Europe

Western Sahara: Why the EU should take a more active role

The Madrid Accords of 14 November 1975 ended the Spanish colonization of Western Sahara, sparkling a long conflict which, since then, opposes the Kingdom of Morocco to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el Hamra and Rio de Oro (Polisario Front). 42 years later, Western Sahara remains, according to the international law, a non-self-governing territory whose de jure administering power is still Spain. De facto, around 80% of the territory has been annexed by Morocco, whereas the remaining 20% is under the control of the Polisario Front.

Tuesday, 14 November, 2017 - 11:30

Thinking about China's "One Belt One Road" Initiative: European and Italian Perspectives

The One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative reflects China’s growing need for deeper engagement with the regions to its west and south – through intensified trade, investment, telecommunication, and infrastructure – as well as a grander vision for Chinese foreign policy. Encompassing over 60 countries, in an area covering mainly Asia and Europe, but also Oceania and East Africa, OBOR faces immense challenges, not only from a political and operational perspective, but also from a financial standpoint.

Out of Africa. Why People Migrate

The EU is struggling to cope with the so-called “migration crisis” that has emerged over the past few years. Designing the right policies to address immigration requires a deep understanding of its root causes. Why do Africans decide to leave their home countries? While the dream of a better life in Europe is likely part of the explanation, one also needs to examine the prevailing living conditions in the large and heterogeneous sub-Saharan region.

Tuesday, 17 October, 2017 (All day)

The Spanish Constitutional “Tsunami”: A Spectre Haunting Europe?

The next 1st of October will be a pivotal moment in Spanish constitutional history in light of the Catalan "Llei del referèndum d'autodeterminació", which regulates the holding of a binding self-determination referendum on the independence of Catalonia.

Friday, 29 September, 2017 (All day)

Beyond Trump. Populism on the Rise

Recent political events – from Trump’s election to the outcome of the Brexit Referendum - have somehow caught the world by surprise, and are contributing to a growing sense of concern or even alarm about the future of the Western world and, particularly, Western democracies as we know them.

Tuesday, 20 December, 2016 (All day)

Gauging the Africa-EU Energy Partnership

Figure 1. Access to electricity and non-solid fuels in Africa (Source: AEEP Status Report Update 2016)

Wednesday, 8 June, 2016 (All day)

Energy Infrastructures in and to Europe: Risks, and Strategies

In a moment of geopolitical uncertainties, fluid changes on an international level, and increase fo-cus on terroristic threats, this article wants to discuss the possible risks for energy infrastructure and examine how grave they are. Speaking with representative of the industry, think tanks, and academia, we try to shed special light on the infrastructures in Turkey and in the nearby region.

Sunday, 1 May, 2016 (All day)

Higher than you think: myths and reality of Nord Stream’s utilization rates

In the last few months, lots of discussions have revolved around the economics and politics of the proposed Nord Stream II project. Nord Stream is a gas pipeline bringing Russian natural gas directly to Germany through the Baltic Sea, allowing Moscow to bypass European transit countries such as Poland, Belarus, and crisis-hit Ukraine. Nord Stream II would double the pipeline’s current capacity, from 55 to 110 billion cubic metres per year (bcm/y).

Sunday, 17 April, 2016 (All day)

Nord Stream 2: The Legal Context

Last month, ISPI Energy Watch analysed opposite interests around Nord Stream 2 and the reasons why Nord Stream 2 could face hurdles. European laws were defined as the “main weapons” of those countries opposing the project.

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016 (All day)

Nord Stream II Project: Old Solution to New Problem(s)

Nord Stream II has been described as the gas pipeline that is ‘dividing the European Union’, ‘leading to renewed controversy within th

Wednesday, 9 November, 2016 (All day)