Dossier

EU-UK relations after Brexit

The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung is looking at critical themes for both the UK and the EU — their future relationship, democracy, foreign and security policy and the green transformation. We commission some of the leading thinkers on these topics to write commentaries and analyses.

Latest articles

© European Union, 2020, Source: Council of the EU – Audiovisual resources© European Union, 2020, Source: Council of the EU – Audiovisual resources

What the Labour manifesto says about the UK’s future relationship with the EU — and what it doesn’t

Commentary

Labour is still allergic to the E-word, says Ros Taylor. But the party’s manifesto offers hints of what a far closer relationship with the EU might look like.

By Ros Taylor

How Scotland can get its energy for renewables back

Commentary

Scotland has been a pioneer in renewables, says Kirsten Jenkins. But the easy wins are over and the task of decarbonising Scotland’s economy is becoming steadily more difficult, as the row over net zero targets showed. Nonetheless, the potential to build on its record is clear and the obstacles are not insurmountable.

By Kirsten Jenkins

Britain’s protest laws are tighter than ever — and Labour may well keep them

Commentary

No one knows whether Labour will repeal some of the draconian anti-protest laws passed in recent years in the UK, writes David Mead. But it is unlikely to be a priority for a party worried about alienating the press and with a failing welfare state to fix.

By David Mead

Safeguarding essential household energy consumption: the role of the rising block

Factsheet

Core services, including energy, food, water, housing and healthcare, are essential for a decent standard of living. The economic dynamics of these services in Europe, however, vary greatly, particularly in the extent of commercialisation. Essential healthcare stands out as a service delivered largely outside of the market; by contrast, food and energy are commercialised in most European countries. The commercialised status of energy in Europe can have an impact on living standards, particularly when accompanied by inadequate regulation.

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