Beyond the “donor-recipient” paradigm: The Cotonou Economic Partnership Agreement, the framework for the EU’s relationship with the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of states, is due to expire in 2020. How can the EU best use the opportunity to rejuvenate the relationship and promote sustainable development, eradicate poverty and strengthen security?
A divergent Eurozone: Pierre Moscovici, the Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, stated that a “two-speed Eurozone has emerged, with regional clusters of excellence and areas that are now clearly lagging behind”. How can the EU foster more cohesive growth across its regions?
Rethinking waste: landfill disposal results in air, soil and water pollution, biodiversity loss and increase in management cost. With countries like Malta, Switzerland and Cyprus still producing over 630kg of waste per capita, how should the European Union further bolster the Waste Framework Directive and promote a Circular Economy?
Can free trade survive the American retreat? With the United States following a more isolationist approach on trade, should the EU step up its efforts to secure new trade agreements? How can social and political opposition faced by past trade deals be overcome whilst protecting product standards and deepening environmental partnerships?
Towards a sustainable energy mix: The recently-renewed Energy Strategy has set an EU-wide target of at least a 27% share of renewable energy by 2030. Which existing and new policy instruments should be leveraged to meet the new objective? Should energy capacity between Member States be shared, and if so, how can it be achieved?
A future for asylum holders? How should Member States cooperate to provide adequate education, training and integration for asylum holders, considering the capabilities of each Member State?