Voices from CEPS Ideas Lab

Women’s health includes well-being across all life stages and while reproductive health is often the focus, there are many overlooked areas such as mental health or diseases prevention that require attention. Greater investment in these often-overlooked areas of research could yield social but also economic benefits worldwide.  Our host, Tom Parker, is joined by Cosima Lenz, associate researcher in the Global Governance, Regulation, Innovation and Digital Economy (GRID) Unit, specializing in global health policy. Together they discuss the economic benefits of investing in women’s health, and how policy shifts can help close gaps in research and healthcare access.  For more information on Cosima Lenz and her work at CEPS, visit this link. Watch this episode here

The EU is going to miss its target of net-zero emissions by 2050 unless it greatly accelerates the transition to a sustainable economy. A climate bad bank is a tool the EU could use in order to smooth out the transition by directing investment to green sectors from carbon intensive industries while also providing financial stability.  Our host is joined by Nicole Reynolds, Associate Research Fellow at CEPS, her work centres around policy issues in AI, sustainability, climate and development finance. They explore the importance of EU competitiveness and the need for financial guarantees to attract investment.  For more information on sustainable finance and EU policies, visit this link. Watch this episode here

Pension funds play an important role as institutional investors in financing Europe's key sectors. However, their current use is limited, especially compared to more liberalised markets as the U.S. Leveraging these funds is key to give European start-ups and innovators the financial boost they need to compete globally  Our host, Tom Parker, is joined by Apostolos Thomadakis, Head of research at the European Capital Markets Institute (ECMI), an independent research institute run by CEPS’ Financial Markets and Institutions Unit. Both will discuss how Europe can encourage pension funds to invest in high-growth sectors like AI, clean energy, and digital infrastructure.   For more information on Apostolos Thomadakis and the work of CEPS, visit this link. Watch this episode here

Health diplomacy is undergoing significant transformations. Traditional approaches are being challenged, and we are far from reaching the health goals of the Agenda 2030. Geopolitical uncertainty has undermined the traditional multilateral initiatives, while new international donors and regional organisations are playing an increasingly important role in Global Health Diplomacy.  Our host is joined by Louise Bengtsson, Associate Research Fellow at CEPS in the Global Governance, Regulation, Innovation and Digital Economy (GRID) Unit at CEPS. Her research focuses on the EU institutions and the EU’s role in global health. Together, they discuss how the EU navigates the new health diplomacy landscape, and the consequences of political decisions on Global Health systems.  For more information on Louise Bengtsson and the work of CEPS, visit this link. Watch this episode here

Reaching Europe’s sustainability and industrial goals requires a stronger bioeconomy. Agriculture is evolving beyond food production, contributing to biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and materials that could replace traditional industrial inputs like cement. However, Europe’s strict regulations, particularly on GMOs, are seen as barriers to innovation. How can Europe remain competitive while maintaining strict environmental regulations?  Our host, Tom Parker, is joined by David Zilbermann, Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, to explore these challenges and opportunities. They discuss the role of genetic engineering in European agriculture and the need for regulatory reform to balance risk with innovation.  For more information on David Zilberman and his work, visit this link. Watch this episode here

Today in Europe, far-right parties are playing a prominent role whether we like it or not, as partners of broader coalitions and even as leaders in some cases. As a result, political forces must coexist with this new player and find ways of limiting its influence.  Our host Tom Parker is joined by Sophia Russack, Researcher at CEPS in the Institutions unit. Together, they discuss the growing significance of the far-right in Europe, explore the factors that have contributed to its rise, and consider potential measures to protect Europe from this form of extremism.  For more information on Sophia Russack and the work of CEPS, visit this link.  Watch this episode here