Bertelsmann Stiftung "Europe"

EU trade policy: More markets and closer cooperation would deliver moderate growth effects

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0100

US tariff policy, as well as intensifying competition from China, is dampening economic growth in Germany and many other export-oriented EU economies. In response, the EU is stepping up its efforts to conclude new trade agreements with additional countries and deepen existing agreements. Model calculations commissioned by Bertelsmann Stiftung however only show moderate growth effects overall, even under far-reaching assumptions: if the EU succeeds in concluding new agreements with 26 countries and deepening its existing agreements with 40 countries, German gross domestic product (GDP) could increase by up to 0.7 per cent in the long term. For the EU, the potential GDP growth would amount to slightly more than 0.6 per cent.

Algorithms in election campaigns: A study by the University of Potsdam and the Bertelsmann Stiftung shows an imbalance in the visibility of political parties in young people's social media feeds

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0100

It has never been so easy for politicians to get attention in the everyday life of voters, as these days through social media. But what young people see about politics in their social media feeds is determined by platform algorithms. The study “Digitised, politicised, polarised?” (in German “Digitalisiert, politisiert, polarisiert?”) shows that algorithms play videos from parties at both ends of the political spectrum more frequently, while posts from the political center appear less often in feeds. Even if centrist parties post more frequently in comparison, they are less visible in feeds. To ensure the integrity of future elections, there needs to be a social and political discourse on the role of social media platforms in times of digital election campaigns.

How Buy-European Rules Can Help Save Europe’s Car Industry

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Europe’s car industry employs more than 10 million people and accounts for a larger share of private R&D spending than any other industry. European cars can still compete in the 21^st century: the EU is already the world’s second largest electric vehicle (EV) producer.

Cutting Red Tape, Preserving Standards: Rethinking the EU's Omnibus Agenda

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0200

A critical look at the Commission’s simplification push and how it can be improved The Commission’s drive to simplify EU rules has yet to deliver on its promise of rapid and effective relief. Parts of the Omnibus agenda weaken standards and thereby miss the very purpose of simplification: reducing costs while preserving those high standards. An improved approach is needed with clear goals, sound design, and political consensus.

The Geoeconomic Interconnectivity Index: Mapping Europe’s Interconnections in an Age of Geopolitics

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The EU’s neighbourhood is undergoing profound change as the liberal order is contested and economics and geopolitics intertwine. The new Geoeconomic Interconnectivity Index (GEOII), developed by Bertelsmann Stiftung, wiiw and ECIPE, maps these shifts and informs debates on the EU’s neighbourhood policies.

From Fragmentation to Strategy: Building a Smart European Competitiveness Fund

Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The European Commission plans to streamline innovation funding through a single instrument: the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). Aiming to replace today’s fragmented system, the ECF must avoid becoming an unwieldy superfund. To succeed, it should be built on four clear design principles.

Can centralisation and inclusiveness go hand in hand in EU Cohesion Policy?

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

As the European Commission moves toward a performance-based delivery model through national envelopes, concerns grow over the sidelining of regional and civil society voices. This policy brief outlines two concrete reforms – National Partnership Committees and a strengthened European Code of Conduct on Partnership – to ensure democratic participation remains central to EU funding decisions.

SHORTCUT 13 – September 2025

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:58:12 +0200

Diverse Citizen Participation:

For an Inclusive Democracy

Renewable Energies and Cohesion Policy: A Perfect Match

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 08:45:57 +0100

On March 18, 2025, the Europe Program hosted a well-attended event at the Brussels Press Club. At the heart of the discussion was the question of how Europe can achieve a climate-neutral energy system by 2050 – and what role European cohesion policy can play in making that happen.

How to defend Europe without risking another euro crisis

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Europe needs to massively increase its defense spending. We explain how to durably do so without stoking market fears.