In June 2024, EU citizens will vote in the European Parliament elections – two years into Russia’s war in Ukraine and on European values, after the COVID-19 pandemic and the finalisation of Brexit, and with the possibility of Donald Trump winning the US presidential election later this year. In a turbulent geopolitical environment, the European Parliament elections will reshape the political landscape in Brussels, where traditional parties are being challenged and an increasing tilt towards right-wing governance is unmistakable. In the lead-up to the elections, this Forum focuses on some of the issues that will take centre stage for voters and define the next phase of European politics.

Read more

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that is transforming every aspect of life. It has already started to revolutionise the way we communicate, conduct research, analyse data and streamline labour processes. However, AI also requires understanding and regulation in order to address issues such as algorithmic bias and data access obstacles that will inevitably impact society, governance and the economy. This Forum examines the challenges and opportunities of AI in the EU and beyond.

Read more

The EU has weathered a number of turbulent storms in recent years from the COVID-19 pandemic to the ongoing war in Ukraine. These crises have highlighted the limitations of the EU budget and the need for the flexibility to adequately respond to challenges in real time. They have also raised questions about the legal feasibility of more common debt following a dramatic increase in EU borrowing. What are the obstacles – and the opportunities – for the EU’s public finances in the face of the numerous crises of our time? Is it possible to balance predictability for long-term investments and flexibility to react to unexpected turns of events? This Forum addresses these questions and builds on the discussions at the 2023 joint Intereconomics/CEPS conference.

Read more

Having had little time to absorb the economic and social shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Union is confronted with staggering increases in the cost of living. Are current social policies up to this task? What can we learn from European countries that supposedly get it right? Can governments avoid shifting to a welfare state that is focused on here-and-now redistribution rather than social investment? This Forum examines current examples and offers concrete lessons to shape future policy decisions.

Read more