July 2024

 

Dear Readers,

 

As we navigate the latest developments shaping global affairs, including a series of election results, our newsletter brings you insightful analyses on a range of critical topics:

 

Explore how recent discussions at the G7 Summit have focused on enhancing support for Ukraine, bolstering Africa's economic ties, and addressing challenges posed by China's economic influence.

 

Learn about the EU's response to China's subsidized electric vehicle exports, including the implementation of tariffs aimed at safeguarding local production and managing trade dependencies.

 

Find out why cities play a pivotal role in driving the EU's single market growth strategy, with a focus on enhancing infrastructure, fostering economic cohesion, and promoting sustainable urban development.

 

Gain insights into the outcomes and implications of the 2024 European elections, including shifts in political dynamics and their potential impact on EU policies and relations.

 

Delve into the voting behaviour of young Europeans and their aspirations for shaping the EU's future, highlighting key issues like climate action and citizenship rights.

 

Explore the discussions and innovative solutions presented at the recent State of The Union conference, addressing critical challenges facing the EU ahead of the upcoming European Parliament elections.

 

Take a deeper look the evolving landscape of European Cohesion Policy amidst new global priorities, fiscal constraints, and regional disparities across the EU.

 

Understand the potential for transformative green energy cooperation between the EU and its Southern Neighbourhood, shaping political, trade, and socio-economic interactions.

 

We hope these articles provide valuable insights into current affairs and stimulate meaningful discussions about the future of Europe.

 

With warm wishes,

 

Malte Zabel

 

Co-Director

Europe’s Future Program
 
G7 summit or meeting concept. Row of flags of member of G7 group

G7 Summit: Strengthening Geopolitical Influence Amid Challenges

The 50th G7 summit focused on key issues like climate change, migration, AI, energy, and economic security. Leaders committed to long-term support for Ukraine, enhancing Africa's economic partnerships, and improving supply chain resilience. The G7 aims to assert its values and interests despite declining economic power.
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Chinese cargo containers on a map of Europe

EU's Electric Vehicle Tariffs: The "Made in China" Dilemma

China's state-subsidized electric vehicle (EV) exports to the EU pose challenges by creating market distortions and dependencies. The EU has responded with provisional tariffs up to 38.1%, effective July 2024. To boost local production, additional measures like tax relief and R&D support are needed. China may retaliate, potentially targeting EU agriculture and car exports.
Read more

 
Smart city and connection technology concept

Why Cities Are Key to Boosting EU’s Single Market Growth

As the EU faces economic challenges, enhancing the single market is vital. While manufacturing has spread benefits to poorer regions, services trade is clustering in affluent cities. A city-led strategy focusing on improved transport, increased density, and energy efficiency can drive growth and cohesion.
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man voting on elections in Europe

European Election Results 2024: The Centre Holds

The 2024 European elections saw far-right gains. Despite the centre-right EPP and centre-left S&D maintaining support, far-right influence challenges economic security, trade, industrial policy and external relations. This could herald shifts towards austerity and restrictive migration policies, and away from green investments. Read more

 
Attractive happy young girl with the flag of the European Union

Youth Vote in Europe: Potential and Participation Gaps

Young Europeans, particularly those aged 16-25, show strong pro-European sentiment but vote less frequently than older generations, indicating a participation gap. Despite facing multiple crises, the EU remains a preferred status quo for many young voters. Prioritizing issues like citizens' rights and climate change, they seek more influence in shaping the EU's future.
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State of the Union Conference 2024 Banner

State of The Union 2024: EU Challenges and Future Insights

The 14th State of The Union conference in Florence addressed key EU issues like green energy, internal market competitiveness, and Ukraine's reconstruction. The Bertelsmann Stiftung was involved as a supporting partner with several events. Discussions emphasized the need for innovative solutions ahead of the European Parliament elections.
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NUTS-2 Map of the European Union

Navigating the Future of European Cohesion Policy

European Cohesion Policy faces scrutiny over its relevance amid new global priorities and fiscal constraints. Challenges include balancing short-term crisis responses with long-term goals, addressing past disparities while preventing new ones, and allocating funds equitably among regions. Future policy must focus on precise goals, enhance fund absorption, and integrate with other policies.
Read more

Map of EU-Southern Neighbourhood Relations

EU-Southern Neighbourhood: Green Energy Cooperation

Economic, social and political relations between Europe and its Southern Neighbourhood are important, but especially green energy partnerships have the potential to bring myriad new benefits for all stakeholders. By redefining relationships through equitable green energy cooperation, the EU and its Southern Neighbourhood can transform their political, trade and socio-economic interactions.
Read more

 

In the next edition

 

You’ll receive analysis of the UK elections, as well as a look at the NATO Summit in Washington, DC.

To keep abreast of our work, please keep an eye on our blog: globaleurope.eu

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