Smartphones, laptops, fridges: especially electrical appliances should be easier to repair for the sake of the environment. The EU Commission therefore wants to introduce a so-called right to repair with a new directive promoting the repair of goods. According to the Centre for European Policy (cep), the Commission’s proposal overshoots the mark to some extent.

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.

Poland and Hungary are increasingly abusing the EU's unanimity principle to block decisions and enforce their own benefits. With attacks on the rule of law, they undermine European values and ultimately the sovereignty of the EU. There are hardly any remedies in sight. Ejection from the EU is just as difficult to implement as an "EU 2.0", as a study by the Centre for European Policy (cep) shows.

The European Commission wants to give small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) better access to the capital markets, in part by reducing bureaucracy. The Centre for European Policy (cep) has assessed the proposal on the so-called Listing Act as largely positive.

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.

European family businesses suffer because of the consequences of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It causes unnecessary costs and creates confusion because the same rules do not apply everywhere in the EU. This is the result of an empirical study conducted by the Centres for European Policy Network (cep) and Prognos AG on behalf of the Stiftung Familienunternehmen.

Diagnosis, therapy, prevention: virtual worlds, known as metaverse, will revolutionise healthcare. The Commission plans to present an EU metaverse strategy in July. The Centre for European Policy (cep) sees huge opportunities for the health sector but insists on a binding seal of quality to protect personal data.