EPICENTER

The article addresses the problematic drug policy framework in Greece, as indicated by a policy brief from the Center for Liberal Studies (KEFiM). It highlights issues such as the overburdening of the judicial system due to the criminalization of light narcotics and proposes reforms, including a clear definition of such narcotics and legal sales to control supply networks and fund health initiatives.

The study by the Center for Liberal Studies (KEFiM) underscores the potential benefits of decriminalising light narcotics in Greece. The lack of a clear distinction between light and hard drugs burdens the judicial and correctional system, with over one in five detainees in Greece held for drug-related offences, emphasising the need for alternative approaches, from mild criminal penalties to complete decriminalisation.

The study, conducted by IEM, reveals that France’s inefficiency in education and training costs €16 billion annually, ranking 14th out of 30 European countries in primary and secondary education spending effectiveness. The analysis suggests that greater autonomy for institutions, improving training-to-employment alignment, and addressing hidden costs in personnel management could enhance the system’s efficiency.

The article, coauthored by Nicolas Marques of IEM, argues that French policy tends to address issues superficially rather than tackling underlying problems systematically, citing retirement as a prime example of this approach. It emphasises the need for a more holistic approach to reform, recognising that retirement intersects with various other societal challenges.

The Journal of Public Administration discussed a recent publication from the Liberal Institute, addressing the regulation of lifestyle and proposing reforms. The study suggests that the Czech Republic and the European Union should avoid lifestyle regulations without a scientific basis, citing examples such as the ban on flavoured heated tobacco and advocating for a market-based approach to issues like marijuana legalisation.

The article discusses the finding that the French nuclear industry, as calculated by IEM, is estimated to have prevented 25 years’ worth of total CO2 emissions, highlighting its role in combating climate change. This finding comes as European countries, represented by the “Nuclear Alliance,” advocate for nuclear energy alongside renewables in future European regulations, emphasised by Minister of Energy Transition Agnès Pannier-Runacher.

Two comprehensive studies have shown the continued deterioration of the French education system, with the OECD education expert Eric Charbonnier acknowledging the severity of the decline, especially among disadvantaged students. Minister Gabriel Attal emphasises the need for a shift in mindset and increased school autonomy to address this concerning trend.

The article by Carlo Stagnaro, Director of Istituto Bruno Leoni discusses how the debate over the liberalisation of the electricity market, eventually became political, overshadowing practical concerns. Despite being a milestone in Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), the Energy Decree faced delays and uncertainties, leading to reputational damage for the market and its stakeholders.