European Policy Centre

📢 EPC Round-Up | Will Merz’s Germany Live Up to European Leaders’ Expectations? ✍ By Eric Maurice, Maria Skóra, Hennadiy Maksak, and Nicoletta Pirozzi Our latest round-up analyses Germany's political crossroads following the recent elections. This analysis covers key dimensions of the challenge: • Make the Franco-German engine great again? • What does Poland expect from Friedrich Merz? • What Ukraine expects from Merz’s Germany • A difficult balance to find for Italy The analysts examine whether Friedrich Merz can reignite Germany’s role on the European stage, forge stronger transatlantic ties, and lead the country towards a more autonomous EU agenda amid shifting global dynamics. Read the full article here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eTa7uGJf Photo Credits: GENYA SAVILOV / AFP

🔴 To the Point | Europe must go higher ✍ By Emma Woodford Equality is at the heart of the EU’s mandate. Discover why Europe must rise above short-term compromises to safeguard its core values. Read here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eErZpwqu #Equality #EU #HumanRights

📢 OUTLOOK PAPER | Europe in the World in 2025: Navigating a Perilous World with Realism and Ambition ✍ By Almut Möller and co-authors Europe stands at a crossroads. As the new EU leadership embarks on its 2024-2029 mandate, this Outlook Paper offers an assessment of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. In a world characterised by rapid geopolitical shifts, evolving transatlantic dynamics, and deep-rooted domestic issues, our analysis highlights the need for Europe to rewire its strategic approach. The paper argues that achieving a resilient and inclusive Union requires not only enhanced internal cohesion but also forging bold new partnerships beyond the EU framework. By mapping global power shifts and reassessing traditional alliances, the paper provides policy recommendations aimed at reinforcing Europe’s security, economic competitiveness, and democratic credibility. In these turbulent times, Europe must embrace a pragmatic vision that balances realism with ambition. The study underscores that long-term change hinges on Europe’s ability to adapt its institutions and policies to new global realities, moving beyond incremental adjustments towards transformative, proactive strategies. Whether it’s strengthening the single market for defence, recalibrating foreign policy towards emerging partners, or redefining multilateral engagement, the paper serves as a call to action for European leaders to secure the Union’s future. Contributors: Elixabete Arrieta, Ricardo Borges de Castro, Mihai Chihaia, Ivano di Carlo, Varg Lukas Folkman, Johannes Greubel, Dimitrios Kantemnidis, Anastasia Karatzas, Attila Kovacs, Levente Kocsis, Elizabeth Kuiper, Berta López Domènech, Iana Maisuradze, Juraj Majcin, Maria Martisiute, Almut Möller, Brooke Moore, Amanda Paul, Chris K., Svitlana Taran, Francesco Tasin, Paul Taylor, Giulia Torchio, Christopher Vandome, Raul Villegas #EuropeInTheWorld #EuropeanSecurity #Geopolitics

📢 EPC Thought Leadership Forum | With Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 🗓 Tuesday, 04 March 2025 | 10:00 – 11:00 📍 European Policy Centre, Rue du Trône 14-16, 1000 Brussels Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament will deliver a compelling speech on Europe's security challenges at our upcoming EPC Thought Leadership Forum. As Europe’s security landscape deteriorates, the European Parliament's role in legitimising a robust European Defence Union and a unified Single Market for Defence becomes increasingly critical. With the US shifting its defence policy focus, Roberta Metsola will outline the current and future trends in European defence, address the impact of evolving transatlantic dynamics, and highlight NATO’s complementary role. Moderator: Corina Stratulat, Associate Director and Head of European Politics and Institutions Programme, European Policy Centre The livestream of Roberta Metsola’s speech will be available. Register now 👉 https://lnkd.in/e_HjCKVQ

📢 Happening tomorrow | Europe in the World 2025: Navigating a Perilous World with Realism and Ambition 🗓 Wednesday, 26 February 2025 | 14:00 - 16:00 📍 Rue du Trône 14-16, 1000 Brussels   Amid a turbulent geopolitical landscape, the EPC is launching the fourth edition of the Outlook Paper - a flagship publication offering a snapshot analysis of global developments from an EU perspective. This edition delves into the profound geopolitical shifts following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and outlines long-term strategies for the EU’s foreign and security policy.   Our speakers will provide clear-eyed analysis on: 1️⃣ Transatlantic economic and security relations, 2️⃣ The EU’s evolving role in a shifting global order, and 3️⃣ Strategic recommendations for rearming and rewiring Europe.   🎙️ Speakers: Amanda Paul, Deputy Head of Europe in the World Programme & Senior Policy Analyst, EPC Elena Lazarou, Senior Policy Analyst, External Policies Unit, European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) at European Parliament Anna Skiba, Delegate to COEST, Permanent Representation of the Republic of Poland to the European Union Ivano di Carlo, Senior Policy Analyst, Europe in the World Programme, EPC Juraj Majcin, Policy Analyst, Europe in the World Programme, EPC Moderator: Almut Möller – Director for European and Global Affairs & Head of Europe in the World Programme, EPC Register Now  👉  https://lnkd.in/dmRNUn2c

📢 Policy Dialogue | Circular economy in regions and cities: Tackling the challenges and seizing the opportunities 🗓️ Tuesday, 11 March 2025 | 14:00 – 16:00 📍 Rue du Trône 14-16, 1000 Brussels As cities account for nearly two-thirds of global energy demand and over 70% of greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to a circular economy is not only crucial for reducing carbon emissions and resource consumption, it also offers significant potential to enhance economic resilience. During this session, our speakers will share insights on effective regional and local practices, and examine how EU policies can support a robust circular economy framework across Europe. 🎙️ Speakers: Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea 🇪🇺, Director, Circular Economy, DG Environment, European Commission Jordi Pascual Torner, Senior Programme Lead, Circle Economy Louise Coffineau, Head of Advocacy, Climate and Environment, Eurocities Rhodri Asby, Deputy Director Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency, Welsh Government Moderator: Stefan Sipka, Head of the Sustainable Prosperity for Europe Programme, European Policy Centre Register now 👉 https://lnkd.in/dHYG6xjH

📢 Upcoming EPC Events This Week (24-28 February) 🔴 Policy Dialogue: Ending Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine: What diplomatic and military role for Europe? 🗓️ Monday, 24 February 2025 | 15:00 - 16:45 Register here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dpxDimxZ 🔴 Policy Dialogue: Delivering enlargement towards the Western Balkans The role for civil society and the Growth Plan 🗓️ Tuesday, 25 February 2025 | 15:30 - 17:30 Register here 👉 https://lnkd.in/df9rJiSj 🔴 Policy Dialogue: Investment in social and affordable housing 🗓️ Tuesday, 25 February 2025 | 10:00 - 12:30 Register here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dP-RrH5s 🔴 Online Elections Monitor: European perspectives on Germany’s federal elections 🗓️ Tuesday, 25 February 2025 | 10:00 - 12:30 Register here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dchjeaeR 🔴 Launch Event: Europe in the World 2025: Navigating a perilous world with realism and ambition 🗓️ Wednesday, 26 February 2025 | 14:00 - 16:00 Register here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dxBGPY-v 🔴EPC Update: What comes after the German elections? 🗓️ Thursday, 27 February 2025 | 14:00 - 16:00 Register here 👉https://lnkd.in/duXWmZwU

🎙 The Language of Power | Germany Votes in a Perfect Storm for Europe In this new episode, Paul Taylor invites Almut Möller to discuss Germany’s high-stakes general election amid a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. With Europe’s security order facing its second major upheaval since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, this vote could have far-reaching implications for Germany, the EU, and beyond. Listen now on your preferred platform: 🔵 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/e5Ri6u5k 🔵 Soundcloud: https://lnkd.in/e67MF6qA 🔵 Website: https://lnkd.in/eathPcYp #GermanyElections #EuropeanSecurity

📢 Launch Event | Europe in the World 2025: Navigating a Perilous World with Realism and Ambition 🗓 Wednesday, 26 February 2025 | 14:00 - 16:00 📍 Rue du Trône 14-16, 1000 Brussels   Amid a turbulent geopolitical landscape, the EPC is launching the fourth edition of the Outlook Paper - a flagship publication offering a snapshot analysis of global developments from an EU perspective. This edition delves into the profound geopolitical shifts following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and outlines long-term strategies for the EU’s foreign and security policy.   Our speakers will provide clear-eyed analysis on: 1️⃣ Transatlantic economic and security relations, 2️⃣ The EU’s evolving role in a shifting global order, and 3️⃣ Strategic recommendations for rearming and rewiring Europe.   🎙️ Speakers: Amanda Paul, Deputy Head of Europe in the World Programme & Senior Policy Analyst, EPC Elena Lazarou, Senior Policy Analyst, External Policies Unit, European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) at European Parliament Anna Skiba, Delegate to COEST, Permanent Representation of the Republic of Poland to the European Union Ivano di Carlo, Senior Policy Analyst, Europe in the World Programme, EPC Juraj Majcin, Policy Analyst, Europe in the World Programme, EPC Moderator: Almut Möller – Director for European and Global Affairs & Head of Europe in the World Programme, EPC Register Now  👉  https://lnkd.in/dmRNUn2c

📢 EPC Update | What Comes After the German Elections? 🗓 Thursday, 27 February 2025 | 14:00 - 15:00 📍 Rue du Trône 14-16, 1000 Brussels Following Germany’s federal elections on 23 February, this EPC Update will explore the political and economic implications for Europe. How will coalition dynamics shape Germany’s next government? What does the result reveal about the national mood, and what might it mean for Europe’s security – especially in light of Trump 2.0 and the ongoing war in Ukraine? 🎙️ Speakers Almut Möller, Director for European and Global Affairs and Head of Programme, EPC Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Executive & Chief Economist, EPC Janis Emmanouilidis, Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Studies, EPC Moderator Jacki Davis, Senior Adviser, EPC Register now 👉 https://lnkd.in/gDxGBVqU #GermanElections #EuropeanPolitics