European Union – European Neighbourhood Monitor

An Endless Appetite for Taxes: Inside the EU Commission’s Policy Mindset

This summer, the European Commission unveiled five new proposed “own resources” to fund the EU’s next long-term budget — the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) covering 2028–2034. While two of these ideas, the “Corporate Resource for Europe” (CORE) and the “Tobacco Excise Duty Own Resource” (TEDOR), have drawn the loudest resistance from member states, the real […]

An Endless Appetite for Taxes: Inside the EU Commission’s Policy Mindset Read More »

EU and India Intensify Efforts Toward Free Trade Agreement

Trade / ENM

The European Union and India are entering the final phase of their free trade negotiations, maintaining near-continuous contact to finalize an agreement by the end of the year, according to the European Commission. Negotiators from both sides recently met in Brussels, where they reported progress on several key issues. A major development was the closure

EU and India Intensify Efforts Toward Free Trade Agreement Read More »

A Crisis of Trust

European Union / ENM

How the EU’s NGO Funding Machine is Losing Public Confidence By Pieter Cleppe Once hailed as the world’s most trusted institutions, NGOs have seen their credibility erode. Two decades ago, the Edelman Trust Barometer ranked NGOs above corporations, governments, and media. Today, businesses are more trusted than NGOs. This shift isn’t accidental—it’s the result of

A Crisis of Trust Read More »

A Craving for Power and Money: The EU Commission’s Budget Proposal

European Union / ENM

By Pieter Cleppe The European Commission’s proposed 2028–2034 long term EU budget exemplifies its growing craving for power and money. Last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed to strongly increase the “MFF” or Multiannual financial framework from €1.2 trillion to €2 trillion. Also, Brussels seeks to shift fiscal power from member states

A Craving for Power and Money: The EU Commission’s Budget Proposal Read More »

EU Deforestation Regulation Faces Scrutiny Over Inconsistent Risk Classifications

Indopacific / ENM

The European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), designed to prevent deforestation through tighter controls on commodity imports, is encountering growing opposition from both corporate stakeholders and environmental analysts. Central to the criticism is a disparity between how the EU categorizes countries by deforestation risk and the actual deforestation trends observed through satellite and field data. A

EU Deforestation Regulation Faces Scrutiny Over Inconsistent Risk Classifications Read More »

Serbia’s Delicate Balancing Act

Western Balkans / ENM

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić is continuing a delicate diplomatic balancing act as he tries to maintain strong relations with Russia while keeping Serbia’s long-standing aspirations for European Union membership alive. Vučić’s recent appearance in Moscow at Russia’s Victory Day military parade in May stirred criticism from EU officials. The visit marked his first since Russia’s

Serbia’s Delicate Balancing Act Read More »

EU Sidelined as Iran-Israel Peace Deal Unfolds Without European Input

Middle East / ENM

A surprise ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel, announced late Sunday, appears to have been brokered primarily through U.S.-led diplomacy—without direct involvement from the European Union. The development has drawn attention to the EU’s limited role in the recent escalation and subsequent de-escalation in the region. On the same evening the agreement was revealed, Dutch

EU Sidelined as Iran-Israel Peace Deal Unfolds Without European Input Read More »

USTR Pressures EU to Dismantle Green Regulations in Exchange for Tariff Relief

Americas / ENM

As the Trump administration revives its aggressive trade posture, non-tariff barriers have come to the center of U.S. trade demands. This week, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has ramped up pressure on the European Union, urging it to scrap key environmental regulations that the U.S. sees as unfair obstacles to trade—most

USTR Pressures EU to Dismantle Green Regulations in Exchange for Tariff Relief Read More »

Fate of EUDR remains uncertain as debate continues

Indopacific / ENM

The European Union’s pending anti-deforestation law presents both challenges and opportunities for Malaysia’s palm oil industry, Malaysia’s deputy commodities minister has stated at an industry conference. The country’s deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin explained it was crucial for the industry to understand the impact of the EU law so that domestic practices could be adapted and

Fate of EUDR remains uncertain as debate continues Read More »