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EU Policies


Since its creation in 1957 with the Treaty of Rome, the European Union has expanded its scope, both in terms of responsibility and policy areas of competency. Events, political actors and decisions taken within the EU have a growing impact in all sectors of society across the member states.

Explore EU-related issues regarding political economy and governance, migration, and European culture and society

Our work has an interdisciplinary scope and includes both a domestic and pan-European dimension. We explore issues regarding political economy and governance, migration, and European culture and society. How can we influence the future direction of EU foreign policy? What are the challenges to EU policy-making in the light of integration and disintegration? And what are the long-term outcomes of multiculturalism at local, regional and national level?

One of our projects has focused on the different EU funds available in reference to their different mechanisms, formulation, implementation and administration. Another study examined the Eurozone crisis and its austerity in terms of the impact on social inclusion and social mobility policies. In addition to this, we studied the degree of flexibility and adaptability of policies formulated at EU level to different national government structures and contexts.


Who we work with

The composition of our team of experts reflects the interdisciplinary scope of our research: our academics are based at the European Institute, the Department of Government, the Department of International Relations and the Institute of Global Affairs.


Areas of expertise

Policy research

What we do:

Policy research on areas of exclusive, shared, parallel and supporting competence of the EU, as well as the balance of power between them. We strenghten the capacity of EU institutions by providing support via framework contracts such as with the Committee of the Regions, the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the European Court of Auditors.


Examples of our work:

Committee of the Regions

Update of CoR’s Division of Powers website
2019

Preventing corruption at local and regional level in South Mediterranean countries
2018

Youth entrepreneurship in Mediterranean partner countries
2018

Refl­ecting on the future of the European Union
2018

The Role of the Sub-National Authorities from the Mediterranean Region in Addressing Radicalisation and Violent Extremism of Young People
2017

Regional Development in Ukraine: Priority Actions in Terms of Decentralization
2017

Preventing Corruption and Promoting Public Ethics at the Local and Regional Level in Eastern Partnership Countries
2017


European Parliament

Monetary Policy Dialogue

Trade policy expertise to European Parliament (Research Network to provide foreign policy expertise – Lot 7 Trade)


European Commission

Business Cooperating with Vocational Education and Training Providers for Quality Skills and Attractive Futures
2017

Ex-ante Study of the EU-Australia and EU-New Zealand Trade and Investment Agreements
2017

Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment of the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and Japan
2016


Core experts:

>   Dr Bob Hancké
>   Dr Claire Gordon
>   Dr Corrado Macchiarelli
>   Dr Eddie Gerba
>   Dr Eleanor Knott
>   Dr Elitsa Garnizova
>   Dr Federica Bicchi
>   José Javier Olivas Osuna
>   Professor Michael Bruter
>   Dr Michèle Finck
>   Professor Paul de Grauwe
>   Dr Sarah Harrison
>   Dr Stephen Woolcock
>   Professor Tomila Lankina

Feasibility studies, impact assessments and policy evaluations

What we do:

Producing sound and evidence-based cost-benefit analyses, evaluations and economic modelling, comparing different policy scenarios, and assessing the potential impact of policy options.


Examples of our work:

European Commission study on human rights due diligence in supply chains
2019 (ongoing)

Assessment of 12 Special Reports
European Court of Auditors, 2016-2018

Financial Instruments: defining the rationale for triggering their use
European Parliament - DG for Internal Policies, 2017

Testing Social Policy Innovation
European Commission - DG for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, 2014


Core experts:

>   Dr Bob Hancké
>   Dr Michèle Finck
>   Dr Swati Dhingra
>   Dr Roger Levy

Legal and policy analyses of EU legislation and its implementation

What we do:

Provide an understanding of the legal, political and economic implications of EU legislation and its implementation.


Examples of our work:

Implementation of the Partnership Principle and Multi-level Governance in 2014-2020 ESI Funds
European Commission - DG Regional and Urban Policy, 2016

Study on the Potential and Limitations of Reforming the Financing of the EU Budget
CEPS, 2016

Study on the Law Applicable to Companies
European Commission - DG for Justice and Consumers, 2016


Core experts:

>   Dr Ian Roxan
>   Dr Michèle Finck
>   Dr Roger Levy
>   Dr Vassilis Monastiriotis

Comparative studies

What we do:

Comparitive studies related to the EU28 as well as neighbouring and candidate countries, analysing countries’ performance across a range of policy areas and indicators to identify best practices and draw policy recommendations.


Examples of our work:

How the EU and Member States Manage Data Transparency and Accessibility on EU Funds
European Parliament - DG for Internal Policies, 2016

Evaluation of the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies
European Parliament, 2015

Social Policy Reforms in the EU: A Cross-national Comparison
BertelsmannStiftung, 2015

Impact of the Economic Crisis on Social, Economic and Territorial Cohesion of the EU
European Parliament, 2014


Core experts:

>   Dr Elitsa Garnizova
>   Dr Marino Cino Pagliarello
>   Professor Nick Barr
>   Dr Will Barlett
>   Dr Vassilis Monastiriotis

»  Get in touch to find out how we can collaborate