Rethinking the EU budget: Call for fiscal discipline and competitiveness
As the European Union prepares its next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, the debate is no longer only about how much Europe should spend, but also about how it should raise...
EU Inc.: A Hope for European Startups… Or Just Another Layer of Bureaucracy?
On 18 March 2026, the European Commission presented a proposal for a regulation on the so-called EU Inc., forming the core of the planned “28th regime”. This is a voluntary, unified corporate...
The revision of the EU Tobacco Excise Directive: Design and implementation considerations
The proposed revision of the Tobacco Excise Directive represents a significant step in modernising the EU's excise framework in light of evolving market realities and the emergence of new nicotine product categories....
Embracing open trade: Why protectionism would be a grave mistake for the EU in turbulent times
In an era of geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and rising global competition, the European Union faces mounting calls for protectionism. Proposals for “Buy European” rules, mandatory domestic content requirements, and tariffs...
EU legislative priorities for 2026: From ambition to delivery
The European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission have jointly agreed on the EU’s legislative priorities for 2026. At a time marked by geopolitical uncertainty, economic fragmentation and growing internal pressures,...
Tobacco taxes and EU budget resources: What’s at stake?
As the EU prepares its next long-term budget after 2028, the European Commission has proposed several new “own resources” to strengthen EU-level financing. One of the most debated ideas is the Tobacco...