CIFE Policy Papers 2024
Past Legacies and Future Projections: The Implementation of the Rule of Law in EU Enlargement Policy, Arnisa Tepelija
Abstract: This paper explores the resurgence of the European Union enlargement policy amidst the geopolitical imperatives posed by Russia’s war on Ukraine through the lens of the rule of law. Central to the enlargement policy is the implementation of the rule of law, a core EU principle enshrined in its constitutional framework. Drawing from lessons learnt from previous enlargements, such as underscoring the necessity of robust rule of law criteria and the consistent use of pre-accession conditionality, this paper makes some future projections on what the immediate imperative is for the EU in the promotion of the rule of law and its implementation in candidate countries.
Nuclear Power - The Comeback of Nuclear Energy in the Global Energy Landscape, Ana Catarina Simões
Abstract: The journey towards recognising the pivotal role of nuclear energy in the global energy landscape has been marked by several key milestones since 2022. Notably, nuclear energy was included in both the RepowerEU plan and the COP 28 agreement. Subsequently, an inaugural Nuclear Energy Summit was convened. These developments underscore a collective shift in perspective, acknowledging nuclear power as an indispensable component of the energy transition. The Nuclear Energy Summit, a first-of-its-kind event held on 21 March 2024, further solidified this stance, bringing together governments, institutions, and stakeholders to deliberate on nuclear energy's potential.
Ukraine on the Way to EU Membership - The Famous 'Long, Rocky Road', Susann Heinecke-Kuhn
Abstract: After Ukraine applied for EU membership in March 2022 and was granted candidate status in December 2023, the negotiations over its EU accession are supposed to start in the course of this year. Despite the speedy first steps, Ukraine will have to undergo the same procedure of accession negotiations as any other EU candidate country. This paper looks into the particular challenges and risks of Ukraine’s EU accession and gives an outlook on the tasks lying ahead for both the EU and Ukraine.
La question catalane, Frédéric Lépine - in French
Abstract: Since the end of the 19th century, Catalonia has always resisted attempts at political and administrative centralisation in Spain. This policy paper note aims to present the historical context of this resistance, while describing in more detail the events that led to the Catalan independence process and its failure in 2017. It sheds light on the current situation, where a legislative agreement between the Spanish government and the Catalan parties could lead to a legal and political redefinition of Catalonia's autonomy.
Le défi du vieillissement démographique, Jean-Claude-Vérez - in French
Abstract: The world will undergo demographic (r)evolution between now and 2100 and, contrary to the Malthusian analysis, the challenge will be to cope not with demographic growth but with demographic ageing. This is already the case in some major countries, and we need to look at how this development will upset a number of macroeconomic and microeconomic balances.
The EU AI Act: State of Play and the Potential for Regulatory Globalisation, Aysenur Alma
Abstract: In her Policy Paper, Aysenur Alma gives an overview of the state of play of the upcoming EU AI Act within the legislative process. Since the Commission's proposal in April 2021, the proposal has undergone the ordinary legislative procedure. Last month, a provisional agreement was achieved in the trilogue negoations of the Parliament and the Council. Moreover, the final text has been sent to the member states. Thus, a final adoption is soon to be accomplished. The regulation is not only awaited within Europe but is also expected to have extra-territorial reach.
The EU Electricity Market Reform and the Protection of Consumers: A Move Towards a More Ambitious Approach?, Rachel Guyet
Abstract: The energy price crisis in the winter 2022-2023 acted as a wake-up call for the European institutions to reform the electricity market in order to stabilise the prices and shield consumers from price volatility. The provisional reform agreement concluded by the Council and the Parliament in December 2023 improves the protection of final consumers, including the vulnerable consumers and households exposed to energy poverty. This is a step in the right direction but more needs to be done to address inequalities in the access to affordable energy services for all.
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