IEP@BU - Institute for European Policymaking @ Bocconi University

Policy Brief n.38 - Skill Overkill: The EU Needs More Than Just More Training

While economic theory and empirical evidence on human capital affirm the positive effects of education and training on productivity and economic growth, there is a tendency to treat skills enhancement as a universal remedy for labor market inefficiencies. A Policy Brief by Pietro Galeone

Are Climate Reporting Requirements Hurting European Competitiveness?

Weakening the EU climate corporate reporting in the name of competitiveness, or complementing it with specific measures to mitigate its negative economic impacts? A commentary by Sylvie Goulard, Mélanie Marten, Thomas Rowley, Romain Svartzman

What is the Point of Europe if it Fails to Decide?

Amid Trump’s activism, many accuse Europe of lacking timely and effective decision-making. But distinctions are necessary. A commentary by Lorenzo Bini Smaghi

How Europe Can Prepare for a Post-Truce Ukraine

A peace-enforcement mission, complemented by security assistance, stockpile regeneration, and a dedicated financial framework, would provide the necessary deterrence and resilience against future Russian aggression. A commentary by Andrea Gilli, Mauro Gilli, and Niccolò Petrelli

Why Germany has Shifted its Approach to Europe

From Germany's debt choices to Italy’s stance on rearmament, Ambassador Luigi Mattiolo analyses how the EU is evolving in the age of Trump. An interview by Stefano Feltri

The EU Must Respond Smartly to Trump's Tariff Threats

A firm but measured response, aligned with rules and European interests, is better than excessive conciliation with the US administration. Here's why. A commentary by Lorenzo Bini Smaghi

Policy Brief - How To Defend EUkraine: What are the Military Options

European countries should plan for a Peace Enforcement mission and prepare for either Non-Combat Security Assistance and Support or for Mobile Rapid Reaction Force in order to be prepared for a “what if conflict resumes”. A Policy Brief by Andrea Gilli, Mauro Gilli, and Niccolò Petrelli

Be Careful What You Wish For: Germany’s New Fiscal Course Sends Ripples Through Europe

Berlin’s pledge to do “whatever it takes” on military and infrastructure spending raises government bond yields across the continent. A commentary by Ignazio Angeloni

Policy Brief n.35 - Certification of Business Practices and Algorithms of Digital Platforms

Voluntary certification is a novel approach that can restrict the harmful practices of some dominant platforms and motivate and reward emerging platforms that align their practices with the public interest. A Policy Brief by Dovev Lavie, Oreste Pollicino, and Tommaso Valletti

Why Markets Do Not React to Europe's Defense Spending Surge

Financial discipline, growth potential, and deeper EU integration reassure investors amid rising defense budgets. A commentary by Lorenzo Bini Smaghi

Policy Brief - A European Security Fund for Ukraine

A coalition of most EU Member States plus the UK and Norway should create a European Security Fund to provide Ukraine with a reliable source of financing, large enough to substitute the US. A Policy Brief by Daniel Gros

Europe’s Defence Awakening: A High-Stakes Balancing Act

The normalisation of war in political discourse is forcing a renegotiation of the European welfare state, a delicate balancing act that will determine whether defence budgets remain sustainable in the long run. A commentary by Stephanie Hofmann & Catherine E. De Vries

Trumponomics Faces Market Test: Implications for Europe

The heightened risk aversion triggered by Trump's policies has not spread to Europe, where optimism prevails regarding more cohesive and responsive policymaking. A commentary by Lorenzo Bini Smaghi

Can EU Digital Competitiveness Survive Global Pressure?

Should China and the US – where major market players are based – manage to sideline Europe in its regulatory isolation, the EU’s influence may wane. A commentary by Marco Bassini

Pan-Regions and Trump’s Imperial Geography

Trump’s ambitions to extend U.S. influence over neighboring countries align with Karl Haushofer’s notorious geopolitical doctrine. A new global order is emerging, and Europe may not be part of it. A commentary by Andrea Colli

Policy Brief - The IMF and Europe under Trump II

The Trump II Administration is likely to throw a wrench in coordination across European states in nearly every forum except one: the IMF and multilateral financial institutions. A Policy Brief by Catherine De Vries, and Sienna Nordquist

Policy Brief - The Technological Paradigm, Stupid

An enormous gap exists in AI innovation between the two sides of the Atlantic. Is there any hope for the EU to compete with AI technology developed by US-based firms? A Policy Brief by Giorgio Presidente

The Real Target of Trump’s Crypto Strategy is the Federal Reserve

The US President has halted plans for a central bank digital currency: a mere show of strength to undermine the Fed’s independence. A commentary by Ignazio Angeloni

Foes’ with Benefits?

The shared opposition of environmentalists and farmers to the EU-Mercosur trade deal reflects concerns about economic liberalization at the expense of ecological and social equity. A commentary by Pietro Galeone, Joseph Christopher Proctor, Romain Svartzman

Why the Trump-Musk Challenge Presents an Opportunity for EU Digital Regulation

The EU can demonstrate its commitment to digital sovereignty and the rule of law by taking decisive action. By doing so, Brussels would signal that neither tech giants nor foreign governments can override European democratic values. A commentary by Francesco Decarolis, and Guido Roveri

Policy Brief - How To Defend EUkraine: What are the Military Options

How Europe Can Prepare for a Post-Truce Ukraine

IEP@BU Events

Aula Manfredini, Via Sarfatti 25

27/03/2025, 16:30 - 27/03/2025, 19:00

Minimum wage and the role of social partners in light of the EU Directive

Directive 2022/2041 aims to establish a minimum wage framework across the EU. The transposition deadline passed in November 2024, but few countries have fully implemented it. The seminar will assess its impact, focusing on social partners' role in setting wage standards. Read more...

12/03/2025, 15:30 - 12/03/2025, 16:30

The Acceleration of History: How Europe Can Survive in the New World

The crises confronting Europe are evolving at such a rapid pace that politics struggles to respond effectively. These include the war in Ukraine, escalating tensions in the Middle East, and the Taiwan Strait. A digital event with Thomas Gomart (IFRI), Monica Perosino (La Stampa), and Stefano Feltri (IEP@BU)

SDA Bocconi @ Rome

04/03/2025, 12:00 - 04/03/2025, 14:00

China-EU Relations in a Trumpian World

The arrival of Donald Trump and the protectionist shift of the United States are forcing the European Union and China to redefine their relations. Could the American administration’s aggressive approach to trade encourage a rapprochement between the EU and China? Or does it make it even more necessary for Europe to pursue strategic autonomy and a risk-reduction strategy to mitigate dependence on unreliable trading partners?

Aula Magna, Via Röntgen 1

04/03/2025, 10:15 - 04/03/2025, 11:45

Europe‘s Place in a Changing International Order

At a time of fast changing international power dynamics, when alliances are giving way to transactional relations and the return of spheres of influence, where the economy is heavily weaponized and liberal democracies are under pressure from outside and from within, Europe faces a stark choice: take its future in its hands or have its future designed by the USA, China or Russia. Be a shaper or become a follower. Europe has what it takes: capital, talent, industry, deep markets and hard and soft power. Will Europe have the political courage?

IEP@BU Report - Rules That Empower

A new IEP@BU report analyzes the wave of new tech regulations in Europe and their effects to suggest a series of refinements needed to make them effective in promoting an EU-based tech sector. The report is coordinated by Francesco Decarolis

IEP@BU Fellows

WATCH OUR LATEST EVENT

The Acceleration of History: How Europe Can Survive in the New World

IEP@BU - EU Defense Industry and Policy

Policy Brief: Defense Expenditure in EU Countries

Much more work would be needed to quantify the potential savings from joint defense initiatives at the EU level. The available estimates, ranging from 20 to 100 billion, are not at all reliable. A Policy Brief by Carlo Cottarelli, and Lelouca Virgadamo

Does the EU and its Member States try Harder than We Think?

Cooperation between EU member states on issues of joint production and procurement is arguably less limited than IEP@BU Policy Brief by Cottarelli and Virgadamo suggests. A commentary by Stephanie C. Hofmann

Why Need to Have a Clear Strategy When We Discuss Defense Expenditure

Identifying the appropriate level of spending is difficult and there is not really any science about this. This is because different considerations play a role, including military strategy to political psychology. Andrea Gilli, and Mauro Gilli react to the recent IEP@BU Policy Brief Defense Expenditure in EU Countries

The New Commission Needs a Strategy to Trump-Proof European Security

If Trump is elected in November 2024, the security outlook of Europe could deteriorate very fast. It is therefore essential that the Commission and the forthcoming Defence Commissioner begin the policy planning and design well in advance. A commentary by Francesco Nicoli

The Real Problem With the European Defense Industry

The EU aerospace and defense companies invest in R&D as much as their US counterparts, with the primary difference being the size of the market, Daniel Gros, Philipp-Leo Mengel, Giorgio Presidente, and Jean Tirole argues

Enrico Letta: Financing Europe's Leap Towards Defence Integration

The European Union can only adequately tackle the intricate challenges of modernising its defence capabilities by exploring diverse financing mechanisms and integrating both public and private resources, Enrico Letta argues in his Much More than a Market report

Time for a Real European Defense?

Survey data suggest that recently announced EU Commission plans for a European Defence Strategy might lack ambition: western Europeans are unlikely to be enthused by half-backed compromises, Francesco Nicoli writes in a commentary

Policy Brief - Before Vegetius: Critical Questions for European Defense

n a more dangerous and unstable world, Europe must thus prepare for war to maintain peace and its security: as Vegetius noted, si vis pacem para bellum. However, increasing budgets is not enough if the EU does not address key strategic questions.

A new website shows the roll-call votes in European Parliament by MEP, MEP, group, and country, going back to 2004. You can also download the data for free. By Simon Hix and Abdul Noury

IEP@BU Events

IEP@BU Fellows

Joseph Christopher Proctor

Gianluigi Riva

Italo Colantone

Eleanor Spaventa

Giovanni Strampelli

Alan Dashwood

Roberto Perotti

Elena Gramano

Daniel Gros

Marcello Messori

Michele Polo

Valentina Bosetti

Lorenzo Lupo

Stefano Rossi

Thomas Le Barbanchon

Andrea Rurale

Emanuele Borgonovo

Francesco Decarolis

Edoardo Croci

Alexandros Kentikelenis