Policy Briefs
Policy recommendations substantiated by research and analysis
Policy Briefs provide research-based policy recommendations on pressing economic challenges, written in a style that is accessible to a non-specialist audience. They aim to be as short as possible but long enough to explore a policy problem in depth (typically 4000-8000 words).
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Policy Brief
24 September 2026
Tax policy considerations for the circular economy
EU fiscal systems still favour linear production, as virgin extraction stays largely unpriced and labour-intensive repair is penalised
Policy Brief
22 September 2026
The European Union’s automotive sector needs a plan, not undue protection
European automotive policy should prioritise affordable competitiveness over protectionism, using resilience criteria and temporary safeguards
Policy Brief
10 September 2026
How can Europe address its pressing AI compute infrastructure shortfall?
Europe’s AI compute gap will not close through capital alone, making faster permits, grid access and output-side sovereignty tools essential
Policy Brief
27 August 2026
Profit shifting, tax harmonisation and investment in the EU single market: a trilemma
Anti-avoidance success has made EU investment more tax-sensitive, strengthening the case for corporate tax coordination within the single market
Policy Brief
23 July 2026
International carbon trading: a strategic lever to boost global decarbonisation
International carbon credits can support the EU’s 2040 target if buyers’ club rules and leverage ensure real mitigation gains abroad
Policy Brief
09 July 2026
Competing for inputs: how the European Union can improve critical raw materials supply security
EU critical raw materials projects fall short of self-sufficiency targets, making trade deals and targeted investment central to supply security
Policy Brief
18 June 2026
Green finance or financing green? Bridging the EU’s sustainable-finance and capital-market architectures
Sustainable finance rules risk becoming costly compliance unless the EU aligns disclosure with market policy and global standards
Policy Brief
16 June 2026
Planning for the rising fiscal costs of climate disasters
Low insurance coverage is turning EU governments into disaster insurers of last resort, strengthening the case for prevention and adaptation finance
Policy Brief
11 June 2026
The right balance: how to fix European Union artificial intelligence regulation
EU AI regulation should trade lower ex-ante burden for robust ex-post monitoring, judicial review and liability to curb harms without stifling markets
Policy Brief
26 May 2026
A plan to revitalise the World Trade Organization
Saving the WTO will require EU-led alliances, better subsidy disciplines and new plurilateral routes, even if some initiatives sit outside the WTO
Policy Brief
21 May 2026
The flaws in the European Union’s proposed Industrial Accelerator Act and how to fix them
IAA provisions should rest on clear sector choices, WTO-safe criteria and FDI screening that welcomes value-adding investment
Policy Brief
20 May 2026
A new strategy to contain stablecoin risks in the European Union
EU reluctance on stablecoins may backfire as US-backed dollar tokens spread, pushing demand offshore and importing dollar risks into Europe
Policy Brief
16 April 2026
EU aid for domestic revenue mobilisation after the Sevilla Commitment
The 2025 Sevilla Commitment renews the push for domestic revenue mobilisation, with the EU needing stable, targeted support for low-income partners
Policy Brief
08 April 2026
Risks for Europe of US dominance of global asset management
US firms’ rise in EU asset management may weaken sustainable finance, making tougher stewardship, ESMA supervision and autonomy urgent
Policy Brief
26 March 2026
National plans, regional voices: cohesion policy in the next European Union budget
NRPPs could raise the EU added value of the 2028–34 budget, but reform conditions and decision-making must better reflect regional needs
Policy Brief
05 March 2026
The case for a European Union digital enforcement authority
The European Union's digital rulebook could be better enforced by delegating some of the European Commission's powers to an independent agency