume of EU debt should increase, EU borrowing made permanent, and the ECB treat supranational EU bonds in a more favourable manner. The flaws associated with failing to be a eurozone-only instrument are offset by remarkable fiscal and democratic benefits. So, if the NextGenerationEU (NGEU) pilot project - limited in time and tailored specifically to fighting the coronavirus pandemic - turns out to be to everybody's benefit, then member states should seize the opportunity and extend it before debt is repaid as of 2028.}, language = {en} } @techreport{Stahl, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Stahl, Anna}, title = {Public opinion on an ever more differentiated EU}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b1570-opus4-42387}, pages = {35}, abstract = {European integration has been accompanied by differentiation and debates on it are not new. Differentiated integration has received wide scholarly attention and there is a rich and diverse academic literature related to the concept. At the same time, there is the growing belief among European policymakers that more flexibility is needed within the complex EU machinery. To deal with the EU's unprecedented internal and external challenges, several European leaders have argued that differentiation could contribute to a stronger EU. With the exception of a few studies, the discussion has, however, paid little attention to public opinion. Drawing on the results of an opinion poll conducted between August and September 2020 in the 27 EU member states and four non-EU states, this policy paper addresses this gap in the current political debate. It examines the preferences on European integration among citizens in order to formulate options for differentiated integration as a policy choice. Against this background, the paper proposes a set of three policy recommendations for European policymakers: (i) foster knowledge of differentiated integration among European citizens, (ii) promote and reform the Schengen area and (iii) adopt a tailor-made approach to external differentiation.}, language = {en} } @techreport{Rasche, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Rasche, Lucas}, title = {The EU talent pool: An opportunity for skills-based pathways to protection}, pages = {20}, abstract = {Following the proposal for an EU Talent Pool under the New Pact on Asylum and Migration, the Commission is currently conceptualising a skills-matching mechanism to attract qualified migrants. This presents an ideal opportunity to account for the diverse skill sets of refugees, who possess qualifications needed to fill member states' shortage occupations in both lower and high-skilled professions. In light of the need to diversify and increase the number of safe and legal pathways for refugees, this Visions Paper proposes to incorporate a designated Refugee Track into the envisioned Talent Pool and outlines three ways of linking it with complementary pathways.}, language = {en} } @techreport{GuttenbergGrundOdendahl, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Guttenberg, Lucas and Grund, Sebastian and Odendahl, Christian}, title = {Sharing the fiscal burden of the crisis - A Pandemic Solidarity Instrument for the EU}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b1570-opus4-35141}, pages = {12}, abstract = {EU member states must share the burden of the fiscal costs of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pandemic Solidarity Instrument delivers such burden sharing: The EU would borrow 440 billion euros in the market and would give it as grants to member states for specific spending in areas such as health care, short-time works schemes or stimulus packages; it would also give guarantees to the European Investment Bank to provide liquidity to European companies.}, language = {en} } @techreport{RedekerHainbach, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Redeker, Nils and Hainbach, Natascha}, title = {Flattening the Recession Curve - Comparing Initial Fiscal Responses to the Corona Crisis Across the EU}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b1570-opus4-35161}, pages = {13}, abstract = {While the ongoing pandemic affects all European economies, we show that it is likely to cause much more economic damage in some member states than in others. Early fiscal crisis responses by EU governments do not reflect these differences. If anything, countries which are likely to be especially vulnerable are currently committing fewer fiscal resources to fighting the economic fallout than others. A joint European policy response to share the fiscal burden of this crisis is, therefore, urgently needed.}, language = {en} } @techreport{ChopinKoenigMaillard, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Chopin, Thierry and Koenig, Nicole and Maillard, S{\´e}bastien}, title = {The EU Facing The Coronavirus - A Political Urgency To Embody European Solidarity}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b1570-opus4-35198}, pages = {8}, abstract = {"The climate that seems to prevail among Heads of State or government and the lack of European solidarity are putting the European Union in mortal danger," Jacques Delors warned in an exceptional public speech in the middle of Europe's devastating coronavirus crisis. This lack of solidarity has already left its mark on public opinion, especially in Italy, as divisions unfolded during the March European Council.}, language = {en} } @techreport{KoenigStahl, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Koenig, Nicole and Stahl, Anna}, title = {How the coronavirus pandemic affects the EU's geopolitical agenda}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b1570-opus4-35201}, pages = {13}, abstract = {The coronavirus pandemic accelerates some of the global trends that fueled the EU's geopolitical ambition while raising the challenges that come with its enactment. This policy paper reviews the implications for the EU while focusing on three key relationships: China, the US and Africa. It argues that the pandemic represents an opportunity for EU global leadership and shows what that could look like.}, language = {en} } @techreport{LamyKnudsenBerardetal., type = {Working Paper}, author = {Lamy, Pascal and Knudsen, Edward L. and B{\´e}rard, Marie-H{\´e}l{\`e}ne and Fabry, Elvire and Fatah, Farid and Pons, Genevi{\`e}ve and Schweitzter, Louis and Vimont, Pierre}, title = {American Extraterritorial sanctions. Did someone say European strategic autonomy?}, doi = {10.48462/opus4-3804}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b1570-opus4-38042}, pages = {10}, abstract = {Two years after an initial publication1 on the recommended position that the European Union should take action against US extraterritorial sanctions affecting it, this updated and expanded version draws the consequences of major developments since}, language = {en} } @techreport{SchneemelcherHaas, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Schneemelcher, Pola and Haas, J{\"o}rg}, title = {Rules enforcement in the EU: "Conditionality" to the rescue?}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b1570-opus4-45510}, pages = {14}, abstract = {Budget conditionality has become a key issue in the ongoing debate on the next multiannual financial framework. Some regard it as the EU's silver bullet against member states that refuse to implement EU values, rules and decisions. Others fear excessive interference in national competences. In this policy paper, J{\"o}rg Haas and Pola Schneemelcher examine what conditionality means in the EU context and whether it really improves the enforceability of EU rules and values.}, language = {en} } @techreport{Obendiek, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Obendiek, Anke S.}, title = {Take back control? Digital sovereignty and a vision for Europe}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b1570-opus4-45401}, pages = {15}, abstract = {Digital sovereignty has been the buzzword of recent policy debates on digitalization, regulatory policies, and geostrategic positioning in the EU. This policy brief suggests that while the lofty concept of digital sovereignty is flawed, the debate points to a key weakness in digital policy: The EU's current approach lacks consistency and vision. The EU needs lasting guiding principles for its regulatory, economic, and normative digital future that form the baseline for any kind of digital decision-making. The EU's commitment to regulation needs to be backed up by heavy public investment. This should establish conditions that foster the development of digital infrastructure, innovation systems, and tools that reflect European values and human rights. Rather than trying to catch up by excluding the outside, the EU should play to its strengths and entrench its position as a normative champion on the global level.}, language = {en} } @techreport{Mack, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Mack, Sebastian}, title = {Give us the tools and we'll finish the job: How Europe can fix the broken audit market}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b1570-opus4-45330}, pages = {19}, abstract = {The European audit market has been broken for far too long. After glaring audit failures in the recent past, the legislation is once more under review. Fixing the persistent shortcomings will require serious reforms in three areas. To increase competition and rein in the dominant position of the Big Four, joint audits including at least one challenger firm should become mandatory. Auditors should be prohibited from providing their audit clients with consulting services to eliminate conflicts of interest. And the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) should directly supervise the biggest audit firms to ensure effective oversight. With bold and binding tools, European decision-makers can finish the job and finally turn the EU audit market around.}, language = {en} } @techreport{Rasche, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Rasche, Lucas}, title = {The instrumentalisation of migration - how should the EU respond?}, abstract = {The instrumentalisation of migration is back on the EU's agenda. One year after Belarus instigated a migration crisis at its border with the EU, concerns emerge that Russia could instrumentalise a second exodus of Ukrainians to undermine the EU's support to Kyiv. Member states' recent failure to agree on the proposal for an Instrumentalisation Regulation should be an opportunity to revise the EU's approach. In fact, the proposed Regulation would have done more harm than good. Two things need to happen for the EU to develop an effective response to the instrumentalisation of migration. First, the proposed Regulation should be amended to avoid the EU stepping into a "hypocrisy trap" by third countries seeking to expose the EU's alleged double standards on fundamental rights. Second, the EU needs a revised migration diplomacy that addresses the structural factors facilitating the instrumentalisation of migration by third countries.}, language = {en} } @techreport{LindnerNguyenHansum, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Lindner, Johannes and Nguyen, Thu and Hansum, Romy}, title = {What does it cost? Financial implications of the next enlargement}, pages = {10}, abstract = {Despite a broad consensus in the EU on the necessity of enlargement, it is far from a done deal. Especially the financial implications a Ukraine accession pose uncertainties. In our policy paper, Johannes Lindner, Thu Nguyen and Romy Hansum show that the next enlargement round would have less of an impact on the EU budget than is generally assumed. This is largely because the EU's multiannual financial framework (MFF) has inherent adaptation mechanisms to mitigate significant fluctuations. At the same time, we stress that is impossible to predict precisely what the EU's MFF, under which accession will happen, will look like as the rules and allocations are subject to political negotiations. Lastly, enlargement is not the only issue adding pressure on the EU budget in a Union that faces huge challenges.}, language = {en} } @techreport{Jaeger, type = {Working Paper}, author = {J{\"a}ger, Philipp}, title = {Rustbelt relics or future keystone? EU policy for energy-intensive industries}, pages = {13}, abstract = {Energy-intensive industries in the EU are facing two main challenges: high energy prices and transitioning to decarbonised production. However, there is as yet no convincing EU-wide strategy for this sector's future. Given that the spectre of 'deindustrialisation' has triggered a readiness to act among the member states, there is a window of opportunity for designing such a strategy and putting it on the next Commission's agenda. This strategy must go beyond lowering energy prices, and factor in that cost pressures on industry to relocate will persist even in the long run, that the economic and resilience value of domestic production is lower than often portrayed, and that industrial decarbonisation is not just an EU but a global must. This policy brief delves into the economic, resilience and climate dimension of supporting energy-intensive industry, aiming to colour in contours of a potential strategy, and suggesting initial policy steps the EU should take.}, language = {en} } @techreport{Jansen, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Jansen, Jannik}, title = {Europe's Car Industry in Transition: Stuck in Neutral or Shifting into Gear?}, pages = {22}, abstract = {Europe's automotive industry is entering a decisive decade but lacks a clear map for navigating it. While global competitors accelerate their shift toward electric vehicles, Europe's strategic focus remains clouded by fragmented interests, path dependencies, and short-term pressures. This policy brief aims to sharpen the debate by highlighting three core insights. First, hitting the breaks on electrification is not a viable strategy - it will deepen, not avoid, disruption. Second, there is no deep-seated demand deficit for electric vehicles, the real bottlenecks are persistent price premiums and inconsistent policy signals. Third, Europe's car industry is not destined to decline. National industrial policies show early success, but without EU-level coordination, significant risks remain. What is needed now is a shared strategy to keep Europe in the race.}, language = {en} } @techreport{Ostanina, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Ostanina, Sascha}, title = {Don't put the cart before the horse: The need for a strategic vision for EU security spending}, pages = {8}, abstract = {On February 3, European Council President Antonio Costa will host the EU's national leaders, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to discuss European defence and its financing. While there exists a shared understanding of the need for increased defence funding in Europe, the EU and its member states struggle to determine which defence needs to 'Europeanise'. This policy paper argues that the exact amount of allocated funds is of secondary importance. The EU must first articulate a comprehensive security strategy to answer the most fundamental question: whom does the EU aim to defend itself against?}, language = {en} } @techreport{Mack, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Mack, Sebastian}, title = {Out of the shadow: A macro-prudential framework for NBFI in the EU}, pages = {13}, abstract = {Whereas market financing is becoming increasingly important, structural vulnerabilities in the shadow banking sector remain unaddressed. To ensure that capital markets are a source of economic prosperity rather than financial instability, the European Commission in its new term should strengthen the macro-prudential framework for non-bank financial intermediation (NBFI). As developing and integrating Europe's capital markets can help to provide innovative companies with risk capital, non-systemic NBFI entities should not be overburdened with micro-prudential regulation. However, the build-up of systemic risks in the NBFI sector must be addressed before they reach a dangerous level and central banks are forced to come to the rescue. This paper makes recommendations for tackling the structural vulnerabilities posed by NBFIs and their potentially dangerous ties with banks and the broader economy.}, language = {en} } @techreport{HasselGomezJansenetal., type = {Working Paper}, author = {Hassel, Anke and G{\´o}mez, Ana Sof{\´i}a and Jansen, Jannik and Weil, Kilian}, title = {Navigating emission-intensive sectors through the green transition}, pages = {49}, abstract = {Transitioning towards a greener economy means profound changes in industries and employment. This paper examines the challenges of employment transitions in emission-intensive sectors with a focus on the geographical and social implications of structural shifts.}, language = {en} }