Beyond banking: What the financial crisis means for the EU

The world is in the midst of a financial crisis which will have far-reaching implications for the EU – not just for the region’s immediate economic outlook, but also for the future of the euro, financial regulation, economic reform and global governance.

The crisis will also impact the EU’s ambitions to tackle climate change as well as its relations with the US, Russia and China. This CER policy brief examines how the financial crisis will affect the politics and economics of the EU.

Centre for European Reform

Is EU competition policy and obstacle to innovation and growth?

European countries need to improve their record of developing high-tech businesses if they are to prosper. This was explicitly recognised in the EU’s Lisbon agenda of economic reforms launched in 2000.

The reasons for Europe’s poor record of innovation are complex, but one factor may be competition policy. In this CER essay, Simon Tilford argues that EU competition rules are less favourable to innovation and hence competition than their advocates believe. 

Essay by Simon Tilford, Centre for European Reform

Privatization - Reviving the Momentum

Privatization - Reviving the Momentum calls for a new wave of privatizations, which could net the exchequer in excess of £20bn. Given the worsening state of the economy and the increasing tightness of the public finances, the report notes that such an inflow of funds would be very welcome.

In addition to the revenues generated for the government, a new wave of privatizations would also deliver significant operational benefits. Previous privatizations have delivered a wide range of improvements, including increased investment, lower prices, greater choice and better service for customers - as well as underpinning billions of pounds worth of economic activity. The leading privatization candidates identified by the report include the Royal Mail, Channel 4, BBC Worldwide, Scottish Water, Northern Ireland Water, Glas Cymru, the National Air Traffic Control System, as well as government stakes in British Energy and the Nuclear industry.

After the Apocalypse

A collection of perspectives on the correct response to the credit crisis and economic downturn from a group of distinguished experts.

by Demos