Shale gas in Europe: much ado about little?
Shale gas is an unconventional form of gas because its extraction is more difficult or less economical than that of conventional natural gas. It has become an important item of […]
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
Studia Diplomatica
Vol. LXVI, Issue 3 (2013): Variable geometry union: how differentiated integration is shaping the EU
In this issue of Studia Diplomatica, variable geometry Union is discussed from various angles, stretching from economic and monetary integration to defence and the area of freedom, security and justice. […]
Commentaries
A flavour of indirect elections to the European parliament
In this commentary, Xavier Vanden Bosch shows that European elections in the French-speaking part of Belgium have a flavour of indirect voting. Political stakes are low for political parties, and […]
A European commonality of destiny: Through social justice and strategic autonomy
On its course toward integration, Europe has now reached a plateau of impotence.
Re-designing the European Climate and Energy policies post-2020
Ensuring the sustainability, security and cost-competitiveness of energy supplies for the EU citizens are the main objectives of the EU climate and energy policy, which remains high on the EU […]
The Belgian parliaments and EU affairs: the reasons behind their limited involvement
Given their limited involvement in EU affairs, the Belgian parliaments at the different levels of the Belgian federation barely contribute to the legitimation process of the EU’s actions. In order […]