EU institutions & treaties
Can Europe learn to play power politics?
28 November 2019
The EU's liberal model of shared sovereignty is under threat. Europe cannot afford to remain a pure soft power. It has to reform and learn how to play power politics.
Can Josep Borrell get EU foreign policy off the ground?
30 September 2019
The EU’s new foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, may struggle to co-ordinate the Union’s external activities in the face of rival European commissioners and unruly member-states.
Von der Leyen's bumpy road to becoming Commission president
01 August 2019
The European Parliament has narrowly elected Ursula von der Leyen as the first female Commission president. Now she faces the difficult task of assembling a team of commissioners to deliver her priorities.
Can EU funds promote the rule of law in Europe?
21 November 2017
The EU is a values-based organisation, yet it does not insist that member-states respect its values in order to receive EU funds. That should change.
A flexible EU: A new beginning or the beginning of the end?
18 May 2017
The EU needs to become more flexible if it is to tackle current and future challenges effectively. But it should do so transparently, and remain inclusive.
Parliamentarians in Brexit talks: Bulls in a china shop?
01 February 2017
David Davis promised that Westminster will have the same scrutiny powers in the Brexit talks as the European Parliament would. But what does that really mean?
The role of national parliaments in the EU: Building or stumbling blocks?
06 June 2016
If Britain remains in the EU it should lead the discussion about a more constructive role for national parliaments in reducing democratic deficit in the EU.
A ten-point plan to strengthen Westminster's oversight of EU policy
27 May 2015
Reforms at EU level could help to narrow the EU’s democratic deficit. But there are many things Westminster could do to improve its own scrutiny of EU policy.
Video on: Westminster's scrutiny of European affairs
15 July 2015
Agata Gostyńska-Jakubowska discusses her most recent CER publication 'A ten-point plan to strengthen Westminster's oversight of EU policy'.
See her publication here.
See her publication here.
Not in front of the MPs: Why can’t Parliament have a frank discussion about the EU?
15 April 2015
David Cameron wants to increase the role of national parliaments in the EU. His pledge will hold more weight if British parliamentary scrutiny of EU affairs was improved.
Juncker's three steps to improve the Commission's standing in the EU
11 February 2015
Juncker has taken three steps to strengthen the Commission’s hand in European politics but he must still prove he can avoid repeating Barroso’s mistakes.
European and national parliaments: the zero-sum fantasy
18 November 2014
Policy Network
Enhancing the role of national parliaments in EU decision-making and overseeing EU economic governance need not come at the expense of the European parliament.
Juncker and his college: The unexpected reformer?
26 September 2014
Few believed that Juncker would champion changes in the way the EU does things.
Learning from Herman: A handbook for the European Council president
21 August 2014
Van Rompuy needs to forge a consensus on his successor. He should look in the mirror and seek a candidate with his own best characteristics.
Twelve things everyone should know about the European Court of Justice
22 July 2014
As EU judges prepare to rule on issues like the euro, Facebook and benefit tourism, Hugo Brady gives a political and legal analysis of the ECJ.
Who will run Europe?
31 March 2014
EU leaders will soon decide who will run the club's institutions. They should choose heavyweights who can deliver far-reaching reforms.
How to build a modern European Union
10 October 2013
The CER proposes reforming the EU’s policies and institutions, to foster a more dynamic European economy and to make decision-making more accountable.