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What the discussion on UBI should really be about2
- Op-ed, Social and Economic Policy
- 21/03/2016
The universal basic income (UBI) is in the limelight. Discussion around it is largely technocratic, with UBI being one of many possible fixes to counter the economic woes welfare states are currently faced with. I propose to realign UBI with its foundation as natural entitlement.
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Firewood in Afghanistan: An example of weak sustainability0
- Environment and Energy, Op-ed
- 18/03/2016
A famous proverb says “Firewood yields ash”. But the established practice of using firewood as a source of energy in Afghanistan yields more than ash. Rapid deforestation, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions are the costs of depending on firewood. These challenges first require establishing the rule of law. Then the government must show determination by implementing relevant policies.
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The devil is in the detail: Trade secrets protection vs accountability?0
- International Trade, Op-ed
- 16/03/2016
Next month the European Parliament will discuss adopting the Trade Secret Directive. Are accountability and rule of law jeopardized by this regulation?
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Urban agriculture: Not just for hipsters0
- Environment and Energy, Op-ed
- 11/03/2016
Growing food in urban areas can bring resilience to our food, our environment and our cities.
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EU/Morocco trade: How can a David engage in a win-win situation with a Goliath?0
- International Trade, Op-ed
- 02/03/2016
The Kingdom of Morocco worked very hard to attain an advanced status within the EU. A status abounding with opportunities for an emerging country and its economy, culminated in 2013 when negotiations for a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) started.
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The winding road to full EAC regional integration: lessons from the EU0
- International Trade, Op-ed
- 29/02/2016
An ambitious full regional integration plan by the East African Community has been in the works for the last 16 years after a similar deal collapsed in 1977. Informed by the recent experiences of other regional blocks such as the EU, there are expectations that this time round, the Community will do better.
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Disintegration of EU values? – ISDS clauses in TTIP1
- International Trade, Op-ed
- 26/02/2016
The Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) is presently being debated at the 12 round of negotiation (22-26 February 2016) of the controversial TTIP deal aimed at establishing a trade agreement between the EU and the US.
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EU Member States struggle in teaching local language to refugees0
- Human Rights and Migration, Op-ed
- 22/02/2016
Many European countries are facing the problems of lacking experience, quality materials and budget for teaching local language to asylum seekers.
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Europe’s hesitance towards China’s market economy status reframed0
Whilst Free Trade Agreements cause protests around the globe, the debates surrounding China´s WTO accession have largely escaped public turmoil – remarkably so. Hovering in a depoliticized, neutral jargon, technocrats have successfully reframed the latter into a matter of economic criteria, minimizing their divided political views. Europe however should speak one voice, one that is not misguided by the utopia of extreme globalization, yet aware of the political and social stakes that remain.
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