| CER

Beyond the European Parliament: Rethinking the EU's democratic legitimacy

Essay by Anand Menon, John Peet
21 December 2010

The European Parliament plays a crucial role in the EU's legislative process, but is little loved in many parts of the EU. Even if all MEPs became wise, hard-working and responsible, the Parliament would still find it hard to claim a proper democratic mandate.
Has Ukraine lost appetite for reforms?

Insight by Tomas Valasek
17 December 2010

In a study on Ukraine published in October, the CER gave President Viktor Yanukovich credit for passing difficult economic reforms but criticised his efforts to suppress political opposition. Since then, reforms have stalled while the concentration of power in the president's hands has continued unabated.
Turkey and the EU: Can stalemate be avoided?

Policy brief by Katinka Barysch
16 December 2010

Turkey's accession to the EU is heading for an impasse. The bulk of the membership talks are blocked. Unless there is progress over Cyprus or Nicolas Sarkozy starts welcoming Turkish membership – both unlikely prospects – the EU and Turkey will soon run out of policy chapters to negotiate.
Eurozone: Time for damage limitation

Insight by Simon Tilford
09 December 2010

Time is running out to prevent the eurozone crisis from imperilling Europe's banking system and with it the integrity of the currency union. It is beholden on policy-makers to minimise the economic (and hence political costs) to the EU.
The 'new' Poland and its neighbours

Insight by Tomas Valasek
29 November 2010

Poland is shedding its 'new member-state' image and is instead trying to join the exclusive club of big EU countries. It is a laudable and so far largely successful goal, but not one without risks.
Issue 75 December/January 2010

26 November 2010
The eurozone enters a critical phase
By Simon Tilford
The next five years of the euro crisis: Five key questions
By Charles Grant
Britain cannot afford to neglect EU defence efforts
By Clara Marina O'Donnell
Why Berlin won't back down on euro reform

Briefing note by Katinka Barysch
19 November 2010

The German plan for a eurozone insolvency procedure has spooked the markets and drawn political fire.
Eurozone policy-makers are playing with fire

Insight by Simon Tilford
15 November 2010

There is an awful inevitability about the latest instalment of the eurozone crisis, which looks highly likely to culminate in Ireland being forced to seek a bailout from the European Financial Stability Fund (EFSF).