The proposed paper delves into the evolving landscape of air transport policies within the European Union. It traces the impact since the so-called liberalisation of the 1980s and 1990s transforming aviation into a cornerstone of European mobility and a vital global link. The resulting drop in fares has led to increased business travel and a surge in leisure travel and VFR (visiting friends and relatives). The most tangible mark of these processes was the rise of regional LCCs (low-cost carriers). Beyond its economic importance as an oil on the wheel of global trade, aviation has also had a substantial social impact by fostering cultural exchange and strengthening community cohesion. However, amidst three decades of growth, environmental concerns associated with aviation have gained prominence. European decision-makers are taking the lead in acknowledging and addressing these challenges, with a focus on market measures such as carbon pricing and the first tentative steps towards a kerosene tax (ex. post-Brexit agreement). Globally, the CORSIA offset programme is also being rolled out. Against this background, this paper critically assesses the role of air transport in the lives of Europeans today and in the foreseeable future. Navigates through existing knowledge of implemented measures and explores the potential consequences of further policy actions on fares and mobility. The discussion encompasses voluntary measures, the prospect of passing on costs to passengers, and the potential reduction in passenger traffic within specific market segments. The paper contributes to the literature on the future structure of the industry and, more broadly, sustainable mobility. By probing the intersection of environmental concerns, policy actions, and social implications, the research aims to stimulate discussions on balancing the socioeconomic benefits of air transport and the pressing need for ecological responsibility within the EU.

Chinese investments in European countries have elicited mixed responses, especially those linked to the Belt and Road Initiative. Similarly, the European automotive sector has long attracted international attention and investments, some of which were welcomed favourably, while others were not. Recently, the sector has received additional attention as a result of the increasingly central role electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to play in the bloc’s Green Transition. EVs have also received attention within the context of the EU’s quest for strategic autonomy, given the substantial reliance on Chinese-sourced raw materials and components, coupled with a significant share of EVs in Europe originating from China. The sector has thus been progressively present in EU discussions regarding key industries for the Union’s security, prompting conversations on intensifying the screening of investments in the sector.

This paper aims to evaluate the securitisation of investments in the EU EV sector, given the increase in both EU-China tensions and Chinese presence in the EV sector over the last few years. First, it provides an overview of FDI inflows into Europe’s EV and EV components sectors. The second section examines the EU’s current FDI screening framework as applied to the EV sector, to discern the areas where EU security concerns have significantly influenced the trajectory and those where national interests still prevail. Finally, it proposes likely scenarios over what could change after the EU anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese EVs is concluded and see if Chinese FDI trends in the sector are likely to change.

Energy transition refers to the shift from fossil-based systems of energy production and consumption (specifically oil, natural gas and coal) – to renewable resources such as wind, solar and water power. Electrification of energy systems forms an increasingly important driver of the energy transition from the renewable resources generation. For many however nuclear electricity is portrayed as complementary to renewable resources in a sustainable energy transition. Increasing concerns amongst governments and population about the impact of climate change, rising energy insecurity as a result of recent conflicts, and growing economic challenges in European countries have increased support for the inclusion of nuclear generated electricity in energy strategies.

This paper argues that nuclear is not sustainable in the long term but in the face of current challenges and realities the role of nuclear energy in a sustainable energy strategy must be reconsidered. Public support is one of the most important factors influencing future energy choices as strategies in climate change mitigation are developed. Successful nuclear developments require the engagement of the stakeholders with guarantees of safety and open and transparent dialogue being core conditions. Further, institutionalizing mechanisms and procedures of social accountability are important elements of ensuring the success and sustainability of measures. EU Nuclear energy integration is framed within the competences of the substantively unaltered 1957 Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) and its limited focus. Reform of the Euratom Treaty is an important initial step in facilitating the opportunities for the time, trust-building and adaptability to ensure the engagement of the stakeholders may be achieved in the European Union. Analysis in this paper concentrates on why reform of the Euratom Treaty continues to be ignored by the national governments, including in the outcomes of the Conference on the Future of Europe, 2022.