Publications Archive

• The reform of the emissions trading scheme sets the course for the future EU climate policy
• The expectation of rising CO₂ prices remains crucial to the financial viability of investments in climate-friendly technologies
• Interventions in CO₂ pricing jeopardize investment incentives in the green transition and contribute to long-term market uncertainty

Since the return of the Trump administration, the goal of greater strategic autonomy has once again been at the top of the European agenda. Yet behind this political buzzword lies an uncomfortable reality. Europe is structurally dependent in two of the most important sectors for the future: green energy technologies and digital infrastructure.

A binding minimum CO₂ price could slow down the decarbonisation of European industry. This is the conclusion of a recent study by the Centre for European Policy (cep). The analysis shows that interventions in the CO₂ price tend to drive up electricity prices. This worsens the investment conditions for key decarbonisation technologies.

The war in Iran has made it abundantly clear: Europe must become less dependent on global oil and gas markets. The electrification of energy consumption is the key prerequisite for this. In a recent study, the Centre for European Policy (cep) advocates a support framework focused on investment risks and a priority for market-based solutions.

With the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), the European Commission aims to increase demand for low-emission technologies and products manufactured in Europe. In a study, the Centre for European Policy (cep) assesses the potential and risks of the "Buy European" requirements proposed by the Commission.

The German government is relying on new gas-fired power plants in the short term to secure the electricity supply. In the long term, supply security requires an electricity market that is expanded to include capacity mechanisms. The Centre for European Policy (cep) advocates centralised capacity markets characterised by technological openness and fair competition. Germany should seize the opportunity to build a sustainable, resilient and competitive energy infrastructure through technological synergies.

A well-developed cross-border infrastructure is essential for Europe's economic and social integration. Despite the EU's extensive funding policy over recent decades, there is still room for improvement in many areas of connectivity. The Centre for European Policy (cep) analyses the current obstacles and advocates a new funding strategy focused on risk management.

The massive power outage in Spain has impressively demonstrated how vulnerable the European energy system is in times of energy transition. While politicians and the public are currently focusing primarily on grid expansion, the potential of energy storage solutions remains largely unaddressed. The Centre for European Policy (cep) is calling for a growth-oriented European storage strategy.

Tough global competition, restrictive regulations and high energy costs: in order to achieve the goal of climate neutrality by 2050 despite poorer conditions, the EU must create a level playing field for European industry. The Centre for European Policy (cep) assesses the measures announced by the EU Commission in its Communication on a Clean Industrial Deal.

Europe faces major challenges in developing its digital and energy network infrastructure. Without significant investment in modern and cross-border networks, the transition to the green and digital age will not succeed. The Centre for European Policy (cep) has formulated recommendations for an effective investment policy that will drive network expansion without generating new debt.