EU candidate countries remain far from EU averages in terms of GDP per capita and their demographic and labour market characteristics. Marek Dabrowski and Maria Catarina Louro examine selected income, demographic and labour market indicators to assess progress
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The EU is engaged in an unprecedented struggle for independence, values and democracy in a world shaped by the re-emergence of imperial ambitions. Simone Tagliapietra says Ursula von der Leyen is right to say Europe is in a ‘fight’ around competitiveness and values, but it may lack the right pugilistic attitude
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For frontier AI models, more training data improves performance. Tweaks to EU copyright requirements in the AI Act Code of Practice will maintain the AI growth momentum, for now – but will also create new challenges. Bertin Martens discusses
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The US willingness to weaponise trade makes clear that transatlantic economic relations have become entirely transactional. Luis Garicano argues that Europe must respond to US tariffs with economic strength: faster productivity growth, cheaper energy, a genuine continental market, and tech leadership
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Russia’s expansionist drive reaches far beyond Ukraine. Patrick van Schie argues that European countries should grow up militarily within NATO, an organization that has operated with unmatched success at deterring the enemies of the free world
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Rule of law is not the enemy of autonomy; it is its foundation. Christine Lagarde says the EU can pursue its policy choices because they are framed by legal commitments that others recognise and respect
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There is a growing push for the European Commission to weaken merger control. Natalia Fabra, Massimo Motta and Martin Peitz argue for a strengthening of the guidelines and offer suggestions to guide the process
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In the age of AI, we may need to start thinking differently about hazardous jobs. Ben Wray discusses the growing evidence of mental ill-health in content moderation and the need to protect the rights of click workers
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The world is drifting toward a fragmented trade environment defined by subsidies, retaliation and industrial duplication. Jianwei Xu discusses how the world is moving into a period of entrenched manufacturing overcapacity, threatening deflation and stagnant growth
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As the world continues its digital transformation, the ECB is moving toward the launch of the digital euro – a central bank-issued currency that offers a universal, secure payment method for everyday use. Piero Cipollone discusses how a digital euro would support Europe’s strategic autonomy and monetary sovereignty
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