Publications Archive
This archive contains all documents published by cep over the last few years
- cepAdhoc: Incisive comment on current EU policy issues
- cepPolicyBrief: Concise reviews of EU proposals (Regulations, Directives, Green Papers, White Papers, Communications) – including an executive summary
- cepInput: Impulse to current challenges of EU policies
- cepStudy: Comprehensive examination of EU policy proposals affecting the economy
2024
cepInput: Mission Letters: Climate, Energy, Environment, Transport
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.
More2024
cepInput: Towards an Efficient Decarbonization of Heat Use
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.
More2023
cepInput: A Bank to Boost Renewable Hydrogen (cepInput)
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.
More2023
cepInput: Recycling of Raw Materials Requires the EU's Long-term Commitment (cepInput)
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.
More2023
cepInput: Establishing Hydrogen Hubs in Europe (cepInput)
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.
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2022
cepPolicyBrief: Fit for 55: EU-Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS I) for Industry and Energy
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.
More2022
cepAdhoc: EU Emergency Intervention in the Electricity Market (cepAdhoc)
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.
More2022
cepInput: How green hydrogen will make Europe more independent (cepInput)
Surging energy prices as a result of the Ukraine war are vehemently urging the European Union to turn away from fossil fuels. Brussels therefore sees potential in green hydrogen. The Center for European Policy (cep) considers this energy carrier to be an important, albeit limited, element on the path towards a decarbonized European economy.
More2022
cepAdhoc: EU Energy Sovereignty (cepAdhoc)
In response to the Ukraine war, the European Union wants to completely phase-out imports of fossil fuels from Russia by 2027. By the end of this year, imports of Russian gas are already to be reduced by two thirds. The think tank Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) advocates targeted payments to households and businesses as compensation for further price increases. The Freiburg experts, however, reject the EU-wide price limits for gas and electricity being considered by the EU Commission.
More2022
cepPolicyBrief: Fit for 55: Renewable Energies (cepPolicyBrief)
The EU wants to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990. Therefore, the share of renewable energies in the EU shall increase to 40 percent by 2030. The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) sees rigid targets for the industry for using renewables as a competitive disadvantage for the EU.
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