European Parliament - EPRS Policy podcasts: Recent Episodes

European Parliament

Listen to a selection of EPRS policy podcasts here. An in-depth look at different topical EU policy areas based on objective authoritative and independent research.

Road transport is a major contributor to climate change, accounting for over a quarter of road transport CO2 emissions. The European Commission proposes to revise the legislation setting CO2 emission standards for new heavy-duty vehicles in the EU. The proposed revision would expand the scope of the existing regulation to include urban buses, coaches, trailers and other types of lorries. It will also require that the average CO2 emissions of heavy-duty vehicles, would have to fall by 45 % from 2030, by 65 % from 2035, and by 90 % from 2040 onwards, compared with 2019 levels.

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In March 2023, the European Commission put forward a proposal for a 'net-zero industry act' that aims to expand the manufacturing capacity of net-zero technologies in the EU and enhance the resilience of its energy system. The proposed regulation would set up enabling conditions for the manufacturing of 10 net-zero technologies. The proposed regulation would aim to ensure that, by 2030, the manufacturing capacity in the EU for these strategic net-zero technologies reaches an overall benchmark of at least 40 % of the EU's annual deployment needs.

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The aim of the legislative proposal for a Union certification framework for carbon removals initiative is to ensure high-quality EU certified carbon removals, through a transparent and credible governance framework. In doing so, this would open up the possibility for further investments towards carbon removal activities and increased deployment.

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Recent shocks have shown not only how vulnerable to crises the single market is, but also the extent to which the EU economy relies on a well-functioning single market. To protect it, the European Commission put forward a single market emergency instrument (SMEI) package. The main proposal establishes measures for contingency planning, such as an early warning system. If a wide-ranging crisis hits the single market, an 'emergency mode' could be triggered.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) has slowly but surely made its way (also) in the world of cultural heritage and museums. The results are both promising and surprising: reconstructing a piece of art, completing an unfinished composition of a great musician, identifying the author of an ancient text, or providing architectural details for a potential reconstruction of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral would have seemed like science fiction just a few years ago. The EU has a rich cultural heritage, and its numerous top museums and works of art are a precious resource for its cultural and creative industry. Yet, it depends on the United States for its online cultural platforms and on Asia for its equipment.

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The proposed EU data act lays down harmonised rules on fair access to and use of data. The aim is to remove barriers before consumers and businesses' access to data in a context in which the volume of data generated by humans and machines is increasing exponentially and becoming a critical factor for innovation by businesses (e.g. algorithm training) and by public authorities (e.g. shaping of smart cities).

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The European Commission proposed to expand the scope of the existing EU rules on the deployment of intelligent transport systems (ITS) in road transport to cover new and emerging challenges and to make essential ITS services mandatory across the EU. The proposal seeks to resolve problems stemming from the lack of interoperability and continuity of the existing applications and services, but also from the low level of availability and sharing of the data supporting ITS services. Finally, it aims to ensure effective concertation and cooperation among stakeholders.

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The European Commission outlined various approaches to capture and store or isolate carbon dioxide emissions, or capture already released carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere to reduce the concentration and thereby its warming effect. Various solutions, both technology- and nature-based, are being brought forward to this end. A key challenge will be to ensure permanence of carbon dioxide removals, whether in underground geological storage or through actively managed natural processes, such as carbon farming and management practices in the land use, land-use change and forestry sectors.

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The European Union's outermost regions (ORs) qualify for special treatment owing to structural difficulties – such as remoteness, difficult topography and economic dependence on a few products – that can severely hamper their development. In addition, the coronavirus pandemic has hit their economies particularly hard. While these regions are quite different from one another, they have levels of unemployment and GDP significantly worse than EU and national averages. Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides for specific measures to support the ORs, including the tailored application of EU law and access to EU programmes.

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Care work provided in homes and institutions is a public good that is under-valued by society. Care workers are more likely to have low earnings and precarious working conditions. About 9 in 10 care workers are women. Most unpaid care work within households is carried out by women. The 'unpaid care penalty' for women in the EU, which is equivalent to the earnings they lost because of this unbalanced distribution of care responsibilities, is estimated to reach €242 billion per year. EU action in the care sector has the potential for high returns for society. Fostering the 'equal earner – equal carer model' could generate benefits of between €24 billion and €48 billion a year.

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Small farms make up the vast majority of the EU's 10 million farms. Recent studies have lowered past estimates of how much of the global food supply is produced by small farms. Notwithstanding the complex nature of such estimates and the possible under-estimation of small operators' production because of self consumption, it is clear that small farms allocate larger shares of their production to food and have a more diversified produce portfolio than larger farms. In addition to producing food, small farms are typically associated with protecting landscape features and biodiversity and the notion of providing public goods.

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Inflation is defined as a process of continuously rising prices and falling purchasing power. In other words, a general and broad-based increase in the price of goods and services over an extended period. The main objective of central banks is to keep prices stable, to preserve the integrity and purchasing power of people's money. The most common inflation indicator measures the average change in the price of a basket of consumer goods and services over time. The closest approximation of what people intuitively understand by the term inflation is the change in their cost of living. Inflation is expected to remain significantly above the euro area inflation target of 2 % for some time, due to continued geopolitical uncertainty and persistent supply bottlenecks.

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Culture plays a fundamental role in human life. It is also an essential source of identity, at local, regional, national and European levels, while making a significant contribution to the EU economy. EU cultural policy relates to cultural heritage, but also to the cultural and creative sector. The EU supports culture through a variety of initiatives, including the European Capitals of Culture scheme. A number of EU programmes also offer funding for cultural projects, for instance the Creative Europe programme, Horizon Europe and New European Bauhaus. As one of the sectors of the economy worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU included culture in its coronavirus response investment initiatives and the REACT-EU programme aimed at dealing with the consequences of the pandemic. The European Parliament has called for increased support for culture as part of the post-pandemic recovery efforts.

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Culture plays a fundamental role in human life. It is also an essential source of identity, at local, regional, national and European levels, while making a significant contribution to the EU economy. EU cultural policy relates to cultural heritage, but also to the cultural and creative sector. The EU supports culture through a variety of initiatives, including the European Capitals of Culture scheme. A number of EU programmes also offer funding for cultural projects, for instance the Creative Europe programme, Horizon Europe and New European Bauhaus. As one of the sectors of the economy worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU included culture in its coronavirus response investment initiatives and the REACT-EU programme aimed at dealing with the consequences of the pandemic. The European Parliament has called for increased support for culture as part of the post-pandemic recovery efforts.

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Inflation is defined as a process of continuously rising prices and falling purchasing power. In other words, a general and broad-based increase in the price of goods and services over an extended period. The main objective of central banks is to keep prices stable, to preserve the integrity and purchasing power of people's money. The most common inflation indicator measures the average change in the price of a basket of consumer goods and services over time. The closest approximation of what people intuitively understand by the term inflation is the change in their cost of living. Inflation is expected to remain significantly above the euro area inflation target of 2 % for some time, due to continued geopolitical uncertainty and persistent supply bottlenecks.

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The EU solar energy strategy proposed under the REPowerEU plan aims to make solar energy a cornerstone of the EU energy system. Boosting renewable energy is also an important part of the European Green Deal in the context of the green transition towards climate neutrality. Solar energy is affordable, clean and has been the fastest-growing energy source in the last decade. It can be used for electricity and heating, while also helping reduce EU dependency on energy imports by replacing them with domestic production. EU measures to boost solar energy include making the installation of solar panels on the rooftops of new buildings obligatory within a specific timeframe, streamlining permitting procedures for renewable energy projects, improving the skills base in the solar sector and boosting the EU's capacity to manufacture photovoltaic panels.

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The EU solar energy strategy proposed under the REPowerEU plan aims to make solar energy a cornerstone of the EU energy system. Boosting renewable energy is also an important part of the European Green Deal in the context of the green transition towards climate neutrality. Solar energy is affordable, clean and has been the fastest-growing energy source in the last decade. It can be used for electricity and heating, while also helping reduce EU dependency on energy imports by replacing them with domestic production. EU measures to boost solar energy include making the installation of solar panels on the rooftops of new buildings obligatory within a specific timeframe, streamlining permitting procedures for renewable energy projects, improving the skills base in the solar sector and boosting the EU's capacity to manufacture photovoltaic panels.

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Extreme weather events, including deadly floods in Germany and Belgium, and wildfires in Greece, Italy and France, shook Europe in 2021. Yet such events can no longer be considered rarities, as the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events has been increasing over recent decades. Scientists have linked these increases to the human-induced global warming.

FutureShocks2022

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The last two decades have been marked by the unprecedented development of the online world. This has provided new opportunities for citizens to access political information, discuss issues, and engage in politics, as well as new possibilities for political actors to influence public opinion, mobilise people and organise electoral campaigns.

FutureShocks2022

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Extreme weather events, including deadly floods in Germany and Belgium, and wildfires in Greece, Italy and France, shook Europe in 2021. Yet such events can no longer be considered rarities, as the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events has been increasing over recent decades. Scientists have linked these increases to the human-induced global warming.

FutureShocks2022

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Defined by the International Energy Agency as 'reliable, affordable access to all fuels and energy sources', energy security is vital to the EU's economy. However, lacking sufficient energy reserves of its own, the EU is critically dependent on imports. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 disrupted gas supplies to Europe. The European Commission has proposed a reduction of two-thirds in EU energy imports from Russia by the end of 2022.

FutureShocks2022

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The last two decades have been marked by the unprecedented development of the online world. This has provided new opportunities for citizens to access political information, discuss issues, and engage in politics, as well as new possibilities for political actors to influence public opinion, mobilise people and organise electoral campaigns.

FutureShocks2022

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Defined by the International Energy Agency as 'reliable, affordable access to all fuels and energy sources', energy security is vital to the EU's economy. However, lacking sufficient energy reserves of its own, the EU is critically dependent on imports. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 disrupted gas supplies to Europe. The European Commission has proposed a reduction of two-thirds in EU energy imports from Russia by the end of 2022.

FutureShocks2022

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At least one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the UN will be missed in 2030 – SDG 2 – 'zero hunger'. Hunger and malnutrition are rising dramatically across the world, a trend aggravated by the pandemic. In 2020, 811 million people in the world were facing hunger, the highest level since 2014. In the EU itself, considered one of the most food-secure regions in the world, nearly 7 million people were already experiencing severe food insecurity before the pandemic, and malnutrition is on the rise. SDG 2 aims not only at achieving food security but also at improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture. These objectives have been mainstreamed in the recently reformed common agricultural policy and the 'farm to fork' and biodiversity strategies.

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SDG 14 on 'life below water' focuses on the sustainability of the oceans, recognising their essential role in life on our planet. Oceans contain 80 % of all life forms, produce more than 50 % of the Earth's oxygen and play a central role in regulating the climate. In addition, the 'blue economy' provides 4.5 million direct jobs in the EU. To manage maritime activities sustainably and cope with different environmental pressures, the EU has implemented a wide range of policies, such as the common fisheries policy, the marine strategy framework directive and the maritime spatial planning directive, as well as specific legislation related to marine litter. Other new initiatives under the European Green Deal also play an important role in relation to ocean governance and sustainable blue growth, such as the 2030 biodiversity strategy, the offshore renewable energy strategy, the 'Fit for 55' package and the new guidelines on aquaculture.

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The EU has contributed to creating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established in 2015, as part of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and takes action to implement them through its internal and external policies, as outlined in the 'Towards a Sustainable Europe by 2030' reflection paper, the European Green Deal, the European Commission's political priorities and its work programme. The Sustainable Development Goals also have a regional dimension, sometimes called 'localisation'. Achieving around 65 % of the targets is estimated to require local and regional authority participation. Numerous regions and cities, including in the EU, have expressed support for the SDGs and many have integrated them in their policy frameworks.

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In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to be attained by 2030. The SDGs and the broader 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, of which they form the core, are based on findings that human activities have triggered dramatic changes in the conditions on Earth (climate change and biodiversity loss), which in turn have contributed to the deterioration of human wellbeing. To reverse the trend, there is an urgent need to simultaneously address the multiple causes and consequences of environmental depletion and social inequalities, by developing synergies and managing trade-offs between the SDGs. The European Union has been a leader in drafting the SDGs; it is also a frontrunner in mainstreaming the SDGs in all its policies.

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The European Union already has an outstanding level of social security compared to the rest of the world. While the EU constitutes less than 6 % of the world's population and 20 % of global gross domestic profit (GDP), it accounts for at least 40 % of global public spending on social protection. According to Eurostat, In the EU-27 in 2020, expenditure on social protection stood at 22.0 % of GDP, at 41.3 % of total global public spending and at €2 943 billion. While the European social model is undoubtedly a unique achievement, it has to be adapted to the challenges of the future to maintain its long-term sustainability

FutureShocks2022

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The most serious risks are both complex and complicated. Multiple risks can also arise together. We have recent examples of risks that became reality, and that had an impact on society, economy and political life together. This strengthens the case for cross-sectoral monitoring and cross-sectoral strategies. In this podcast, we’ll give you an overview of the most serious risks facing the EU, from health and security ones, to climate change, energy and economic risks. Governance is key for facing future risks as a society. Effective governance needs to be holistic and strategic analytical capacity. So, risk monitoring should be conducted as part of a broader effort to develop strategic foresight and anticipatory governance.

FutureShocks2022

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The war on Ukraine is the latest manifestation of Russia's revisionist policy over the past decade. Russia has increasingly been using hybrid warfare tactics to assert its international position and gain 'strategic leverage'. Russia has used both non-conventional and conventional warfare tactics in conflicts in the EU's neighbourhood, in particular in Syria, Libya, Africa and in Ukraine. Prior to the ongoing war, Russia seized and illegally annexed Crimea in 2014 and carried on a war in Donbass, recognising unilaterally, a couple of days before the invasion of Ukraine, the independence of the self-proclaimed independent republics of Luhansk and Donetsk.

FutureShocks2022

Future Shocks 2022: Strengthening European defence union - Original publication on the EP Think Tank website

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European industry is central when it comes to achieving the twin green and digital transition of the EU's economy and society, and making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. While European industry has strengths (for instance in green tech), it has lagged behind in some key strategic sectors. Common weaknesses in strategic European industrial sectors include high dependency on critical raw materials – for instance around half of the materials needed in aircraft production come from third countries. Other weaknesses are insufficient research and development funding, technology gaps, market fragmentation, underinvestment, and lack of skills. The pandemic has, meanwhile, highlighted the broader vulnerabilities of global supply chains.

FutureShocks2022

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The FuelEU Maritime regulation seeks to steer the EU maritime sector towards decarbonisation. The proposal sets up a fuel standard for ships and introduces a requirement for the most polluting ship types to use onshore electricity when at berth. It puts the responsibility for compliance on the shipping company. The legislative outcome of this proposal will be closely linked to the simultaneously proposed rules on including the maritime sector in the EU emissions trading system, as well as those on alternative fuels infrastructure, energy taxation and renewable energy. Moreover, some of the proposed rules do not concern EU shipping only but have wider implications for international maritime shipping, which is regulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

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The EU Temporary Protection Directive enables EU Member States to move rapidly to offer protection and rights to people in need of immediate protection and to avoid overwhelming national asylum systems in cases of mass arrivals of displaced persons. Although invoked several times in the past, the directive has never been activated before. Russia's military aggression prompted a unanimous decision in the Council to grant temporary protection (for an initial period of one year) to people fleeing the war in Ukraine. This temporary protection may be extended automatically by two six-monthly periods, for a maximum of another year. The EU's decision to grant temporary protection has been widely welcomed and the directive is considered the most appropriate instrument under the current exceptional circumstances. There are, however, still many open questions as to its practical implementation in the EU Member States.

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On 17 November 2021, the European Commission tabled a proposal to revise EU rules governing shipments of waste. The proposed regulation aims at easing shipments of waste for reuse and recycling in the EU, to support the transition to a circular economy; ensuring that waste exported from the EU is managed in an environmentally sound manner in the destination countries; and stepping up enforcement to counteract illegal shipments of waste. While supporting the proposed streamlining and digitalisation of procedures, stakeholders have stressed the need for significant improvements to ensure that the new regulation fulfils its objectives, in particular as regards exports of waste.

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Equal pay for equal work is one of the European Union's founding principles, enshrined in Article 157 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). However, the implementation and enforcement of this principle remain a challenge. Due to a lack of pay transparency, pay discrimination often goes undetected and victims face difficulties in making a claim for redress. On 4 March 2021, the European Commission adopted a legislative proposal on binding pay transparency measures. The proposed directive to strengthen the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms focuses on measures to ensure pay transparency, and better access to justice for victims of pay discrimination.

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The EU taxonomy is a classification system that aims to channel public and private investment into environmentally sustainable economic activities in order to achieve environmental objectives, such as those in the fight against climate change. It establishes a dynamic list of economic activities considered to be environmentally sustainable, provided they contribute substantially to at least one environmental objective and do not significantly harm any other. The European Commission claims that such a common understanding of what constitutes environmentally sustainable investment can facilitate the funding of the transition to a more sustainable economy by bringing clarity to investors, avoiding market fragmentation and reducing the risk of greenwashing.

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Over the past decade, space has gained increasing importance as an economic sector offering opportunities for established and emerging markets. Space policies and their applications have also gained in political relevance due to their capacity to tackle global challenges, such as the climate and biodiversity crises, but also due to the growing reliance of the EU economy and society on space infrastructure, services and data. This briefing focuses on the state of play in regard to the EU's space economy, while also examining the EU's reliance on space services. Specifically, it highlights the relevance of the EU in the global space market and looks at the ways the EU could boost its use of space data and services to deliver on its main political priorities.

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In an unprecedented and unanimous reaction to the Russian war on Ukraine that began on 24 February 2022, the EU swiftly decided to provide €500 million from the European Peace Facility to fund and coordinate EU military assistance and to deliver military (including lethal) equipment to Ukraine. The Council had already adopted an assistance measure of €31 million for non-lethal assistance to Ukraine on 2 December 2021. For the first time in its history, the EU is now using a dedicated, although off-budget, tool to finance – but not to deliver, with that responsibility falling on Member States alone – lethal military equipment for a third country.

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Precise figures about the numbers of illegal firearms in the European Union (EU) are lacking, but several indicators point to their widespread availability and accessibility. According to the Small Arms Survey, over half of the estimated total number of firearms held by civilians in the EU in 2017 were unlicensed. While most of these citizens had no criminal intentions, their illicit firearms could be used for self-harm or domestic violence, or end up in the hands of criminals or terrorists. Firearms seizures suggest that the EU illicit firearms market is made up mostly of shotguns, pistols and rifles, with converted or convertible weapons also frequently appearing. Illicit firearms trafficking is driven by criminal demand, with organised crime groups that engage in firearms trafficking also involved in other forms of criminality.

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As part of the 'Fit for 55' package, the Commission presented a legislative proposal to review the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). The aim of the review is to align the EU ETS Directive with the EU target set out in the European Climate Law to reduce net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 55 % by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. To this end, the amount of emission allowances would be reduced, fewer allowances would be allocated for free, and the ETS would be extended to maritime transport. This would reduce emissions in the ETS sectors by 61 % by 2030, compared to 2005. A separate new emissions trading system would be established for fuel distribution for road transport and buildings.

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As part of the 'Fit for 55' package, the Commission is proposing a revision to the EU's emissions trading system (ETS) as regards carbon dioxide emissions from aviation. The proposal seeks to ensure that the sector contributes to the EU's climate targets through increased auctioning of allowances, with an end to free allowances from 2027, and by applying the linear reduction of aviation allowances. The proposal will also integrate, into the revised ETS, the International Civil Aviation Organization's agreed global market-based Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and apply it to international flights departing from or arriving at an airport inside the European Economic Area (EEA). For domestic flights in the Member States or flights within the EEA, the ETS would continue to apply.

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On 20 July 2021, the European Commission presented a package of legislative proposals in the area of anti-money-laundering efforts and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). The package includes a proposal for a regulation on preventing the use of the financial system for money laundering or terrorist financing. The proposed regulation would be the central element of what is commonly referred to as an EU 'single rulebook' on AML/CFT. Its detailed and directly applicable provisions would replace the minimum rules of the EU AML directives currently in force. In this podcast, we'll examine the European Commission proposal to strengthen the EU's anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorist financing rules, which is vital to ensure financial stability and security in our continent.

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The European Commission has announced the establishment of a 'right to repair', with a view of saving costs for consumers and facilitating the development of a circular economy. The right to repair may refer to different issues and situations: repair during the legal guarantee, the right to repair after the legal guarantee has expired, and the right for consumers to repair products themselves. Research shows that consumers favour products that are easily repaired, but their willingness to pay for such products depends on the type of product and the way information on the reparability is presented to them. In this podcast, we'll talk about the Commission's plans to grant consumers a 'right to repair', in order to save costs for them and facilitate the development of a circular economy, where we don't just throw away things that no longer work but try to repair them first.

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Green bonds are committed to financing or re-financing investments, projects, expenditure or assets helping to address climate and environmental issues. Both governments and companies use them to finance the transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon economy. Since the EIB inaugurated the green bond market in 2007 with its Climate Awareness Bond, the market has grown very fast, but it still represents only about 3 to 3.5 % of overall bond issuance. The green bond market needs to grow more quickly to achieve the targets in the Paris Agreement. In this podcast, we'll talk about European green bonds, a tool for financing green investments that can help us make the transition to a low-carbon economy, and how a European standard could be become global.

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The growing importance of global supply chains has fundamentally changed the way the global economy and goods manufacturing are organised. While trade conducted through global supply chains has fallen somewhat as a share of total trade since the 2008-2010 global financial and economic crisis, more than two-thirds of international trade still involves transactions made possible by such chains. In this podcast, we'll focus on global supply chains. We'll analyse how dependent we are on them, the impact of the pandemic and what can be done –at the European and the global level- to make these chains more resilient in the future.

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Payment systems are of vital importance for today's economies and are the core activity of central banks. To adapt to recent trends – including the decline in cash usage, the surge in online commerce and contactless forms of payment, and the creation of cryptocurrencies – central banks have, in recent years, explored the possibility of issuing digital currencies themselves. In this podcast, we'll talk about digital currencies issued by central banks. We'll look at the different design choices and examine the potential benefits and risks of such crypto-currencies.

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On 23 September 2021, the European Commission adopted a legislative proposal to amend the 2014 Radio Equipment Directive, as a first step towards mandating a common charger for mobile phones and other small portable devices. Under the proposal, these devices would have to be equipped with a USB Type-C receptacle that can be charged with cables compatible with USB Type C, and to incorporate the USB Power Delivery communication protocol. In this podcast, we'll talk about a common charger for electronic devices, a proposal by the European Commission that could make our lives much easier if finally approved.

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The European Commission proposes to establish a technology-neutral definition of AI systems in EU law and to lay down a classification for AI systems with different requirements and obligations tailored on a 'risk-based approach'. Some AI systems presenting 'unacceptable' risks would be prohibited. A wide range of 'high-risk' AI systems would be authorised, but subject to a set of requirements and obligations to gain access to the EU market. Those AI systems presenting only 'low or minimal risk' would be subject to very light transparency obligations. In this podcast, we'll talk about the EU artificial intelligence act, the first ever comprehensive attempt at regulating the uses and risks of this emerging technology.

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The fit for 55 package is part of the Commission's European Green Deal, which aims to set the EU firmly on the path towards net zero GHG emissions (climate neutrality) by 2050. The fit for 55 package includes a regulation establishing a new social climate fund (SCF). The aim of the SCF is to help vulnerable households, micro-businesses and transport users meet the costs of the green energy transition in the buildings and road transport sector. The SCF is designed to counter the additional costs that vulnerable consumers may face when the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) Directive is revised to cover these two sectors, as proposed in the fit for 55 package. The SCF aims to provide over €72 billion in EU funding over the 2025-2032 period.

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Human rights sanctions are nothing new, but the death in 2009 of Russian whistle-blower Sergei Magnitsky in detention resulted in calls for more vigorous action to counter continuing abuses in many countries. Adopted by the US in 2016, the Global Magnitsky Act was the first of a new generation of human rights sanctions programmes, which, in contrast to traditional sanctions targeted at individual countries, can be flexibly applied to perpetrators from all over the world, regardless of their geographical location. In this podcast, we'll talk about the rise of global human rights sanctions and compare how the US, Canada, the UK and the EU deal with human rights violations and abuses worldwide.

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According to statistics since 2008 over 318 million people around the world have been forcibly displaced by floods, windstorms, earthquakes or droughts, 30.7 million in 2020 alone. This is equivalent to one person being displaced every second. Depending on the frequency and scale of the major natural disasters occurring, there are significant fluctuations in the total number of displaced people from one year to the next, yet the trend over recent decades has been a growing one. Many find refuge within their own country, but some are forced to go abroad. In this podcast, we'll talk about 'climate refugees', a concept that remains unclear despite the rising number of people forcibly displaced because of climate disasters.

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In March 2018, the EU introduced a legislative package on the fair taxation of the digital economy. It contained proposals for an interim and a long-term digital tax. However, there was no immediate political agreement in the Council. As finding a global solution at the OECD level or a coordinated EU approach was not yet feasible at the time, some Member States started designing or implementing their own digital taxes, which gave rise to trade tensions. In this podcast, we talk about taxing the digital economy. We analyse the main challenges, look at EU proposals and new developments to make international tax regimes fit for the digital age.

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In 2016, as a response to the shortcomings revealed in the EU's migration management, the Commission presented a proposal to amend and expand the mandate of The European Asylum Support Office (EASO), also changing its name to the European Union agency for asylum to reflect its stronger powers. As part of the asylum reform package, the proposal was put on hold, but was then relaunched as part of the new pact on asylum and migration in September 2020. On 29 June 2021, the European Parliament and the Council reached a political agreement on the agency. In this podcast, we'll look at its changing role and extended powers to improve asylum management in Europe.

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On 30 June 2021, the Commission adopted a proposal for a general product safety regulation, which would replace the current General Product Safety Directive, as part of the regulatory fitness-check programme (REFIT). The proposal seeks to address the challenges of product safety of emerging technologies, including use of artificial intelligence (AI) and connected devices, and to establish clear obligations for online marketplaces, which consumers increasingly use for their online purchases. In this podcast, we'll talk about the new general product safety regulation with which the EU wants to address challenges linked to new technologies and online sales.

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The EU is an important market for illicit drugs, both in terms of consumption and production. An estimated 28.9 % of European adults aged 15-65 have used illicit drugs at least once in their lifetime, a majority of them being men. The illicit drugs market is the largest criminal market in the EU, with an estimated minimum retail value of €30 billion per year in the EU alone. Although the EU Member States carry the primary responsibility for developing their drug policy and legislation, cross-border cooperation is paramount in the fight against illicit drugs. In this podcast, we'll talk about the EU illicit drugs market! We'll look at current demand and supply trends, the challenges ahead and EU's response to this increasingly complex and global problem.

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Source: © European Union - EP

In December 2020, the European Commission proposed the creation of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC), to facilitate trade, expand investment, develop compatible standards, boost innovation and strengthen the partners' technological and industrial leadership. The 2021 change of administration in Washington reinvigorated the relationship between the EU and USA. The TTC was formally launched during the EU-US Summit on 15 June 2021. The first meeting took place on 29 September 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In this episode, we'll look at TTC's purpose, objectives and its role in the context of the wider trade and tech relations between the EU and the USA.

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Source: © European Union - EP

In this episode, we'll focus on one organisation that has become a pillar of the modern European security order: the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, or OSCE. The OSCE lacks the legal powers and the resources needed to live up to its ambition of becoming a platform for pan-European/trans-Atlantic cooperation. But OSCE agreements, such as the Vienna Document, help to promote military transparency, and election observation missions have advanced democratic reforms in several countries.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)696190

https://youtu.be/Ux-MUyB_jzs

Source: © European Union - EP

In May 2020, the European Commission published its 'farm to fork' strategy – 'for a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system' – along with the EU biodiversity strategy, as part of the implementation of the European Green Deal. In those strategies the Commission set a target of 25 % of the EU's agricultural land to be under organic farming by 2030, as well as a significant increase in organic aquaculture. In this podcast, we'll decorticate the Commission's new plan to promote organic production in Europe.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)696182

https://youtu.be/Reeud7jtG7I

Source: © European Union - EP

In the European Union, 78 % of native flora and 84 % of crops are either partially or fully dependent on insects for pollination. But significant pollinator loss has been documented over time across the EU. According to the European Red List of Bees, around 9 % of all bee species are threatened in the EU. In this episode, we'll talk about the key role pollinators play in nature, the threats they face and EU action to protect them.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)696175

https://youtu.be/igbDomuXBUA

Source: © European Union - EP

Initial coin offerings (ICOs) are a relatively new method of raising capital for early-stage ventures. They constitute an alternative to more traditional sources of start-up funding such as venture capital and angel finance.This episode explains how ICOs work, looks at potential benefits and challenges, and analyses the regulatory responses they've been met with.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)696167

https://youtu.be/F-7gNAWbo9g

Source: © European Union - EP

What is the EU's long term vision for rural areas? In this episode, we'll look at their needs, their potential and challenges, see where current support policies have succeeded and where they've been less successful… and have a quick look into the future.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)690711

https://youtu.be/KnCvakhSTsI

Source: © European Union - EP

Fear, worries, insecurity... In this episode, we are talking about the effects of the pandemic on people's mental health, especially young people, and look at the recommendations and guidance given by European and international organisations to deal with this 'silent pandemic'.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)696164

https://youtu.be/KFaWDuHz2m4

Source: © European Union - EP

Over the past two decades, the European Union (EU) has been entrusted with a growing number of objectives and responsibilities. However, ensuring financing of related activities through the EU budget has often proven problematic, as this has long been capped at around 1 % of the Union's gross national income (GNI). During the preparation of the post-2020 EU multiannual financial framework (MFF), climate action, migration and border management were identified among the emerging priorities that required increased joint action and funding.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)690586

https://youtu.be/URWEBGtfF0I

Source: © European Union - EP

Even if the numbers of both young children in early childhood education and of graduates rose in recent years, the number of underachieving 15 year-olds remains high and the participation of adults in learning is low. The European Commission, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament seem to concur that cooperation in education and training needs to be reinforced.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)690630

https://youtu.be/6dO5mpFUdD4

Source: © European Union - EP

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought new challenges for victims, as well as amplifying the vulnerabilities of those most at risk. Traffickers – like legal businesses – moved to digital modi operandi, making victims even less visible and less able to ask for help and protection. But what is the EU doing about it? Listen to our podcast to learn more!

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)690616

https://youtu.be/eZn2OFFMtQ0

Source: © European Union - EP

While many of the operations and missions the EU supports have military and defence implications, the EU cannot finance activities with military or defence implications from the EU budget. EU Member States therefore have mechanisms to fund expenditure with military and defence implications directly from national budgets. A new one is the European Peace Facility, an off-budget fund with a financial ceiling of €5.692 billion financed by Member State contributions. Learn more about it in our podcast!

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)690641

https://youtu.be/Ew7H3-KLSwg

Source: © European Union - EP

In December 2020, the European Commission published a proposal for a regulation on contestable and fair markets in the digital sector, otherwise referred to as the digital markets act (DMA). The proposed legislation lays down harmonised rules aimed at regulating the behaviour of digital platforms acting as gatekeepers between business users and their customers in the European Union. This approach entails a shift from ex-post anti-trust intervention to ex-ante regulation, and would enshrine within EU law a set of ex-ante rules that would radically change how large digital platforms are allowed to operate in the EU. While there seems to be strong support for this approach in the EU, a number of issues regarding the designation of gatekeepers, the design of ex-ante obligations and prohibitions, and enforcement mechanisms have already been raised.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)690589

https://youtu.be/1p6vZsVQP6o

Source: © European Union - EP

The social pillar is to be the fifth pillar of the economic and monetary union. It is to serve as a compass for updating the EU's welfare states and labour markets to the new realities of life and work in the 21st century. At the Porto Social Summit held on 7-8 May 2021, European leaders and stakeholders reaffirmed their pledge to work towards a social Europe that leaves no one behind, prioritising support for young people and focusing on reducing inequalities, defending fair wages, fighting social exclusion and tackling poverty.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)690591

https://youtu.be/5YzTIBlSKDI

Source: © European Union - EP

Coronavirus has accelerated the rise of digital health, a broad concept that includes solutions for telemedicine and teleconsultation, remote monitoring, connected devices, digital health platforms and health apps. The concept also covers the related health data analysis and application in systems based on big data, for instance for epidemiological research and AI-enabled diagnosis support. Nevertheless, there are many challenges to overcome: a widening 'digital divide', data protection, privacy, etc. But what can the EU do about it? Listen to learn more!

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)690548

https://youtu.be/pfmZN14O7vI

Source: © European Union - EP

In its Europe's Beating Cancer plan, published in February 2021, the European Commission suggests several actions concerning alcoholic beverages. One of them is mandatory labelling of ingredients and nutrient content on alcoholic beverages by the end of 2022. Health warnings on labels should follow by the end of 2023.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)690563

https://youtu.be/Qlzyp6QiUyA

Source: © European Union - EP

The challenges posed by migration have put EU Member States' solidarity to the test. Responding to a European Council request, in September 2020 the European Commission proposed a new pact on migration and asylum. The proposed pact has an external aspect: it aims to reinforce international partnerships with a view to ensuring effective returns, combating migrant smuggling more effectively, and developing legal migration channels.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)690535

https://youtu.be/ILZlpokWyxM

Source: © European Union - EP

What is a smart village? The concept implies the participation of local people in improving their economic, social or environmental conditions, cooperation with other communities, social innovation and the development of smart village strategies. This concept is gaining traction on the rural development agenda, coinciding with the ongoing reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP). A key element of this reform will be a new delivery model based on each Member State developing a CAP strategic plan.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)689349

https://youtu.be/5LL7seLyMTM

Source: © European Union - EP

Racial and ethnic minorities face discrimination and its consequences on a daily basis. The exact scale of the problem is hard to gauge owing to a lack of data and general under-reporting of racist incidents. The pandemic has seen a major increase in reports of racist and xenophobic incidents, however, while racial and ethnic minority groups have been disproportionately affected by the crisis, with higher death and infection rates. Although since 2000 the European Union has introduced legislation to combat racial and xenophobic discrimination, the problem persists, with the need for new measures recently highlighted by the global Black Lives Matter protests.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)690525

https://youtu.be/hEr0w6t_cwc

Source: © European Union - EP

Serbia and Kosovo have both declared their intention to join the EU. However, despite some initial successes, such as the Brussels Agreement of 2013, the dialogue facilitated by the EU and initiated in 2011 has stalled. The reasons for the very limited results are multiple, ranging from the internal political situation in both countries, to ambiguous and asymmetrical expectations of the normalisation agreement. Currently, the most sensitive issue, the setting-up of the association/community of Serbian municipalities in Kosovo, agreed in 2013, shows that the challenges are rooted deeply in history and have a much broader regional context.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)689371

https://youtu.be/VAfRu0DlMks

Source: © European Union - EP

In her first State of the Union speech, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for the use of qualified majority voting (QMV) in areas such as sanctions and human rights. The crises and security challenges accumulating in and around the European Union have added to the urgency of having a more effective and rapid decision-making process in areas pertaining to the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)659451

https://youtu.be/aX2wstKIi6Y

Source: © European Union - EP

The arrival of the Covid-19 vaccines marks a turning point in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. According to estimates, coverage of at least 60 % to 75 % is needed to establish population immunity through vaccination. But, as regards Covid-19 vaccination, surveys suggest that Europeans are among the most sceptical in the world.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)679063

https://youtu.be/Twavrn0NucU

Source: © European Union - EP

The dramatic consequences of climate change and environmental degradation have brought the need for a more sustainable economy to the top of the agenda. Transforming the EU economy to make it more sustainable requires large investments, especially for enabling a green and low-carbon transition. Given that the public sector alone cannot cover this financial need, solutions have been sought to bring the private sector on board.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)679081

https://youtu.be/VUrVv9Ud-7o

Source: © European Union - EP

The public sector loan facility is the third pillar of the Just Transition Mechanism (JTM), along with the Just Transition Fund and just transition scheme under Invest EU. The facility will consist of a grant and a loan component. With the contribution of €1.525 billion for the grant component from the Union budget and EIB lending of €10 billion from its own resources, the aim is for the public sector loan facility to mobilise between €25 and 30 billion in public investment over the 2021-2027 period.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)659428

https://youtu.be/DOLdqWSPgH8

Source: © European Union - EP

International law imposes an obligation to render assistance to persons and ships in distress at sea, which must be provided regardless of the persons' nationality or status or the circumstances in which they are found. Nevertheless, over the last couple of years, the Mediterranean Sea has been the backdrop for the largest number of casualties and missing people. One solution, proposed by academics, could be the harmonisation of the fragmented legal regime for maritime interceptions.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)659442

https://youtu.be/AHIZAuPJ2g8

Source: © European Union - EP

The pandemic has highlighted the risk involved, including for the EU, in relying heavily on external suppliers. The EU's 30 critical raw materials (CRMs) combine two characteristics: they are strategically important for its industry and economy, and there are high risks associated with securing their supply. The twin transition to a green and digital future relies particularly on the safe and diverse supply of CRMs.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)659426

https://youtu.be/kAEdvuDqmd0

Source: © European Union - EP

The EU climate target plan proposes to increase the 2030 target from a 40 % emissions reduction to a 55 % net emissions reduction, compared with 1990 levels.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)659370

https://youtu.be/i6h6f6whtdg

Source: © European Union - EP

The EU adopts restrictive measures – mostly in the form of travel bans and asset freezes – against individuals and organisations responsible for some of the worst human rights violations. Until now, the EU has mostly adopted sanctions targeted at individual countries. However, the EU is now shifting to a more thematic approach, under which sanctions focus on a particular type of problem rather than a country.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)659402

https://youtu.be/nuyFLBjZ4nY

Source: © European Union - EP

The EU has unveiled an ambitious plan to regulate online platforms, and the European Commission is proposing to introduce ex ante regulation to ensure that markets characterised by large platforms acting as digital gatekeepers remain fair and competitive for innovators, businesses, and new market entrants.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)659397

https://youtu.be/liEPW20_lYc

Source: © European Union - EP

Listen to Madeleine Albright, the first ever female United States Secretary of State from 1997 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton, give her opinion about the current state of democracy in the West as well as global international relations.

https://youtu.be/C3j6oq_SCds

Source: © European Union - EP

The marked political shift towards greater technological sovereignty and strategic autonomy within the EU has been given further impetus with the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, which disrupted global value chains and highlighted the case for a more self-sufficient EU model. Important projects of common European interest may be useful tools for creating complex new value chains that have the potential to ensure the EU's long-term competitiveness and economic growth.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)659341

https://youtu.be/Hrz-79HM_M0

Source: © European Union - EP

In the first two decades of the 21st century, with new risks and opportunities arising owing to the twin digital and green transformations there is an emerging debate, rethinking economic growth theories with more focus on inclusion and combatting inequality, and exploring the relevance of traditional welfare state models. This debate has intensified in the wake of the 2008 crisis, and now also as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and crisis. The social economy can play a central role in this context.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)659336

https://youtu.be/yOSmw0F_DbE

Source: © European Union - EP

Covering nearly one third of the land surface of the globe, forests make a wide range of direct and indirect contributions to human well-being. Home to most of the world's terrestrial biodiversity, they also play an essential role in climate change mitigation, removing about a quarter of the CO2 that human activities add to the atmosphere. Worldwide, millions of hectares of forests and other types of vegetation burn every year. Fire dynamics are shaped by a complex set of factors, including human activity and climate.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)659353

https://youtu.be/JluwTE3Z4Zs

Source: © European Union - EP

European territorial cooperation has brought Europeans closer together, strengthened connectivity and improved the natural environment, supported by EU mechanisms such as the European groupings of territorial cooperation, and macro-regional strategies. Yet despite these achievements, numerous obstacles to closer cooperation still remain, such as divergent national rules in the areas of employment, healthcare and social security.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)659340

https://youtu.be/qxGml8XKEeE

Source: © European Union - EP

The question of setting a minimum wage is one of the most analysed and debated topics in economics. Over recent years and in the context of the economic and social crisis engendered by the COVID-19 outbreak, the creation of a European minimum wage is increasingly considered as a useful instrument to ensure fair wages and social inclusion.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)659294

https://youtu.be/BneiRi_3CpY

Source: © European Union - EP

Household consumption in the EU has major environmental impacts, which in a number of cases exceed planetary boundaries. Two thirds of consumers in the EU realise that their consumption habits have negative effects on the environment, and the solution that they mention most often is to change consumption habits and production patterns. However, a number of studies have shown a gap between consumers' good intentions and their actual behaviour.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)659295

https://youtu.be/xOT6q4vk3FE

Source: © European Union - EP

International maritime transport is the backbone of the global economy. However, vessels release emissions that pollute the air and contribute significantly to global warming. As shipping is forecast to grow, reducing these emissions is urgent, in order not to undermine emissions-reducing efforts in other areas, to keep humans healthy, preserve the environment and limit climate change.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)659296

https://youtu.be/JzMNAmOALq4

Source: © European Union - EP

Statistics and research results show that in recent decades, before the coronavirus pandemic, the EU's labour market witnessed an increase in female employment rates. Women's employment seems to have been more resilient than men's to the economic and financial crisis in 2008. The coronavirus crisis, however, has had a harsher impact on women than on men when it comes to the labour market.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)659307

https://youtu.be/L-VxBkfdP1c

Source: © European Union - EP

Intergovernmental organisations need money to finance their activities, realise their goals and maintain their own structures. But where does this money come from? How big are the budgets? And how much do citizens of different countries contribute? Let's try to answer these questions by comparing the numbers of three of the world's largest intergovernmental organisations: The United Nations, the World Trade Organization and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)652084

https://youtu.be/gY3555eD1cQ

Source: © European Union - EP

As governments scramble to protect their populations from COVID-19 many of the personal freedoms and rights we take for granted are being –temporarily- taken away… Although certain rights enshrined in the European Convention of Human Rights can be suspended in situations of emergency, an extra effort is needed to prevent abuse and protect the most vulnerable.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)652085

https://youtu.be/2mVYyharO1U

Source: © European Union - EP

The EU is set to review the way it has implemented the so-called permanent structured cooperation in the field of security and defence - PESCO for short - before the end of the year. It'll be an opportunity to review strengths and weaknesses and see how to better match ambitions with capabilities to pursue its own security interests and become a strategic global security provide… but without clear purpose and direction, the EU's quest for “strategic autonomy” could end up being little more than a catchphrase…

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)652051

https://youtu.be/3PsHCnpkqHM

Source: © European Union - EP

Torn by climate change, food insecurity, uncontrolled population growth, political instability and terrorism, the Sahel poses an evolving threat on Europe's doorstep, as the August coup in Mali has once again shown. With more or less success, the EU's strategy for the region has tried to address the multiple factors of instability but the new action plan for the region will need to take the EU's and Africa's new geopolitical interests on board if it is to be more successful than its predecessor…

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)652050

https://youtu.be/gxKNSSl5LlQ

Source: © European Union - EP

As the world's second largest economy and with an ever-expanding domestic market, including a growing wealthy middle-class with a taste for high-quality products with foreign labels, China is an opportunity European businesses and investors cannot afford to ignore… But it's a difficult market to access! And not a very fair nor transparent one… So, what is the EU doing to achieve a real level playing field for EU investors in China?

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)652066

https://youtu.be/oFxIoMtz2ms

Source: © European Union - EP

With a population of around 150 million, there are more pigs than any other livestock category in the EU! The sector is supported by the Common Agricultural Policy, but it is facing serious challenges… Its negative impact on the environment, concerns about animal health and an uncertain international context need to be addressed if the sector is to become more sustainable in the future and match the EU's green ambitions.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)652044

https://youtu.be/wDIfNDq1tvM

Source: © European Union - EP

To help consumers to make healthier food choices, the European Commission wants producers of foods and drinks to display clear nutritional information on the front-of-pack. But this may not be so simple… Some Member States have already introduced their own labelling schemes to mark “healthy” products but will the EU win the battle at European scale?

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)652028

Source: © European Union - EP

Following the post-Cold War reset, EU-Russia relations have been strained, not least by Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, to which the EU responded with hard-hitting sanctions. Putin's support for rebel groups in eastern Ukraine, his policies in the neighbourhood, disinformation campaigns and Russia's intervention in Syria just added fuel to the fire... And yet, the two remain closely interdependent… So, how to deal with Putin's Russia?

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)652030

Source: © European Union - EP

Organised crime is a growing threat to the EU and its citizens. And new digital technologies, combined with open borders and free trade, only make it easier for criminals… But the EU is stepping up police and judicial cooperation, as well as information-sharing, in order to stay one step ahead of them and make sure that crime does not pay!

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)652043

Source: © European Union - EP

The coronavirus has taken a heavy toll on our lives, our economies, our societies but also on electoral processes around the world, with many elections being postponed in order to protect citizens' health. But this involves a delicate balancing act between ensuring the democratic right to vote and a government's responsibility to protect public health. So, what can we learn from experience?

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)652017

Source: © European Union - EP

The EU has some of the strongest rules on consumer protection in the world! But sometimes, it can be difficult to enforce them… So, what can you do, as European consumer, if you're not getting value for money? Get to know your rights!

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)651962

Source: © European Union - EP

As more and more European countries went into lockdown, trade within the EU and the foundations of its single market were hit hard! The EU was quick to respond, but the effects of the pandemic on both European and world economies will be deep and long-lasting…

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)651974

Source: © European Union - EP

Demography matters… it matters for the economy, for the labour market, for healthcare and pensions, even for election results! But future demographic trends in the EU are not encouraging… No, they're not! A number of demographic challenges, such as a declining birth rate, an ageing population, and depopulation of some of its regions, threaten the future demographic stability of the continent. So, what are the EU and its member states doing about it?

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)651939

Source: © European Union - EP

An efficient and modern public system is a pre-condition for smart societies and economies. But how do we foster public sector innovation? The EU doesn't have a direct role here, but it can definitely provide direction! So, stay with us… as we spell out a new vision for the public sector in Europe!

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)651954

Source: © European Union - EP

The digital age has had a profound impact on many sectors, and culture is no exception! It has opened new and exciting opportunities for cultural industries… but it has also raised new challenges, related to skills, accessibility or affordability.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)651942

Source: © European Union - EP

In the digital era, data is the new currency… And data protection, an increasingly important social, legal and political matter for the EU! But how well protected is our data? And what challenges lie ahead?

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)651923

Source: © European Union - EP

The coronavirus pandemic forced most of the world's population into lockdown… But thanks to digital technologies, we were mostly able to keep on working, studying, shopping and chatting with our loved ones without leaving our homes! But the crisis has also highlighted some painful truths about our digital world…

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)651927

Source: © European Union - EP

Declining yields due to warmer temperatures and less rain, biodiversity loss, increased risk of floods… the impacts of climate change on European agriculture are irrefutable… But what impact does agriculture have on climate change? And what role can it play in helping address this challenge?

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)651922

Source: © European Union - EP

Malicious cyber activities pose an increasing threat to our societies, our economies and our political systems. And no one is safe from virtual, yet very real… attacks. So, what tools does the EU have to respond to such threats? And what is its strategy? Join us in the world of cyberspace!

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)651937

Source: © European Union - EP

The coronavirus crisis has made life even more difficult for the most deprived people in our society… To protect them, as well the workers and volunteers delivering aid to them, and ensure no one falls through the net, the EU has had to take some exceptional measures…

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)651943

Source: © European Union - EP

The coronavirus crisis has highlighted the EU's dependency on countries outside its borders for the production of many active pharmaceutical ingredients and medicines. It is not a new problem… but it has become painfully exposed in the past weeks. So, why is that? And what can the EU do about it? Never a debate has been timelier!

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)649402

Source: © European Union - EP

Organ donation and transplantation saves lives… thousands of lives! And while some countries have seen encouraging increases in donation rates, in others transplantation rates have been stagnating or even decreasing…Responsibility for heath policies lies primarily with the Member States, but how can the EU bolster cooperation to save even more lives?

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)649363

Source: © European Union - EP

As COVID-19 has proved once again, diseases do not recognise borders… So, with labs around the world on the race to find a vaccine, it is time to ask ourselves the question: What can the EU do to help? Is there a European added value concerning vaccination?

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)642828

Source: © European Union - EP

Apart from taking thousands of lives… COVID-19 has revealed one hard truth: the EU's dependency on other countries for essential medical equipment such as protective masks and gloves, but also respiratory ventilators. The EU and its Member States have acted swiftly to counter these shortages… but Europe may need to re-think its production and trade priorities if it doesn't want to find itself in the same situation when the next pandemic strikes!

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)649387

Source: © European Union - EP

Images of half-empty supermarket shelves are becoming all too common as European countries struggle to limit the effects of the coronavirus, a pandemic that has changed what everyday life looks like for everyone… So, what is the EU doing to protect the agri-food supply chain and ensure food security during the pandemic?

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)649360

Source: © European Union - EP

Despite the Commission's assurances that the long-term work on the European Green Deal will continue in parallel to the coronavirus firefighting… the COVID-19 emergency and the need to deal with its socio-economic consequences is raising concerns that decarbonisation strategies could be derailed… But is this a real threat or could it also be an opportunity? There's no lack of voices arguing that green investments need to play a central role in any economic recovery plan.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)649371

Source: © European Union - EP

While the world population keeps on growing, the EU's population is growing only slowly and is even expected to decline in the longer term! So, how will these demographic changes impact on food and nutrition? Even if improving food quality and healthier eating habits lead to higher life expectancy, the EU still has to tackle the harmful consequences and prevent the causes of diet-related chronic conditions, such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_STU(2020)646181

Source: © European Union - EP

The European Union is determined to clamp down on the dissemination of terrorist content online, to prevent radicalisation and keep European citizens safe online, as much as offline. But this is a sensitive area, with a fine line to tread. Let's look into some of the finer details of the proposed measures!

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)649326

Source: © European Union - EP

As the new coronavirus spreads massively across the globe, it's not only human lives which are at risk… but also our economies and our way of life. Trade, health, transportation, agriculture, tourism, education… no sector remains untouched! So, what can the EU do in such situations? How well-equipped is it to deal with the effects of epidemics and pandemics?

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)646195

Source: © European Union - EP

Transport is a cornerstone of European integration. It helps keep the European economy moving and allows us to move around quickly and safely… but also sustainably! The new Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has put transport on a fast track towards becoming decarbonised and digital! But it won't be an easy journey…

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)646177

Source: © European Union - EP

The new Commission wants to “unite and strengthen” Europe to better protect citizens against both internal and external threats. But this won't happen if we don't have the necessary infrastructure and procedures in place that ensure a rapid and joint European response in case of a crisis. Here, the key word is “military mobility”.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)646188

Source: © European Union - EP

The EU aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. But the green transition 2050 won't happen without making some financial investments… hence, the Just Transition Fund, to support those regions most affected by the transition to a low carbon economy. But how big will this Fund be? And how will it work?

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)646180

Source: © European Union - EP

Serious health threats do not respect borders … Efficient cross-border cooperation and a coordinated response are therefore essential to prevent the spread of diseases or contain public health emergencies. How well prepared is the EU to tackle such a public health emergency?

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)646123

Source: © European Union - EP

Is data really the new oil? And if so, how do we regulate this market and ensure a level-playing field? The global debate on the extent to which current competition policy rules are sufficient to deal with the fast-moving digital economy has never been more pertinent!

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)646117

Source: © European Union - EP

The Alpine region is home to 80 million European citizens. And while it's one of the largest economic regions in Europe, it also faces major challenges … That's why the 7 countries and 48 regions involved in the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region are working together to overcome the challenges and secure the region's sustainable development. Want to know more? Tour the Alps with us!

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)646109

Source: © European Union - EP

The poultry and egg sector is one of the most intensive farming systems in the EU. There are more than 400 million laying hens in the EU, which produce close to 7.5 million tonnes of eggs each year. Will the sector continue to thrive? What are the challenges it faces? And how does the EU support and regulate the sector to make it more humane and environmentally-friendly?

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_IDA(2019)644195

Source: © European Union - EP

Agriculture is one of the largest water-consuming sectors, using it in particular for irrigation. But water scarcity is an increasing problem, both globally and in the EU, and the situation is expected to worsen with climate change… How will the EU deal with this challenge in the future?

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)644216

Source: © European Union - EP

A record number of fires – many intentionally set – swept through the Amazon rainforest in the summer of 2019, reducing large chunks of the world's largest tropical rainforest to piles of ash. How has the international community responded to protect this precious 'global good'? And what are the plans to ensure that this ecological disaster isn't repeated?

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)644198

Source: © European Union - EP

To preserve and promote our shared cultural heritage, two European cities are chosen each year to be Europe's cultural capitals. How are they chosen? And how do cities benefit from the experience? Listen to this podcast!

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)644196

Source: © European Union - EP

Poverty affects more than a quarter of the world's population, and that is why erasing it is a principal objective for humanity, enshrined as the first of a number of goals (SDGs) in the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Poverty is more than just having insufficient income – it is a multidimensional phenomenon closely related to unequal access to education, health and other basic services. Poverty eradication is an ongoing objective of EU development policy.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)644181

Source: © European Union - EP

The United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for sustainable development includes a strong commitment by all states to respect human rights. This covers the rights of the child. No action to implement the SDGs can be detrimental to the rights of the child. Healthy, well-nourished, well-educated children, who are protected from violence and abuse, are the best guarantee of long-term sustainable development. The EU prioritises children's rights and relevant SDGs in its external action. The European Parliament has repeatedly defended the need to protect and promote children's rights through EU external action, and has asked the Commission to propose a strategy and action plan in this sense.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)642285

Source: © European Union - EP

Teaching – a profession that dates back through the generations – seems to have lost some of its attractiveness at present. An ageing teacher population, severe teacher shortages, difficulties with retaining younger teachers and a significant gender imbalance in staffing at different levels of education are just some of the serious challenges facing the profession. Read our briefing to find out more.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)642220

Source: © European Union - EP

In recent years drones have become a more and more common sight in our cities for filming and photography purposes but also on our news outlets, with airport crises and violent attacks occuring through the use of drones. Drones are extremely versatile in their functions, can have different degrees of autonomy and can range from being the size of an insect to being several tonnes in weight. While some drones are used exclusively by the military and civil drones are mass-produced and sold to the wider public, dual-use drones in particular are posing quite some problems to lawmakers and regulators. Other challenges posed by drones range from data protection considerations, to liability, cyber defence, human control and autonomy, and a divided public opinion.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)642230

Source: © European Union - EP

In July 2018, the European Court of Justice gave a judgment ruling that genome-edited organisms fall under the scope of European GMO legislation. While welcomed by some, the judgment has also sparked criticism and calls for the new European Commission to amend EU GMO legislation.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)642220

Source: © European Union - EP

Sport has a growing impact both on the European Union (EU) economy and on society as a whole. Over 7 million people work in sport-related jobs, and sport-related goods and services amount to nearly 3 % of total EU gross value added. Over the years, the EU has been actively involved in tackling transnational issues such as doping, match-fixing and lack of physical activity. In recent years, various health-related EU initiatives have grown increasingly popular. As the popularity of sport-related initiatives grows, so do the Commission's plans and ambitions for the broader role of sport in society.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)640168

Source: © European Union - EP

After electing Ursula von der Leyen as President of the Commission, the European Parliament also plays a key role in the next step of the investiture process: the appointment of the other members of the Commission. Once nominated by the Council, by common accord with the President-elect of the Commission, the Commissioners-designate must each appear before a hearing in the European Parliament. Based on the evaluation of each candidate, Parliament will then consent to, or reject, the proposed College as a whole, paving the way for the appointment of the Commission by the European Council.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)640131

Source: © European Union - EP

The European Parliament and the Council are the budgetary authority of the EU. The two institutions, assisted by the European Commission, decide on the EU budget in the annual budgetary procedure. The briefing discusses actors, timing and possible scenarios set for adoption or non-adoption of the annual budget. The briefing sketches the life cycle of an amendment to the budget. It presents negotiations consisting of trilogue meetings and conciliation. Last but not least, the text explains what happens if there is no agreement on the EU annual budget.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)640129

Source: © European Union - EP

The main mechanism for incorporating human rights into the EU's bilateral agreements consists of an 'essential elements' human rights clause that enables one party to take appropriate measures in case of serious breaches by the other party. The clause, which also covers democratic principles and often the rule of law, is more than just a legal mechanism enabling the unilateral suspension of trade commitments in times of crisis. It enshrines the parties' commitments to human rights and thus puts EU relations with third countries on a solid regulatory base, opening the path to dialogue and cooperation on human rights issues. So far, the EU has clearly preferred a constructive engagement to more restrictive measures, and has not activated the clause to suspend trade preferences under any of its trade agreements. Civil society and the European Parliament have, on the other hand, encouraged the European Commission to use the clause in a more robust way.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/fr/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)637975

Source: © European Union - EP

The European Commission published a proposal for a new directive on representative actions for the protection of the collective interests of consumers in April 2018. The proposal would for the first time allow consumers in all Member States to collectively demand compensation from companies that infringe on their rights. The previous European Parliament adopted a first-reading position in March, but the Member States in the Council have yet to agree their position.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/fr/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)637978

Source: © European Union - EP

Multinational enterprises are changing. This concerns especially their improved ability to fragment their value chains and disperse them geographically. Such global value chains have stimulated economic growth in many parts of the world over the past three decades. However, they also make it increasingly important to rethink current tax policies. On the one hand, governments seek to encourage trade and investment by multinational enterprises by removing tax and regulatory barriers they face. Some governments go even further by resorting to harmful tax competition that drives corporate income taxes to the bottom. At the same time, many multinational enterprises continue to employ enhanced tax arbitrage to minimise their tax obligations across jurisdictions; furthermore, business models are increasingly becoming borderless and highly mobile, and therefore difficult to tax.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/fr/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)637971

Source: © European Union - EP

Artificial intelligence is already transforming the world around us and this process will only speed up in the future. Find out in our podcast what is likely to happen to our economy and jobs and how the European businesses and citizens can benefit from this new revolution.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)637967

Source: © European Union - EP

The Euro is today the common currency of more than 340 million European citizens. It is the official currency of 19 of the current 28 EU member states and the second most widely used currency in the world, after the dollar. But this success and growing international role is not reflected in the external representation of the euro in international fora, notably the International Monetary Fund, or IMF.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)637969

Source: © European Union - EP

At the July I plenary sitting, the newly elected European Parliament (EP) is due to elect its 31st President, to hold office until mid-term at the beginning of 2022, when a new election for Parliament's President will be held. The President has an important and increasingly visible function in the EU institutional and international setting, mirroring the influential role of the Parliament as shaper of EU policies and co-legislator.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_ATA(2019)637960

Source: © European Union - EP

The European Parliament has long sought to ensure that, by voting in European elections, European citizens not only elect the Parliament itself, but also have a say over who would head the EU executive – the European Commission. What became known as the 'Spitzenkandidaten process' is a procedure whereby European political parties, ahead of European elections, appoint lead candidates for the role of Commission President, with the presidency of the Commission then going to the candidate of the political party capable of marshalling sufficient parliamentary support. The Parliament remains firmly committed to repeating the process in 2019.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2018)630264

Source: © European Union - EP

The EU's regional policy aims to address the territorial, social and economic imbalances existing between the different regions of the EU. Also known as cohesion policy, it covers all regions and cities of the European Union, helping to support job creation, business competitiveness, economic growth, sustainable development, and to improve citizens' quality of life. Almost one third of the total EU budget has been set aside for cohesion policy for the 2014-2020 period, with this financial support distributed through two main funds, the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund, part of the European Structural and Investment Funds, which are making a real difference to the lives of people the length and breadth of Europe.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)637953

Source: © European Union - EP

The d'Hondt method is used within the Parliament as a formula for distributing the chairs of the parliamentary committees and delegations, as well as to distribute those posts among the national delegations within the political groups. Such proportional distribution of leadership positions within Parliament prevents domination of parliamentary political life by only one or two large political groups, ensuring smaller political groups also have a say on the political agenda. Some argue however that this limits the impact of the election results on the political direction of decision-making within Parliament and call for a 'winner-takes-all' approach instead.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2016)580901

Source: © European Union - EP

Political groups are central to the work of the European Parliament. After European citizens elected a new Parliament, political groups are expected to notify their composition by end of June. To form a political group, a minimum of 25 MEPs elected in at least one quarter of the EU's Member States (currently seven) is required.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2018)630264

Source: © European Union - EP

The European Union is engaged in helping Member States address young people's needs and aspirations through a youth strategy. The strategy is backed by a number of funding programmes, most notably the Youth Employment Initiative, Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps and it is best known for the mobility opportunities it has created. Future challenges include reaching a wider spectrum of young people, especially those from disadvantaged and hard-to-reach groups, making the results of the consultative process, known as structured dialogue, more tangible, and improving synergies between policy areas for greater effectiveness.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)635544

Source: © European Union - EP

The new EU foreign policy is designed to help society in the EU and partner countries to withstand natural and manmade shocks more effectively. To this aim, coordination between all stakeholders is challenging but vital.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)635534

Source: © European Union - EP

According to recent polls, 77% of EU citizens are in favour of stronger EU involvement in the fight against terrorism. Over the past years, the EU has played an ever more ambitious role in this area. EU spending on counter-terrorism has increased and is set to grow in the future. New rules and instruments adopted since 2014 range from harmonising definitions of terrorist offences and sanctions, and sharing information and data, to protecting borders, countering terrorist financing, and regulating firearms. In the future, EU counter-terrorism action will most probably focus on addressing existing and new threats, countering radicalisation (including online), enhancing information sharing and strengthening EU agencies involved.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)635561

Source: © European Union - EP

Repeated Eurobarometer surveys have provided evidence on how important agriculture and rural areas are to EU citizens. They have recorded high levels of awareness of the common agricultural policy and a recognition of the role it plays in the provision of high quality healthy food.

Significant legislative achievements have been made during the European Parliament's eighth term in respect of animal health (including an animal medicines package), plant health, official controls, organic production and labelling. In exercising Parliament's scrutiny role, its Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development has addressed a wide range of policy topics which have a bearing not only on how the CAP is currently delivered but also on future policy considerations for the post 2020 period. The latter has been a subject of intense debate. In support of the Committee's work, Parliament's Policy Department has commissioned and published forty studies in relation to agriculture and rural development policies. Looking to the future, the remainder of this term is likely to see the adoption of legislation concerning unfair trading practices in the food supply chain.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)635524

Source: © European Union - EP

EU public finance, including the EU budget and other financial mechanisms, supports policies that are designed to yield European public goods, with benefits that go beyond the national borders of individual EU countries. During the 2014-2019 parliamentary term, EU lawmakers have updated the financial rules governing the use of EU funds, created a European Public Prosecutor's Office to help address the roughly 0.35 % of the EU budget at risk of fraud, carried out a mid-term revision of the multiannual financial framework (MFF), developed proposals for new sources of revenue in time for negotiations on the post-2020 MFF, and introduced new policies in the field of financial engineering.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)635545

Source: © European Union - EP

Security and defence policy in the European Union is predominantly a competence of the Member States. At the same time, a common security and defence policy, which could progressively lead to a European defence union, is enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty and significant progress has been made in that direction. This briefing discusses the EU's deliveries in the area of security and defence policy and analyses public expectations and perceptions of the EU's actions in this policy field.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)635533

Source: © European Union - EP

The unprecedented arrival of refugees and irregular migrants in the EU, which peaked in 2015, exposed a series of deficiencies and gaps in EU policies on asylum, external borders and migration. In response to these challenges, the EU has embarked on a broader process of reform aimed at rebuilding its asylum and migration policies. In order to deliver what the Commission calls an effective, fair and robust future EU migration policy, the EU, based on the Treaties and other legal and financial instruments, has been implementing both immediate and longer-term measures.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)635542

Source: © European Union - EP

Fight against tax fraud is under the glare of the spotlight. It appears regularly in the headlines showing the shadowy practices of certain taxpayers. Yet this is not the whole picture because work has been done to tackle the issue. Fight against fraud is large and ongoing task, that public expects the EU to continue addressing. The European Union has done substantial work over the last five year, in spite of the limitation of the powers that it has. Fighting tax fraud was one EU action priority as from 2014 and many measures were taken to reboot the tax policy. Some of them still need time to be implemented but a lot has been done. This is the basis for building adapted and updated remedies to tax fraud.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)633153

Source: © European Union - EP

What has the EU delivered in the area of international trade and globalisation during the Juncker Commission? This briefing takes stock of EU's achievements in this term: free trade agreement negotiations launched and concluded, developments in investment protection and screening, and key legislative files adopted.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)633176

Source: © European Union - EP

The 2014-2019 parliamentary term has seen a number of initiatives in the areas of digitalisation of industry and public services, investment in digital infrastructure and services, research programmes, cybersecurity, e-commerce, copyright and data protection legislation. The European Union will increase its support for digital transformation in the coming years, as illustrated by the recent proposal for the Digital Europe programme (for 2021-2027) – which would be the first ever funding programme dedicated solely to supporting digital transformation in the EU. Further EU action will doubtless be needed, notably to increase infrastructure investment, boost innovation, foster digital champions and businesses digitalisation, reduce existing digital divides, remove remaining barriers in the digital single market and ensure an adequate legal and regulatory framework in the areas of advanced computing and data, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)633171

Source: © European Union - EP

This briefing provides an overview of the key elements of the EU fisheries policy and outlines its main deliveries during the 2014-2019 parliamentary term.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)633150

Source: © European Union - EP

One in five consumers in the EU say that they had a reason to complain in the last 12 months, a number which has remained largely unchanged since 2008. Since 2014, efforts have been made in a number of areas, including stronger cross-border cooperation between national authorities in charge of consumer protection and market surveillance. Notably, in April 2018, the Commission proposed a ‘new deal for consumers' to enable representative legal actions for the protection of the collective interests of consumers and to modernise the EU consumer protection rules. Sector-specific efforts included eliminating roaming charges across the EU in 2017, legislation aimed at facilitating consumer participation in the digital single market, reforms on the rules on privacy and data protection, enhancing the rights of energy consumers and passengers and efforts to address the dual quality of branded food products.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)633141

Source: © European Union - EP

While the main responsibility for health and social security lies primarily with the governments of the individual European Union (EU) Member States, the EU complements national policies, especially those having a cross-border dimension. In a recent poll conducted for the European Parliament, more than two thirds of EU citizens expressed support for increased EU action on health and social security. In its proposal for the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework, the European Commission plans to boost funding to improve workers' employment opportunities, and strengthen social cohesion through an enlarged 'European Social Fund Plus'. The fund would also incorporate finance for the stand-alone health programme, with the aim of creating synergies with the other building blocks of the European Pillar of Social Rights: equal opportunities and access to the labour market; fair working conditions; and social protection and inclusion.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2018)630272

Source: © European Union - EP

In the EU, although economic policy is the remit of each individual Member State, there is, nevertheless, multilateral coordination of economic policies between Member States. This framework was put severely to the test during the global financial crisis and the European sovereign debt crisis. Partly as a result, recovery in the EU was slower than recovery in the United States, and was not achieved equally by all Member States. Furthermore, it has to a large extent been based on accommodative fiscal and monetary policies that only partly hide underlying signs of fiscal or financial fragility in some Member States. To remedy this, the European institutions began a twofold process in 2011: initiatives were taken to strengthen the current framework for economic governance, and for banking supervision in the euro area while, in parallel, discussion began on possible ways to reduce the economic divergences between Member States, provide incentives for risk reduction and risk-sharing, render the governance process more transparent and ensure democratic accountability. In this latter area, several initiatives – which did not require changes in the EU Treaties – were taken between 2015 and 2017. In summer 2017, discussions on deepening the policy framework for economic and monetary union (EMU) intensified. This process, which was advocated in the five presidents' report (by the heads of the relevant EU institutions) and should be completed by 2025, is currently being considered at Member State level. The current state of play points towards two main orientations, dividing Member States into two groups: those that prioritise risk-sharing measures (such as France), and those that argue instead for further risk-reduction initiatives (for example, Germany). This lack of consensus has so far meant that the European Council has not been able to reach a breakthrough.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2018)628273

Source: © European Union - EP

In response to the unprecedented migration flows, as well as the surge in terrorist and serious cross-border crime activities, the EU has embarked on a broader process of reform aimed at strengthening its external borders. On the one hand, measures for protecting the EU's external borders have focused on reinforcing EU border management rules and upgrading the mandates of relevant EU agencies, while on the other hand, in connection with a number of key shortcomings in the EU's information systems, efforts were made to improve use of the opportunities offered by information systems and technologies.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)633141

Source: © European Union - EP

The concept of cultural diversity lies at the heart of the European project. Recent years have seen renewed interest in the sector's potential for promoting social cohesion, unity and tolerance, on the one hand, with continued recognition of its valuable economic role, on the other. There is a strong commitment at the EU level to ensure that culture is mainstreamed in all policy areas, with a special focus on the protection of cultural heritage and cultural diversity, which are key elements in cultural identity and expression. From the economic point of view, the cultural and creative sector, which employs 8.4 million people in the European Union, is dynamic and has a large potential for growth due to its diversity and scope for individual creative freedom. Yet the development of this potential is hampered by barriers, notably linguistic diversity, fragmentation and different financial mechanisms across the EU. The EU's cultural and creative industry also faces challenge from digital technologies and global competition, particularly from the United States' (US) audiovisual industry, and from US and Chinese diplomatic efforts to promote their cultural output. Under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the EU's role in the context of cultural policy is a supportive and complementary one, direct responsibility in the area being largely a matter for the individual Member States. Nevertheless, since 2014, these challenges have been addressed at the EU level, inter alia via the strengthening of the digital single market, which is essential for access to culture, the circulation of European cultural works, the fair remuneration of creators and fair competition. Since the economic crisis, additional funding has also been made available for the sector via the European Fund for Strategic Investment introduced by the Juncker Commission in 2015. As indicated in a 2017 European Commission communication on the role of culture and education, the synergies between the socio-economic aspects are to be enhanced. The European Year of Cultural Heritage in 2018 is to feed into a reflection and actions related to shared culture and history. These issues are addressed in the New European Agenda for Culture, while the new multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027 envisages increased funding for culture. This will also support efforts to combine artistic and technological skills, which are a prerequisite for artistic expression in the new digital environment.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2018)623555

Source: © European Union - EP

Through its industrial policy, the European Union (EU) has been striving to create conditions conducive to increasing industry growth and competitiveness since 1992. European industry remains a cornerstone of the economy, providing one job out of five and is responsible for the bulk of EU exports and investment in research and innovation. Today, the aim of EU policy is to enable a successful transformation towards a digital, knowledge-based, decarbonised and more circular industry in Europe. To reach this goal, the EU supports, coordinates or supplements Member State level policies and actions, mainly in the areas of research and innovation, SMEs and digital technologies. In a recent Eurobarometer poll conducted for the European Parliament, more than half of EU citizens expressed support for increased EU action on industrial policy. Despite this, it is still the least understood policy area covered in the poll. Since 2014, efforts have been made in a number of areas, including investment (mainly through the European Fund for Strategic Investment, which supports industrial modernisation); digitalisation (for example setting up a number of research partnerships, or a growing network of digital innovation hubs); financing (making it easier for industry and SMEs to access public markets and attract venture funds); greener industry (for example through the revised 2030 emission targets, or measures on clean mobility); standardisation (bringing together relevant stakeholders to collectively develop and update European standards); and skills (mobilising key stakeholders to close the skills gap and providing an adequate workforce for modern industry). The European Parliament has called for ambitious policies in many of these areas. In the future, EU spending on key areas relevant to industrial policy is expected to rise moderately. The European Commission proposes to boost the share of EU spending on research, SMEs and key infrastructure, although not as much as Parliament has requested. In the coming years, policies are likely to focus on fairer global competition, stimulating innovation, building digital capacities and increasing the sustainability of European industry.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2018)630309

Source: © European Union - EP

The European Union (EU) is committed to eliminating inequalities and promoting gender equality 'in all its activities' and has made considerable advances over the years. Nevertheless, the situation remains uneven across the EU, and in recent times progress has slowed, stalled or even regressed in some areas. Yet, the evidence points clearly to the benefits of gender equality for individuals, the economy and society as a whole. Public opinion surveys show that a large majority of Europeans agree that promoting gender equality is important for a fair and democratic society, the economy and for them personally and that a growing share of citizens would like the EU to do more in this area. Europeans also expect increased EU action on related policies. During the current legislative term, as part of a broader gender equality programme, the EU institutions have been working on proposals for new EU laws to improve work-life balance and combat violence against women and promoting equality between women and men will remain one of the major challenges in the coming years. Demographic trends, technological developments and changes to the way we work are just some of the issues where different impacts on women and men will need to be considered. Options for further EU involvement could include better implementation and enforcement of existing legislation, moves to modernise it, fill gaps in protection and address emerging issues, and non-legislative measures such as data collection and monitoring, awareness-raising, and support for national and grassroots initiatives. It will require the political will at all levels to tackle issues across a broad spectrum of policies, together with the provision of the necessary institutions, tools and resources to put that resolve into action.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2018)628272

Source: © European Union - EP

In the 70 years since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – the first international document to set common standards of achievement for all states – the pivotal role and moral, legal and political significance of human rights in the international arena have become indisputable. However, despite considerable progress in many areas on recognition, codification and implementation, human rights have also come under increased attack. Whether in theatres of war or in the political arena, human rights are now rejected on ideological grounds. The EU itself has not been spared by the current backlash. In its Member States, a populist wave has empowered political forces that increasingly question the significance of core human rights, such as the right to freedom of expression. In these troubled times for human rights, opinion polls show that European citizens perceive human rights as one of the most important values for them personally and one of the values that best represent the EU itself. Having emerged from World War II and its atrocities, European countries were determined to secure lasting peace, and the Union they created is now founded on respect for democracy, the rule of law and human rights, which guide and shape its legislation and policies. Within the EU, recent action has included new legislation on data protection and access to justice, the European Pillar of Social Rights, and initiatives to combat inequality, discrimination and hate speech. There is also an acknowledgement that more needs to be done to complete the legal framework to combat discrimination and strengthen internal mechanisms for upholding the rule of law. Human rights are additionally a general objective of EU external action. The EU is deeply committed to promoting human rights, as enshrined in international treaties, in its relations with third countries and with other multilateral regional and global institutions. During the last EP mandate, the EU consistently applied and deepened a range of policy approaches that strengthen its role and image as a normative power that inspires others through its example. Maintaining and consolidating this policy remains vital for preserving the EU's image and credibility as a normative power, based on values, that has the capacity to act at a time when the principle of multilateralism is increasingly questioned.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2018)628293

Source: © European Union - EP

Energy policy is a competence shared between the EU and its Member States. Whereas the EU has a responsibility under the Treaties to ensure security of supply, Member States are responsible for determining the structure of their energy supply and their choice of energy sources. EU legislation on security of supply focuses on natural gas and electricity markets, and is closely related to other EU objectives: consolidating a single energy market, improving energy efficiency, and promoting renewable energy sources to decarbonise the economy and meet the Paris Agreement goals. The current legislature has seen several initiatives on security of supply. The EU institutions reached agreement on a revised regulation on security of gas supply, a revised decision on intergovernmental agreements in the energy field, and new targets for energy efficiency and renewables by 2030. Parliament has adopted several own-initiative resolutions in the energy field, including one on the new EU strategy on liquefied natural gas and gas storage, which is key to gas supply security. EU projects of common interest finance energy infrastructure that improves interconnection and supports security of supply. Negotiations between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission (trilogue) are ongoing on a proposal to revise the regulation on security of electricity supply, as part of the clean energy package. There is growing expectation among EU citizens that the EU will intensify its involvement in energy supply and security. If this view was shared by just over half of Europeans in 2016 (52 %), it is now expressed by roughly two thirds of EU citizens (65 %). The EU will retain a key role in monitoring security of supply throughout the energy transition from a historic system of centralised generation dominated by fossil fuels in national markets, towards a new system characterised by a high share of renewables, more localised production and cross-border markets. However, the EU would need to use a special legislative procedure to intervene directly in determining the energy supply of its Member States, requiring unanimity in Council.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2018/630275/EPRS_BRI(2018)630275_EN.pdf

Source: © European Union - EP

By promoting a high level of employment, the European Union (EU) has been fighting against unemployment since as long ago as the early 1950s. The fight against unemployment was brought to the top of the European agenda with the onset of the 2008 economic and financial crisis, and the consequent rise in unemployment rates in all European Union (EU) Member States. In its Europe 2020 strategy, the European Commission set a target to get 75 % of 20 to 64 year-olds into employment by 2020. EU labour market conditions have significantly improved in recent years, and most labour market indicators have strengthened steadily. Since mid-2013, the unemployment rate has continued to decline, and the EU is back to its pre-crisis level (6.8 % in July 2018). Despite the recovery in economic growth and its positive impact on the labour market, the EU has still to face unemployment challenges, particularly concerning differences between Member States, youth unemployment and long-term unemployment. Since 2014, efforts have been made in a number of areas, including to help young people enter the labour market, to combat long-term unemployment, upgrade skills, and facilitate workers' mobility in the European Union. The improvement in labour market indicators has been reflected in citizens' improved evaluation of the EU's involvement in the fight against unemployment, but there is still a very high demand for even more EU intervention in this policy area (76 % of EU citizens). In the future, new or updated legislation relating to employment could modernise work to help in adjustment to a digital world, support sustainable transitions from unemployment into employment and between jobs, increase labour mobility and create closer coordination between economic and social policies.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2018/630274/EPRS_BRI(2018)630274_EN.pdf

Source: © European Union - EP

Strengthening peace and democracy globally has never been an easy task, however, and today's geopolitical context poses new challenges. The proliferation and increasing gravity and duration of conflicts – some in the EU's immediate neighbourhood, the emergence of new threats, such as terrorism or nuclear proliferation, and the crisis of liberal systems have driven the EU to widen and intensify its efforts. They have also led to a new vision for action revolving around the concept of 'resilient societies' based on the mutually reinforcing pillars of peace and democracy, and a special emphasis on fragile states. Against this background, recent surveys have shown that citizens expect the EU to be even more active in promoting peace and democracy externally – something that should surely strengthen its resolve to make further progress in this crucial area.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2018/628271/EPRS_BRI(2018)628271_EN.pdf

Source: © European Union - EP

Through its environmental policy, the EU has been improving Europeans' well-being since 1972. To make sure that by 2050 we are living well, within the limits of the planet, the EU is striving to move towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy, to safeguard biodiversity and to protect human health through legislation on air quality, chemicals, climate, nature, waste and water. In a recent poll conducted for the European Parliament, three quarters of EU citizens expressed support for increased EU action on environmental protection.

Since 2014, efforts have been made in a number of areas, including waste management (for example new recycling targets, restrictions on plastic carrier bags, action on plastics, measures to tackle marine litter); climate (for example the 2030 greenhouse gas emission targets, and measures to decarbonise the transport sector); nature (primarily to improve the way EU rules on biodiversity protection are implemented); and air quality (new rules on maximum amounts of five key air pollutants that EU countries can emit into the atmosphere).

The European Parliament has advocated ambitious policies in many of these areas. In the future, EU environment and climate spending is expected to rise.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2018/628233/EPRS_BRI(2018)628233_EN.pdf

Source: © European Union - EP

In the framework of the next long-term EU budget for 2021-2027, the Commission is proposing a new, €9.2 billion programme to build up digital capacity and infrastructure and support a digital single market. It will operate mainly through coordinated and strategic co-investments with the Member States in the areas of advanced computing and data, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, their uptake and optimal use in the private and public sectors and boosting advanced digital skills. According to the Commission, the programme will help European societies and businesses to make the most of the ongoing digital transformation. The Commission sees the potential for efficiency gains in exploring complementarities and synergies with other planned programmes such as Horizon Europe, the Connecting Europe Facility and the European Regional Development and Cohesion Funds. In the European Parliament, the file has been allocated to the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE). The draft report was published on 13 July 2018 and the vote in committee is expected in December. First edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2018/628231/EPRS_BRI(2018)628231_EN.pdf

Source: © European Union - EP

The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) was created in 2006 to finance active labour market policies targeting workers who have lost their jobs because of trade adjustment. The fund was subsequently modified in 2009 to cover major structural changes triggered by the economic and financial crisis. The rules of the EGF are laid down in EU Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013, which stipulates that the fund will continue to be financed until 31 December 2020. In May 2018, the European Commission submitted a proposal to reform the EGF and maintain it as a special instrument outside the MFF ceiling. The proposal introduces modifications to the eligibility criteria, the co-financing rules and the mobilisation procedure. First edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2018/628246/EPRS_BRI(2018)628246_EN.pdf

Source: © European Union - EP

Eight EU Member States have launched, or are about to launch, national mandatory labelling schemes for certain food products. The regulatory basis for these national measures is the Regulation on the provision of food information to consumers, which allows Member States to adopt additional national measures concerning the mandatory labelling of foodstuffs, as long as these are justified by reasons specifically defined in the regulation.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2018/625182/EPRS_BRI(2018)625182_EN.pdf

Source: © European Union - EP

On 27 May 2018, the Commission presented a proposal for a regulation on type-approval requirements for motor vehicles and their trailers, as regards their general safety and the protection of vehicle occupants and vulnerable road users. It would introduce a number of advanced vehicle safety features which passenger cars, vans, buses and trucks would have to have as standard equipment in order to be sold on the internal market.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2018/625192/EPRS_BRI(2018)625192_EN.pdf

Source: © European Union - EP

The new regulation on the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund (CF) 2021-2027 identifies the specific objectives and scope of support for both funds. In line with evidence regarding impact, investments will focus on activities with the highest added value, such as support to SMEs, smart specialisation, the low carbon economy, sustainable urban development and regional co-operation. Some activities will be excluded, for instance support for nuclear power stations, tobacco products, airport infrastructure except in outermost regions and landfills. The ERDF will focus mainly on smart growth and green economy, while the CF on environmental and transport infrastructure.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2018/625141/EPRS_BRI(2018)625141_EN.pdf

Source: © European Union - EP

In May 2018, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a new regulation on the labelling of tyres for the purposes of fuel efficiency, safety, and noise reduction. This would increase consumer awareness of the tyre label and improve market surveillance and enforcement. It would oblige suppliers to display the tyre label in all forms of purchase, including where the tyre is not physically shown in the store and where it is sold online or on a long-distance basis. The tyre would now also apply to heavy-duty vehicles, and include visual information on tyre performance in snow or ice conditions. From 2020, all tyre labels would be included in the new product registration database for energy efficiency labelling.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2018/625144/EPRS_BRI(2018)625144_EN.pdf

Source: © European Union - EP

As part of its ‘new deal for consumers', in April 2018, the Commission proposed a new directive on modernisation of EU consumer protection rules. The directive would amend four of seven main horizontal directives that make the core of the EU consumer legislation and that apply to all sectors of economy and would focus on harmonising penalties for infringements and possibilities for individual consumer redress, increasing transparency on online marketplaces, extending protection for consumers of ‘free' digital services and addressing the issue of dual quality of products.

Source: © European Union - EP

Digital economy is under taxed when compared to traditional businesses. To address this issue Commission proposes new rules which would allow taxation based on digital rather than just physical presence.

Source: © European Union - EP

The European Union is facing new security threats amid growing uncertainty about the reliability of some of its allies. As a consequence it has embarked on a general scale-up of its defence capabilities. A European defence action plan has been agreed and a European Defence Fund created to provide financial support, ranging from the research phase to the acquisition phase of military equipment and technologies. The present legislative proposal for EDIDP, which would be part of that fund, is destined to provide the European defence industry with financial support during the development phase of new products and technologies in areas selected at European level. Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) decided to open trilogue negotiations; these have been ongoing since 15 March 2018.

Source: © European Union - EP

Crowdfunding, an open call to the wider public for raising money online, can help ensure that both individuals and companies get access to finance, especially in the early growth stages of their projects or business. Currently, different legislative frameworks are in force in the Member States of the EU, which results in cross-border investments remaining limited and service providers not scaling up their operations. To remedy this the Commission published recently two legislative proposals.

Source: © European Union - EP

Ten years has passed since the app economy was launched. Since then the apps evolved to play an increasingly important role in the life of citizens and became crucial to the success of many industries. Growing connectivity and availability of portable devices ensure that this trend will continue.

Source: © European Union - EP

Iran, Syria, North Korea, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are among nearly 30 countries to be targeted by EU sanctions, among other things for nuclear weapons programmes, violations of democracy and human rights. Sanctions can be very painful for targeted countries, but do not always succeed in changing their behaviour.

Source: © European Union - EP

The EU lawmakers have reached a provisional agreement on new civil aviation safety rules. The reform introduces risk and performance-based rules, includes the first-ever EU rules for civil drones, extends the European Aviation Safety Agency's mandate and provides for using existing resources more efficiently. The provisional agreement now needs to be confirmed by European Parliament in plenary.

Source: © European Union - EP

Developing organic production is an EU policy objective. While the EU organic market is constantly expanding, only 6 % of total EU agricultural area is used for organic cultivation, and the difference between EU demand and production is covered by growing imports. To overcome the regulatory obstacles to the development of the sector and increase consumer confidence in the EU organic logo, the Commission adopted a proposal in March 2014 for a regulation on organic production and labelling of organic products, repealing the current framework dating from 2007. Following a series of trilogue meetings, the Maltese Presidency and the European Parliament reached a preliminary agreement on 28 June 2017. The Council's Special Committee on Agriculture endorsed the agreement, which the Parliament's Agriculture Committee subsequently approved on 22 November 2017. The full Parliament and Council now need to approve the text before the new regulation can enter into force.

Source: © European Union - EP

Despite significant progress for some social groups in the area of work-life balance, there has been a general trend of decline since 2011, and progress amongst Member States has been uneven. Attempting to compensate for the 2015 withdrawal of the proposal for an extended maternity leave directive, this proposed directive contains proposals for paternity, parental and carers' leave. It is complemented with non-legislative measures. Both the Council and the stakeholders are divided over the level of ambition and the implementation of the proposed measures. The EP (EMPL) that has been insisting on work-life balance measures over the years, is going to consider its draft report in the spring of 2018.

Source: © European Union - EP

Galileo and the European geostationary navigation overlay service (EGNOS) are two satellite navigation systems under civil control. Galileo shall guarantee to Europe an independent access to a reliable satellite signal, being at the same time more accurate than existing concurrence. The aim of EGNOS is to monitor, correct and improve the accuracy of current open signals (GPS, GLONASS) on a limited territory. Galileo and EGNOS were conceived in close cooperation with the European Space Agency. They are first infrastructures owned by the European Union. The EU allocated more than €7 billion from MFF 2014-2020 in order to reach the full operational capacity by the end of 2020.

Source: © European Union - EP

On 7 July 2017, a special United Nations (UN) conference adopted the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Will this lead to the abolition of nuclear weapons, as supporters of the Treaty hope, or in fact weaken the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime, as opponents fear?

Source: © European Union - EP

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems already permeate daily life: they drive cars, decide on mortgage applications, translate texts, create artworks, play games, and intervene in conflict zones. The briefing explores the roots of the AI revolution that emerged from the combination of machine learning techniques and 'big data'. It also explores the current limitations of these systems: they are perform single tasks, can be biased and are opaque in their decision making. The development of AI systems requires adaptation of legal frameworks on the collection, use and storage of data. But more importantly, the key issue remains the level of autonomy given to AI systems to make decisions that could be life-changing. If the threat of a 'superintelligence' able to self-improve and dominate humans remains remains unrealistic, AI systems are expected to impact society, especially the job market, and could increase inequalities.

Source: © European Union - EP

In the European Union (EU), responsibility for counter-terrorism lies primarily with Member States. However, the role of the EU itself in counter-terrorism has grown significantly in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks that have hit Europe in the post-'9/11' era. The cross-border aspects of the terrorist threat call for a coordinated EU approach. Moreover, the assumption that there is a connection between development and stability, as well as internal and external security, has come to shape the EU's actions beyond its own borders. In the context of terrorism, the EU has an extensive toolkit of human and financial resources that support third countries in managing or mitigating terrorist threats. A key element of EU action is capacity-building in partner countries, to ensure local ownership, a sustainable assistance model and the full use of local expertise for challenges that are geographically distinct.

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The introduction of the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) equipped European citizens with a new right to participate in EU affairs by asking the Commission to table new legislation. Since the ECI became operational in 2012, the Commission received 66 initiatives, out of which 4 were successful in collecting the required number of signatures. Various stakeholders suggested that the performance of this new tool remained below expectations as it is complex and difficult to use. To address these and other concerns, on 13 September, the Commission tabled a proposal to reform the ECI.

Source: © European Union - EP

The EU has established a range of social measures applying to the road transport sector, which aim at improving drivers' working conditions, road safety and competition between road operators. To give real substance to these social measures, compliance is key. The 2006 Enforcement Directive was therefore adopted to effectively implement the social provisions of the 'Driving time' Regulation. The current proposal, published in the context of the 2017 European Commission 'Europe on the move' initiative, seeks to remedy some shortcomings of the Enforcement Directive, such as non-uniform implementation. Additionally, it puts forward specific rules on the posting of workers applying to the road sector, with a view to responding to concerns raised regarding the inadequacy of the Posting of Workers Directive provisions and administrative requirements, when applied to the road transport sector.

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The UN Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters is in the focus of two major documents issued in 2017. Both papers focus on access to justice. One has been published by the European Commission and examines the implementation of the convention in the EU-Member States. The other document has been published by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee and takes a critical look at implementation at EU Level. Both papers point to shortcomings, in particular with regard to the rights of non-governmental organisations.

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EU industry seems to be on a solid path to recovery from the crisis with growth in both employment and value added. Industry creates jobs across the economy and is responsible for the bulk of investment in private research and development. Similarly to other developed parts of the world, European industry is undergoing a transformation based, among others, on increasing the convergence between traditional industries and the digital sector. This change creates both opportunities and challenges. In order to maintain the global competitiveness of European industry, many current shortcomings, such as insufficient investment levels, widening productivity and innovation gaps or skills shortages, must be addressed.

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Cultural and educational policies can contribute to the development of skills needed to cope with the complexity of contemporary multicultural societies, and to qualify for jobs in the fast-growing creative and cultural industries. In the EU, competence for culture and education policies lies with the Member States, though the EU plays a role too, by supporting them financially and supplementing and coordinating their efforts in this field.

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Returning more and more migrants with irregular status to their countries of origin has become a key European Union aim in efforts to reduce illegal migration. Despite its high political priority, reiterated in European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker's 2017 State of the Union address, the effective implementation of this objective is problematic, mainly due to resistance at the individual level, but also from the countries of origin. To make the return option more attractive for migrants with irregular status, the EU's return policy promotes voluntary returns through reintegration assistance packages. No less than 90 specific assisted voluntary return and reintegration programmes (AVRR) have been established by EU Member States, co-financed by the European Union, and implemented mainly by the International Organization on Migration (IOM).

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Cross-border provision of services in the EU is relatively common, and is undertaken by an increasing number of entities, especially in sectors such as construction and business. Despite this fact, many service-providers still face obstacles which stop them benefitting from comparable business opportunities available to local persons and organisations. The European Commission has a proposed a new regulation and accompanying directive aimed at tackling these remaining obstacles in EU markets, through the introduction of a European services e-card. This would increase and simplify cooperation between home and host Member States, as well as simplifying the procedures applicable to cross-border service-providers.

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The EU customs union has become the world's largest trading bloc. While customs rules are the same across the EU, national customs authorities do not always apply them in a consistent manner. Therefore, the European Commission adopted its long-term plan to strengthen the governance and management of the EU customs union (December 2016). The Commission proposes structural and administrative changes, inter alia, on customs policy monitoring, formulation, and implementation. In addition, the Commission proposes to tackle administrative issues (e.g. application of EU law, competency building for custom officials, aligning new EU-wide IT systems on customs procedures), and border management coordination. Besides governance and administrative issues, the Briefing is also analysing the evolution of the customs union and Intra-EU trade, the new Union Customs Code (UCC) and the arrangements with participating third countries.

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The Commission published a proposal in January 2017 for a new e-Privacy 'regulation. The aim is to reform the existing 2002 legislation to adapt the e-Privacy rules to the new technological reality, and to align them to the 2016 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Stakeholders are divided on certain issues, including on the basic need for a new measure to protect confidentiality in e-communications.

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The Bioenergy is generally produced from plants such as agricultural crops or trees, Et is a renewable but finite energy source, and considered as climate-friendly, However, its production and use has environmental impacts and the climate benefits may vary. To ensure the sustainability of bioenergy, the Commission proposed a revised Renewable Energy Directive which includes mandatory sustainability criteria.

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The Commission's public consultation exercise on the simplification and modernisation of the Common Agricultural Policy closed on 2 May 2017. It received in excess of 320,000 online responses. The initial results of this exercise will be presented at a stakeholder event in July. As a prelude to these results, some key features of EU agriculture are outlined along with an overview on prospects for the main agricultural markets. A number of stakeholder organisations and think tanks have already issued their reflections on the future shape of EU agricultural policy. It is expected that the Commission will publish a communication towards the end of the year on the current performance of the CAP including potential policy options for the future.

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Over 105 million young Europeans are part of national education systems at different levels. Our briefing reviews progress in reaching common objectives to address the most pressing concerns in EU education systems by 2020.

Source: © European Union - EP

Over 105 million young Europeans are part of national education systems at different levels. Our briefing reviews progress in reaching common objectives to address the most pressing concerns in EU education systems by 2020.

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The Commission's public consultation exercise on the simplification and modernisation of the Common Agricultural Policy closed on 2 May 2017. It received in excess of 320,000 online responses. The initial results of this exercise will be presented at a stakeholder event in July. As a prelude to these results, some key features of EU agriculture are outlined along with an overview on prospects for the main agricultural markets. A number of stakeholder organisations and think tanks have already issued their reflections on the future shape of EU agricultural policy. It is expected that the Commission will publish a communication towards the end of the year on the current performance of the CAP including potential policy options for the future.

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With citizens being painfully aware of the cost of hosting mega-sporting events, such as the football World Cup or the Olympic Games, state aid control in the area of sport has come to the fore. Read our briefing to find out what the European Commission has been doing recently.

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There are thousands of types of plastics. Plastics production account for about about 6 % of global oil consumption, set to grow to 20 % by 2050. Half of the plastics waste collected and recycled is treated in the EU, while the other half is exported, mainly to China. It is estimated that 2 to 5% of plastics produced end up in oceans.15 to 30% of plastics entering the oceans are microplastics (mainly coming from laundering of synthetic textiles and abrasion of tyres while driving).

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There are thousands of types of plastics. Plastics production account for about about 6 % of global oil consumption, set to grow to 20 % by 2050. Half of the plastics waste collected and recycled is treated in the EU, while the other half is exported, mainly to China. It is estimated that 2 to 5% of plastics produced end up in oceans.15 to 30% of plastics entering the oceans are microplastics (mainly coming from laundering of synthetic textiles and abrasion of tyres while driving).

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With citizens being painfully aware of the cost of hosting mega-sporting events, such as the football World Cup or the Olympic Games, state aid control in the area of sport has come to the fore. Read our briefing to find out what the European Commission has been doing recently.

Source: © European Union - EP

Tourism is the third largest industry in the EU, and vital for employment, economic growth and regional development. Despite the impact of the economic crisis, tourism has benefited from growing numbers of visitors in recent years. Nonetheless, as this briefing shows, the industry faces a number of challenges, not least growing competition from destinations outside Europe. Although the European Commission has presented two communications on tourism in the past decade, EU competence in the field is shared with Member States, and tourism policy remains essentially at national level.

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Although the EU's emissions trading system (ETS) includes provision to cover CO2 emissions from all flights to and from airports in the EU, this was suspended pending the agreement of emissions-reduction measures applicable across the world. This was to prevent conflicts with major EU trading partners. As this briefing explains, the original suspension of the aviation sector from the ETS was to expire at the end of 2016. Although the International Civil Aviation Organization agreed on a global market-based measure for the sector in October 2016, this is not due to come into effect until 2021. The Parliament therefore has to vote on a Commission proposal to extend the suspension until then.

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Tourism is the third largest industry in the EU, and vital for employment, economic growth and regional development. Despite the impact of the economic crisis, tourism has benefited from growing numbers of visitors in recent years. Nonetheless, as this briefing shows, the industry faces a number of challenges, not least growing competition from destinations outside Europe. Although the European Commission has presented two communications on tourism in the past decade, EU competence in the field is shared with Member States, and tourism policy remains essentially at national level.

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Although the EU's emissions trading system (ETS) includes provision to cover CO2 emissions from all flights to and from airports in the EU, this was suspended pending the agreement of emissions-reduction measures applicable across the world. This was to prevent conflicts with major EU trading partners. As this briefing explains, the original suspension of the aviation sector from the ETS was to expire at the end of 2016. Although the International Civil Aviation Organization agreed on a global market-based measure for the sector in October 2016, this is not due to come into effect until 2021. The Parliament therefore has to vote on a Commission proposal to extend the suspension until then.

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Social enterprises combine social and environmental goals with entrepreneurial activity. To help them overcome challenges related to regulatory obstacles and difficulties in accessing funding, the EU is taking steps such as the Social Business Initiative, review of the regulation on the European Social Entrepreneurship Funds, tailor-made financing solutions, provisions facilitating access to public procurement, proposals for an EU social enterprise statute and developing methodologies for measuring social impact.

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Social enterprises combine social and environmental goals with entrepreneurial activity. To help them overcome challenges related to regulatory obstacles and difficulties in accessing funding, the EU is taking steps such as the Social Business Initiative, review of the regulation on the European Social Entrepreneurship Funds, tailor-made financing solutions, provisions facilitating access to public procurement, proposals for an EU social enterprise statute and developing methodologies for measuring social impact.

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Social enterprises combine social and environmental goals with entrepreneurial activity. To help them overcome challenges related to regulatory obstacles and difficulties in accessing funding, the EU is taking steps such as the Social Business Initiative, review of the regulation on the European Social Entrepreneurship Funds, tailor-made financing solutions, provisions facilitating access to public procurement, proposals for an EU social enterprise statute and developing methodologies for measuring social impact.

Source: © European Union - EP

Social enterprises combine social and environmental goals with entrepreneurial activity. To help them overcome challenges related to regulatory obstacles and difficulties in accessing funding, the EU is taking steps such as the Social Business Initiative, review of the regulation on the European Social Entrepreneurship Funds, tailor-made financing solutions, provisions facilitating access to public procurement, proposals for an EU social enterprise statute and developing methodologies for measuring social impact.

Source: © European Union - EP

The EU-NATO Joint Declaration adopted in the margins of the NATO Summit in Warsaw represents a clear milestone in bilateral cooperation to counter hybrid threats. This briefing provides an overview of the concrete proposals currently on the table and the progress on their implementation.
Think Tank - "Briefing" product

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The European Commission is proposing to set up an automated system that would gather information on visa-exempt travellers prior to their arrival to the Schengen border. The aim is to determine any irregular migration, security or public-health risks associated with those third-country nationals. The proposal follows similar models already existing in the USA, Canada and Australia, among others.

Think Tank - "Briefing" product

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The European Commission is proposing to set up an automated system that would gather information on visa-exempt travellers prior to their arrival to the Schengen border. The aim is to determine any irregular migration, security or public-health risks associated with those third-country nationals. The proposal follows similar models already existing in the USA, Canada and Australia, among others.
Think Tank - "Briefing" product

Source: © European Union - EP

The EU-NATO Joint Declaration adopted in the margins of the NATO Summit in Warsaw represents a clear milestone in bilateral cooperation to counter hybrid threats. This briefing provides an overview of the concrete proposals currently on the table and the progress on their implementation.

Think Tank - "Briefing" product

Source: © European Union - EP

This briefing provides insights into the objectives, priorities and measures of the EU Rural Development Policy 2014-2020 that can offer support to rural communities in the process of the integration of the migrants who settle in rural Europe. The projects launched by rural communities to assist the integration of migrants illustrate that integration is a two-way process with implications for both host communities and third-country nationals.

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This briefing provides insights into the objectives, priorities and measures of the EU Rural Development Policy 2014-2020 that can offer support to rural communities in the process of the integration of the migrants who settle in rural Europe. The projects launched by rural communities to assist the integration of migrants illustrate that integration is a two-way process with implications for both host communities and third-country nationals.

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How can a third country access EU financial services markets? What is the difference between the passporting rights enjoyed by the Member States and the equivalence recognition of external frameworks?

Source: © European Union - EP

How can a third country access EU financial services markets? What is the difference between the passporting rights enjoyed by the Member States and the equivalence recognition of external frameworks?

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A number of major issues are set to colour the year 2017, some in ways that seem relatively clear already and others unpredictably. This in-depth analysis looks at 10 of the main issues likely to be on the table for EU policy-makers throughout 2017. Some are entirely internal concerns while others are global issues. And for some, the EU and its leaders will be able to make the running whereas they will have to find ways to react to some of the others, always with the underlying goal of protecting and supporting European citizens.

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What will be the relations between the EU and ACP countries after 2020? There is a lot to discuss and it might be difficult for all parties to find convergence of interests.

Source: © European Union - EP

What will be the relations between the EU and ACP countries after 2020? There is a lot to discuss and it might be difficult for all parties to find convergence of interests.

Source: © European Union - EP

A number of major issues are set to colour the year 2017, some in ways that seem relatively clear already and others unpredictably. This in-depth analysis looks at 10 of the main issues likely to be on the table for EU policy-makers throughout 2017. Some are entirely internal concerns while others are global issues. And for some, the EU and its leaders will be able to make the running whereas they will have to find ways to react to some of the others, always with the underlying goal of protecting and supporting European citizens.

Source: © European Union - EP

James McEldowney.
Over the years, the Common Agricultural Policy has been subject to several reforms. Often described as being incremental in nature, these reforms have progressively resulted in significant changes in both the orientation and architecture of the CAP.

Source: © European Union - EP

Damiano Scordamaglia.
The vote in plenary on the market pillar of the fourth railway package scheduled for December 2016 puts the spotlight on a set of policy measures to improve the competitiveness of EU rail and the quality of its services. Indeed, the measures on markets and governance aim to enhance the level playing field between operators, including for domestic operations, and cost-efficiency of rail services.
Think Tank Topical Digest

Source: © European Union - EP

James McEldowney.
Over the years, the Common Agricultural Policy has been subject to several reforms. Often described as being incremental in nature, these reforms have progressively resulted in significant changes in both the orientation and architecture of the CAP.

Source: © European Union - EP

Damiano Scordamaglia.
The vote in plenary on the market pillar of the fourth railway package scheduled for December 2016 puts the spotlight on a set of policy measures to improve the competitiveness of EU rail and the quality of its services. Indeed, the measures on markets and governance aim to enhance the level playing field between operators, including for domestic operations, and cost-efficiency of rail services.
Think Tank Topical Digest

Source: © European Union - EP

Laura Puccio (XPOL).
The EU has been negotiating trade agreements since the 1970s, then as the European Communities. Over time it has diversified its trading partners, and is now negotiating trade agreements with partners from every continent. The content of trade agreements has also evolved as EU trade competences have developed. This briefing looks at how trade negotiations are conducted and concluded in the EU after the Lison treaty, and discusses some of the key issues in the current EU trade policy debate.
Think Tank briefing

Source: © European Union - EP

Laura Puccio (XPOL).
The EU has been negotiating trade agreements since the 1970s, then as the European Communities. Over time it has diversified its trading partners, and is now negotiating trade agreements with partners from every continent. The content of trade agreements has also evolved as EU trade competences have developed. This briefing looks at how trade negotiations are conducted and concluded in the EU after the Lison treaty, and discusses some of the key issues in the current EU trade policy debate.
Think Tank briefing

Source: © European Union - EP

Wilhelm SCHOELLMANN (XPOL).
EU-Canada negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) started in May 2009 and were declared concluded in September 2014. The agreement's overall aim is to increase flows of goods, services and investment to the benefit of both partners. For the EU, CETA represents the first comprehensive economic agreement with a highly industrialised Western economy. On 5 July 2016, the Commission made three proposals for a Council decision with respect to CETA: to sign the agreement, on provisional application, and on conclusion. The Council and Member States have had difficult discussions on the conditions under which CETA can be signed.
Think Tank briefing

Source: © European Union - EP

Wilhelm SCHOELLMANN (XPOL).
EU-Canada negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) started in May 2009 and were declared concluded in September 2014. The agreement's overall aim is to increase flows of goods, services and investment to the benefit of both partners. For the EU, CETA represents the first comprehensive economic agreement with a highly industrialised Western economy. On 5 July 2016, the Commission made three proposals for a Council decision with respect to CETA: to sign the agreement, on provisional application, and on conclusion. The Council and Member States have had difficult discussions on the conditions under which CETA can be signed.
Think Tank briefing

Source: © European Union - EP

The Cohesion Fund supports large-scale investments in environmental sustainability and in transport infrastructure. The Fund allocation for 2014-2020 is €63 396.06 million, this is almost 7% of the total Multiannual Financial Framework. It is an important contributor to public investment in (particularly underdeveloped) infrastructure of the eligible Member States.

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Scientific knowledge has become a key element in the policy-making process, alongside societal values and political considerations. As a consequence, stronger science advice systems have been developed to provide timely and useful scientific advice to policy-makers in both legislative and executive bodies.

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Despite significant progress made, the Single Market for services is not fully integrated yet. Trade in services has been more resilient to the economic crisis than trade in goods and many see further potential for its delivery of economic growth in the EU. Find out about the main current issues and possible steps towards further integration in our podcast.

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The European Commission's first outline for a Pillar of Social Rights should help to foster upward convergence in the social and employment field across EU. The twenty principles defined in the outline should in their final form support member states to create equal opportunities on the labour market, fair working conditions and well as social protection for all. Tapping into the EU's economic governance mechanism the Pillar should help to bring about more balance between economic and social issues. Its final content and format should be defined after the broad consultation that is currently taking place until the end of 2016.

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Despite the EU's calls to protect vulnerable consumers, energy poverty affects nearly 11% of the EU's population! And without robust energy efficiency measures, the transition to smart markets and grids could aggravate the situation. This is why the European Parliament has asked the Commission and Member States to put in place measures to avoid having more EU citizens not being able to pay their energy bills! Find out more in this EPRS Policy Podcast.

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Towns and cities are home to nearly three quarters of the EU's population. This concentration poses both challenges and opportunities which call for closer cooperation between the local and the European level. This is the spirit of the Urban Agenda for the EU, designed to give towns and cities a greater say in EU policies.

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Strategic communication is not a new concept, but its significance for the EU's foreign and security policy is increasing, particularly following the propaganda and disinformation practices in relation to the Ukraine conflict, and recruitment practices by jihadi groups. So the European Union is designing a more strategic vision for engaging with stakeholders in its neighbourhood, find out more in this EPRS Policy podcast.

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In this EPRS Policy podcast we're going to talk money, helicopter money! This term refers to additional free money distributed to citizens to re-launch stagnating economies. A partial cure for what ails of the European economy? While some experts argue it would help jump-start the EU economy, others are more sceptical, and warn about the dangers. Find out more in this Policy podcast.

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Taking over one-third of the Union's budget, cohesion policy is one of the EU's main investment tool, and one the EU feels especially proud of! It has helped less well-off regions catch up with the rest, create growth and jobs across Europe. But could it be more effective? Find out more in this EPRS Policy podcast.

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To ensure the smooth functioning of the EU's internal energy market, individual EU countries negotiating energy agreements with third countries must ensure these deals comply with EU law. But in February 2016, the European Commission proposed an update to the current rules. Find out more in this EPRS Policy podcast.

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The United States is a key European Union partner in the area of justice and home affairs (JHA), including in the fight against terrorism. While formal cooperation on JHA issues between the US and the EU goes back to the 1995 New Transatlantic Agenda, it is since 2001 in particular that cooperation has intensified. Today, and for the period up until 2020, the key areas of transatlantic efforts in the JHA field are: personal data protection; counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism; migration and border controls; tracing of firearms and explosives; money laundering and terrorism financing; cybercrime; drugs; and information exchange.

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The EU's Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) lays down maximum annual levels of EU spending in different areas. The current MFF covers the 2014-2020 period and is the EU's fifth consecutive multiannual financial plan. However, the Framework is the first to take the form of a regulation, and the first to contain provisions providing for a mid-term review that may lead to its revision.

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For many, Schengen is one of the EU´s most important achievements. Today, more often than, we can jump on a train or hop in the car to visit friends in neighbouring countries without having to show our passport at the border. But current migratory pressures and security concerns have led several countries to reintroduce temporary border controls. Will this be the end of Schengen? Or will the EU manage to preserve this 30-year long achievement? Join us on this journey through Schengen in this EPRS Policy podcast.

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What started as a pro-European revolution in downtown Kiev has escalated into an full-blown international crisis, putting the European Union and the US at odds with Russia. And despite that the guns have largely fallen silent, the conflict is nowhere near over... Stay with us for a recount of the origins and evolution of a conflict that has shaken the foundations of Europe's security architecture. Today, more than two years after the Euromaidan revolution, Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and the eruption of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, the country is still at a crossroads between war and peace, between corruption and reform. Find out more in this EPRS Policy podcast.

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Recent estimates by the European Parliament suggest that moving from 28 national markets to a single one could contribute €415 billion per year to our economy and create millions of new jobs. The EU's single market is one of the greatest successes of European integration. But switch from the physical to the online, and you'll see the picture is not quite the same. Find out about the progress and challenges facing the EU digital single market in this EPRS policy podcast.

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What started as local anti-government protests in south-western Syria in 2011 has evolved into a fully-fledged war whose end is not yet in sight. The conflict has forced over 4.5 million Syrians to flee the country, many of them seeking refuge in Europe. In this EPRS policy podcast, we will analyse the roots, evolution and international response to an external conflict that became EU business.

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Achieving Europe's 2020 targets of sustainable growth is a team effort that will require the coordination of Member States' budgetary and economic plans. To lead this fiscal and economic choreography, the EU has set up the European Semester, a key element in the EU's economic governance. The European Semester aims to detect, prevent, and correct dangerous economic trends such as excessive government deficits or public debt levels that could put a country, or the whole Euro area, into trouble again. Find out more in this EPRS policy podcast.

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With a budget of €14.7 billion over 7 years, Erasmus Plus brings together seven existing programmes in the fields of education, training and youth. And, for the first time, it also includes sport, supporting grassroots projects and combating match-fixing, doping, violence and racism. Erasmus Plus supports transnational partnerships among education, training, and youth organisations in 33 different countries, bridging the worlds of education and work to tackle the skills gaps that Europe is facing. Find out more in this EPRS policy podcast.

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The Commission Work Programme, adopted on 27 October 2015 spells out actions on 10 political priorities for the coming twelve months, some of which were already presented in 2015, such as the measures on firearms or the Circular Economy Package. Well, ahead of the Commission's adoption of the new work programme in October 2015, the European Parliament set out its recommendations and urged the EU executive to show clear leadership and the importance it attaches to transparency of the legislative process. Listen to the podcast on the Work Programme for 2016.

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In a traditional linear economic model, things work like this: a company produces a good, say a mobile phone or a hair-dryer, we buy it, we use it, and when we don't need it anymore, we throw it away. This model assumes that resources are abundant, available and cheap to dispose of, so it bases itself on a 'take-make-consume-throw away' pattern. In sharp contrast to this a circular economy is based on sharing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling in an almost closed loop. In this alternative model, products and the materials they contain are kept within the economy for as long as possible, reducing waste to a minimum. Find out more about the new circular economy package in the podcast.

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Human rights and fundamental freedoms form the basis of European societies, but in other parts of the world, men and women must confront violence, abuses and impunity. Even at the risk of their own lives, some dare to stand up against these abuses… So what is the European Parliament doing to support them?

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To make the EU aviation sector more competitive, the EU is pushing forward a new set of rules to make it fly even higher. Aviation is a key driver of economic growth and jobs in Europe and has a major impact on the life and mobility of its citizens. Find out more in this policy podcast.

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In early December, negotiators from more than 190 nations around the world will meet are due to meet in Paris to hammer out a new global climate change agreement. But what's really at stake? In this podcast, we'll look at climate action in Europe and world-wide, and analyse the state of the negotiations ahead of the Paris conference.

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Pushed by war and poverty and pulled by the dream of a better life, hundreds of thousands of people embark on perilous journeys to reach the EU's borders. We'll look at EU action to respond to this unprecedented migratory crisis and the challenges ahead. The Parliament, on its side, has repeatedly called on Member States to act quickly and in solidarity with each other, to help alleviate one of the worst humanitarian dramas the EU has ever faced.

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