First Glances
Lively short-form insights
First Glances provide quick, column-length reactions to new policy developments and announcements. In some cases, they distil the essence of a research paper published in parallel.
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First glance items
First Glance
13 April 2026
Hungary’s new beginning – under tight fiscal constraints
The long-awaited change of government gives Hungary an opportunity to tackle tough economic and social challenges while re-aligning with Europe
First Glance
02 April 2026
EU policy on the World Trade Organization in the wake of the March Ministerial
Despite stalled WTO talks, the EU should persevere with like-minded economies on new agreements and common global trade rules
First Glance
01 April 2026
Can US banks have it all? Liquidity in times of ample reserves
An outline plan to reduce stigma associated with short-term borrowing from the Federal Reserve may be doing banks too many favours
First Glance
01 April 2026
The European Union is exporting carbon pricing through trade
Early experience of the EU carbon border adjustment mechanism shows trade can spread carbon pricing, but lower-income partners need support
First Glance
30 March 2026
The costs and failures of air defence in the Iran conflict and what they mean for Europe
Shoring up Europe’s defensive capabilities needs to focus on cheap interceptors and offensive capability to target military industries
First Glance
24 March 2026
Deregulating artificial intelligence will not boost EU tech markets
European plans to weaken AI users’ rights are unlikely to help achieve convergence in performance between the EU and US tech markets
First Glance
16 March 2026
Europe should build on France’s nuclear deterrent extension offer
Though not a proper European deterrent, a nuclear strategy partnership between France and other countries marks a new phase as the US wavers
First Glance
12 March 2026
Five reasons why attacking the EU carbon market is economic self-sabotage
When discussing the EU emissions trading system, policymakers should remember five risks of undermining the system
First Glance
09 March 2026
28th regimes to help Europe’s capital markets
The European Union should take a building-block approach to pan-EU business laws
First Glance
02 March 2026
How will the Iran conflict hit European energy markets?
Policymakers should plan for a potentially prolonged standoff in the Middle East, while doubling down – not backtracking – on the energy transition
First Glance
26 February 2026
International support to Ukraine is insufficient and declining
After four years of war, the Western aid strategy to Ukraine must be rethought
First Glance
24 February 2026
Holding the line on the EU carbon border adjustment mechanism
Exempting fertilisers from CBAM would achieve little while risking climate progress
First Glance
23 February 2026
An EU strategy in the wake of the United States Supreme Court tariffs ruling
The European Union should suspend last year’s trade deal with the US and plan for retaliation in response to new tariff uncertainty
First Glance
19 February 2026
Europe’s artificial intelligence strategy should be built on European strengths
Europe can gain most from AI not through development but through sound regulation and adoption of the best the world has to offer
First Glance
19 February 2026
The real justification for the digital euro? Monetary sovereignty
The best argument for the digital euro is to discourage ghosts of the euro crisis from returning to haunt Europe
First Glance
18 February 2026
Europe needs a regulated market for personal data
Data markets would provide a middle ground between shutting down many online services and unchecked exploitation of users