Whether in digital technology, energy or transport, the European Commission wants to tie emerging and developing countries more closely to the EU economy. Up to €300 billion is to flow into the Global Gateway investment programme by 2027. In its analysis, the Centre for European Policy Network (cep) has for the first time comprehensively examined its trade effects on the EU. Key finding: in order to strengthen the EU's economic resilience, the Global Gateway should not be a solo initiative; it must be combined with the broader European Green Agenda.

Recent disruptions in the Baltic Sea and elsewhere highlight the integral role of digital and physical conduits such as gas pipelines, telecommunications cables and undersea data cables in maintaining European connectivity and security.

Biotechnology has long since become a global job engine. However, compared to the US and China, Europe is lagging in terms of innovation dynamics. This is the conclusion of a study by the Centre for European Policy (cep). This stagnation is forcing the EU to significantly im-prove the conditions for the development and production of bio-based industrial products.

In March, the European Union intends to present a European strategy for the economic use of space. The Centre for European Policy (cep) calls for a stronger industrial and geostrategic approach - otherwise the EU's plan threatens to degenerate into a farce. Other players are already in the process of conquering space industrially and militarily.

Lithium, cobalt, rare earths: The energy transition has sparked a global battle for critical raw materials. This war now also threatens to be fought on social media platforms such as Twitter (X). Possible weapons: Disinformation, fake news, and propaganda. This is the result of a study by the Centre for European Policy (cep).

Energy transition, security challenges, polycrisis: In turbulent times, traditional economic models reach their limits. The rigid lines between state industrial policy and market-based ordoliberal policy are becoming increasingly blurred. Against this backdrop, the Centre for European Policy (cep) proposes a Europe-wide discussion on a new system of common conceptual thinking.

Access to rare metals is crucial for the success of the energy transition. Recycling of these metals represents the missing link in the European Green Deal - environmentally friendly and free of resource limitations. The Center for European Policy (cep) has examined the recycling potential of permanent magnets used in wind power and e-mobility. The result: obstacles still outweigh the benefits.

Cobalt, lithium, rare earths: When it comes to critical raw materials, Europe wants to reduce its dependence on supplier countries like China. The Centre for European Policy (cep) praises the Commission for wanting to improve security of supply. However, its current proposal is too bureaucratic and anti-business.

Europe is to become climate neutral. However, massive economic efforts are needed to achieve this technology transfer. The Centres for European Policy Network (cep) has studied a sample of 105 start-ups in the field of clean technologies. The result: a lack of venture capital and excessive bureaucracy stand in the way of green transformation in Germany, France and Italy.

European family businesses are groaning under bureaucratic burdens that leads to inefficiencies - first, by the requirements of the European Union itself and second, by the impractical implementation and operation on the national level. Moreover, different rules in individual member states complicate the process.

The EU is under pressure both geopolitically and in terms of its industrial policy, and is in danger of being left behind by the USA and China. Last week, therefore, the Commission presented three draft laws and a communication which aim to strengthen European sovereignty, competitiveness and resilience. The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) finds the proposals fragmented and overly bureaucratic.

Rare earths, renewable energies, knowledge: In the global competition for secure supply chains, critical resources are increasingly coming into focus. The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) recommends that the European Union establishes strategic partnerships with resource-rich third countries. This is preferable compared to subsidy-based policies like the U.S. IRA, which distort global trade.

Well intended, not well done: The European Union wants to oblige companies to protect human rights and the environment in the EU and third countries - from raw materials to products and their disposal, throughout the entire value chain. The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) criticises the Commission's draft directive as too vague.

Lithium, cobalt, rare earths: The energy transition and electromobility require substantial quantities of critical metals. The prerequisite is a new European risk management in business and politics. Until now, many raw materials have come from autocratic states – especially China. The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) has developed a multi-stage strategy plan. It envisages diversifying sources of supply and specifically promoting the recycling of critical metals.