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

Navigating uncertainty: the UK's commitment to Ukraine

Commentary

As Britain reaffirms its support for Ukraine, changing geopolitical dynamics are testing the resilience of Western alliances. Amid growing concerns over support from key allies, the UK navigates complex decisions on defence commitments and NATO’s future. This article explores the UK's evolving stance, its recent defence collaborations, and the potential challenges ahead as Britain balances solidarity with Ukraine against the backdrop of a dynamic global landscape.

By Ros Taylor

Europe’s energy transition needs deeper integration. The North Sea is where it could start

Commentary

Cross-continental energy networks are the backbone of Europe’s energy transition. With the accelerated roll-out of solar panels and wind turbines, policymakers and grid operators now feel the back pain from limited energy infrastructure capacities. How can the EU rehab our existing electricity grids and gas pipelines? Two new publications from the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union provide guidance.

By Jörg Mühlenhoff

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Making the most of North Sea renewables

Factsheet

Europe has set out on the path to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, and all countries must identify how to deliver this objective. While various technology options are available, the need for vast amounts of cheap renewable energy is certain. The shallow, windy northern seas have long been recognised as a key opportunity to deliver renewable electricity at scale and recent reductions in the costs of offshore wind have led countries to set ambitious targets for deployment.

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What Labour has done on green energy — and what it could do next

Commentary

Tough decisions lie ahead for the UK government as it tries to decarbonise electricity generation by 2030. Several key decisions have been made but much remains unknown, particularly on reform of the electricity market and the detail of collaboration with the EU. Ros Taylor reports.

By Ros Taylor

Riots and rumours: How the digital far-right is fuelling Britain’s immigration debate

Commentary

When three girls were killed in Southport, the reactionary digital right proved adept at exploiting the horror. The rioters are quickly being punished, writes Ros Taylor, but the new government needs to recognise the ease with which lies spread in the new digital ecosystem and be frank and transparent about its own approach to immigration.

By Ros Taylor

Who is Keir Starmer, the UK’s new prime minister?

Commentary

Keir Starmer was determined to make Labour electable again. By the time Rishi Sunak called the general election, he was able to tell voters: ‘I've changed the Labour Party. If you put your trust in me by voting Labour, I will change the country.’ Ros Taylor looks at the UK’s new prime minister.

By Ros Taylor

© 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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