Commentaries
Is terrorism contagious?
The multiplication of terrorist attacks in Europe over the past few months raises questions with regard to the diffusion of terrorism. This commentary argues that the Islamic State aims indeed […]
European Affairs
Located in Brussels at the heart of EU political decision-making, the European Affairs Programme provides in-depth as well as policy-oriented analyses on a wide range of themes of relevance to EU and Belgian policy makers. Topics that are – or ought to be – central to the EU policy debate are given special attention. Aside from a constant focus on institutional matters, various substantive EU policies dominate the Programme’s research agenda, such as the Green Deal, the digital agenda, the consolidation of an inclusive social model, the protection of people and the defence of rights, and the promotion of Europe’s interests in the world.
The Programme also deals extensively and in a forward-looking way with the impact of the multiple crises the EU has had to address over the last decade. They all had an impact on its policies, its decision-making processes, and more generally its architecture, which is proof of the resilience of the European project.
With the aim of reaching the broadest audience possible, the European Affairs Programme seeks to share its expertise and stimulate the debate through a variety of publications as well as by organizing round tables, expert-seminars, and conferences.
Publications
Commentaries
Understanding the current wave of terrorism
A number of terrorist attacks have struck Europe over the past months, triggering the impression of a ‘wave of terror’ among citizens. This commentary replaces the recent upscale of violence […]
External publications
Belgium: Support for the UK staying in the EU, but European integration has priority.
If Britain votes to leave the EU it will have to negotiate its exit and a new post-withdrawal relationship with the EU. Often overlooked in the UK’s debate is the […]
External publications
The rise of euroscepticism in the United Kingdom or the failure of Europeanism
The European Union has severely undermined perceptions of sovereignty and it will fail unless EU citizens regain their voice in the policy process. Might a fully-fledged federalist project do that?
Plan B after Brexit – What Britain can expect negotiating a Swiss-type arrangement with the EU
For those wishing to see the UK exit from the EU, Switzerland has become a poster child, an example of how a country outside the EU can retain access to […]
Belgium and its foreign and external policies (2010-15)
This special issue of Egmont’s academic journal, Studia Diplomatica, focusses on Belgium’s foreign policy. Prominent scholars review different aspects of the foreign and external policies of Belgium, over the past […]