Publications Archive

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.

Electricity, natural gas, renewable energy sources: the EU Commission wants to take action against high energy prices and is proposing solutions with its Affordable Energy Action Plan. The Centre for European Policy (cep) criticises the insufficient focus on market-based measures to strengthen the system integration of renewable energies.

Between 4 and 12 November, the Commission candidates will have to answer questions before the European Parliament. The touchstone will be the so-called Mission Letters, in which President Ursula von der Leyen assigns tasks and portfolios to the new Commissioners until 2029. The Centre for European Policy (cep) scrutinised the candidates, departments and EU initiatives, particularly with regard to the internal market and competition. The result: many things should have been more ambitious and structured.

Whether financing, renovation requirements or a lack of skilled workers: numerous barriers are slowing down Europe's transition to climate-friendly heating technologies such as heat pumps. The Centre for European Policy (cep) is calling for a market-oriented European action plan. The key point is cost reduction.

Climate-friendly hydrogen can make an important contribution to reducing carbon dioxide. At present, however, the new technology is hardly profitable for industry. In order for the market to develop quickly and generate the necessary funding, the EU is planning a European Hydrogen Bank. The Centre for European Policy (cep) sees great opportunities in this instrument, but also risks – above all the danger of over-subsidisation.

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.

Whether as a substitute for natural gas in heating, for the production of synthetic fuels or as a raw material for the chemical industry: green hydrogen produced by electrolysis with the help of renewable energies is considered the driving force of the energy transition. Since production and use should be as close to each other as possible for a rapid market ramp-up, the Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) sees the North Sea regions of the Netherlands and Germany as a future joint hydrogen centre of the EU – if Brussels' bureaucracy does not become a brake.

In the EU, greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced to zero by 2050. On the way there, they are to be reduced by 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990. To achieve this goal, the Commission has presented a comprehensive package of measures ("Fit for 55") for all sectors. The Centre for European Policy (cep) considers central proposals to amend the directive on emissions trading for industry and energy to be questionable. The think tank fears production and emissions relocations to third countries.

Scarce resources, exploding prices: The existence-threatening energy crisis forces the EU and Member States to cushion the costs for consumers and companies without jeopardising energy-saving incentives. The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) calls for a quick implementation of the Commission’s proposal for an emergency regulation. However, interventions in the electricity market should be limited to this winter.