List of publications from the EP Think Tank - European Union

List of publications from the EP Think Tankhttps://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank

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Creation date : 12-07-2022

Plenary round-up – July 2022Publication type At a Glance

Date 08-07-2022Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary The war in Ukraine was again an important point on the agenda of the July 2022 plenary session, with Members

debating the conclusions of the European Council meeting that took place on 23 24 June 2022, as well as a long list ofCouncil and Commission statements, including on facilitating exports of Ukrainian agricultural products, and onrelations of the Russian government and diplomatic network with extremist, populist, anti-European and otherEuropean political parties. Parliament also debated statements on the Czech Presidency's programme of activities forthe next six months, and a 'This is Europe' debate was held with the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsokakis.Members addressed European Union initiatives to address inflation, implementation of the European Pillar of SocialRights, and taxing energy companies' windfall profits. Members rejected a motion to oppose the inclusion of nuclearand gas as environmentally sustainable economic activities in the EU taxonomy. A debate on the activities of theEuropean Investment Bank took place in the presence of its President, Werner Hoyer. Members also considered theconsequences of the recent heat waves and drought in the EU. Looking further afield, Members debated the UnitedKingdom's unilateral introduction of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill and respect of international law, and the UnitedStates Supreme Court decision to overturn abortion rights. Debates took place on the treatment of refugees at theSpanish-Moroccan border, and on the post-Cotonou Agreement. Finally, Members debated and voted on a number oflegislative files.

At a Glance EN

Towards new rules on transparency and targeting of political advertisingPublication type Briefing

Date 08-07-2022Author DIAZ CREGO Maria

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary Political advertising is central to influencing how people vote, and may affect citizens' perceptions of the legitimacy of

their own political system, particularly when published in the run-up to elections. Rules governing political advertisingare therefore key to guaranteeing citizens' fundamental rights and the integrity of democratic processes. So, it is notwithout reason that regulating political propaganda during electoral periods is one of the common focal points ofelectoral law. However, traditional rules on campaigning may either be ineffective or difficult to enforce in an onlineenvironment where new techniques are used to target potential voters with tailored political messages based on largeamounts of personal data revealing their sensibilities and vulnerabilities. To address the new challenges posed byonline electoral campaigns, the European Commission presented a proposal that aims to build a harmonised set ofrules on transparency and targeting of political advertising, and would apply to both online and offline politicaladvertisements. The proposal is currently under discussion by the European Parliament and the Council through theordinary legislative procedure. In the Parliament, the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO)is responsible for the file. The rapporteur presented his draft report to the committee on 16 June 2022. First edition.The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

Simone Veil, European political pioneerPublication type At a Glance

Date 05-07-2022Author PERCHOC Philippe

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary Simone Veil, the first President of the directly elected European Parliament in 1979, and the first woman to hold the

office, died on 30 June 2017, at the age of 89. A prominent French public figure beyond her years in office, she leavesan important and enduring legacy. This is an update of an 'At a glance' note from July 2017.

At a Glance EN, FR

Policy Departments’ Monthly Highlights - July 2022Publication type At a Glance

Date 30-06-2022Policy area Budget | Budgetary Control | Democracy | Economics and Monetary Issues | Education | Environment | EU

Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Fisheries | Human Rights | TransportSummary The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments,

including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 1

Priority dossiers under the Czech EU Council PresidencyPublication type Briefing

Date 30-06-2022Author NADKARNI ISABEL

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary Czechia is a parliamentary republic with a head of government – the prime minister – and a head of state – the

president. The current Prime Minister is Petr Fiala, from the Civic Democratic Party (ODS). He has been in office sinceNovember 2021 and was preceded by Andrej Babiš (2017-2021), the founder of the party ANO 2011. Czech PresidentMiloš Zeman was first elected to the post in 2013 and had previously served as prime minister, from 1998 to 2002. Thesupreme executive body is the government. It is led by the prime minister and appointed by the president of therepublic. The president also appoints other government members based on the prime minister's recommendations.Before it is installed, the government must win a vote of confidence in the Chamber of Deputies. The Spolu alliance,formed for the 2021 legislative election, was composed of the Civic Democratic Party (ODS), KDU-ČSL (Christian andDemocratic Union), and TOP 09 (Tradition, Responsibility, Prosperity). It currently governs the country in a coalitionwith the Pirates and Mayors' alliance. The Czech Parliament is bicameral. The upper house is the Senate (81members elected for six years) and the lower house is the Chamber of Deputies (200 members elected for four years).There are currently seven parties in the Chamber of Deputies. All of these parties except the SPD also have seats inthe Senate, where the Czech Social Democratic Party (ČSSD) and the Green Party (Z) also have seats. TheCommunist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSČM) holds no seats in the Chamber or the Senate but has one electedmember of the European Parliament and representatives at regional level. Czechia will hold the Presidency of theCouncil of the EU for the second time. The previous time was in the first half of 2009, coinciding with the last months ofthe sixth legislative term of the European Parliament and with the European elections, held between 4 and 7 June2009. The programme of the Trio formed together with France and Sweden has as its thematic priorities to protectcitizens and freedoms; to promote a new growth and investment model for Europe; to build a climate-neutral, green,fair and social Europe; and to promote Europe's interests and values in the world.

Briefing EN

Better regulation in the EU: Improving quality and reducing delaysPublication type Briefing

Date 30-06-2022External author Siôn Jones, Greta Dohler, Luke Pate

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Budget | Budgetary Control |Consumer Protection | Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EULaw: Legal System and Acts | European Semester | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Ex-ante ImpactAssessment | Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs Union | Petitions to the EuropeanParliament | Taxation | Transposition and Implementation of Law

Summary This briefing, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the JURI Committee, provides recommendations for better regulation in the EU by improvingquality and reducing delays. It points at significant actual and potential benefits from EU legislative initiativesamounting to over €2,200bn as well as costs of slow Europe of €319 billion in lost annual benefits.

Briefing EN

Assessment of current initiatives of the European Commission on better regulationPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 30-06-2022External author RENDA Andrea

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Economics and Monetary Issues |Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | EuropeanSemester | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Ex-ante Impact Assessment | Forward Planning | Transpositionand Implementation of Law

Summary This in-depth analysis commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights andConstitutional Affairs at the request of the JURI Committee, looks at the past and current developments in the EUbetter regulation agenda. The author finds that, despite important achievements that put the EU at the forefront in thisfield, many of the most ambitious reforms announced over the past few years are still far from complete. The in-depthanalysis offers several policy recommendations.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Better regulation: Joining forces to make better lawsPublication type At a Glance

Date 29-06-2022Author LECERF Marie

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary The purpose of better regulation is to make European Union laws and policies simpler, more targeted and easier to

comply with. Since the early 2000s, better lawmaking has been high on the European agenda, and in April 2021 theEuropean Commission published a new communication on better lawmaking. Parliament will debate and vote on theJURI committee's report on this communication during the July plenary session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 2

'This is Europe' debate in the European Parliament: Speech by Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister ofCroatia, on 22 June 2022

Publication type At a GlanceDate 28-06-2022

Author DRACHENBERG RalfPolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Agriculture and Rural Development | Area of Freedom, Security and

Justice | Budget | Budgetary Control | Competition law and regulation | Consumer Protection | Contract Law,Commercial Law and Company Law | Coronavirus | Culture | Democracy | Development and Humanitarian Aid |Economics and Monetary Issues | Education | Employment | Energy | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional andParliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | European Added Value | European Semester | Evaluation ofLaw and Policy in Practice | Ex-ante Impact Assessment | Financial and Banking Issues | Fisheries | Food Safety |Foreign Affairs | Forward Planning | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | Global Governance | Human Rights |Industry | Intellectual Property Law | Internal Market and Customs Union | International Trade | Petitions to theEuropean Parliament | Private international law and judicial cooperation in civil matters | Public Health | Publicinternational law | Regional Development | Research Policy | Security and Defence | Social Policy | Taxation | Tourism| Transport | Transposition and Implementation of Law

Summary 'This is Europe' – an initiative proposed by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola – consists of aseries of debates with EU leaders to discuss their visions for the future of the European Union. On 22 June, the PrimeMinister of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, was the third EU leader to address the Parliament since its Conference ofPresidents endorsed the initiative on 28 April. Mr Plenković considered Croatia to be at the centre of EU integrationand expressed his support for more shared competences in the area of health cooperation as well as for EUenlargement to Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and the Western Balkans, especially Bosnia and Herzegovina.

At a Glance EN

Plenary round-up – June II 2022Publication type At a Glance

Date 24-06-2022Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary The highlight of the June II 2022 plenary session was the vote to overwhelmingly endorse the granting of candidate

status to Ukraine and Moldova, and – once it meets the conditions set out by the Commission – Georgia. On theevening of 23 June, EU leaders did indeed follow suit. Members debated preparations for that European Councilmeeting taking place on 23-24 June 2022, including the meeting with Western Balkan leaders on 23 June. TheParliament also debated with the Commission and Council the use of national vetoes undermining the global tax deal,and held debates, inter alia, on implementation and delivery of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,and the future of EU international investment policy. Parliament adopted its position, following the urgent procedure, onexceptional temporary support under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development in response to the impactof Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A 'This is Europe' debate was held with the Prime Minister of Croatia, AndrejPlenković. Finally, in a formal sitting, Members heard an address by Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic ofZambia.

At a Glance EN

EU customs control mechanisms and their possible improvementPublication type Briefing

Date 23-06-2022Author HAASE Diana

External author Diana HAASEPolicy area Budget | Budgetary Control | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Forward Planning

Summary The Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) decided to organise a workshop with the aim to get a betterunderstanding about customs control practices in Member States and their possible improvements. This briefingprovides background information to this event that took place the 15th June 2022.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 3

The European Parliament commemorates John Hume: Speeches at the inauguration of a memorial bust,Strasbourg, 7 June 2022

Publication type BriefingDate 22-06-2022

External author DG, EPRSPolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Summary A commemorative bust of John Hume (1937-2020) – awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1998 for his tireless efforts tobring peace to his native Northern Ireland – was unveiled in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday 7June 2022. Having served as an MEP from 1979 to 2004, John Hume understood the European Parliament as a forumin which to raise attention to the problems of Northern Ireland and build European support for resolving the conflict.And it was also – with a measure of seclusion not available to them in Belfast – a place where he and the unionistMEPs from Northern Ireland could work together to improve Northern Ireland's situation. The bust of John Hume,representing him at the age he was first elected to the European Parliament, is by Northern Ireland-born sculptorElizabeth O'Kane, and has been donated to the Parliament by the Irish government. The bust was unveiled by the IrishTaoiseach, Micheál Martin, and the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. Before the ceremony,Chris Patten, former European Commissioner, delivered a lecture, in which he paid tribute to John Hume's work aspeace-maker and his commitment to democratic values. This Briefing brings together the texts of all three speeches.

Briefing EN

EU accession to the Hague Judgments ConventionPublication type At a Glance

Date 20-06-2022Author MAŃKO Rafał

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary The Committee on Legal Affairs is proposing that the European Parliament give its consent to EU accession to the

Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters,concluded within the framework of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.

At a Glance EN

Ukraine’s application to join the EU [What Think Tanks are thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 16-06-2022Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Foreign AffairsSummary EU Heads of State or Government will discuss war-torn Ukraine’s bid to join the EU when they meet at a regular

European Council meeting in Brussels next week. The leaders are expected to discuss Ukraine’s request to gain thestatus of official EU candidate along with French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to create a ‘European PoliticalCommunity’, with Ukraine as a member, as news media have reported, quoting draft Council conclusions. The meetingon 23-24 June is unlikely to make any firm decisions on either of the two proposals, the quoted draft conclusionssuggest. EU enlargement, which had been on the backburner for some years, returned to the spotlight after Russiaattacked Ukraine on 24 February. Having failed to conquer Ukraine quickly, Russia is now concentrating its war effortin the south-eastern provinces of the country. This note gathers links to recent publications and commentaries frommany international think tanks on Russia’s war on Ukraine. Earlier analyses of the implications of the war can be foundin a previous edition of the ‘What Think Tanks are Thinking’ series.

Briefing EN

'This is Europe' debate in the European Parliament: Speech by Micheál Martin, Taoiseach of Ireland, 8June 2022

Publication type At a GlanceDate 15-06-2022

Author DRACHENBERG RalfPolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Agriculture and Rural Development | Area of Freedom, Security and

Justice | Budget | Budgetary Control | Competition law and regulation | Consumer Protection | Contract Law,Commercial Law and Company Law | Coronavirus | Culture | Democracy | Development and Humanitarian Aid |Economics and Monetary Issues | Education | Employment | Energy | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional andParliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | European Added Value | European Semester | Evaluation ofLaw and Policy in Practice | Ex-ante Impact Assessment | Financial and Banking Issues | Fisheries | Food Safety |Foreign Affairs | Forward Planning | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | Global Governance | Human Rights |Industry | Intellectual Property Law | Internal Market and Customs Union | International Trade | Petitions to theEuropean Parliament | Private international law and judicial cooperation in civil matters | Public Health | Publicinternational law | Regional Development | Research Policy | Security and Defence | Social Policy | Taxation | Tourism| Transport | Transposition and Implementation of Law

Summary 'This is Europe' – an initiative proposed by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola – consists of aseries of debates with EU leaders to discuss their visions for the future of the European Union. Following the firstspeech in this series by the Italian Prime Minister, Mario Draghi, on 3 May 2022, the Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister),Micheál Martin, was the second EU leader to address the Parliament, on 8 June.1 Mr Martin suggested numerousways to strengthen and further develop the Union, notably by increasing its budget. He also expressed his support forTreaty change, if necessary, as well as for Ukraine's application for EU membership, and stressed the need to protectEU values and apply EU laws.

At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 4

The Czech Parliament and EU affairsPublication type Briefing

Date 13-06-2022Author RITTELMEYER Yann-Sven

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary The Czech Republic (Czechia) has a parliamentary system of government. The Czech Parliament consists of

Poslanecká sněmovna (the Chamber of Deputies) and Senát (the Senate), both elected directly. It is considered animperfect bicameral system, with the Chamber of Deputies able to overrule the Senate in most instances (Chapter II ofthe Czech Constitution adopted in 1992). Equal powers between the two chambers are limited to constitutional andelectoral laws, the ratification of international agreements, and certain cases pertaining to defence and security. In2012, the Czech Parliament gave up its competence to elect the President of the Republic in order to introduce directpresidential elections. This did, however, not lead to a semi-presidential system, even if evolution in this directioncannot be excluded. The President appoints the government, led by the Prime Minister, which must gain a vote ofconfidence in the Chamber of Deputies at the beginning of its term (Article 68 of the Constitution). The governmentremains accountable to the Chamber of Deputies. The President can, under specific circumstances (Article 35),dissolve the Chamber of Deputies, while the chamber has the power to override presidential vetoes. The Senate is apermanent institution that cannot be dissolved. The members of the Chamber of Deputies are elected every four yearsaccording to the principle of proportional representation by a universal, equal, direct and secret vote. Senators areelected for a six-year term, with one third of them being renewed every two years by a universal, equal, direct andsecret vote in the form of a plurality voting system. This briefing is part of an EPRS series on national parliaments(NPs) and EU affairs. It aims to provide an overview of the way the NPs of EU Member States are structured and howthey process, scrutinise and engage with EU legislation. It also provides information on relevant NP publications.

Briefing EN

Plenary round-up – June I 2022Publication type At a Glance

Date 10-06-2022Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary The war in Ukraine stayed on the agenda for the June I 2022 plenary session in Strasbourg, with Ruslan Stefanchuk,

Speaker of Verkhovna Rada making an address to a formal sitting of Parliament. Members also debated theconclusions of the special European Council meeting of 30 31 May 2022. Parliament debated the rule of law and thepotential approval of the Polish National Recovery Plan, and approved the call for a convention on revision of the EUTreaties. Members debated global threats to abortion rights, particularly in the USA, and the massacre of Christians inNigeria. A 'This is Europe' debate was held with the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin. Finally, a ceremonycelebrated the 60th anniversary of the common agricultural policy.

At a Glance EN

John Hume: Northern Ireland's peace-maker and committed EuropeanPublication type Briefing

Date 06-06-2022Author CHRISTIE Aidan

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary Throughout his life, John Hume (1937-2020) sought to improve the circumstances of the people of Northern Ireland,

beginning in his home city of Derry (Londonderry to its unionist residents). Born just a decade and a half after partition,and in a city whose hinterland had been divided by the border, he naturally wished for the unification of Ireland. But hesaw that that could not be achieved without realistic plans, nor without a partnership between the two majorcommunities in Northern Ireland, unionist and nationalist. While working as a school-teacher, in the belief that theycould themselves better their lot, he drove forward a wide range of actions to improve the economic circumstances ofhis community – which was far from the priority of the unionist government in Belfast. A nationalist community that wasincreasingly vocal in calling for fairer treatment brought him a leading role in the civil rights movement in NorthernIreland, before he made the switch to elected office in the Northern Ireland Parliament. The Social Democratic andLabour Party (SDLP) that he co-founded was part of a short-lived power-sharing government in 1974, but it was to bea false dawn, followed by direct rule from London for more than two decades. With killings a part of everyday life inNorthern Ireland during the Troubles, John Hume argued incessantly that violence was not the means to bring aboutthe unification of Ireland, but rather that understanding and respecting each other's differences was the key to findingpeace. He worked continuously to bring together the different parties and governments, all of which needed to beinvolved to resolve the conflict, as shown by the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. In that, he was inspired by the model ofpost-war European integration. His own experience as a Member of the European Parliament for 25 years (1979-2004)confirmed that a more collaborative approach to addressing differences could pay off. The design of the structures inthe Good Friday Agreement owes much to his European experience, but it is thanks to his perseverance – in the faceof considerable risks to both him and his family – in persuading those wedded to violence that there was a peacefulsolution, that those institutions became reality.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 5

The situation of Article 2 TEU values in Malta - LIBE mission to Malta 23-25 May 2022Publication type Study

Date 31-05-2022Author MARZOCCHI Ottavio

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Gender Issues, Equalityand Diversity

Summary This study, written by the Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs, at the request of theEuropean Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs - Democracy, Rule of Law andFundamental Rights Monitoring Group, examines the situation of Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rightsin Malta and how Article 2 TEU values are respected and implemented in the country.

Study EN

The primacy of EU law and the Polish Constitutional law judgmentPublication type Study

Date 31-05-2022External author Niels PETERSEN, Patrick WASILCZYK

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy inPractice

Summary This study was commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the LIBE Committee. It analyses the consequences of the judgment of the Polish ConstitutionalTribunal for the legal relationship between Poland and the EU, compares it to the case law of other Member States’highest courts and makes policy recommendations on how to deal with the judgment.

Study EN

Right to health, a comparative law perspective - CanadaPublication type Study

Date 24-05-2022External author Prof Dr Derek J. JONES, McGill University

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Coronavirus | Democracy | EUDemocracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy inPractice | Foreign Affairs | Human Rights | Public Health | Public international law | Transposition and Implementationof Law

Summary This study forms part of a larger Comparative Law project which seeks to present the right to health in a broad range oflegal systems around the world. After analyzing applicable constitutional sources, federal legislation and leading caselaw, the definition and content, scope and limits, and evolution of Canada's right to health are explored. The subject ofthis study is the Canadian legal system. This study begins with an overview of selected historic dangers to Canada'shealth, challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, and how such historic tragedies help contextualize and nurture nationalhealth needs and duties towards emergence of a right to health. It then explores leading constitutional, statutory andjurisprudential developments at the confluence of health law and human rights as sources of a right to health. While aright to health is not expressly enumerated in the Canadian Constitution, diverse fundamental rights of the CanadianCharter of Rights and Freedoms have been significant drivers of access to medically necessary services and aprotectorate of health-related values. Many such rights have proved pivotal in Canada's early Covid litigation. As well,federal human rights law, federal legislation on health services and national public health and safety regulations,underscore the vital role that such laws play in accessing, protecting and promoting human health. The documentconcludes with an exploration of the contours of the right to health – its definitions, scope and breadth, and its interfacewith fundamental rights to liberty, security of the person, equality, bodily integrity, privacy, etc. Such Charter rightshave reformed Canadian law on abortion, euthanasia, health information privacy, solitary confinement. The studysuggests that Canada's right to health encompasses and transcends access to health care. The right is not static; but,dynamic and iterative. It continues to evolve on a spectrum from a narrow right to health services, to a right to healthprotection, towards a broader right to determinants of health. The right draws on and synergizes with correlative,health-related dignitary rights. Together, they comprise facets of a right to health in diverse contexts. As they advance,a more robust and developed right to health seems likely to emerge in Canadian law.

Study EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 6

Protection against racism, xenophobia and racial discrimination, and the EU Anti-racism Action PlanPublication type Study

Date 24-05-2022External author Quentin LIGER, Asterisk Research and Analysis Mirja GUHTEIL, Asterisk Research and Analysis National research

was undertaken by Lilia YAKOVA (Centre for the Study of Democracy), Rosalina TODOROVA (Centre for the Study ofDemocracy), Victoria BOGDANOVA (Centre for the Study of Democracy ) and Dr Vessela HRISTOVA.

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policy in PracticeKeyword action programme | coronavirus disease | epidemic | human rights | racism | xenophobia

Summary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the LIBE Committee, provides an analysis of the distinctive features of racism, xenophobia andracial discrimination in the EU and selected EU Member States. It further examines various forms of racism,xenophobia and racial discrimination and their target groups and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The studyassesses anti-racism policies and legislation to determine effectiveness of the national and EU legislation andmeasures envisaged in the EU Anti-racism Action Plan on eradicatation of racism, xenophobia and racialdiscrimination. The study identifies gaps that need to be filled and provides recommendations on how to createengagement at all levels to achieve meaningful change and equality.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR, IT

La primauté du droit de l’Union européennePublication type Study

Date 24-05-2022External author Jacques Ziller

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and ActsSummary Cette recherche, réalisée à la demande du département thématique des droits des citoyens et des affaires

constitutionnelles du Parlement européen, explique la notion de primauté du droit de l'UE et ses conséquencespratiques, telle qu'elle résulte du système des traités et a été développée par la jurisprudence de la Cour de justicedepuis 1964. Elle explique comment et avec quelles limites éventuelles les juridictions des États membres acceptent,interprètent et appliquent le principe

Study FR

Plenary round-up - May II 2022Publication type At a Glance

Date 20-05-2022Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary The highlight of the May II plenary session in Brussels was an address to a formal sitting of Parliament by Maia Sandu,

President of the Republic of Moldova, followed by a debate on the Foreign Affairs (AFET) Committee's annual reporton progress to date with implementation of Moldova's EU Association Agreement. Members then adopted a resolutioncalling for more strategic support for the country. Russia's war on Moldova's neighbour Ukraine again dominated theagenda. Members held two important debates: on the fight against impunity for war crimes in Ukraine, and onEuropean solidarity and energy security in the face of Russia's invasion and its recent refusal to supply gas to Polandand Bulgaria. Members also debated Council and Commission statements on prosecution of members of theopposition and detention of trade union leaders in Belarus.

At a Glance EN

European Council Conclusions: A Rolling Check-list of commitments to datePublication type Study

Date 20-05-2022Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | DRACHENBERG Ralf | TORPEY REBECCA MARY

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary The role of the European Council – to 'provide the Union with the necessary impetus for its development' and to define

its 'general political directions and priorities' – has evolved rapidly over the last decade. Since June 2014, theEuropean Council Oversight Unit within the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), the EuropeanParliament's in-house research service and think tank, has been monitoring and analysing the European Council'sdelivery on commitments made in the conclusions of its meetings. This overview of European Council conclusions isan updated edition of the rolling check-list, which has been published regularly by the European Council Oversight Unitsince 2014, covering conclusions adopted under the current institutional cycle. It is designed to review the degree ofprogress in achieving the goals that the European Council has set itself and to assist the Parliament in exercising itsimportant oversight role in this field.

Study EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 7

Right-wing extremism in the EUPublication type Study

Date 20-05-2022External author Quentin LIGER, Asterisk Research and Analysis Mirja GUTHEIL, Asterisk Research and Analysis

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | EU Democracy,Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Forward Planning | Gender Issues,Equality and Diversity

Keyword Euroright | extreme right | extremism | human rights | member country | political parties | political rightSummary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional

Affairs at the request of the LIBE Committee, provides a discussion on the distinctive features of right-wing extremismas well as of violent actions perpetrated by right-wing extremists in the EU. It gives an overview and analysis ofdefinitions, recent trends and responses to these actions and concludes with recommendations. In particular, the studyhighlights the need to develop a working definition of right wing-extremism in order to provide a better framework forunderstanding, studying and measuring the phenomenon

Study EN

The Commission's 2021 rule of law reportPublication type At a Glance

Date 16-05-2022Author MAŃKO Rafał

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary The annual rule of law reports, launched by the European Commission in September 2020, are a monitoring tool which

allows the Commission to collect data concerning the state of the rule of law in each of the 27 EU Member States. Thesecond rule of law report was published in July 2021, and a third one is expected in 2022. During the May II plenarysession, Parliament is expected to adopt a resolution on the second annual rule of law report.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Proposal to amend Directive (EU) 2019/1153: Single access point to bank account registriesPublication type Briefing

Date 16-05-2022Author NEVILLE ANN

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary Financial information is vital for the investigation of serious crime and for the freezing of the proceeds of crime, but EU

investigators often lack the tools for effective investigation, especially when dealing with cross-border crime. Theproposed amendment to Directive (EU) 2019/1153 would allow designated competent authorities responsible for theprevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences to access and search Member States’centralised bank account registers through a single access point. This would enable them to establish almostimmediately whether an individual holds bank accounts in other Member States and identify to which Member Statesthey should make a formal request for additional information. First edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefingsare updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

Le droit à la santé, une perspective de droit comparé - SuissePublication type Study

Date 12-05-2022External author EPRS, Comparative Law

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Coronavirus | Democracy | EUDemocracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy inPractice | Foreign Affairs | Human Rights | Public Health | Public international law | Transposition and Implementationof Law

Summary Ce document s’intègre dans une série d’études qui, avec une perspective de droit comparé, visent à faire uneprésentation du droit à la santé dans différents ordres juridiques. Après avoir expliqué la réglementation et lajurisprudence d’application, le contenu, les limites et la possible évolution de ce droit sont examinés. La présenteétude a pour objet le cas de la Suisse. Elle présente les tensions idéologiques qui peuvent naître de la rencontre del’impératif de santé publique d’une part et d’une conception résolument libérale de l’État, qui érige la responsabilitéindividuelle en valeur cardinale, et l’obstacle qu’elles représentent pour l’émergence et la consécration législative d’undroit à la santé. L’abondante jurisprudence rendue par les tribunaux suisses, dont la portée est parfois très politique,offre toutefois quelques pistes solides pour envisager une telle perspective.

Study FR

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 8

Plenary round-up - May I 2022Publication type At a Glance

Date 06-05-2022Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary Russia's war on Ukraine was again at the top of the agenda for the May I 2022 plenary session in Strasbourg.

Members held three important debates related to the war: on the social and economic consequences for the EU andreinforcing the EU’s capacity to act, on EU preparedness against cyber-attacks following Russia's invasion of Ukraine,and on the impact on the EU transport and tourism sectors. Parliament debated Commission and Council statementson threats to the safety of journalists and media freedom, marking the annual World Press Freedom Day, on ongoinghearings under Article 7(1) TEU regarding Poland and Hungary, on the state of play of EU-Moldova cooperation, onbuilding a wall on the Poland–Belarus border in the Białowieża primeval forest, and on threats to stability, security anddemocracy in western Africa and the Sahel. The follow up of the Conference on the Future of Europe was alsodebated. Following on from recent reforms to the structure of the plenary agenda, and in particular the return ofquestion time with the Commission, Members discussed Europe’s energy autonomy – the strategic importance ofrenewables and energy interconnections and efficiency – with Commissioner Kadri Simson. A debate entitled 'This isEurope' was held with the Prime Minister of Italy, Mario Draghi, and other Heads of State or Government are expectedto take part in future plenary sessions. Among the other debates held were those on the discharge for the 2020budget, the EU action plan for organic agriculture, distortive foreign subsidies, the 2021 annual report on competitionpolicy, and on artificial intelligence in a digital age.

At a Glance EN

Pegasus and surveillance spywarePublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 06-05-2022Author MARZOCCHI Ottavio | MAZZINI MARTINA

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword computer piracy | cybernetics | data processing | data transmission | information security | software

Summary This In-Depth Analysis, drafted by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs for the Committee of Inquiry to investigate the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware, looks intothe confirmed or suspected use of the Pegasus spyware and other similar cyber-surveillance instruments in the EUand its Member States or targeting EU citizens or residents, EU reactions and previous activities on issues related tosurveillance.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Right to health, a comparative law perspective - United States of AmericaPublication type Study

Date 06-05-2022External author EPRS, Comparative Law

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Coronavirus | Democracy | EUDemocracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy inPractice | Foreign Affairs | Human Rights | Public Health | Public international law | Transposition and Implementationof Law

Summary This study forms part of a larger comparative law project which seeks to present the right to health in a broad range oflegal systems around the world. After analysing the legislation in force and the most relevant case law, the content,limits, and possible evolution of this right are examined. The subject of this study is the United States federal legalsystem. The United States does not recognize a right to health. Governments are responsible for providing a healthyenvironment for individuals who are in their custody, such as prisoners, but there is no overall recognized right. TheUnited States is a party to certain international conventions, such as the constitution of the World Health Organizationand the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination; however, these instrumentsplay no real role in determining U.S. domestic health policy. Instead, domestic policy is grounded upon the federalsystem, which assigns certain duties to the central government and the state governments. In addition, individualshave strong rights under the U.S. Constitution, which governments must respect. Courts must balance these rightsagainst the needs of the public.

Study EN

Practices on the Side-Earnings of EU Public Office Holders and FunctionariesPublication type Study

Date 05-05-2022External author Jack MALAN, Marta DIMAURO, Giorgio CACCIAGUERRA RANGHIERI

Policy area Budget | Budgetary Control | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts |Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Transposition and Implementation of Law

Keyword civil service | ethics | holding of two jobs | international organisation | labour law | political militant | professional ethics |regulatory policy | remuneration of work | third country

Summary The study on ‘Practices on the Side-Earnings of EU Public Office Holders and Functionaries’ was carried out for theEuropean Parliament’s Budgetary Control Committee in 2022. The study highlights significant differences in the rulesbeing applied in the various EU Institutions and Member States. It highlights a number of good practices and thepossible implications for the proposed EU ethics body.

Study EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 9

Democratic Oversight of the PolicePublication type Study

Date 03-05-2022External author Emmanuel-Pierre GUITTET, Niovi VAVOULA, Anastassia TSOUKALA, Monika BAYLIS

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law andPolicy in Practice

Keyword area of freedom, security and justice | civil defence | ethics | police | professional ethics | security services | serviceoccupation

Summary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the LIBE Committee, aims to provide background information concerning police ethics,accountability, and oversight across the EU. The study shows that existing EU tools and instruments can contribute toenhance police accountability. The study also identifies some gaps and weaknesses. Recommendations are providedin order to remedy the gaps and weaknesses identified

Study EN

Towards new rules for European elections?Publication type Briefing

Date 02-05-2022Author DIAZ CREGO Maria

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword approximation of laws | candidate | European election | Member of the European Parliament | proposal (EU) | result of

the vote | right to voteSummary During the May I plenary session, Parliament is expected to vote on a legislative-initiative report proposing to repeal

the 1976 European Electoral Act and replace it with a new Council Regulation on the election of the Members of theEuropean Parliament (MEPs) by direct universal suffrage. Since the first European elections in 1979, the rulesapplying to the election of MEPs combine the common principles established in the European Electoral Act, asmodified in 2002, and the different national rules implementing them. As a result, important elements of the electoralprocedure remain in the hands of the national legislatures and there is no harmonisation across the Member States.Following the proposals in Parliament's (26 November 2020) resolution on stocktaking of European elections, thereport proposes to further harmonise the rules applicable to European elections in areas such as the age for voting orstanding as a candidate; postal voting; the electoral calendar for European elections; the principles applicable to theselection of candidates, including from a gender perspective; and the electoral threshold. In addition, the reportproposes to establish a common electoral system and procedure for the election of 28 MEPs in a Union-wideconstituency comprising the territory of all the Member States. Once finalised by Parliament, the proposal istransmitted to the Council for its adoption, with the EP required to consent to the final text. First edition. The 'EULegislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

The situation of Article 2 TEU values in Greece - Focus on anti-corruption measures and media freedomPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 30-04-2022Author APICELLA CAROLINA | MARZOCCHI Ottavio

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword area of freedom, security and justice | corruption | democracy | freedom of the press | Greece | human rights |

information analysis | local media | rule of law | social rightsSummary This In-Depth Analysis, requested by the European Parliament's LIBE Committee - Democracy Rule of Law and

Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group, examines the situation of Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rightsin Greece and how Article 2 TEU values are respected and implemented in the country, focusing on anti-corruptionmeasures and issues related to media freedom.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Single Audit Approach - Root Causes of the Weaknesses in the Work of the Member States’ Managingand Audit Authorities

Publication type StudyDate 30-04-2022

External author Jack MALAN, Centre for Strategy & Evaluation Services (CSES).Policy area Budget | Budgetary Control | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Keyword accounting system | auditing | budgetary control | EU budget | EU expenditure | EU Member State | financial institution| supervisory power

Summary This study aims to analyse the problems that Member States’ authorities and bodies experience in the implementation,control and audit of EU expenditure, their root causes and implications for the Single Audit approach. In particular, thespecific objectives of this study are to: •Gain a comprehensive insight into the causes of the problems that MemberStates’ authorities and bodies face when implementing, controlling and auditing the European Union budget. •Assessthe quality of their work, the independence and reliability of the auditors’ work as well as specific weaknesses in themanagement and control systems. •Assess the cooperation with relevant players including other national bodies,national supreme audit authorities and the EU institutions and bodies (e.g. ECA, Commission, OLAF and EPPO). •Analyse the extent of respect and application of European and international applicable standards.

Study EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 10

Policy Departments’ Monthly Highlights - May 2022Publication type At a Glance

Date 29-04-2022Policy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Budget | Budgetary Control | Democracy | Economics and Monetary Issues | EU

Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Foreign Affairs | RegionalDevelopment | Transport

Keyword Belarus | coronavirus disease | crisis management | development aid | economic instrument for the environment |epidemic | EU budget | interinstitutional cooperation (EU) | sustainable development | working conditions

Summary The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments,including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

At a Glance EN

Proposing new rules for European electionsPublication type At a Glance

Date 27-04-2022Author DIAZ CREGO Maria

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword European election | European electoral system | European Parliament | harmonisation law | right to stand for election |

right to voteSummary The rules that apply to European elections are not uniform throughout the Union. Member States apply different

national electoral rules, although all need to comply with the common principles established in the 1976 EuropeanElectoral Act. During the May I plenary session, Parliament is expected to vote on a legislative initiative proposing torepeal the European Electoral Act with a new Council regulation further harmonising the rules applicable to Europeanelections, including through the creation of a Union-wide electoral constituency.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Future Shocks 2022: Addressing risks and building capabilities for Europe in a contested worldPublication type Study

Date 20-04-2022Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Keyword common foreign and security policy | coronavirus disease | economic recession | epidemic | EU alert system | EUrelations | European security | risk management | war

Summary The coronavirus crisis has demonstrated not only that the European Union faces a variety of risks, and that thosedisparate risks are inter-linked, but that the response to such challenges to the Union - even in areas in which the EUdoes not have explicit competence - is stronger with the Union and its Member States acting together. Russia's war onUkraine, which was launched while this study was being drafted, shows us not just the added value of concerted actionby the Union but also the ability of EU institutions and Member States to find new and effective solutions to deal withmajor shocks. This paper, the first in an annual series, seeks to assess the risks to, and capabilities and resilience of,the EU system. Building on a review of global risks, it considers in detail specific risks with the potential to harmEurope and its people. It then sets out options for policy responses which can ensure Europe is more able to addressthe dangers of such risks and minimise the potential damage. Among the options set out are those previously includedin European Parliament resolutions, in positions from other EU institutions, and in policy papers from think tanks andstakeholders.

Study EN

Multimedia Responding better to future pandemics

Fighting antibiotic resistance

Fitfor55: a new energy system

The Recovery and Resilience Facility: RRF

Building a European social model for the 21st century

Establishing greater strategic autonomy for European industry

Russia's brutal expansionism

Overview of risks for Europe in 2022 and beyond

Strengthening the EU's chip sector

EU food security responses to the war in Ukraine

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 11

Controlling Subsidiarity in Today's EU: the Role of the European Parliament and the National ParliamentsPublication type Study

Date 20-04-2022External author Diane FROMAGE

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: LegalSystem and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice

Keyword drafting of EU law | European Commission | European Parliament | legislative procedure | national parliament |principle of subsidiarity

Summary Since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty (2009), the EU national parliaments have had the right to control theprinciple of subsidiarity through the Early Warning System (EWS). This study, commissioned by the EuropeanParliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the JURI Committee,examines how the EWS has worked over the past 12 years. It also looks into the interaction of the EuropeanCommission, local and regional entities, the Committee of the Regions and the Court of Justice of the EU with nationalparliaments to this end.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR

Nominations for Members of the European Court of Auditors (Cyprus and Malta)Publication type Briefing

Date 13-04-2022Author FRANKE Michaela

External author Michaela Franke Adam NugentPolicy area Budget | Budgetary Control | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Keyword Austria | candidate | Cyprus | European Court of Auditors | European official | Ireland | Malta | Poland | servant (EU)Summary As set out in Article 285 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), the European Court of

Auditors (ECA) shall consist of one national of each Member State. Article 286 (2) TFEU further specifies that eachMember State has the right to propose its candidate. The Council then adopts the list of Members as proposed by theMember States. Often, this is a partial renewal of the Court - only one or a few Members are appointed, as themandates of the Members may expire at different points in time. The Council can only act after consulting theEuropean Parliament; in practice, the Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) is responsible and the Member-designate of the ECA makes a statement before the committee and has to answer its questions. CONT then votes onthe nomination and thus issues a recommendation to plenary, which votes within two months of receipt of thenomination. In case of an unfavourable opinion, the President shall ask the Council to withdraw its nomination and tosubmit a new nomination (Rule 129 of the EP’s Rules of Procedure). However, Parliament’s opinion is not binding forthe Council.

Briefing EN

Plenary round-up - April 2022Publication type At a Glance

Date 08-04-2022Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword carriage of goods | energy grid | EU budget | EU Emissions Trading Scheme | European Parliament | exchange of

information | parliamentary session | public data | trans-European network | vehicle rentalSummary The war in Ukraine led the agenda of the April 2022 plenary session in Strasbourg. Members held two important

debates: on EU protection for children and young people fleeing the war, and on the conclusions of the EuropeanCouncil meeting of 24 25 March 2022, which covered the latest developments and EU sanctions against Russia andtheir implementation. Parliament also debated a number of Council and Commission statements on: the outcome ofthe EU-China summit of 1 April 2022, the ongoing hearings under Article 7(1) TEU regarding respect for EU values inPoland and Hungary, violations of the right to seek asylum and non-refoulement in the EU Member States, the SixthAssessment Report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the urgent need toadopt the minimum tax directive, the situation of marginalised Roma communities in the EU, and mental health. In anadjustment to the structure of the plenary agenda, question time with the Commission has been reintroduced.Members questioned President Ursula von der Leyen on progress on the Commission's political priorities over the pasttwo years. Members then questioned Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and SecurityPolicy/Vice-President of the Commission (HR/VP), on the EU's security and Strategic Compass. Another debate withthe HR/VP focused on the situation in Afghanistan, in particular the women's rights situation. Several debates andvotes on legislative files also took place, including on the Schengen evaluation mechanism.

At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 12

European political parties and the European Council: A pattern of ever closer coordination?Publication type Study

Date 08-04-2022Author DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword EU policy | multiparty system | political group (EP) | political ideology | political parties

Summary The role of the European political parties, often under-estimated in the past, has increased significantly over the years.Today, they are important coordinators within the EU political system, carrying out a variety of activities that can beclassified conceptually as ‘vertical’, ‘horizontal’ and ‘diagonal’ coordination. This EPRS study explores the growing'politicisation' of the European Council and the increased coordination role which European political parties appear toplay in the context of the European Council. The parties’ main coordination activities are clearly their respective 'pre-summits', held just ahead of European Council meetings. These pre-summits serve multiple purposes for the parties –including coordinating positions for the imminent European Council discussions, long-term strategising,communication, socialising and networking – with the importance of each varying between the different parties. A casestudy looking at the nomination of the EU’s new institutional leadership in 2019 illustrates the importance of theEuropean political parties’ role in coordinating between EU leaders in the European Council.

Study EN

New EU own resources: possibilities and limitations of steering effects and sectoral policy co-benefitsPublication type Study

Date 07-04-2022Author SCHWARCZ András

External author Margit SCHRATZENSTALLER, Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO) Danuše NERUDOVÁ, MendelUniversity Brno Veronika SOLILOVÁ, Mendel University Brno Mario HOLZNER, Vienna Institute for InternationalEconomic Studies (wiiw) Philipp HEIMBERGER, Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw) NikoKORPAR, Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw) Ambre MAUCORPS, Vienna Institute forInternational Economic Studies (wiiw) Bernhard MOSHAMMER, Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies(wiiw)

Policy area Budget | Budgetary Control | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Forward PlanningKeyword adaptation to climate change | carbon neutrality | digital economy taxation | environmental impact | EU Emissions

Trading Scheme | EU environmental policy | EU programme | interinstitutional agreement | prevention of pollutionSummary This study was prepared at the request of the Budget Committee and assesses the Commission’s recent legislative

proposals for the new own resources included in the interinstitutional roadmap agreed together with theNextGenerationEU programme. These are a plastic-based contribution as well as own resources based on the EUEmission Trading System and a carbon border adjustment mechanism. Also, own resources based on the reallocationof taxation rights on profits of large MNE according to Pillar I. of the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on BEPS as wellas the taxation of corporations and financial transactions, as further options stipulated in the IIA roadmap, areanalysed. Finally, the study briefly reviews further own resource options which could create co-benefits and steeringeffects supporting a sustainable, inclusive, green and digital transition.

Study EN

Referendums on EU issues: Fostering civic engagementPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 05-04-2022Author DEL MONTE Micaela

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary Referendums put citizens back at the centre of the political stage. As instruments of direct democracy, they may foster

citizens' involvement and legitimise important decisions. Referendums have been on the rise in Europe and elsewherein the world in recent decades, and have become a recurrent feature of European politics. Despite the increasedinterest in some Member States, however, referendums remain controversial. On the one hand, advocates of directdemocracy stress that referendums can foster citizens' engagement and thereby improve legitimacy and governance.Critics, on the other hand, highlight the fact that voters tend to answer questions other than those on the ballot paper.Some critics, more generally, question the suitability of a binary vote to decide on complex, multidimensional matterswithin the European setting.

In-Depth Analysis EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 13

Russia's war on Ukraine: Speeches by Ukraine's President to the European Parliament and nationalparliaments

Publication type BriefingDate 01-04-2022

Author DEL MONTE MicaelaPolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Keyword EU restrictive measure | head of State | humanitarian aid | international sanctions | military intervention | Russia |speech | Ukraine | war

Summary On 24 February 2022, Russia's invasion of Ukraine threw the international status quo into disarray by violating thecountry's sovereignty and integrity. Since then, over 1 000 civilian casualties have been reported and over 3.8 millionpeople have been forced to flee the country. Many others are displaced within Ukraine's borders, while civilianinfrastructure, including hospitals, schools, roads and buildings, is being targeted by Russian military action. Theshelling of civilians and the alleged use of chemical and/or biological weapons by Russian military forces have spurredthe international community to accuse Russia of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity. Against thisbackdrop, Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been addressing parliaments around the world to plead thecause of the Ukrainian people and ask for both military and humanitarian help. He began by addressing the EuropeanParliament, before continuing with many others, both in Europe and further afield. The latest in a line of historicalleaders mobilising rhetoric in times of war, Zelenskyy's speeches have each been tailor-made to their specific audienceand have been consistent in reminding policy-makers around the world of the humanitarian tragedy unfolding as aresult of the war and of the Ukrainian people's military needs. Taking a look at speeches given by Zelenskyy to theEuropean Parliament and several national parliaments between 1 and 24 March 2022, in the month after Russiainvaded Ukraine, this briefing summarises the Ukrainian president's main messages and offers some thoughts aboutthe narrative used by Zelenskyy to keep Russia's war on Ukraine at the top of national and international agendas.

Briefing EN

Question time in the European Parliament and in selected national parliamentsPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 01-04-2022Author DIAZ CREGO Maria

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary This paper looks at the evolution of the European Parliament's question time since its introduction in 1973 to the

present day. It tracks this evolution through successive reforms and examines the reasons why question time wasdiscontinued in January 2013. In looking at how question time is designed in selected Member States and in the UnitedKingdom, this paper also highlights the various elements that may have an impact on the dynamics of question time.

In-Depth Analysis EN

The six policy priorities of the von der Leyen Commission: State of play as the Commission approachesmid-term

Publication type In-Depth AnalysisDate 31-03-2022

Author BASSOT EtiennePolicy area Democracy | Economics and Monetary Issues | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law |

Foreign Affairs | Industry | Public HealthSummary This EPRS paper analyses progress in attaining the policy agenda set out by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the

European Commission, and her College of Commissioners when they took office in December 2019. It looks inparticular at the state of play in respect of delivery on the six key priorities asserted at that time. Concretely, EPRSfinds that, following the March 2022 EP plenary sessions and European Council meeting, of the over 500 initiativesforeshadowed by the von der Leyen Commission on taking office or since (504), more than half have already beensubmitted (288). Of these, almost half have already been adopted (135), while the great majority of the remainder areeither proceeding normally through the legislative process (113) or are close to adoption (11). Conversely, a certainnumber are proceeding very slowly or are currently blocked (29).

In-Depth Analysis DE, EN, FR

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 14

Improving urgency procedures and crisis preparedness within the European Parliament and EUinstitutions

Publication type StudyDate 31-03-2022

External author MAURER AndreasPolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU

Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy in PracticeKeyword coronavirus disease | crisis management | economic consequence | epidemic | European Parliament | institutional

cooperation | parliamentary sitting | powers of parliament | public health | social impact | state of emergencySummary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament's Policy Department for Citizens' Rights and Constitutional

Affairs at the request of the AFCO Committee, analyses the obstacles to democratic, transparent and efficientdecision-making in urgency situations at the EU level, with a specific focus on the European Parliament. It provides asystematic overview of Parliament’s role and functions as well as the interinstitutional cooperation during recent crisissituations and concludes with proposals on how to improve the existing set-up and Parliament’s internal procedures.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR, IT

Le droit à la santé, une perspective de droit comparé - BelgiquePublication type Study

Date 29-03-2022External author Prof. Dr Christian BEHRENDT, professeur ordinaire à l’Université de Liège et à la Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Coronavirus | Democracy | EUDemocracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy inPractice | Foreign Affairs | Human Rights | Public Health | Public international law | Transposition and Implementationof Law

Summary Ce document s’intègre dans une série d’études visant à présenter le droit à la santé dans différents ordres juridiques,et ce dans une perspective de droit comparé. La présente étude est pour sa part consacrée à la protection de la santéen Belgique. Le droit à la protection de la santé a été introduit dans la Constitution belge en 1994 et, à l’heure actuelle,ses contours ne sont pas encore précisément déterminés – à ceci près qu’il est clair qu’il s’agit d’un droit à laprotection de la santé, et non un droit à la santé à proprement parler. Il revêt une dimension collective (c’est laprotection de la santé publique) ainsi qu’une dimension individuelle (chacun a droit à la protection de la meilleure santépossible). Dans le contexte de la crise sanitaire lié au COVID-19, la protection de la santé (en particulier dans sadimension collective) a justifié des restrictions à d’autres droits. Après une brève introduction consacrée aux premièresoccurrences de législations relatives à la protection de la santé, sont analysées la législation et la jurisprudenceactuelles en la matière. Nous terminons cette étude par une présentation de certains conflits normatifs qui peuventsurgir entre la protection de la santé et d’autres droits fondamentaux.

Study FR

Association agreement between the EU and Georgia - European Implementation Assessment (update)Publication type Study

Date 25-03-2022Author AHAMAD MADATALI HANNAH NAFIZE | JANSEN Talander Hugo

External author Delcour, LaurePolicy area Development and Humanitarian Aid | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | European Added Value |

Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Foreign Affairs | Human Rights | International TradeKeyword association agreement (EU) | corruption | decentralisation | democracy | Eastern Partnership | EU aid | Georgia |

human rights | judicial reformSummary In November 2021, the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) requested an own-initiative

annual report on the implementation of the association agreement between the EU and Georgia (2021/2236(INI)).Sven Mikser (S&D, Estonia) is the appointed rapporteur. The Ex-Post Evaluation Unit (EVAL) within the EuropeanParliamentary Research Service (EPRS) has prepared this European implementation assessment (EIA) to accompanythe scrutiny work of AFET. This EIA is an update of a European implementation assessment on the associationagreement between the EU and Georgia, prepared by the EPRS in April 2020.

Study EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 15

Plenary round-up - March II 2022Publication type At a Glance

Date 25-03-2022Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword equal pay | European Parliament | fraud against the EU | gender equality | macro-financial assistance | Moldova |

parliamentary session | roaming | telephone charges | virtual currencySummary With the war in Ukraine high on Parliament's agenda, the highlight of the March II 2022 plenary session in Brussels

was a formal address by Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada. Members held a debate with the Council and theEuropean Commission on the need for an urgent EU action plan to ensure food security inside and outside the EU, inthe light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They also debated the power of the proposed joint European action tosecure more affordable, reliable and sustainable energy. Turning to the 'Suisse Secrets' scandal, Members debatedhow to encourage anti-money-laundering standards in third countries. Members also discussed the outcome of theEuropean Council meeting in Paris on 10 March 2022, and the preparations for the 24 25 March 2022 meeting.Several legislative files were adopted, inter alia on roaming charges; the cohesion action for the presence of refugeesin Europe and use of funds under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) Regulation, both in light of thewar in Ukraine; and on the Status Agreement between the EU and Moldova on Frontex operations.

At a Glance EN

Stronger economy, social justice, jobs, education, culture, sport, digital transformation | Citizens’recommendations and the EU context: Panel 1 of the Conference on the Future of Europe

Publication type StudyDate 24-03-2022

Author AMANATIDIS Georgios | ANGERER Jost | BLUMENTHAL DAVID | CIUCCI MATTEO | DANESI SARA | DAVOLIAlessandro | ISKRA Katarzyna Anna | KENNEDY AOIFE | MARZOCCHI Ottavio | MILT Kristiina | PRUTSCH MarkusJosef | SASSE LINA SOPHIE JULIE | SOFSKY FABIAN

Policy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Competition law and regulation |Consumer Protection | Contract Law, Commercial Law and Company Law | Coronavirus | Culture | Economics andMonetary Issues | Employment | Energy | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Financialand Banking Issues | Fisheries | Food Safety | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | Industry | Intellectual PropertyLaw | Internal Market and Customs Union | Petitions to the European Parliament | Private international law and judicialcooperation in civil matters | Public Health | Regional Development | Research Policy | Social Policy | Taxation |Tourism | Transport

Keyword citizens' Europe | EU growth strategy | European conference | institutional cooperation | promotion of the Europeanidea

Summary The European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission have committed to listen to Europeans and tofollow up, within their sphere of competences, on the recommendations made. In this framework, four EuropeanCitizens’ Panels have been organized to allow citizens to jointly think about the future they want for the EuropeanUnion •Panel 1 - "Stronger economy, social justice, jobs, education, culture, sport, digital transformation" •Panel 2 -"EU democracy, values, rights, rule of law, security" •Panel 3 - "Climate change, environment, health" •Panel 4 - "EUin the world, migration" This publication presents the recommendations that emerged from the citizens’ Panel 1 on‘Stronger economy, social justice, jobs, education, culture, sport, digital transformation’, along with backgroundinformation on the European Parliament’s positions and the EU’s activities related to the recommendations. Thispaper has been produced at the request of Guy Verhofstadt, chair, on behalf of the European Parliament's delegationto the Conference on the Future of Europe.

Study EN

Amending the rules governing the statute and funding of European political parties (recast)Publication type Briefing

Date 23-03-2022Author ANGLMAYER Irmgard

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Ex-ante Impact AssessmentKeyword EU financing | European legal status | European party | foundation | freedom of association | freedom of expression |

impact study | party financing | proposal (EU)Summary Ahead of the 2024 European elections, the European Commission has presented a proposal to amend Regulation

1141/2014 governing the statute and funding of European political parties (EUPPs) and foundations. The proposedamendments concern, inter alia, the funding provisions, transparency requirements and enforcement of the rules. Thisbriefing examines the quality of the supporting impact assessment (IA), which outlines the problems encountered inapplying the regulation, as identified in recent EU-level reports and through stakeholder input. The range of policyoptions presented in the IA to address the identified shortcomings is rather limited, although under each option, and foreach problem, several alternative measures are considered. Elements of the parallel initiative on political advertising -also part of the European democracy action plan - were integrated into the amending EUPP proposal; however, the IAremains vague on the link between these two initiatives.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 16

Russia's war on Ukraine: Russia ceases to be a member of the Council of EuropePublication type At a Glance

Date 21-03-2022Author DEL MONTE Micaela

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword aid to refugees | Council of Europe | European Convention on Human Rights | international humanitarian law | military

intervention | parliamentary assembly | refugee | Russia | Ukraine | UNHCRSummary The military invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation has pushed hundreds of thousands of people to flee the

country and seek shelter in neighbouring countries. With each passing hour, the humanitarian situation is deterioratingboth within and outside the country. Several Ukrainian cities have reportedly lost access to water, heating, electricityand basic supplies, while the civilian population is subject to shelling and violence. While outside Ukraine's borders, theinternational humanitarian community has quickly mobilised to provide support, the conflict has caused civiliancasualties and destruction of hospitals, schools and other civilian infrastructure. This is an update of an 'At a glance'note published on 8 March 2022.

At a Glance EN

Reforming the European Union: How the European Parliament is responding to citizens' expectationsPublication type Briefing

Date 15-03-2022Author DIAZ CREGO Maria | KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword citizens' Europe | EU national | European conference | European Movement | vision of Europe

Summary The Conference on the Future of Europe was designed to give the general public a say about their vision for the EU,by means of a multilingual digital platform and citizens' panels. The panels are transnational forums, gathering citizensfrom the EU Member States to discuss their vision for the future of the Union and make recommendations on how theEU could be improved. The resulting proposals are diverse but constructive. They include interesting, sometimesambitious, suggestions for the future and in many respects are geared towards building a more efficient, integratedUnion that is closer to its citizens. This briefing focuses on the recommendations made by Panel 2 (Europeandemocracy / values, rights, rule of law and security), and recommendations uploaded onto the multilingual digitalplatform (under European democracy). The latter are predominantly constitutional and institutional in nature andtherefore tackle broader issues, such as reform of the EU institutional set-up, improvements to the EU decision-makingprocess, closer cooperation among Member States and a stronger European Parliament. In many respects, theoverview given in this briefing shows how Parliament has been very active in making proposals and endorsingchanges in almost all the fields where citizens have expressed the need for the EU to take action. While the citizens'panels have been an interesting and innovative exercise in participatory democracy, the outcome of the conferencehas still to take shape, and will be captured in a final report to be issued when its work ends in spring 2022. This is thefirst in a series of briefings that will look at citizens' expectations and recommendations in the context of theConference on the Future of Europe, and the European Parliament's response.

Briefing EN

Les principes d’égalité et de non-discrimination, une perspective de droit comparé - SuissePublication type Study

Date 15-03-2022External author Dr. Nula FREI, Universität Freiburg

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law:Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Foreign Affairs | Gender Issues, Equality andDiversity | Human Rights | Public international law | Transposition and Implementation of Law

Summary Ce document fait partie d'une série d’études qui, sous l'angle du droit comparé, entend présenter les principesd’égalité et de non-discrimination dans différents États. Après avoir présenté la législation et la jurisprudenceapplicables, l'auteure examine le contenu, les limites et la possible évolution de ces principes. La présente étude portesur la Suisse. La Suisse a inscrit l’égalité juridique et la non-discrimination dans la Constitution fédérale ainsi que dansplusieurs lois spéciales, qui se concentrent chacune sur des motifs de discrimination et des domaines juridiquesspécifiques. Ceux-ci sont étudiés dans le présent document. La troisième section reprend l’importante jurisprudencedu Tribunal fédéral suisse. La quatrième section analyse le cadre juridique suisse de manière critique et présente seslacunes ainsi que les réformes actuelles et à venir. Le présent document est la version en français de l’étudeoriginairement publiée par la Bibliothèque de droit comparé en allemand en octobre 2020. Cette version met à jour laversion antérieure par le biais des notes de l’éditeur.

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Plenary round-up - March I 2022Publication type At a Glance

Date 11-03-2022Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary As the March I 2022 plenary session in Strasbourg took place just two weeks after Russia launched its war on Ukraine,

security and economic issues were high on the agenda. Members held a debate with Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister ofEstonia, on the EU's role in a changing world and the security situation in Europe, and debated Council andCommission statements on the deterioration of the situation of refugees fleeing Ukraine. Celebrating InternationalWomen's Day, Members heard an address by Ukrainian author, Oksana Zabuzhko. Members also debated a numberof other Commission statements: on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina; on transparency and standards in publicaccess requests; on the need for EU action on sustainable textiles and on chronic kidney disease. Members approvedthe establishment of three temporary committees: a special committee on Covid 19; an inquiry committee on the use ofPegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware; and the continuation for a second one-year term of the work of theSpecial Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the EU, including Disinformation (INGE).Several debates and votes on legislative files took place, inter alia on the European Semester, batteries and batterywaste and the general Union environment action programme to 2030.

At a Glance EN

European Parliament: Facts and FiguresPublication type Briefing

Date 11-03-2022Author SABBATI Giulio

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword drafting of EU law | elective office | EP Committee | EU statistics | European election | European electoral system |

gender equality | Member of the European Parliament | parliamentary session | political group (EP)Summary This Briefing, published by the European Parliamentary Research Service, is designed to provide key facts and figures

about the European Parliament. It looks at both the current parliamentary term (July 2019 to June 2024) and the eightprevious five-year terms since direct elections were introduced in June 1979. On the following pages you will findgraphics of various kinds which: • detail the composition of the European Parliament now and in the past; • trace theincrease in the number of parties represented in the EP and the evolution of political groups; • show the age ofMembers and chart the rise in the number of women sitting in the Parliament; • explain the electoral systems used inelections to the Parliament across the Member States; • show how turnout in European elections has changed overtime and varied between Member States; • summarise the work of the Parliament in the current and previous five-yearterms; • outline the composition of the Parliament's committees, delegations and governing bodies; • explain thelegislative role of the Parliament and its interaction with the European Commission. The Briefing is being updatedregularly over the 2019-24 term to take account of latest developments.

Briefing BG, ES, CS, DA, DE, ET, EL, EN, FR, GA, HR, IT, LV, LT, HU, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SK, SL, FI, SV

Role and election of the President of the European Council: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Publication type Briefing

Date 10-03-2022Author DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword elective office | EU institution | EU office or agency | institutional activity | president of an institution

Summary The first term of Charles Michel, the incumbent European Council President comes to an end on 31 May 2022. Basedon previous examples, the (re-)election of the European Council President for the period July 2022 to November 2024is expected to be taken at the last formal European Council meeting before the end of the current mandate. Thisbriefing provides answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions regarding the office of European CouncilPresident, notably the role of the position and the election process. It also provides concrete examples from themandates of the three different office holders to date.

Briefing EN

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EU strategic autonomy in the context of Russia’s war on Ukraine [What Think Tanks are thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 10-03-2022Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Foreign Affairs | Security and DefenceKeyword common security and defence policy | European defence policy | geopolitics | military intervention | public safety |

Russia | self-sufficiency in energy | think tank | Ukraine | warSummary Many politicians and analysts have been arguing in recent years that, being highly vulnerable to external shocks, the

European Union should boost its ‘strategic autonomy’ and/or develop a higher degree of ‘European sovereignty’.These concepts encompass a greater potential for independence, self-reliance and resilience in a wide range of fields– such as defence, security and trade, as well as in industrial, digital, economic, migration and health policies. Russia’smilitary offensive in Ukraine gives this issue great urgency. In energy, the European Commission has now publishedplans to cut EU dependency on Russian gas by two-thirds this year and end its reliance on Russian supplies of the fuelwell before 2030. And the debate is moving on to ideas and projects involving significantly more integration, solidarityand stronger joint security and defence. The EU’s strategic compass, a medium-term defence and security strategy, isbeing quickly updated to take into account the biggest armed conflict in Europe since World War II. This note offerslinks to recent commentaries, studies and reports from international think tanks on the European issues related toEuropean strategic autonomy and sovereignty.

Briefing EN

Les principes d’égalité et de non-discrimination, une perspective de droit comparé - AllemagnePublication type Study

Date 08-03-2022External author Prof. Dr. Franz REIMER, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law:Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Foreign Affairs | Gender Issues, Equality andDiversity | Human Rights | Public international law | Transposition and Implementation of Law

Summary Ce document s’intègre dans une série d’études qui, en adoptant une perspective de droit comparé, visant à faire uneprésentation des principes d’égalité et de non-discrimination dans différents ordres juridiques. Après une explication dela législation et de la jurisprudence d’application, le contenu, les limites et la possible évolution de ces principes y sontexaminés. La présente étude a pour objet le cas de l’Allemagne. En Allemagne, les principes d’égalité et de non-discrimination sont principalement inscrits dans l’article 3 de la Loi fondamentale (Grundgesetz), en tant que droitsfondamentaux, sous la forme du principe général d’égalité (paragraphe 1) et de deux garanties spécifiques(paragraphes 2 et 3). La Cour constitutionnelle fédérale a progressivement concrétisé et appliqué ces droits. Depuislors de nombreuses lois ont détaillé les principes d’égalité de façon conforme à la Constitution, par exemple en droitprivé la loi générale sur l’égalité de traitement (AGG, l’Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz). Le présent documentest la version en français de l’étude originairement publiée par la Bibliothèque de droit comparé en allemand enoctobre 2020. Cette version met à jour la version antérieure par le biais des notes de l’éditeur.

Study FR

Towards a revision of the Regulation on the statute and funding of European political parties andfoundations

Publication type StudyDate 07-03-2022

External author Edoardo BRESSANELLI, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, PisaPolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal

System and ActsKeyword EU financing | European legal status | European party | foundation | party financing | proposal (EU) | regulation (EU)

Summary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the AFCO Committee, provides an in-depth analysis of the key proposed changes toRegulation 1141/2014 on the statute and funding of European political parties and foundations. It assesses the extentto which the reformed regulation strengthens, as per art. 10(4) TEU, the capacity of Europarties to contribute toforming a European political awareness and expressing the will of EU citizens.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR

Policy Departments’ Monthly Highlights - March 2022Publication type At a Glance

Date 03-03-2022Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Budget | Budgetary Control | Consumer Protection | Democracy | EU

Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Foreign Affairs | Internal Market and Customs Union | RegionalDevelopment | Social Policy

Summary The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments,including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 19

The shrinking space for civil society in EuropePublication type At a Glance

Date 02-03-2022Author DEL MONTE Micaela

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary During its first March 2022 plenary session, Parliament is due to vote on an own-initiative report of the Committee on

Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), advocating new measures to protect and boost civil societyorganisations' participation in the democratic life of the European Union. Acknowledging the contribution civil societyorganisations (CSOs) make to promoting the EU values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU),and in particular fundamental rights, the report recognises the challenges CSOs are facing, not least in the aftermath ofthe Covid-19 pandemic.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Strong bicameralism: Pressures for change in inter-institutional legislative negotiations in the EU, theUSA, and Germany

Publication type In-Depth AnalysisDate 28-02-2022

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Foreign AffairsSummary EPRS invites leading experts and commentators to share their thinking and insights on important features of the

European Union as a political and economic system. In this paper, Gijs Jan Brandsma, Associate Professor atRadboud University, Nijmegen, and Christilla Roederer-Rynning, Professor at the University of Southern Denmark,reflect on the means for finding agreement between the two chambers in bicameral legislatures, taking as case studiesGermany and the United States as well as the European Union, exploring how they operate and looking at pressuresfor reform.

In-Depth Analysis EN

European democracy / Values and rights, rule of law, security - Citizens' recommendations and the EUcontext: Panel 2 of the Conference on the Future of Europe

Publication type StudyDate 28-02-2022

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword EU national | European conference | participatory democracy | promotion of the European idea

Summary In the framework of the Conference on the Future of Europe, four European citizens' panels have discussed thedevelopment of European integration in broad subject areas. For each of the 39 recommendations put forward byEuropean Citizens' Panel 2: European democracy / Values and rights, rule of law, security, the present paper sets outa selection of the most recent and relevant European Parliament resolutions on the matter and looks at existing EUlegislation and other EU funding programmes, supporting and coordinating actions. However, this paper is notintended to serve as an exhaustive list of all European Parliament resolutions and EU-level action in the area, butrather aims at feeding debate and discussion during the Conference plenary.

Study EN

The Council: A second chamber for the European Union?Publication type Study

Date 28-02-2022External author Garcia Roca, Francisco Javier; DG, EPRS; Bustos Gisbert, Rafael; García Vitoria, Ignacio

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword Council of the European Union | democratisation | institutional reform | institutional structure | power of decision | power

of initiative | supervisory power | Upper HouseSummary The Conference on the Future of Europe is an opportunity to reflect on the Union's democratic foundations, including

the legislative role of the Council of the European Union (EU) and its relations with the European Parliament. Is itpertinent to reform the Council, either by reinforcing its parliamentary features or by transforming it into a Senate or aSecond Chamber? Would such a change enhance the democratic legitimacy of the EU decision-making process? Toanswer these questions, this study looks at three connected issues in detail. First, it analyses the role of secondchambers in the integration process of sovereign states in broader political entities (higher polity). Second, it examinesthe different bicameral systems (composition, powers, and functions), particularly in the EU Member States, but also inother models that may help as a reference. Third, it explores proposals to reform the Council put forward by leadingpolitical and academic figures. The study aims at providing a set of tools that may serve as inspiration should calls totransform this key EU institution be followed, and suggests three reform scenarios, using the instruments found inexisting parliamentary and federal systems.

Study EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 20

THE NEXT REVISION OF THE FINANCIAL REGULATION AND THE EU BUDGET GALAXY How tosafeguard and strengthen budgetary principles and parliamentary oversight?

Publication type StudyDate 28-02-2022

Author DELASNERIE AlixExternal author Iain Begg, CEPS Giacomo Benedetto, CEPS Daina Belicka, Central and Southern Europe Centre of Excellence

Francesco Corti, CEPS Jorge Nuñez Ferrer, CEPS Eulalia Rubio, Institut Jacques Delors Notre EuropePolicy area Budget | Budgetary Control | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Forward Planning

Keyword EU budget | EU financial instrument | financial market | financial policySummary Over the last two decades, the combined effect of multiple crises and low Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF)

ceilings has led to the emergence of a ‘galaxy’ of EU funds and instruments with variable participation of MemberStates and a diverse range of decision-making and accountability procedures. This study analyses the impacts on theEU governance and the ability of the European Parliament to fulfil its duties and considers that reforms are needed toensure the EU budget and financial rules reflect the realities the EU faces.

Study EN

Les principes d’égalité et de non-discrimination, une perspective de droit comparé - CanadaPublication type Study

Date 25-02-2022External author Professor Colleen SHEPPARD, Faculty of Law, McGill University

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law:Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Foreign Affairs | Gender Issues, Equality andDiversity | Human Rights | Public international law | Transposition and Implementation of Law

Summary Ce document s’intègre dans une série d’études qui, avec une perspective de droit comparé, visent à faire uneprésentation des principes d’égalité et de non-discrimination dans différents États. La présente étude a pour objetl’examen des sources de droit, ainsi que la jurisprudence en matière d’égalité et de non-discrimination au Canada. Ledroit contemporain en matière d’égalité est le résultat de l’histoire des discriminations tant publiques que privées auCanada. Les lois protégeant l’égalité et la non-discrimination sont apparues après la Seconde Guerre mondiale et ontété étendues et consolidées dans les années 1960 et 1970. Les réformes constitutionnelles entreprises dans lesannées 1980 ont permis d’inscrire l’égalité dans la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés. Depuis lors, lajurisprudence en matière d’égalité a élargi l’interprétation de la discrimination pour inclure les discriminations directes,indirectes et systémiques. Les tribunaux ont rejeté l’égalité formelle afin d’englober des notions plus larges liées àl’égalité réelle dans l’interprétation des protections constitutionnelles. Malgré les progrès accomplis pour renforcer lesprincipes et protections en matière d’égalité et de non-discrimination au cours des dernières décennies, la mise enœuvre juste et efficace de leurs promesses reste un défi pressant pour le Canada. Le présent document est la versionen français de l’étude originairement publiée par la Bibliothèque de droit comparé en anglais en novembre 2020. Cetteversion met à jour la version antérieure par le biais des notes de l’éditeur.

Study FR

Les principes d’égalité et de non-discrimination, une perspective de droit comparé - États-Unisd’Amérique

Publication type StudyDate 24-02-2022

External author Elizabeth L. OSBORNE, Law Library of Congress, United States Library of CongressPolicy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law:

Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Foreign Affairs | Gender Issues, Equality andDiversity | Human Rights | Public international law | Transposition and Implementation of Law

Summary Ce document fait partie d'une série d’études qui vise à examiner, dans une perspective de droit comparé, la manièredont les principes d’égalité et de non-discrimination ont été établis et sont appliqués dans un grand nombre desystèmes juridiques du monde entier. La présente étude porte sur les principes d’égalité et de non-discrimination dansle système juridique fédéral des États-Unis. Elle présente un bref historique de l’évolution des principes d’égalité et denon-discrimination dans le droit fédéral des États-Unis et les événements majeurs qui ont renforcé ces principes. Elleanalyse de manière détaillée le droit constitutionnel, législatif et jurisprudentiel en ce qui concerne ces principes et meten lumière les limites actuelles des principes d’égalité et de non-discrimination et celles qui pourraient apparaître àl'avenir à partir de trois exemples : 1) l'action positive dans l’enseignement supérieur ; 2) le « charcutage électoral » àvisée raciale et à visée partisane ; et 3) la discrimination fondée sur l’orientation sexuelle et l’identité de genre dans leslieux publics. Le présent document est la version en français de l’étude originairement publiée par la Bibliothèque dedroit comparé en anglais en mars 2021. Cette version met à jour la version antérieure par le biais des notes del’éditeur.

Study FR

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The Commission 2021 Rule of Law Report and the EU Monitoring and Enforcement of Article 2 TEUValues

Publication type StudyDate 21-02-2022

External author PECH Laurent, BARD PetraPolicy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and

Policy in Practice | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | Transposition and Implementation of LawKeyword democracy | European identity | human rights | political ideology | rights of the individual | rule of law | Treaty on

European UnionSummary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional

Affairs at the request of the LIBE and AFCO Committees, offers a comprehensive and critical assessment of theEuropean Commission’s Annual Rule of Law Report. It does so in a broad and holistic manner by assessing this newmonitoring tool in light of the EU’s Article 2 TEU monitoring and enforcement architecture. Multiple recommendationsare offered in order to remedy the serious gaps and weaknesses identified in this study.

Study EN

Plenary round-up – February 2022Publication type At a Glance

Date 18-02-2022Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary The February 2022 plenary session in Strasbourg took place at a time of considerable international tension. Members

debated statements by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President ofthe Commission, Josep Borrell (HR/VP), on EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia's military threatagainst Ukraine. Parliament debated Council and Commission statements on the cyber-surveillance of politicians,prosecutors, lawyers and journalists, and others in EU Member States. Members also debated the HR/VPs statementon EU-Africa relations, and in a formal sitting, heard an address by Iván Duque Márquez, President of Colombia. Adebate was held on the consequences of the European Court of Justice ruling on rule of law conditionality. Parliamentcelebrated the 20th anniversary of the euro, in the presence of Christine Lagarde, President of the European CentralBank.

At a Glance EN

A statute for European cross-border associations and non-profit organisationsPublication type At a Glance

Date 10-02-2022Author DEL MONTE Micaela

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword administrative formalities | cross-border dimension | European association | freedom to provide services | legal status |

non-profit organisation | proposal (EU) | provision of services | social enterpriseSummary During the February 2022 plenary session, Parliament is due to vote on a legislative-initiative report calling on the

Commission to put forward a directive on common measures for non-profit organisations (NPOs) and also a regulationestablishing a statute for European cross-border associations and non-profit organisations. The proposal recognisesthat while NPOs are an integral part of the EU economy, they face multiple legal and administrative challenges whenattempting to operate across borders. It maintains that minimum EU standards and the possibility to acquire a legalpersonality would help NPOs overcome these barriers.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Ensuring the rights of EU citizens against politically motivated Red NoticesPublication type Study

Date 01-02-2022External author Rasmus H. Wandall

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | EU Democracy,Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice |Human Rights | Petitions to the European Parliament | Public international law

Keyword abuse of power | civil rights | EU Member State | exchange of information | human rights | Interpol | rights of theindividual

Summary This paper, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, analyses Interpol’s system of RedNotices and the EU-based mechanisms to safeguard citizens against political abuse of Interpol’s system. Recentreforms of Interpol are significant but many problems remain unaddressed. The paper discusses existing and possibleplatforms, including the European Search Portal, as ways to ensure a more effective enforcement of EU-based legallimits and fundamental rights on a European level.

Study EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 22

European Council Conclusions: A Rolling Check-list of commitments to datePublication type Study

Date 31-01-2022Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | DRACHENBERG Ralf | KROZSER Anna | TORPEY REBECCA MARY

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword EU Member State | EU policy | European Council | European Parliament | financial analysis | research results

Summary Since June 2014, the European Council Oversight Unit within the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS),the European Parliament's in-house research service and think-tank, has been monitoring and analysing the EuropeanCouncil's delivery on commitments made in the conclusions of its meetings. This overview of European Councilconclusions is the latest edition of the Rolling Check-List, which has been published regularly by the European CouncilOversight Unit since 2014. It is designed to review the degree of progress in achieving the goals that the EuropeanCouncil has set itself and to assist the Parliament in exercising its important oversight role in this field.

Study EN

The European Commission’s annual rule of law reports: A new monitoring toolPublication type Briefing

Date 25-01-2022Author MAŃKO Rafał

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword activity report | corruption | data collection | democracy | EU Member State | exchange of information | legal system |

pluralism in the media | recommendation (EU) | rule of lawSummary The annual rule of law reports, launched by the Commission in September 2020, are a new addition to the European

institutions’ rule of law toolbox. The exercise can be described as a monitoring tool, as it collects data on the state ofthe rule of law in each of the 27 EU Member States but without drawing legal conclusions or giving specificrecommendations. The second rule of law report was published in July 2021 and the third is expected in 2022, with theannual exercise becoming a permanent mechanism. The methodology adopted by the Commission provides forreporting on four subject areas in all 27 Member States: (i) justice systems; (ii) the anti-corruption framework; (iii)media pluralism; and (iv) other institutional issues related to checks and balances. This methodology underlines theclose involvement of Member States in the preparation of the annual reports and their follow-up. The Member Statesare involved throughout the process by way of: (i) a network of contact persons on the rule of law that meets regularlywith the Commission; (ii) contact persons providing written contributions to the report; (iii) dialogue between theCommission and Member States through the network of contact persons, the group of contact persons on nationaljustice systems, the national contact points on corruption, and bilaterally at political and technical level; (iv) countryvisits; and (v) the opportunity for each Member State to comment on the part of the report concerning them. Thereports have met with some criticism from academics, who draw attention to the purely descriptive, rather thanprescriptive nature of the reports and the lack of concrete follow-up.

Briefing EN

Plenary round-up – January 2022Publication type At a Glance

Date 21-01-2022Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword appointment of members | digital economy | digital single market | EU Council Presidency | European Medicines

Agency | France | member of the Court of Auditors (EU) | parliamentary session | President of the EP | transport ofanimals

Summary A solemn ceremony was held in Strasbourg to honour the Parliament's late President David Maria Sassoli, who diedthe previous week. Following this sad occasion, the main point on the agenda for the January 2022 plenary sessionwas the already scheduled mid-term election of Parliament's President, 14 Vice-Presidents and 5 Quaestors.Parliament also debated the programme of activities of the French Council Presidency, with Emmanuel Macron,President of the French Republic.

At a Glance EN

The Conference on the Future of EuropePublication type At a Glance

Date 20-01-2022Author KOTANIDIS Silvia | SABBATI Giulio

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword citizens' Europe | EU national | EU policy | European conference | European Movement | interinstitutional cooperation

(EU) | participatory democracy | promotion of the European idea | public consultationSummary The Conference on the Future of Europe is a bottom-up exercise allowing European citizens to express their opinion

on the Union's future policies and functioning.Tools such as the digital platform and citizens’ panels enable discussionof topics that matter to them. This EPRS infographic sets out the structures of the conference, how they will work andthe topics to be discussed.

At a Glance BG, ES, CS, DA, DE, ET, EL, EN, FR, GA, HR, IT, LV, LT, HU, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SK, SL, FI, SV

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 23

Ireland and Denmark in the EU: Fiftieth anniversary of accessionPublication type Briefing

Date 19-01-2022Author NEVILLE ANN | PERCHOC Philippe

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword accession to the European Union | commemoration | Denmark | economic integration | EU Accession Treaty | euro |

European Community | Ireland | opt-out clause | Schengen AgreementSummary This year marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the accession treaties to the former European Communities by

Ireland and Denmark. The path to membership was not smooth for either country, with their first two applications madein 1961 and 1967, together with the United Kingdom, effectively blocked by French opposition. With a change ofgovernment in France, the six members of the European Communities reaffirmed their agreement to the enlargementof the Communities, and negotiations on membership began with Denmark, Ireland, Norway and the United Kingdom(UK). In Denmark, Ireland and Norway, referendums were held to decide on possible membership. The Danish andIrish people voted 'yes', while citizens in Norway narrowly rejected membership, with 53.5 % voting 'no'. On 1 January1973, Denmark and Ireland (along with the UK) officially became members of the European Communities after morethan a decade of negotiations. Over time, Treaty ratification referendums took place in other countries too, but weremost concentrated in Ireland (7) and Denmark (4). In fact, Ireland remains unique in this sense as the only MemberState that has held a referendum on every major Treaty revision since voting in 1972 to become a member. This wasthe first enlargement of the European Economic Community (EEC), bringing membership from the original six to ninemembers. It also meant that the number of Members of the European Parliament rose from 142 to 198, whichrepresented an increase of nearly 40 %. This paper looks at the background to the decision to seek membership of theEuropean Communities, examining the economic and political conditions that caused Ireland and Denmark to seek tobecome Member States. It also discusses key features of EU membership: for Ireland, the decision to join the euro andits relationship with the Schengen Agreement; and for Denmark, the opt-outs introduced with the advent of theMaastricht Treaty.

Briefing DA, EN, GA

Parliaments in emergency mode: Lessons learnt after two years of pandemicPublication type Briefing

Date 17-01-2022Author DIAZ CREGO Maria | MAŃKO Rafał

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword coronavirus disease | disease prevention | electronic voting | epidemic | health control | national parliament |

parliamentary rules of procedure | parliamentary session | telecommunications | teleworkingSummary The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020 presented parliamentary institutions around the world with a

new and unprecedented scenario. Parliamentary rules of procedure in representative democracies are commonly builtupon the principles of pluralism, deliberation and transparency, aiming to provide an arena in which representatives ofthe people have the opportunity to publicly confront each other's points of view in a free and fair setting. It is, therefore,safe to say that ordinary parliamentary practice and procedures are essentially incompatible with measures seeking tominimise social contacts and discourage − or directly forbid − mass gatherings. As a logical result of the adoption ofthe first restrictive measures aiming to limit the spread of the virus adopted in EU Member States in the first months of2020, parliaments followed suit and implemented specific measures aiming to ensure the continuity of parliamentarybusiness while limiting the spread of the virus and protecting the health of their members and staff. In the early days ofthe pandemic, the European Parliament, together with some other EU national parliaments rushed to digitaliseparliamentary activities in an attempt to ensure that all members could take part in parliamentary proceedings despitethe crisis situation. Some EU national parliaments opted to adopt decisions with a reduced number of members andothers decided to adopt social distancing measures, while at the same time ensuring that all members could continueto take part in parliamentary activities. Nearly two years on from the beginning of the pandemic and with Covid-19infection rates spiking all over Europe due to the Omicron variant, it is time to take stock of the lessons learnt from thishealth crisis from the point of view of parliamentary law. In this vein, this publication updates a previous briefing of April2020 and analyses the modifications in the working methods of the European Parliament and selected EU nationalparliaments throughout the pandemic, aiming to show the advantages, but also the possible drawbacks of the newpractices.

Briefing XL, EN

Electing the European Parliament's PresidentPublication type At a Glance

Date 10-01-2022Author KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword European election | Member of the European Parliament | parliamentary rules of procedure | parliamentary session |

President of the EP | Quaestor of the EP | Vice-President of the EPSummary At the January 2022 plenary sitting, the European Parliament (EP) is due to elect its 31st President, to hold office for

the second half of the current term, up to the next European elections, following which the new Parliament will elect itsPresident in July 2024. The President has an important and increasingly visible function in the EU institutional andinternational setting, mirroring the influential role of the Parliament as shaper of EU policies and as co-legislator. This isa further update of an ‘at a glance’ note, the most recent edition of which was published in June 2019.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 24

Ten issues to watch in 2022Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 10-01-2022Author BASSOT Etienne

Policy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Budget | Economics and Monetary Issues | Environment | EU Democracy,Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Financial and Banking Issues | Foreign Affairs | Gender Issues, Equality andDiversity | Industry | Research Policy | Security and Defence

Summary This is the sixth edition of an annual EPRS publication aimed at identifying and framing some of the key issues andpolicy areas that have the potential to feature prominently in public debate and on the political agenda of the EuropeanUnion over the coming year. The topics analysed encompass achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions whilemaintaining economic growth, securing supply chains of semiconductors, moving towards sustainable agriculture,ensuring nuclear non proliferation, shaping the economic recovery, striking the right balance in European monetarypolicy, promoting the uptake of connected devices in the EU, harnessing the momentum of the Conference on theFuture of Europe, encouraging a continent where people in all their diversity are equal, and strengthening a Europeandefence union.

In-Depth Analysis DE, EN, FR

The French Parliament and EU affairsPublication type Briefing

Date 04-01-2022Author RITTELMEYER Yann-Sven

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword EU policy | European Association for Cooperation | France | national parliament | parliamentary system | Upper House

Summary The role of the French Parliament has varied under successive French Republics. The Constitution of the FifthRepublic, adopted in 1958, was amended by referendum in 1962 to establish the direct election of the President byuniversal suffrage. This created a hybrid political regime with some presidential and some parliamentarycharacteristics, sometimes described as a 'semi-presidential regime' or a 'hyper-presidential' regime. The governmentis responsible to Parliament, but contrary to classical parliamentary regimes, the President plays an important role. ThePresident has the power to dissolve the National Assembly (Assemblée nationale). He or she appoints the PrimeMinister, as well as – on the recommendation of the Prime Minister – the other members of the government.Traditionally, the Prime Minister makes the government's programme or a general policy statement an issue of a voteof confidence before the National Assembly. The latter can overthrow the government, but is largely subordinate to theexecutive – consisting of the President and the government placed under the authority of the Prime Minister. In periodsof 'cohabitation', the National Assembly plays a greater role in supporting the Prime Minister, who in this specificconfiguration acts as leader of the majority. Legislative powers are exercised by the two houses, who vote on laws,monitor government action and assess public policy. The National Assembly (Assemblée nationale) is elected for fiveyears by direct universal suffrage. The indirectly elected Senate (Sénat) represents the 'territorial communities of theRepublic' (Article 24 of the Constitution) and shares legislative power with the National Assembly. It embodiescontinuity, as it cannot be dissolved and half of its Members are renewed every three years. However, in cases ofdisagreement, the National Assembly has the final say. This briefing is part of an EPRS series on national parliaments(NPs) and EU affairs. It aims to provide an overview of the way the NPs of EU Member States are structured and howthey process, scrutinise and engage with EU legislation. It also provides information on relevant NP publications.

Briefing EN, FR

Priority dossiers under the French EU Council PresidencyPublication type Briefing

Date 04-01-2022Author ATTARD LUCIENNE

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword climate change policy | digital single market | economic recovery | EU Council Presidency | EU policy | European

conference | France | head of State | proposal (EU) | tax reformSummary France will hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2022. It will initiate the work of the Trio

Presidency composed of France, Czechia and Sweden. Executive power is exercised by the President of the Republic,who is elected by direct, popular vote, and the Government. The Prime Minister, appointed by the President, togetherwith the Ministers, is answerable to the National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament, and they can be removedby a vote of censure. Parliament consists of the National Assembly and the Senate. The National Assembly is theprincipal parliamentary body, composed of 577 members, who are elected directly for five-year terms. The Presidentialelection will coincide with the French Presidency, in April 2022. France is a founding Member State of the EuropeanUnion, and has already held the rotating Presidency of the Council 13 times. The French President, EmmanuelMacron, will present the political priorities of the Presidency to the European Parliament during the January plenarysession in Strasbourg. While the last French Presidency, in 2008, was characterised by the global financial crisis, theforthcoming one is expected to be dominated by the ongoing Covid pandemic, the cost of energy crisis and theaftermath of Brexit. The French Presidency will very likely give special impetus to the conclusion of the Conference onthe Future of Europe, which should take place in the first half of 2022. The plan is for the Trio Presidency, in its role asmember/observer in the Executive Board of the Conference, to draw on the outcomes of the various activities andcitizens’ recommendations, outline how they define the future of the Union, and start the implementation process.

Briefing EN, FR

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 25

Handbook on the incompatibilities and immunity of the Members of the European ParliamentPublication type Study

Date 31-12-2021Author PAVY Eeva

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy inPractice

Keyword civil service | elective office | EU Member State | incompatibility | Member of the European Parliament | parliamentaryimmunity | servant (EU)

Summary Upon request by the Committee on Legal Affairs, this handbook, provided by the Policy Department for Citizens’ Rightsand Constitutional Affairs, summarises, in its first part, the EU legal framework on the incompatibilities and immunity ofMembers of the European Parliament. Based on national reports, the second part of the handbook gives an overview,for each EU Member State, of the relevant national provisions on the composition of national governments andparliaments as well as those on national parliamentary immunities. This handbook will be updated regularly based oninformation received; please hold as reference the date of edition.

Study DE, EN, FR

Plenary round-up – December 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 17-12-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword digital single market | education policy | European Parliament | fight against crime | health policy | human rights

movement | humanitarian aid | labour law | organised crime | parliamentary sessionSummary Due to the deteriorating Covid 19 situation, Members were again able to choose to vote remotely during the December

plenary session in Strasbourg. Parliament nevertheless held a joint debate on the preparation of the European Councilmeeting of 16 17 December 2021 and the EU's response to the global resurgence of Covid 19 and new emergingvariants. Members debated statements by High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and SecurityPolicy/Vice-President of the Commission, Josep Borrell, on the situation in Nicaragua, at the Ukrainian border, and inthe Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. Members also debated a number of Council and European Commissionstatements, including on: the proposed Council decision on provisional emergency measures on the external borderwith Belarus; the state of play of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, plans to further undermine fundamental rights inPoland; on the EU response to transport poverty; taking stock of the European Year of Rail; the outcome of the GlobalSummit on Nutrition for Growth and increased food insecurity in developing countries; and on an EU ban on the use ofwild animals in circuses. In a formal sitting, Parliament heard an address by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,President of Ghana.

At a Glance EN

Bronisław Geremek: In search of a united EuropePublication type Briefing

Date 14-12-2021Author PASIKOWSKA-SCHNASS Magdalena

Policy area Culture | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword biography | European Union membership | historical figure | Poland | political figure

Summary From his childhood in the Warsaw Ghetto to his tragic death in a road accident while working at the EuropeanParliament in 2008, Bronisław Geremek faced many personal, professional and political challenges during a period ofconstant turbulence. A world-renowned historian, he was interested in the poor, the excluded and the marginalisedduring the Middle Ages, mainly working as a researcher at the Sorbonne and Warsaw University. The Soviet army’sinvasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 marked the start of his political involvement with those opposing the communistregime. He secretly gave history lectures, spoke in defence of workers persecuted following the cost-of-living riots in1976, and went to Gdańsk in August 1980 to support the strike led by Lech Wałęsa. Geremek subsequently becamean adviser to the founder of the Solidarność trade union. His involvement led to his imprisonment following the militarycoup in December 1981 and the loss of his position as a professor, but guaranteed his place in negotiations betweenthe communist regime and the democratic opposition in 1989. As a member of the first semi-democratic parliament inthe Soviet bloc, he subsequently became Foreign Minister and started the negotiations for Poland’s accession to theEuropean Union. He was elected as a Member of the European Parliament in 2004. His research as a historianfocused on Europe as a civilisation, on questions of European identity and integration, and on civil society. Due to hishistorical research, he had a capacity for in-depth analysis that he used in his European political work and involvement.He concluded that a European public space was essential in order to encourage European civic engagement andawareness.

Briefing DE, EN, FR, PL

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 26

The misuse of social media platforms and other communication channels by authoritarian regimes:Lessons learned

Publication type In-Depth AnalysisDate 01-12-2021

External author Lukas ANDRIUKAITIS, Jakub KALENSKY, Simin KARGAR, Elene PANCHULIDZE, Joanna SMĘTEK, AnastasVANGELI

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Coronavirus | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and ParliamentaryLaw | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | Human Rights

Summary Disinformation has continued to spread in recent years, receiving a significant boost during the COVID-19 pandemicand constituting one of the most pressing threats for democratic countries. Authoritarian regimes have played their partin the proliferation of manipulated content, particularly disinformation. This paper analyses recent instances of themisuse of social media platforms and other communication channels perpetrated by authoritarian regimes in Iran,China, and Russia to influence the public opinion and democratic processes in Yemen and Syria, Taiwan, andGeorgia, respectively, focusing on disinformation in particular. The authors draw lessons for the EU in relation to theactors involved, highlighting the impact of disinformation, the disparity of resources between perpetrators andresponders, and the importance of independent media and a whole-of-society approach. By juxtaposing localexperiences with analysis of EU instruments, the authors arrive at a set of recommendations, which highlight the needto: focus on various disinformation perpetrators beyond Russia; support independent media and civil society initiatives;collect comparable data within the EU; develop mechanisms targeting perpetrators and increasing the cost of engagingin disinformation; develop proactive and pre-emptive campaigns against disinformation; and increase coordination andcooperation within the EU around the issue of disinformation.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Valéry Giscard d'Estaing: The optimist of the European integration processPublication type Briefing

Date 30-11-2021Author PERCHOC Philippe

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword European Monetary System | European Movement | France | head of State | historical account | historical figure |

history of Europe | monetary union | political figure | promotion of the European ideaSummary Valéry Giscard d'Estaing was one of Europe's leading figures in the generation which came after that of the founding

fathers. He was close to Jean Monnet, but he himself said that his main source of inspiration was Robert Schuman.For both Schuman and Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, their relationship with Germany was a thread running through theirlives. Valéry Giscard d'Estaing was born in Koblenz, Germany, where his father had been posted in the Frenchadministration after the First World War. Giscard d'Estaing was involved in the liberation of Paris at a very young ageand then in military operations at the end of the Second World War. After studying engineering, he chose a career inpublic administration, going on to be an economic adviser in various post-war French governments. He was laterelected as an MP in Auvergne, where his family had roots, and was then appointed Secretary of State for Finance atthe very young age of 32. He held various ministerial positions in this field, moving in European circles and spendingtime with colleagues from other European Community Member States. Elected French President in 1974, he favoureda policy of economic and social liberalism. His main accomplishments came in the areas of women's, young people'sand disabled persons' rights. At international level, he drew on the support of the German Chancellor, Helmut Schmidt,to develop political and monetary initiatives. Defeated in the 1981 elections, he continued his political career atregional, national and European level. He carried on working to bring about monetary union and develop the Franco-German partnership, before chairing the Convention on the Future of Europe, which culminated in the drafting of theConstitutional Treaty. Despite his disappointment at the rejection of that treaty, he continued to serve Europe until theend of his life.

Briefing DE, EN, FR

Plenary round-up – November II 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 26-11-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword aid to agriculture | climate change | EU budget | EU migration policy | European Parliament | financial management |

financial regulation | parliamentary session | sexual violence | UN ConferenceSummary Due to the deteriorating Covid 19 situation, the November II plenary session in Strasbourg was again organised with

the possibility for Members to vote remotely. Parliament debated a number of Council and European Commissionstatements, including on: coordination of Member States' coronavirus measures; police violence against Roma people;preparation of the 12th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference; state of the Energy Union; a European actionplan against rare diseases; and on international port congestion and increased transport costs. Members also debatedthe conclusions of the European Council meeting of 21 22 October 2021, and heard Council and Commissionstatements on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Parliament adopted several resolutions and legislative acts,inter alia on a European strategy for critical raw materials, EU sports policy, and on a pharmaceutical strategy forEurope.

At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 27

European Commission Work Programme for 2022Publication type Briefing

Date 25-11-2021Author HAHNKAMPER-VANDENBULCKE Nora | VETTORAZZI STEFANO

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword action programme | carbon neutrality | democracy | digital single market | European Commission | promotion of the

European idea | the EU's international roleSummary On 19 October 2021, the European Commission presented its work programme for 2022 (CWP 2022), setting out its

legislative and non-legislative intentions for 2022. The CWP 2022 perpetuates the CWP 2021's twofold ambition (i.e. torecover from the pandemic and to boost the Commission's transformative agenda). A special emphasis is put onhelping the Union emerge stronger and more resilient. This should be achieved by implementing the measures agreedover the last year, and through additional investments and reforms in order to 'accelerate the twin green and digitaltransitions, and build a fairer, more resilient and more cohesive society'. The briefing is intended as a backgroundoverview for parliamentary committees, explaining the CWP 2022’s structure and key aspects, and providinginformation on two types of EPRS publications of interest with a view to the upcoming legislative proposals: initialappraisals of Commission impact assessments and implementation appraisals.

Briefing EN

European Parliament scrutiny of FrontexPublication type Briefing

Date 25-11-2021Author DEL MONTE Micaela | LUYTEN KATRIEN

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword border control | EU migration policy | external border of the EU | Frontex | removal | rights of the individual

Summary Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 transformed Frontex into the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, and gave theEuropean Parliament a range of tools affording it oversight of the agency's activities. In addition to budgetarydischarge, these include an obligation for the agency to provide information to the Parliament, a key role for theParliament in appointing the agency's executive director, and attendance on invitation by a Parliament expert atFrontex management board meetings. These tools effectively make the Parliament the key player in terms ofdemocratic oversight of the agency. In 2020, amidst allegations of Frontex's possible involvement in pushbacks andviolations of fundamental rights by Member States' authorities at the EU's external borders, the Parliament'sCommittee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) decided to investigate the allegations. The Parliamentused both ex-ante and ex-post accountability instruments, as part of which it asked questions demanding oral andwritten answers, requested the Frontex executive director to appear before the LIBE committee to answer Members'questions, and decided to postpone the discharge of Frontex' accounts in respect of the financial year 2019 (dischargewas subsequently given in October 2021). In January 2021, LIBE decided to step up its action and established theFrontex Scrutiny Working Group (FSWG) to monitor all aspects of the functioning of the agency, including compliancewith fundamental rights, and transparency and accountability towards Parliament. The FSWG conducted a fact-findinginvestigation, collected evidence and presented its final report in July 2021. While the report 'did not find evidence onthe direct performance of pushbacks and/or collective expulsions by Frontex in the serious incident cases that could beexamined', it found 'serious shortcomings'. This briefing looks at the accountability mechanisms at Parliament'sdisposal and how they have been used to ensure that migrants' fundamental rights are respected and upheld at theEU's external borders.

Briefing EN

Policy Departments’ Monthly Highlights - November 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 17-11-2021Policy area Budget | Budgetary Control | Coronavirus | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Financial

and Banking Issues | Fisheries | International Trade | TaxationKeyword coronavirus disease | digital technology | epidemic | EU Member State | EU office or agency | fiscal policy | fishery

produce | foreign investment | national parliament | public procurementSummary The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments,

including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 28

Plenary round-up – November I 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 12-11-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword disclosure of information | European Parliament | European party | external border of the EU | freedom of the press |

humanitarian aid | parliamentary session | party financing | pluralism in the media | tax on incomeSummary The November I 2021 plenary session in Brussels was the first to be held without the use of remote voting since March

2020. During this mini-session, Parliament debated, in particular, a statement from the High Representative of theUnion for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, Josep Borrell, on the escalatinghumanitarian crisis on the EU/Belarusian border, in particular in Poland. Members also heard an address by FilippoGrandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Another debate covered the outcome of the first meeting of the new EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC). Several resolutions and legislative acts were adopted, inter alia onstrengthening democracy, media freedom and pluralism in the EU, the statute and funding of European political partiesand foundations, the European Education Area, disclosure of income tax information by certain undertakings andbranches, the European Partnership on Metrology, the European Union Agency for Asylum, and on serious cross-border threats to health.

At a Glance EN

The European Parliament's investigative powers: Committees of inquiry in contextPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 10-11-2021Author DIAZ CREGO Maria

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary The European Parliament has been trying to strengthen its powers to conduct in-depth investigations into

contraventions or maladministration in the implementation of Union law since 2012, but has so far failed to gain theconsent of the Commission or Council for the modification of the legal framework applicable to its committees ofinquiry. These powers may also be discussed as part of the Conference on the future of Europe. Analysing the scopeand functioning of Parliament's committees of inquiry, this publication offers an insight into the controversy surroundingthe negotiations concerning Parliament's proposal for a new regulation on the right of inquiry.

In-Depth Analysis DE, EN, FR

European political parties: Statute and fundingPublication type At a Glance

Date 08-11-2021Author DIAZ CREGO Maria

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword administrative transparency | application of the law | EU aid | European legal status | European party | foundation |

freedom of association | party financing | regulation (EU)Summary During the November I plenary session, Parliament is due to vote on an implementation report concerning the

Regulation on the statute and funding of European political parties and foundations. Parliament has to report on theapplication of the Regulation, and propose modifications where appropriate, by 31 December 2021, and every fiveyears thereafter. The Commission is also required to present a parallel implementation report and a legislativeproposal to amend the current regulation, if appropriate, and is expected to do so in November 2021.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Voting and candidacy rights of mobile EU citizens in municipal elections under Directive 94/80/ECPublication type Briefing

Date 29-10-2021Author ANGLMAYER Irmgard

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Transposition and Implementation of LawKeyword EC Directive | electoral law | equal treatment | EU national | European citizenship | legal domicile | local election |

registration of voters | right to stand for election | right to voteSummary An estimated 13.3 million European Union (EU) citizens live in an EU Member State that is not their country of origin.

Of these, over 11 million are of voting age. Under Council Directives 93/109/EC and 94/80/EC, these 'mobile'Europeans are entitled to participate in European and municipal elections in their country of residence. While MemberStates have successfully transposed both directives, voter turnout among mobile citizens remains low compared tonationals. In its 2020 citizenship report, the European Commission announced a strengthening of electoral rights inEuropean and municipal elections. According to the Commission's 2021 work programme (Annex II), amendingproposals are envisaged for the fourth quarter of 2021, as part of the 'Transparency and democracy package'. Thisbriefing explores the operation of Council Directive 94/80/EC on the right to vote and to stand as a candidate inmunicipal elections and discusses obstacles to citizens' effective exercise of their rights. It also analyses theimplications of Brexit on local election rights for both United Kingdom (UK) citizens residing in the EU 27 and EUcitizens living in the UK. The resulting post-Brexit status quo is a complex patchwork governed by national law andbilateral agreements. A separate briefing examines the implementation of Directive 93/109/EC regarding Europeanelections.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 29

Voting and candidacy rights of mobile EU citizens in European elections under Council Directive93/109/EC

Publication type BriefingDate 29-10-2021

Author ANGLMAYER IrmgardPolicy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Transposition and Implementation of Law

Keyword approximation of laws | Council of the European Union | electoral law | European citizens' initiative | European election| European electoral system | European Parliament | national implementing measure | right to stand for election | rightto vote

Summary Under the arrangements set out in Council Directives 93/109/EC and 94/80/EC, EU nationals who live in a MemberState other than their own are entitled to participate in European and municipal elections, respectively, in their countryof residence. This concerns an estimated 11 million EU citizens of voting age (post-Brexit data). Even if MemberStates have successfully transposed both directives, voter turnout among mobile citizens remains low compared tonationals. Similarly, only a fraction of candidates standing for European elections is made up of non-nationals (slightlyover 1 % in the 2019 elections). The European Commission has announced its intention to update both directives;according to its 2021 work programme (Annex II), amending proposals are envisaged for the fourth quarter of 2021,forming part of the 'transparency and democracy package'. This briefing looks into the operation of Council Directive93/109/EC on the right to vote and stand as candidate in European elections. It discusses obstacles that hinder mobileEU citizens from effectively exercising their electoral rights, such as registration and communication issues, and looksinto the problem of double voting. The implementation of Directive 94/80/EC regarding municipal elections is examinedin a separate briefing.

Briefing EN

Strengthening the role and impact of petitions as an instrument of participatory democracy - Lessonslearnt from a citizens’ perspective 10 years after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty

Publication type StudyDate 29-10-2021

External author ALEMANNO AlbertoPolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Petitions to the European Parliament

Keyword allocation clause | civil rights | EU body | freedom of expression | participatory democracy | petition | rights of theindividual

Summary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the PETI Committee, evaluates the state of play of the right of petition ten years after theinclusion of the principle of participatory democracy in the EU treaties. After contextualising the right of petition withinthe broader EU participatory infrastructure, its ultimate objective is to provide a set of recommendations aimed atunleashing its democratic potential while overcoming its major structural limitations.

Study EN

Executive summary ES, DE, EN, FR, IT

Plenary round-up – October II 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 22-10-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword amending budget | budgetary discharge | climate change policy | European Parliament | general budget (EU) | motor

vehicle insurance | occupational safety | parliamentary session | sustainable agriculture | UN ConferenceSummary During the October II 2021 plenary session in Strasbourg, Parliament held a number of important debates, in particular

on: the primacy of EU law, the rule of law crisis and de facto abortion ban in Poland; increased efforts to fight moneylaundering; regarding pushbacks at the EU's external border; the right to a healthy environment and on climate, energyand environmental State aid guidelines (CEEAG). Members debated the rise of right-wing extremism and racism inEurope, the humanitarian situation in Haiti and the proposal to build a 'single market for philanthropy'. Membersdebated a statement from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-Presidentof the Commission, Josep Borrell, on the situation in Tunisia. Parliament also discussed matters in preparation for theEuropean Council meeting of 21-22 October 2021, and debated the global tax agreements to be endorsed at the G20Summit in Rome on 30-31 October 2021, as well as the outcome of the Western Balkans summit. Parliamentannounced that its 2021 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought will be awarded to Russian anti-corruption activistAlexei Navalny, with the formal ceremony to be held on 20 December 2021.

At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 30

European Parliament: Facts and FiguresPublication type Briefing

Date 21-10-2021Author SABBATI Giulio

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword elective office | European election | European Parliament | institutional activity

Summary This Briefing, published by the European Parliamentary Research Service, is designed to provide key facts and figuresabout the European Parliament. It looks at both the current parliamentary term (July 2019 to June 2024) and the eightprevious five-year terms since direct elections were introduced in June 1979. It includes graphics of various kindswhich: * detail the composition of the European Parliament now and in the past; * trace the increase in the number ofparties represented in the EP and the evolution of political groups; * show the age of Members and chart the rise in thenumber of women sitting in the Parliament; * explain the electoral systems used in elections to the Parliament acrossthe Member States; * show how turnout in European elections has changed over time and varied between MemberStates; * summarise the work of the Parliament in the current and previous five-year terms; * outline the composition ofthe Parliament's committees, delegations and governing bodies; * explain the legislative role of the Parliament and itsinteraction with the European Commission. The Briefing is being updated regularly over the 2019-24 term to takeaccount of latest developments.

Briefing BG, ES, CS, DA, DE, ET, EL, EN, FR, GA, HR, IT, LV, LT, HU, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SK, SL, FI, SV

Multimedia European Parliament legislative activity, 2004-2020: Co-decision procedure

Lobbying and foreign influencePublication type Briefing

Date 19-10-2021Author BAUER Elisabeth | THIEL Marie

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Foreign AffairsKeyword administrative transparency | disinformation | interest group | interference | transparency in decision-making | trends of

opinionSummary Lobbying and foreign influence are normal, integrated activities in modern public policy-making and geopolitics. When

these influencing activities are covert or illicit in nature, however, they can be damaging to public image and levels ofpublic trust in our democratic societies and their institutions, including those of the EU. Although not a modern concept,the frequency and extent of covert influence activities by third countries have been increasing since the mid-2010s. Inthe EU, this has taken the form of disinformation attacks on the EU, hidden agendas pushed by foreign fundedacademic think-tanks and funding of Member State political parties by authoritarian regimes, all with the aim ofundermining the legitimate decision-making processes and political structures in and of the EU. The term foreigninterference is often utilised to differentiate between legitimate influencing activities, such as diplomatic relations, andactivities with the intention to disrupt. As this is not an exact science, however, it is also often difficult to distinguishbetween foreign influence and foreign interference activities. While interference tactics are often coercive, covert,deceptive, and clandestine in nature, influence activities can be made more transparent, thereby making it easier todifferentiate between interference and the more legitimate influence activities. In light of the aforementioned growingforeign interference efforts, the EU considers foreign interference tactics as a serious threat and is taking steps tomonitor and mitigate them, by, for example, setting up specific bodies or committees, especially in the context of EUelections. In parallel, the EU is also trying to improve the transparency of foreign influence activities. One suchmeasure is broadening the scope of the Transparency Register, a public database of the European Parliament, theCouncil of the European Union and the European Commission, for the registration of transparent and ethical interestrepresentation activities. According to the latest OECD report on lobbying, only three OECD nations (the USA,Australia and Canada) have rules in place that cover foreign influence. On the back of a new InterinstitutionalAgreement (IIA) on a mandatory Transparency Register, however, the EU looks set to join those three nations.

Briefing EN

Plenary round-up – October I 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 08-10-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword Arctic | EU relations | European Asylum Support Office | European Parliament | information security | parliamentary

session | price increase | price of energy | tax offence | United StatesSummary During the first plenary session of October 2021 in Strasbourg, Parliament held a number of debates, in particular on

the proposed EU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, which should ensure a coordinated EUapproach for future health crises. Debate also took place on possible European solutions to the rise in energy pricesfor businesses and consumers and the role of energy efficiency and renewable energy, highlighting the need to tackleenergy poverty. Members discussed the release of the Pandora Papers and the implications for efforts to combatmoney laundering, tax evasion and avoidance. Debates were held on several human rights issues, including thehumanitarian situation in Tigray. Members heard a statement from the High Representative of the Union for ForeignAffairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, Josep Borrell, on the situation in Belarus following theviolent repression of protest in the country. A number of resolutions and legislative acts were adopted, inter alia onartificial intelligence in criminal law, the EU road safety policy framework 2021 2030, the Aarhus Regulation on accessto information and public participation in environmental matters, on the state of EU cyber-defence capabilities, and onthe Banking Union annual report 2020.

At a Glance EN

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The Parliaments of Europe: full part actors or powerless spectators? – A state of play 2010–2020Publication type Study

Date 30-09-2021External author BRACK Nathalie

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EULaw: Legal System and Acts

Keyword competence of the Member States | democracy | democratisation | European Parliament | interinstitutional relations |interparliamentary relations | legislative power | national parliament

Summary Since the Lisbon Treaty, EU national Parliaments have been recognized as relevant and legitimate players at thesupranational level and given tools to be involved beyond the scrutiny of their national government. However, the lastdecade brought new challenges to the Europeanisation of national Parliaments, with several crises boostingintergovernmentalism. This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rightsand Constitutional Affairs at the request of the AFCO Committee, examines how EU national Parliaments haveadapted to all these challenges and assesses their involvement in EU affairs over the past decade.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR, IT

Parliamentary Democracy in Action: Comparing the EP and five national parliamentsPublication type Study

Date 24-09-2021Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Keyword comparative study | European Parliament | France | Germany | Italy | national parliament | parliamentary system |representative democracy | United Kingdom | United States

Summary This EPRS study compares and contrasts features of the work of the European Parliament with those of five nationalparliaments. It concentrates on some of the aspects discussed in the EP President’s Focus Group exercise, which has,throughout 2021, considered ways to modernise and improve the Parliament’s way of working on several fronts:notably the organisation of plenary sessions; the exercise and protection of parliaments’ prerogatives; parliamentarydiplomacy; and the communication capacity of parliaments. The present study seeks to address these areas, with theaim of identifying where best practice exists and where there might still be room for improvement.

Study EN

Plenary round-up – September 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 17-09-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword disease prevention | EU relations | labour shortage | proposal (EU) | public health | Russia | sexual discrimination |

United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EU | work permitSummary During the September 2021 plenary session in Strasbourg, Parliament held a number of debates, including on

legislative proposals for health and disease prevention, and the Brexit Adjustment Reserve; as well as on naturaldisasters in Europe; the Pegasus spyware scandal; media freedom; and on further deterioration of the rule of law inPoland. Members debated Commission and Council statements on the July 2021 'Fit for 55' package of legislativeproposals, in the light of the latest IPCC report. Council presented its position on the draft general EU budget for 2022,ahead of the Parliament voting its position during the October II session. Parliament also debated statements from theHigh Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, JosepBorell, on the situation in Afghanistan and in Lebanon. A number of other resolutions and legislative acts wereadopted, inter alia on: the instrument for pre-accession assistance (IPA III); a new EU-China strategy; fair workingconditions, rights and social protection for platform workers; and on guidelines for Member States' employmentpolicies.

At a Glance EN

Nutzung von SLAPP-Klagen zur Einschüchterung von Journalisten, nichtstaatlichen Organisationen undder Zivilgesellschaft

Publication type StudyDate 15-09-2021

External author Justin BORG-BARTHET Benedetta LOBINA Magdalena ZABROCKA.Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | EU Democracy,

Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Human RightsSummary Diese Studie, die von der Politischen Abteilung für Bürgerrechte und konstitutionelle Angelegenheiten des

Europäischen Parlaments auf Ersuchen des JURI-Ausschusses in Auftrag gegeben wurde, analysiertRechtsdefinitionen von strategischen Klagen gegen öffentliche Beteiligung (SLAPP) und bewertet die Vereinbarkeiteiner Anti-SLAPP-Gesetzgebung mit EU-Recht. Es wird empfohlen, eine Anti-SLAPP-Richtlinie zu verabschiedensowie die Brüssel-Ia-Verordnung und die Rom-II-Verordnung neu zu fassen, um das Auftreten von SLAPP-Klagen zubegrenzen.

Study DE

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L’utilisation des poursuites-bâillons pour réduire au silence les journalistes, les ONG et la société civilePublication type Study

Date 15-09-2021External author Justin BORG-BARTHET Benedetta LOBINA Magdalena ZABROCKA.

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | EU Democracy,Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Human Rights

Summary La présente étude, commandée par le département thématique des droits des citoyens et des affairesconstitutionnelles du Parlement européen à la demande de la commission des affaires juridiques (JURI), analyse lesdéfinitions juridiques des poursuites stratégiques altérant le débat public (poursuites-bâillons) et évalue la compatibilitéde la législation contre les poursuites-bâillons dans le droit européen. Il est recommandé l’adoption d’une directivecontre les poursuites-bâillons et la refonte des règlements Bruxelles I bis et Rome II en vue de limiter l’incidence despoursuites-bâillons.

Study FR

The von der Leyen Commission's six priorities: State of play in Autumn 2021Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 09-09-2021Author BASSOT Etienne

Policy area Democracy | Economics and Monetary Issues | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law |Foreign Affairs | Industry | Public Health

Summary This EPRS paper analyses progress in attaining the policy agenda set out by Ursula von der Leyen, President of theEuropean Commission, and her College of Commissioners when they took office in December 2019. It looks inparticular at the state of play in respect of delivery on the six key priorities asserted at that time. Concretely, EPRSfinds that, following the July 2021 plenary session, of the nearly 400 initiatives foreshadowed by the von der LeyenCommission on taking office or since (406), just over half have already been submitted (212). Of these, almost halfhave already been adopted (101), while the great majority of the remainder are either proceeding normally in thelegislative process (76) or are close to adoption (10). Conversely, a certain number are proceeding very slowly or arecurrently blocked (25). While the Commission's first priority, the European Green Deal, ranks highest in the number ofinitiatives announced (90), its third priority, 'An economy that works for people', has the highest number so far actuallyadopted (29). Further details of the state of play on the various EU legislative proposals tabled by the Commission,including all those mentioned in this paper, can be found in the European Parliament's 'Legislative Train Schedule'website, which has also been developed by EPRS.

In-Depth Analysis DE, EN, FR

State of the Union address, European Parliament, 2021Publication type Briefing

Date 08-09-2021Author MAŃKO Rafał

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword legislative programme (EU) | power of assessment | President of the Commission | speech

Summary European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's second State of the Union address, scheduled for 15September 2021, will be delivered at a time when the coronavirus pandemic continues to pose challenges for theEuropean Union and its Member States. At the same time, thanks to the adoption of the multiannual financialframework for the 2021-2027 period, new opportunities lie ahead – the recovery plan for Europe and Next GenerationEU. Furthermore, the Conference on the Future of Europe was finally launched on 9 May 2021. Nevertheless, anumber of unresolved issues and new challenges remain. These include ensuring that EU values (Article 2 TEU) areupheld in the Member States, including through the application of the recently adopted Conditionality Regulation,addressing the threat of climate change, and equipping Europe for the digital age. The tradition of EU State of theUnion addresses, delivered to the European Parliament by the President of the European Commission, dates back to2010. The address takes stock of the achievements of the past year and presents priorities for the year ahead. Itconstitutes an important instrument for the European Commission's ex-ante accountability vis-à-vis Parliament and isalso aimed at rendering the definition of priorities at EU level more transparent, and at communicating those prioritiesto citizens. The event chimes with a similar tradition in national democracies. The United States, for instance, has along-standing tradition of presidential State of the Union addresses, in which the President speaks in the Capitol to ajoint session of Congress, thus fulfilling a constitutional obligation. In contrast to the US Constitution, the EU Treatiesdo not prescribe a State of the Union address; the EU version was established by the 2010 Framework Agreementbetween Parliament and the Commission. This briefing further updates an earlier one from September 2016, originallywritten by Eva-Maria Poptcheva.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 33

Regulating targeted and behavioural advertising in digital services. How to ensure users’ informedconsent

Publication type BriefingDate 31-08-2021

External author Giovanni SARTOR, Francesca LAGIOIA, Federico GALLI,Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Consumer Protection | Contract

Law, Commercial Law and Company Law | Democracy | Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy,Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Ex-ante Impact Assessment | Financial and Banking Issues | Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market andCustoms Union | International Trade

Summary The study addresses the regulation of targeted and behavioural advertising in the context of digital services. Marketingmethods and technologies deployed in behavioural and target advertising are presented. The EU law on consent to theprocessing of personal data is analysed, in connection with advertising practices. Ways of improving the quality ofconsent are discussed as well as ways of restricting its scope as a legal basis for the processing of personal data.This study is commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the JURI Committee...

Briefing EN

The socioeconomic position of women of African, Middle Eastern, Latin American and Asian descentliving in the European Union

Publication type StudyDate 31-08-2021

External author Marta Capesciotti, Silva SansonettiPolicy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Employment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Gender

Issues, Equality and Diversity | Social PolicyKeyword acculturation | education | ethnic group | integration of migrants | position of women | racial discrimination | social

integrationSummary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional

Affairs at the request of the FEMM Committee, provides an overview of the social situation and level of integration ofsecond- and third-generation migrant women of non-EU descent. This topic is analysed using specific indicators,namely, residential conditions, family patterns, labour-market integration, and health outcomes.

Study EN

Executive summary ES, DE, EN, FR

Regulating targeted and behavioural advertising in digital services. How to ensure users’ informedconsent

Publication type StudyDate 30-08-2021

External author Giovanni SARTOR, Francesca LAGIOIA, Federico GALLIPolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Consumer Protection | Contract

Law, Commercial Law and Company Law | Democracy | Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy,Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Ex-ante Impact Assessment | Financial and Banking Issues | Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market andCustoms Union | International Trade

Keyword comparative advertising | data protection | data-processing law | digital content | digital economy | digital single market| digital transformation | merchandising | personal data | protection of privacy | unsolicited electronic advertising

Summary The study addresses the regulation of targeted and behavioural advertising in the context of digital services. Marketingmethods and technologies deployed in behavioural and target advertising are presented. The EU law on consent to theprocessing of personal data is analysed, in connection with advertising practices. Ways of improving the quality ofconsent are discussed as well as ways of restricting its scope as a legal basis for the processing of personal data.This study is commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the JURI Committee.

Study EN

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The European Commission's legislative proposals in the New Pact on Migration and AsylumPublication type Study

Date 30-07-2021External author Evelien BROUWER; Giuseppe CAMPESI ; Sergio CARRERA, Roberto CORTINOVIS, Eleni KARAGEORGIOU, Jens

VEDSTED-HANSEN, Lina VOSYLIŪTĖPolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | Development and

Humanitarian Aid | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluationof Law and Policy in Practice | Ex-ante Impact Assessment | Forward Planning | Global Governance | Human Rights |Social Policy

Keyword aid to refugees | asylum seeker | civil rights | European Commission | migration | migration statistics | political asylum |proposal (EU)

Summary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs on request of the Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties and Justice, aims to provide a detailed mapping andanalysis of the central legal changes and issues characterising the five main legislative proposals accompanying thePact on Migration and Asylum, presented by the Commission in September 2020. The legislative instruments underconsideration include a new Screening Regulation, an amended proposal for an Asylum Procedures Regulation, anamended proposal revising the Eurodac Regulation, a new Asylum and Migration Management Regulation, and a newCrisis and Force Majeure Regulation. As a second step, the study provides a critical assessment of the five proposalsas to their legal coherence, fundamental rights compliance, and application of the principle of solidarity and fair sharingof responsibility enshrined in Article 80 TFEU.

Study EN

Committee hearings in the European Parliament and US CongressPublication type Briefing

Date 16-07-2021Author DEL MONTE Micaela | DIAZ CREGO Maria

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary Hearings are used by parliamentary committees as a way to obtain evidence on specific subjects to inform their work

and as public forums to give citizens access to information on policy issues. Committee hearings take different formsdepending on their specific purposes. Oversight and legislative hearings are frequently used to hold the executive toaccount and to inform parliaments' choices as regards proposed or adopted legislation. Investigative hearings, usuallyheld in the context of parliamentary inquiries, often have distinctive features, with some parliaments granted the right tosummon witnesses and take testimony under oath. Finally, some parliaments have relevant appointment powers asregards key positions in the executive or the judiciary and may use pre-appointment hearings to test the suitability ofcandidates or extract commitments from them. The European Parliament's committees frequently organise publichearings with experts for oversight and legislative purposes. They also hold public hearings on European citizens'initiatives, once a given initiative has gathered the necessary public support. Also relevant in the EuropeanParliament's committee work are pre-appointment hearings, in particular those held as part of the procedure forappointing the members of the European Commission. European Parliament committees of inquiry can also invitedifferent categories of witnesses to provide evidence. US Congressional committees, meanwhile, hold oversight,investigative, legislative and confirmation hearings, the latter being peculiar to the Senate, as the President has thepower to nominate people to key positions in the executive and judiciary branch 'with the advice and consent of theSenate'. In the context of the ongoing internal discussion launched by the President of the European Parliament, DavidSassoli, on how to make the Parliament a more resilient and effective institution in the wake of the coronaviruspandemic, this Briefing provides an overview of how committee hearings are organised and conducted in both theEuropean Parliament and the US Congress.

Briefing EN

Plenary round-up – July 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 09-07-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword civil aviation | common foreign and security policy | coronavirus disease | epidemic | EU visa policy | European

Investment Bank | European Parliament | multiannual financial framework | parliamentary sitting | report | rights of theindividual | rule of law

Summary During the July 2021 plenary session in Strasbourg, Parliament continued to debate and adopt Multiannual FinancialFramework programmes for 2021-2027, this time finalising programmes in the justice and home affairs, fisheries andinfrastructure areas. Debates on a number of Council and Commission statements were held, including on theprogramme of activities of the Slovenian Council Presidency, on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of24-25 June 2021, on the Commission’s 2022 work programme, on the state of play of implementation of the EU DigitalCovid Certificate Regulation, on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in aviation, and on the 70th anniversary of theGeneva (refugee) Convention. A number of other debates were held, inter alia on the rule of law and fundamentalrights in Hungary and Poland, on amendments to the Visa Information System, and on European Investment Bankactivities in 2019. Members also debated international policy issues – the situation in Nicaragua, the repression of theopposition in Turkey, and the situation in Tigray, Ethiopia.

At a Glance EN

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Disinformation campaigns about LGBTI+ people in the EU and foreign influencePublication type Briefing

Date 02-07-2021External author Cecilia STRAND, Jakob SVENSSON, Roland BLOMEYER, Margarita SANZ

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | ForeignAffairs | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | Human Rights

Keyword child | disinformation | gender equality | impact of information technology | paedophilia | political propaganda | researchreport | sex education | sexual minority | social media

Summary The purpose of this briefing is to give a concise overview of disinformation, misinformation and propaganda campaignsabout LGBTI+ persons and rights, originating from or being supported and/or multiplied by actors outside the EU.Based on a review of existing literature, the briefing examines the main narratives used, supported and circulated, aswell as which actors or group of actors are involved. Where available, information on methods, funding and impacts onEuropean values is provided. The main narratives identified include negative othering, opposing a ‘gender ideology’,‘heteroactivism’, restoring a ‘natural’ order, ‘colonialism’ and child safety. The briefing concludes that there is a needfor more research, further harmonisation of legal frameworks, the scrutiny of financial flows and strengthened capacityto detect disinformation, misinformation, propaganda and hate speech.

Briefing EN

The Slovenian Parliament and EU affairsPublication type Briefing

Date 01-07-2021Author RITTELMEYER Yann-Sven | ZUMER KLEMEN

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword constitution | EU policy - national policy | national implementing measure | national parliament | parliamentary

committee | parliamentary system | report | SloveniaSummary Since 1991 the Republic of Slovenia has had a parliamentary system composed of the Državni zbor (National

Assembly) and the Državni svet (National Council). The Slovenian Parliament has the features of an 'incompletebicameral system', based on 'asymmetric duality' – the National Council has less authority and fewer competencesthan the National Assembly, in accordance with Chapter IV of the Constitution. The National Assembly is described asthe 'supreme representative and legislative institution, exercising legislative and electoral powers as well as controlover the Executive'. Its members are elected every four years from nine constituencies by a universal, equal, direct,and secret vote. Different, specific, rules apply to the election of one member each of the Italian and Hungariannational communities. The Government of Slovenia is accountable to the National Assembly, and the Prime Minister iselected by the National Assembly by a majority vote of all of its members. This briefing is part of an EPRS series onnational parliaments (NPs) and EU affairs. It aims to provide an overview of the way the NPs of EU Member States arestructured and how they process, scrutinise and engage with EU legislation. It also provides information on relevantNP publications.

Briefing EN

The Use of SLAPPs to Silence Journalists, NGOs and Civil SocietyPublication type At a Glance

Date 30-06-2021External author Justin BORG-BARTHET Benedetta LOBINA Magdalena ZABROCKA.

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | EU Democracy,Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Human Rights

Keyword communications profession | freedom of communication | freedom of expression | human rights | judicial cooperation incivil matters in the EU | judicial proceedings | participatory democracy | proposal (EU) | right to justice

Summary This At a glance of the study with the same title, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department forCitizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the JURI Committee, analyses legal definitions of StrategicLawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) and assesses the compatibility of anti-SLAPP legislation with EU law. Itis recommended that an anti-SLAPP Directive should be adopted, and that the Brussels Ia Regulation and Rome IIRegulation should be recast to limit the incidence of SLAPPs.

At a Glance EN

Financing of political structures in EU Member StatesPublication type Study

Date 30-06-2021Author MILICEVIC Vera

External author Quentin REED Barbara JOUAN STONESTREET Deniz DEVRIM Tommy KRIEGER, ZEW - Leibniz Centre forEuropean Economic Research Veronika KUBEKOVÁ, Blomeyer & Sanz Roland BLOMEYER, Blomeyer & SanzFriedrich HEINEMANN, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research

Policy area Budget | Budgetary Control | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Forward PlanningKeyword EU Member State | European identity | financial transparency | OSCE | political affiliation | political tendency | State aid

Summary While some areas of political finance regulation have experienced a significant convergence (e.g. the expansion ofstate funding for parties and other political entities and the establishment of disclosure requirements), largely as aresult of international standards and monitoring, others exhibit major differences across the EU Member States (e.g.limits on private donations and on spending, disclosure thresholds, nature and quality of oversight). This studyunderlines the need to implement international standards in order to achieve objectives in specific regulatoryenvironment, rather than importing “off-the-shelf” solutions.

Study EN

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Plenary round-up – June II 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 25-06-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword climate change policy | EU migration policy | EU relations | European Ombudsman | European Public Prosecutor's

Office | multiannual financial framework | parliamentary sitting | public borrowing | report | rule of law | Switzerland | UNSecretary-General

Summary During the June II 2021 plenary session in Brussels, Parliament continued to debate and adopt programmes financedunder the multiannual financial framework for 2021 2027, specifically this session in the areas of regional development,with the Common Provisions Regulation, European Territorial Cooperation Regulation, European RegionalDevelopment Fund and Cohesion Fund all finalised. Important debates on Council and European Commissionstatements were held, in particular on the preparation of the European Council meeting on 24 25 June 2021 and therelaunch of the Malta Declaration on external aspects of migration, on the urgent need to complete nominations for thefull functioning of the European Public Prosecutor's Office, and on the future of EU-Swiss relations. Members alsodebated and adopted, inter alia, the proposed European Climate Law, the Public Sector Loan Facility, and discussedthe Commission's 2020 rule of law report. António Guterres, the recently re-elected Secretary-General of the UnitedNations, addressed Parliament in a formal sitting.

At a Glance EN

The impact of disinformation campaigns about migrants and minority groups in the EUPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 24-06-2021External author Judit SZAKÁCS, Éva BOGNÁR

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | ForeignAffairs | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | Human Rights

Keyword disinformation | equality before the law | ethnic group | impact of information technology | migrant | national minority |religious discrimination | religious group | research report | rights of the individual | rule of law | Russia

Summary This analysis, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Special Committee on Foreign Interference in allDemocratic Processes in the European Union, including Disinformation (INGE), aims to explore the impact ofdisinformation activity originated or amplified from abroad targeting minorities in the EU over the years 2018-2021.While disinformation has become all-pervasive, it can be considered as yet another tool being used to targetvulnerable groups in society. Looking at recent disinformation campaigns that ethnic, religious and cultural minoritieshave been subjected to, this study finds both direct and indirect links between disinformation and fundamental rights,such as human dignity or physical and mental integrity, along with core European values, including equality, the rule oflaw and solidarity. The Roma are found to be victims of domestic disinformation, while migrants and the Jewishcommunity are targeted by the Kremlin. The research found that disinformation by foreign and domestic actors as wellas disinformation and organic content are increasingly merging, rendering measures to stop foreign disinformationmore difficult.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Studies with a ‘Covid 19 angle’Publication type Study

Date 23-06-2021Author TELL CREMADES MIGUEL

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal Systemand Acts | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | Intellectual Property Law | Internal Market and Customs Union |Private international law and judicial cooperation in civil matters | Public Health | Social Policy

Keyword coronavirus disease | epidemic | EU publication | research reportSummary When the pandemic loomed over us in spring 2020, we asked experts to analyze whether it was possible to introduce

a Covid angle into their studies. In many cases, it seemed prima facie a bit far-fetched. However, it soon becameapparent that even in our area of work there were interesting aspects to investigate. This publication groups togetherthe most relevant parts of the studies published so far and in which a Covid 19 angle has been presented anddiscussed.

Study EN

Reform of the European Ombudsman's StatutePublication type At a Glance

Date 21-06-2021Author ATANASSOV Nikolai

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword EC Decision | EP resolution | EU Charter of Fundamental Rights | European Ombudsman | operation of the Institutions

| report | Treaty on the Functioning of the EUSummary During the June II plenary session, the European Parliament is due to adopt a new European Parliament regulation

governing the performance of the Ombudsman's duties (Statute of the European Ombudsman) to replace the existingstatute, adopted in 2008. This follows a debate on the new text during the June I session and subsequent consent tothe draft from the Council. This is an updated edition of an 'at a glance' note published ahead of the June I plenarysession.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

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Priority dossiers under the Slovenian EU Council PresidencyPublication type Briefing

Date 21-06-2021Author ATTARD LUCIENNE

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword climate change policy | digital technology | economic recovery | EU Council Presidency | EU migration policy |

European neighbourhood policy | information security | public health | rule of law | SloveniaSummary Slovenia will, in the second half of 2021, hold its second Presidency of the Council of the EU since joining the EU in

2004. It will conclude the work of the Trio Presidency composed of Germany, Portugal and Slovenia. Slovenia is ademocratic parliamentary republic with a proportional electoral system. The Slovenian parliament is bicameral, madeup of the National Assembly (composed of 90 members) and the National Council (composed of 40 members). In theNational Assembly, there are 88 representatives of political parties and two representatives of the Italian andHungarian national communities, the latter two elected to represent their interests. The National Assembly elects thePrime Minister and the government. The current government is a four-party coalition, made up of the SlovenianDemocratic Party (SDS); the Modern Centre Party (SMC), the Democratic Party of Slovenian Pensioners (DeSUS) andNew Slovenia—Christian Democrats (NSi). The Prime Minister, Mr Janez Janša from the Slovenian Democratic Party(SDS), was elected to office on 3 March 2020. The next general elections in Slovenia will take place no later than 5June 2022. Other political parties represented in parliament are the List of Marjan Šarec (LMS), Social Democrats(SD), Party of Alenka Bratušek (SAB), The Left, and the Slovenian National Party (SNS).

Briefing EN

Statute and funding of European political parties under Regulation 1141/2014Publication type Study

Date 21-06-2021Author ANGLMAYER Irmgard

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policy in PracticeKeyword case law (EU) | distribution of EU funding | eligibility criteria | European Parliament | general budget (EU) | party

financing | political parties | research reportSummary European political parties are transnational political alliances made up of national parties from the same political family.

Since July 2004, they have been able to receive funding from the EU general budget. The current Regulation1141/2014, applicable since 2017, tightened the requirements for parties' recognition, funding and spending. Yet, someparties (and their affiliated foundations) found loopholes in the legal framework. Targeted amendments to theregulation adopted in 2018 and 2019 sought, inter alia, to prevent misuse of public funds, enhance the role ofEuropean parties in the European public space, and safeguard the integrity of the European elections by sanctioningbreaches of the rules on the protection of personal data. This study examines the operation of the legal framework,ahead of the legislative revision announced by the European Commission in its 2021 work programme, and in supportof the evaluation report currently undertaken by the AFCO committee.

Study EN

Computerised system for communication in cross-border judicial proceedings (e-CODEX)Publication type Briefing

Date 14-06-2021Author MAŃKO Rafał

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword civil proceedings | criminal proceedings | cross-border cooperation | electronic document management | European

Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice |exchange of information | information security | information system | judicial cooperation in civil matters in the EU |judicial cooperation in criminal matters in the EU | proposal (EU) | report

Summary The e-CODEX system is the digital backbone of EU judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters. e-CODEXcomprises a package of software products that allow the setting up of a network of access points for secure digitalcommunication between courts and between citizens and the courts, while also enabling the secure exchange ofjudicial documents. The project, which was launched in 2010 with EU grant funding, is managed by a consortium ofMember States and other organisations and is coordinated by the Ministry of Justice of the German Land of NorthRhine-Westphalia. Even though it is currently used by 21 Member States, e-CODEX lacks a clear, uniform and EU-wide legal basis. To remedy this situation, on 2 December 2020 the Commission put forward a proposal for an e-CODEX legal instrument (a regulation) to formally establish the e-CODEX system at EU level. The management of theproject would be entrusted to eu-LISA (the EU Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems inthe Area of Freedom, Security and Justice). Within the European Parliament, the LIBE and JURI committees are jointlyin charge of the file, and the draft report is expected shortly.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 38

The Use of SLAPPs to Silence Journalists, NGOs and Civil SocietyPublication type Study

Date 14-06-2021External author Justin BORG-BARTHET Benedetta LOBINA Magdalena ZABROCKA.

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | EU Democracy,Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Human Rights

Keyword civil society | communications profession | democracy | EU Member State | freedom of expression | freedom of thepress | human rights | non-governmental organisation | pluralism in the media | regulation (EU) | research report | ruleof law

Summary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the JURI Committee, analyses legal definitions of Strategic Lawsuits Against PublicParticipation (SLAPP) and assesses the compatibility of anti-SLAPP legislation with EU law. It is recommended that ananti-SLAPP Directive should be adopted, and that the Brussels Ia Regulation and Rome II Regulation should be recastto limit the incidence of SLAPPs.

Study EN

Executive summary ES, DE, EN, FR, HR, IT, HU, MT, PL, SK

Plenary round-up - June I 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 11-06-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword biodiversity | common foreign and security policy | cultural prize | European Parliament | group of leading industrialised

countries | information system | own resources | parliamentary scrutiny | parliamentary sitting | report | rule of law |summit meeting

Summary The June I 2021 plenary session took place in Strasbourg once more (although still in hybrid form), some 15 monthsafter the previous session was held there, with coronavirus-containment measures restricting the Parliament's activitythroughout that period. A number of important debates took place, including on European Council and EuropeanCommission statements on the conclusions of the special meeting of the European Council on 24 and 25 May 2021,and on preparation for the G7 and EU-US Summits. Members also debated the state of play on implementation of theOwn Resources roadmap and Parliament's scrutiny of the Commission and Council assessments of the nationalrecovery and resilience plans. Debates were also held on the rule of law situation in the European Union, including theapplication of the conditionality regulation. Members discussed the follow-up to the Porto Social Summit, as well as thesituation of women in politics. Debate was held on systematic repression in Belarus and its consequences forEuropean security in the light of Belarus' interception of a civilian plane. The High Representative of the Union forForeign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, Josep Borrell, made statements on the situationin Afghanistan and in Cuba. Parliament also voted on the proposed EU biodiversity strategy for 2030, and onamendments to information systems required for operation of the European Travel Information and AuthorisationSystem. In a formal ceremony, Parliament awarded the annual Lux Audience Award to a Romanian documentary,Collective, directed by Alexander Nanau.

At a Glance EN

Europeanising the elections of the European Parliament - Outlook on the implementation of CouncilDecision 2018/994 and harmonisation of national rules on European elections

Publication type StudyDate 03-06-2021

External author Lorenzo CICCHIPolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal

System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy in PracticeKeyword application of EU law | Cyprus | decision (EU) | European election | European electoral system | European Parliament |

Germany | research report | Spain | universal suffrage | voteSummary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional

Affairs at the request of the AFCO Committee, looks into the main obstacles to unifying and modernising Europeanelections in different Member States. It gives an overview of the implementation of Council Decision 2018/994 andhighlights, in particular, the importance of the standardisation and harmonisation of electoral ballots as a means toproperly inform voters and strengthen the European party system. As a more general remark, the study concludes thatthe European and national political parties should further strengthen their relationship, a vital element of the Europeanpolitical system that can increase the transnational nature of European elections.

Study EN

Executive summary BG, ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, NL

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 39

Breaking the deadlock on strengthening Parliament's right of inquiryPublication type At a Glance

Date 02-06-2021Author DIAZ CREGO Maria

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword committee of inquiry | European Parliament | interinstitutional cooperation (EU) | parliamentary inquiry | powers of the

institutions (EU) | proposal (EU) | supervisory power | Treaty on the Functioning of the EUSummary During the June I plenary session, the Council and the European Commission are expected to answer oral questions

put by the European Parliament's Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) on the Parliament's proposal to repealDecision 95/167/EC (which currently governs Parliament's right of inquiry) and adopt a new regulation to strengthen itsinvestigative powers. Pointing out the Council's unwillingness to engage in political negotiations with Parliament on thisfile, the AFCO committee asks the reasons for this deadlock and questions the Council and the Commission onwhether they would be willing to go back to the negotiating table.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Council of Europe standards on judicial independencePublication type Briefing

Date 25-05-2021Author MAŃKO Rafał

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword courts and tribunals | disciplinary proceedings | European Court of Human Rights | independence of the judiciary |

judge | judicial power | judicial reform | professional ethics | rule of lawSummary Judicial independence is one of the key components of the rule of law (Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union –

TEU), together with the fundamental right to a fair trial (Article 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of theEuropean Union) and the principle of effective judicial protection (Article 19(1) TEU). When it comes to standards forjudicial independence, a special role is played by the Council of Europe and its judicial body, the European Court ofHuman Rights (ECtHR) in Strasbourg. This is especially relevant because, according to Article 6(3)TEU, fundamentalrights, as guaranteed by the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms,are in fact general principles of EU law. The importance of the Council of Europe standards and ECtHR case law havebeen highlighted, not least in the Commission's 2020 Rule of Law Report. This briefing discusses a number ofdocuments of the Council of Europe and its bodies, including the Council of Europe's 2010 recommendation on judicialindependence, the Magna Carta of Judges adopted by the Consultative Council of European Judges in 2010, andselected documents of the Venice Commission (the 2007 report on judicial appointments, the 2010 report on judicialindependence, and the 2016 rule of law checklist). Finally, the briefing presents an overview of ECtHR case law onjudicial independence, focusing on issues such as the concept and criteria for assessing it; procedures for appointingjudges and possible irregularities; the question of the term of office, including the vetting of judges and earlytermination of term in office; the problem of external influences on judges (by the executive); possible lack of internalindependence (from other judges); the question of combining judicial office with other work; and, finally, the question ofjudicial immunity.

Briefing EN

Plenary round-up – May 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 21-05-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword data protection | distribution of EU funding | EU energy policy | EU policy | EU relations | European Parliament | fund

(EU) | parliamentary sitting | TRIPS | vaccineSummary A number of important debates were held during the May 2021 plenary session, in particular on Parliament's rights to

information regarding the ongoing assessment of the national recovery and resilience plans, on a revised industrialstrategy for Europe and on recent migrant deaths in the Mediterranean. Members also held a debate on possiblewaiving of the WTO TRIPS agreement on Covid 19 vaccines to help developing countries fight the pandemic; onbusiness taxation; and on Roma equality in the EU. Two joint debates took place, on hydrogen and energy strategies,and on data protection adequacy. Members debated a statement by the High Representative of the Union for ForeignAffairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, on the EU position on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Anumber of programmes under the multiannual financial framework were approved, and debates and votes were alsoheld, inter alia, on the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations in developing countries, on the digitalsingle market, consumer use of artificial intelligence and on company liability for environmental damage.

At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 40

Outlook for the special European Council meeting of 24-25 May 2021Publication type Briefing

Date 21-05-2021Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area Coronavirus | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Foreign Affairs | Industry | PublicHealth

Keyword climate change policy | coronavirus disease | crisis management | epidemic | European Council | European security |Russia | summit meeting | trade agreement (EU) | United Kingdom

Summary The special European Council meeting of 24-25 May 2021 will concentrate on climate policy, hold a strategic debateon relations with Russia, continue its coordination efforts in response to the coronavirus pandemic and review theimplementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Regarding climate, EU leaders are expected to takestock of progress made in adopting the EU climate law and give further guidelines on and impetus to EU climate actionand policy. The strategic debate on relations with Russia comes at a moment when bilateral relations have reached anew low, and the EU is reviewing its threat perception as part of the ongoing Strategic Compass exercise. The leaders'discussions on the EU's response to the coronavirus pandemic will include vaccines, international solidarity and the EUDigital Covid Certificate, which has recently been provisionally agreed on by the co-legislators.

Briefing EN

The European Parliament's appointing powersPublication type Briefing

Date 19-05-2021Author DEL MONTE Micaela

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword appointment of members | EU office or agency | European Parliament | parliamentary rules of procedure |

parliamentary scrutiny | power to appoint | powers of the institutions (EU)Summary The role and the prerogatives of the European Parliament have evolved and increased over time, not only as regards

legislative powers and oversight but also in relation to the procedures to nominate, vet and appoint people to othersenior positions in EU institutions, agencies and other bodies. Parliament's role varies from case to case depending onthe legal basis. For instance, Parliament appoints the European Ombudsman, is consulted when appointing themembers of the Court of Auditors and appoints one member to the panel which vets nominees for the European Courtof Justice. Parliament's scrutiny of such candidates, in various different forms, helps in ensuring the credibility,accountability and legitimacy of the process as well as its transparency. What is today codified in the EU Treaties,secondary legislation and Parliament's Rules of Procedure is mostly the result of a set of Parliamentary processes thatbecame established practices over the years. This demonstrates that Parliament has managed to use its politicalleverage to expand and formalise its power to nominate and appoint the holders of senior positions in EU institutions,agencies and other EU bodies. Moreover, through making informed scrutiny of the candidates, Parliament can betterensure that they are qualified for the job. Despite the heterogeneity of procedures, some common patterns may behighlighted, in particular, that candidates and nominees generally appear in front of the relevant committee(s) of theEuropean Parliament, first making a statement and then answering questions from Members. Experience in recentyears shows that Parliament has not been shy in using its powers. Suffice to mention the 2019 hearing process for theappointment of the von der Leyen Commission and the appointment of the first ever European Chief Prosecutor, wherethe Parliament's influence in the final appointments is clear.

Briefing EN

Understanding trilogue: Informal tripartite meetings to reach provisional agreement on legislative filesPublication type Briefing

Date 19-05-2021Author DEL MONTE Micaela

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword Council of the European Union | Court of Justice of the European Union | European Commission | European

Ombudsman | European Parliament | interinstitutional cooperation (EU) | ordinary legislative procedure | powers of theinstitutions (EU) | transparency in decision-making

Summary Thanks to successive Treaty revisions, the European Parliament has acquired the status of legislator on an equalfooting with the Council. Today the ordinary legislative procedure (Article 294 Treaty on the Functioning of theEuropean Union − TFEU), previously known as co-decision, covers a vast amount of policy areas. In order to passlegislation, Parliament, representing the EU citizens, and Council, representing the governments of the EU MemberStates, have to agree on an identical text, which requires time and negotiations. The complexity of the EU legislativeprocess has been sometimes criticised for being lengthy and subject to gridlock, thus the risk of not responding tosocietal problems in a timely manner. To overcome this criticism, the legislators have developed informal contacts tospeed up the legislative process while ensuring representativeness and oversight. One of the tools commonly usedtoday to ensure the effectiveness of the legislative process is trilogue, defined as 'informal tripartite meetings onlegislative proposals between representatives of the Parliament, the Council and the Commission'. These tripartitemeetings have been the object of criticism for a number of reasons, including the fact that the number of participants islimited and that they take place beyond close doors. Due to the absence of any explicit reference in the Treaties,trilogues started on a very informal basis in the early 1990s and evolved over time. At the beginning, the institutionsfilled the legal void with informal practice that was subject to an increasing degree of formalisation over time and thenresulted, inter alia, in successive modifications of Parliament Rules of Procedure (RoP). These modifications weredriven by the need to ensure that trilogues efficiently support the legislative process in Parliament while remaining fullytransparent and representative. Today, RoP define the key elements upon which trilogues are built, how to conductnegotiations, and how to ensure that both committees and plenary are fully informed and can exercise their oversightrole. Still, some elements such as the number and frequency of meetings, the practical conduct of negotiations dependvery much on the nature of the legislative file to be negotiated, and thus remain uncodified.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 41

Conference on the Future of EuropePublication type Briefing

Date 07-05-2021Author KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword citizens' Europe | climate change policy | crisis management | democracy | digital single market | EU industrial policy |

EU policy | European conference | interinstitutional cooperation (EU)Summary After many debates and statements of principle in recent years, the time for a more structured discussion on the future

of Europe's development has arrived. The Conference on the Future of Europe, announced by the Commission'sPresident Ursula von der Leyen in her inaugural address, is set to start after a long period of standstill owing not onlyto changed priorities brought by the coronavirus pandemic, but also to lengthy negotiations among the institutions. Theaim of the conference is to debate how the EU should develop in the future, identify where it is rising to the challengesof current times, and enhance those areas that need reform or strengthening. A key aspect of this initiative is to bringthe public closer to the EU institutions, listen to people's concerns, involve them directly in the process of theConference and provide an adequate and meaningful response. In this respect, the ambition is to set up pan-Europeanforums for discussion, for the first time ever, where citizens of all Member States can debate the EU's priorities andmake recommendations, to be taken into account by the political-institutional powers that be and, ideally, translatedinto practical measures. The pandemic hit as the preparation of the conference was just beginning and inevitablycaused a delay. In March 2021, the European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the European Commissionagreed on a joint declaration, laying down the common rules and principles governing the conference. It was agreedthat the leadership of the conference would be shared by the three institutions, with the conference chaired jointly bytheir three presidents. The Conference on the Future of Europe has all the prerequisites to be an excellent opportunityto engage in a more structured debate between institutions and citizens, and arrive at concrete proposals to improvethe way the EU works, in terms not only of institutional dynamics, but also of policies. Some have cautioned howeverthat the initiative must be conducted with the utmost care, in particular as regards the follow-up, so that it remains ameaningful endeavour. This is an updated edition of a Briefing from December 2019.

Briefing EN, FR

Investing in destabilisation: How foreign money is used to undermine democracy in the EUPublication type Study

Date 06-05-2021External author Edoardo BRESSANELLI

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword advertising | comparative study | democracy | disinformation | European security | foreign investment | information

warfare | interference | party financingSummary Foreign interference has become a major security threat for democracies. The European Union (EU) provides no

exception and, in the last few years, has significantly stepped up its efforts to counter this threat. A specific type offoreign interference is the foreign funding of political parties. At the national level, regulations banning or limitingforeign funding are currently in place in most member states, but there is still significant variation across them. At theEU level, the recent reforms of the regulation on the funding of the Europarties and their associated foundations havebanned contributions from abroad. Notwithstanding such welcome changes to party regulations, cases of foreignfunding are still being reported in several member states, with foreign actors exploiting regulatory loopholes to channelfunds or provide other types of support. To tackle this issue more effectively, regulatory convergence at the nationallevel should be promoted, the transparency of party accounts should be enhanced, and the monitoring and sanctioningpowers of the relevant control authorities strengthened.

Study EN

Best Practices in the whole-of-society approach in countering hybrid threatsPublication type Study

Date 06-05-2021External author Mikael WIGELL;Harri MIKKOLA;Tapio JUNTUNEN

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Coronavirus | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and ParliamentaryLaw | Security and Defence

Keyword Australia | case study | civil society | common security and defence policy | digital literacy | disinformation | Europeansecurity | Finland | information warfare | interference | security of supply | Sweden

Summary Over recent years, the European Union has increased efforts to strengthen its resilience to hybrid threats. A model ofpreparedness based on the notions of ‘whole-of-society’, ‘whole-of-government’ and ‘societal resilience’ has gainedground in the EU’s policy work. Although some progress has been made, many obstacles and challenges remain. TheEU needs to address conceptual questions involved with the mapping of hybrid threats to facilitate targeted andeffective countermeasures, as well as initiatives to improve societal resilience. Although the EU recognises thestrategic value of resilience, the concept’s precise meaning and level of added value remain vague. Its exactrelationship to national preparedness and hybrid threats, as well as the whole-of-society approach requiresclarification. In addition to addressing these issues, this study analyses some best practices from the whole-of-societyapproach by examining action taken by Finland, Sweden and Australia in this regard. The study also providesrecommendations for further actions.

Study EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 42

The six policy priorities of the von der Leyen Commission: State of play in spring 2021Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 03-05-2021Author BASSOT Etienne

Policy area Democracy | Economics and Monetary Issues | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law |Foreign Affairs | Industry | Public Health

Keyword common foreign and security policy | coronavirus disease | democracy | economic policy | education policy | epidemic |EU migration policy | European Commission | green economy | health policy | report | technological change

Summary This EPRS paper analyses progress in attaining the policy agenda set out by Ursula von der Leyen, President of theEuropean Commission, and her College of Commissioners when they took office in December 2019. It looks inparticular at the state of play in respect of delivery on the six key priorities asserted at that time and at how they havesince been affected by the impact of the coronavirus crisis. The evidence so far suggests that, rather than underminetheir original agenda or knock it badly off course, the Commission has been able to use the momentum of events toassert the increased relevance of their priorities – especially in the climate action and digital fields – and tooperationalise them further through the €750 billion 'Next Generation EU' (NGEU) recovery fund. Concretely, EPRSfinds that of the nearly 400 legislative and non-legislative initiatives foreshadowed by the von der Leyen Commissionon taking office or since (397), almost half have already been submitted (192). Of these, one in five has already beenadopted (43), while the great majority of the remainder are either proceeding normally in the legislative process (97) orare close to adoption (26). Conversely, a certain number of proposals are proceeding very slowly or are currentlyblocked (26).

In-Depth Analysis DE, EN, FR

Access to medicinal productsPublication type Study

Date 01-05-2021External author Thyra de Jongh, Lennart Velten, Lonneke Schrijver

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Forward Planning| Public Health

Keyword coronavirus disease | cross-border cooperation | e-Health | EP resolution | epidemic | medicinal product | patient'srights | research report | right to health | shortage | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EU

Summary There are many factors that can prevent a patient from being able to obtain the medicine they need, ranging fromselective marketing decisions by companies to products being too expensive or pharmacy stock-outs. Because ofnational differences in health systems and market characteristics, access to medicine is not evenly distributed acrossthe European Union. In response to observed problems with access to medicine, in 2017 the European Parliamentadopted a resolution containing 58 recommendations for action to the European Commission and Member States. ThisIn-Depth Analysis reviews the main actions taken at the Union level since then that could improve access to medicine.It also includes illustrative examples of actions taken by Member States and other actors. The analysis concludes thatthe Commission has proposed or taken a combination of legislative and non-legislative actions with the potential toimprove access to medicine in the Union and beyond, but that it will take time for the effects of these to become clear.

Study EN

Plenary round-up – April 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 30-04-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary The April 2021 plenary session featured a debate on the outcome of EU-UK negotiations and the vote on the EU-UK

Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Members also debated the conclusions of the 25 and 26 March 2021 EuropeanCouncil meeting and the outcome of the 6 April 2021 high-level EU-Turkey meeting. Members debated ways to savethe summer tourism season and provide EU support to the hospitality sector, and underlined the need for affordableCovid 19 testing. Parliament also debated statements by High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs andSecurity Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, Josep Borell, on Russia, Alexei Navalny, the military build-up onUkraine's border and the Russian attack on an arms depot in Czechia, on Chinese counter-sanctions, and on the fifthanniversary of the Peace Agreement in Colombia. Parliament also voted on a mandatory transparency register foroutside interests meeting with the three institutions.

At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 43

Disinformation and propaganda: impact on the functioning of the rule of law and democratic processes inthe EU and its Member States - 2021 update

Publication type StudyDate 27-04-2021

External author Judit BAYER;Bernd HOLZNAGEL;Katarzyna LUBIANIEC;Adela PINTEA;Josephine B. SCHMITT;Judit SZAKÁCS;ErikUSZKIEWICZ

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Gender Issues, Equality and DiversityKeyword civil society | democracy | disinformation | impact of information technology | political propaganda | research report |

rights of the individual | rule of law | social mediaSummary Between January 2019 and January 2021, the impact of disinformation actions and responses to them were

considerably different than in previous years. Our research showed that disinformation actions increasingly mergedwith genuine content, and their sources became even more difficult to identify. Particularly strong impacts were seen incases where disinformation and manipulative propaganda were spread by individuals with high levels of politicalauthority, who enjoy the trust and attention of citizens. Diverse legislative and policy measurements were introduced byvarious Member States and third states, and civil society responses also flourished, particularly in relation to increasingresilience against disinformation. Ongoing research into the psychological mechanism of manipulation and resiliencegives more detailed results. This study aims to provide recommendations on legislative and policy measures to protectdemocracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights from the impact of disinformation, as well as to create a structuredinformational ecosystem which promotes and protects these values.

Study EN

Primacy's Twilight? On the Legal Consequences of the Ruling of the Federal Constitutional Court of 5May 2020 for the Primacy of EU Law

Publication type StudyDate 27-04-2021

External author Niels Petersen - Konstantin ChatziathanasiouPolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal

System and ActsKeyword case law (EU) | case-law | competence of the Member States | constitutional court | Court of Justice (EU) | European

Central Bank | Germany | infringement procedure (EU) | primacy of EU law | principle of proportionality | ruling | singlemonetary policy

Summary The study analyses the repercussions of the judgment of the German Federal Constitutional Court of 5 May 2020. Itputs the decision into context, makes a normative assessment, analyses possible consequences and makes somepolicy recommendations.

Study EN

Inter-institutional relations in the treatment of petitions: the role of the CommissionPublication type Study

Date 26-04-2021External author Maxime MOULAC, Consultant for Milieu Consulting SRL. Marta BALLESTEROS, Senior Lawyer and Manager for

Milieu Consulting SRL.Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Petitions to the European

ParliamentKeyword allocation clause | EU body | freedom of expression | human rights | infringement of EU law | participatory democracy |

petitionSummary This study was commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional

Affairs at the request of the PETI Committee. It presents an analysis of the EU right to petition, as a key element ofparticipatory democracy, and its procedure with a focus on the cooperation between the Committee on Petitions andthe Commission. It examines the procedures to deal with petitions and infringements of EU law, in particular EUenvironmental law. It provides an overview of key features of national petition systems in relation to the EU system andproposes recommendations for action by the EP and the Commission to improve the way petitions are handled.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 44

Towards a more resilient Europe post-coronavirus: Options to enhance the EU's resilience to structuralrisks

Publication type StudyDate 16-04-2021

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword common security and defence policy | crisis management | cross-border cooperation | economic and social cohesion |

economic recovery | economic reform | EU environmental policy | EU migration policy | EU policy | sustainabledevelopment

Summary The coronavirus crisis has underlined the need for the European Union (EU) to devote greater efforts to anticipatorygovernance, and to attempt to strengthen its resilience in the face of risks from both foreseeable and unforeseeableevents. This paper builds further on an initial 'mapping' in mid-2020 of some 66 potential structural risks which couldconfront Europe over the coming decade, and a second paper last autumn which looked at the EU's capabilities toaddress 33 of those risks assessed as being more significant or likely, and at the various gaps in policy andinstruments at the Union's disposal. Delving deeper in 25 specific areas, this new paper identifies priorities for buildinggreater resilience within the Union system, drawing on the European Parliament's own resolutions and proposals madeby other EU institutions, as well as by outside experts and stakeholders. In the process, it highlights some of the keyconstraints that will need to be addressed if strengthened resilience is to be achieved, as well as the opportunities thatfollow from such an approach.

Study EN

The role of the European Council in negotiating the 2021-27 MFFPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 09-04-2021Author DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area Budget | Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword budget authorisation | budget policy | drafting of EU law | EU budget | EU expenditure | European Council | multiannual

financial framework | powers of the institutions (EU)Summary To assess the role of the European Council in the process of the adoption of the multiannual financial framework and

its evolution over time, this paper provides a comparative analysis of the similarities and differences between theEuropean Council's involvement in the 20142020 and 20212027 MFF negotiations. An additional content analysis ofEU leaders' Twitter communication on the MFF focuses in particular on key moments in the European Council'sdecision-making process. The 20212027 MFF negotiations provide yet another example of the ways in which EUleaders not only intervene in the parts of the policy cycle envisaged for the European Council in the Treaties, butextend the scope of their involvement and influence, to areas where this is expressly prohibited by the Treaties, suchas regarding legislation. The European Council's involvement in legislative matters against the letter of the Treatiescan be considered both as 'déjà vu' and as a further evolution of its involvement.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Plenary round-up – March II 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 26-03-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword Africa | agenda | capital market | climate change | data protection | dual-use good | economic and social cohesion |

economic recovery | EU budget | EU financing | European Parliament | parliamentary sessionSummary The highlight of the March II 2021 plenary session was the joint debate on the preparation of the European Council

and Digital Green Certificates. A number of further joint debates were held on 2019 2020 enlargement progress reportson Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Serbia, on the reform of EU own resources, on a capital markets recoverypackage: adjustments to the securitisation framework and on a European strategy for data. These debates werefollowed by votes. Other debates held following Council and Commission statements concerned Turkey's withdrawalfrom the Istanbul Convention, and the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia and the rule of law in Malta. Proposalson guidelines for the 2022 EU budget, implementation of the Ambient Air Quality Directives, for a new EU-Africastrategy, and legislation on exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual-use goods, were alsodebated and voted.

At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 45

Interpretation and implementation of Article 50 TEU Legal and institutional assessmentPublication type Study

Date 24-03-2021External author PAPAGEORGIOU Ioannis

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Lawand Policy in Practice | Internal Market and Customs Union | Public international law

Keyword cooperation agreement (EU) | interpretation of the law | negotiation of an agreement (EU) | trade agreement (EU) |transitional period (EU) | Treaty of Lisbon | Treaty on European Union | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EU

Summary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the AFCO Committee, looks into the constitutional and institutional challenges that theEuropean Union faced during the Brexit negotiations, and analyses whether the current wording of Article 50 of theTreaty on European Union was applied in an adequate manner and allowed for an efficient and properly organisedwithdrawal procedure.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR, IT

Understanding the European Committee of the RegionsPublication type Briefing

Date 17-03-2021Author CIRLIG Carmen-Cristina

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword CoR opinion | European Committee of the Regions | European Economic and Social Committee | historical account |

operation of the Institutions | summarisingSummary The European Committee of the Regions (CoR or 'the Committee') is one of two European Union (EU) advisory

bodies, the other being the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). The CoR was established by the 1992Treaty of Maastricht, following a period when regional and local interests had been demanding greater involvement inthe European decision-making process. The CoR was set up as an advisory body of the Council and the EuropeanCommission, made up of local and regional representatives, independent in the performance of their duties. With thevarious Treaty changes, the CoR has managed to consolidate its position in the EU landscape, although some of itslongstanding ambitions have yet to materialise – such as its recognition as a fully fledged EU institution with co-decision power over certain territorial matters. In particular, in addition to other reforms, the Treaties have increasedthe number of policy areas where the Council and the Commission (and since 1999, the European Parliament as well)have an obligation to consult the CoR during the legislative process, also affirming its budgetary and administrativeautonomy. Significantly, the Lisbon Treaty gave the CoR the right to bring proceedings before the EU Court of Justicefor infringement of the principle of subsidiarity in the fields of mandatory consultation or in the event of a breach of CoRprerogatives. Despite obvious progress over the years in terms of expanding its competences and adapting its way ofwork, views are divided over the CoR's influence in the EU decision-making process. Its opinions are not binding andother factors limit its impact on legislation and policy, particularly when compared with the co-legislators, Parliamentand Council. Nevertheless, as the main point of confluence for subnational interests at EU level, the CoR is far fromirrelevant. This briefing looks at the evolution and organisation of the European Committee of the Regions anddescribes its advisory work and its other activities, beyond the formal role assigned it by the Treaties.

Briefing EN

Plenary round-up – March I 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 12-03-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword agenda | coronavirus disease | epidemic | EU initiative | EU investment | EU programme | European Ombudsman |

European Parliament | fishing controls | parliamentary session | public health | rule of lawSummary The highlight of the March I 2021 plenary session was the official signature of the Joint Declaration on the Conference

on the Future of Europe, allowing the Conference's work finally to get under way. Another important point was thecelebration of International Women's Day, which was held just before the start of the session, with Kamala Harris, VicePresident of the United States of America, and Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand, addressing the plenaryin video messages, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, also participating, in thechamber. The main debates held during the session concerned the economic impact of the Covid 19 pandemic –focusing on investment, competitiveness and skills, as well as the proposed action plan for the implementation of theEuropean Pillar of Social Rights, in preparation for the Social Summit in Porto in May. Members also discussed theapplication of the rule of law conditionality mechanism, respect for the partnership principle in the preparation andimplementation of national recovery and resilience plans, and ensuring good governance of the expenditure of EUfunding. Proposals on the European Semester annual strategies, corporate due diligence and corporate accountability,as well as the InvestEU and EU4Health programmes, were also debated and voted. Parliament also adopted aresolution declaring the EU an LGBTIQ Freedom Zone. Members debated government attempts to silence free mediain Poland, Hungary and Slovenia. Debates were held on reforming the EU policy framework to end tax avoidance inthe EU following the OpenLux revelations. Members debated statements by High Representative of the Union forForeign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, Josep Borell, on the current political situation inGeorgia and on the continuing conflict in Syria.

At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 46

The European Union and regional economic integration: Creating collective public goods – Past, presentand future

Publication type BriefingDate 09-03-2021

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and ActsKeyword Economic and Monetary Union | economic integration | European integration | monetary cooperation | public goods |

regional integration | single market | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EUSummary EPRS invites leading experts and commentators to share their thinking and insights on important features of the

European Union as a political and economic system. In this paper, Iain Begg, Professorial Research Fellow at theLondon School of Economics (LSE), reflects on the distinctive characteristics of the EU as the world's leadingexemplar of regional economic integration, and its unique experience since the 1950s in generating collective publicgoods for its Member States as a foundation for the continent's collective prosperity.

Briefing EN

The European Union and the multilateral system: Lessons from past experience and future challengesPublication type Briefing

Date 05-03-2021Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Foreign Affairs

Keyword Economic and Monetary Union | euro | European cooperation | foreign policy | intergovernmental cooperation (EU) |international cooperation | international relations | multilateral relations | the EU's international role

Summary EPRS invites leading experts and commentators to share their thinking and insights on important features of theEuropean Union as a political and economic system. In this paper, David O'Sullivan, former Secretary General of theEuropean Commission and EU Ambassador to the United States, reflects on the Union's contribution to and standingin the multilateral system which it has done so much to support and pioneer, as well as on some of the issues thatconfront Europe if it is to maximise its influence in international economic fora of various kinds.

Briefing EN

Understanding the European Commission's right to withdraw legislative proposalsPublication type Briefing

Date 05-03-2021Author KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword European Commission | interinstitutional cooperation (EU) | judgment of the Court (EU) | legislative initiative |

legislative power | ordinary legislative procedure | powers of the institutions (EU) | proposal (EU) | Treaty on EuropeanUnion | Treaty on the Functioning of the EU

Summary Although the European Commission exercises its right to withdraw a legislative proposal sparingly, doing so maybecome a contentious issue, particularly where a legislative proposal is withdrawn for reasons other than a lack ofagreement between institutions or when a proposal clearly becomes obsolete – such as a perceived distortion of thepurpose of the original proposal. Closely connected with the right of legislative initiative attributed to the Commissionunder the current Treaty rules, the European Court of Justice issued a judgment on the matter in case C 409/13. TheCourt spelled out the Commission's power to withdraw a proposal relative to the power of the two co-legislators, andalso indicated the limits of this power. In this sense, the Court considers the Commission's power to withdrawproposals to be a corollary of its power of legislative initiative, which must be exercised in a reasoned manner and in away that is amenable to judicial review. However, the Court's judgment does not solve all the issues connected to thismatter. Whilst the judgment develops the Court's arguments along the lines of the current institutional setting,academia has expressed some concern as to whether the judgment is truly in line with the recently emerged push for ahigher democratic character in institutional dynamics. The forthcoming Conference on the Future of Europe mayprovide the opportunity to rethink some of the issues surrounding the exercise of legislative initiative; which remains amatter of a constitutional and founding nature.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 47

Reform of the Comitology RegulationPublication type Briefing

Date 04-03-2021Author MAŃKO Rafał

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword comitology | committee (EU) | power of implementation | powers of the institutions (EU) | proposal (EU) | regulation

(EU) | transparency in decision-making | voteSummary On 14 February 2017, the European Commission adopted a proposal amending Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 (the

'Comitology Regulation') in order to increase the transparency and accountability of the decision-making processleading to the adoption of implementing acts. The main elements of the proposal include amending the voting rules forthe Appeal Committee (AC) in order to reduce the risk of a no opinion scenario and to clarify the positions of theMember States, providing for the possibility of a further referral to the AC at ministerial level if no opinion is delivered,and increasing the transparency of the comitology procedure by making public the votes of the Member States'representatives in the AC. Following the opinions of a number of committees, submitted in the previous and currentterms, on 12 October 2020, Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs adopted its report. It proposes to oblige MemberStates' representatives to give reasons for their vote, abstention or for any absence from the vote, and whereparticularly sensitive areas are concerned (consumer protection, health and safety of humans, animals or plants, or theenvironment), also case-specific detailed reasons for their vote or abstention. Other amendments concern betteraccessibility to the comitology register to increase transparency for citizens, and empowering Parliament and Councilto call on the Commission to submit a proposal amending the basic act, where they deem it appropriate to review theimplementing powers granted to the Commission. A partial first-reading report was adopted on 17 December 2020 inplenary and the file was referred back to the Legal Affairs Committee for interinstitutional negotiations. First edition.The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

The European Ombudsman's activities in 2019Publication type At a Glance

Date 03-03-2021Author ATANASSOV Nikolai

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword access to information | activity report | administration of the Institutions | administrative transparency | appeal to the

European Ombudsman | conflict of interest | discrimination based on disability | European Ombudsman | right toinformation | transparency in decision-making

Summary At the first plenary session of March 2021, the European Parliament is set to discuss and adopt a resolution on theEuropean Ombudsman's activities in the year 2019, based on the Ombudsman's annual report presented on 4 May2020. The report covers the final year of Emily O'Reilly's first mandate as Ombudsman before her re election for asecond term in late December 2019.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Strengthening cooperation with the Council of EuropePublication type Study

Date 26-02-2021External author Luis María LOPEZ GUERRA, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword accession to an agreement | Council of Europe | democracy | European Convention on Human Rights | European

cooperation | human rights | opinion of the Court of Justice (EU) | rule of lawSummary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional

Affairs at the request of the AFCO Committee, assesses the possible strengthening of the cooperation of the EuropeanUnion with the Council of Europe. It examines, on the one side, the participation of Council of Europe bodies in the EUMechanism on Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights, and, on the other, the accession of theEuropean Union to Council of Europe Treaties, and particularly to the European Convention on Human Rights.

Study EN

Executive summary ES, DE, EN, FR

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 48

Complementary executive capacityPublication type Briefing

Date 15-02-2021Author MAŃKO Rafał | MILDEBRATH Hendrik Alexander

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword EU competence | EU initiative | EU office or agency | executive power | operation of the Institutions | summarising |

Treaty on European Union | Treaty on the Functioning of the EUSummary Against the backdrop of new and unprecedented crises and challenges, the advantages of coordinated approaches

and effective cross-border responses are all the more evident, and gaining support among Europeans, as shown byrecent Eurobarometer surveys. In this context, EU complementary executive capacity could be a way of meetingcitizens' expectations, through complementing, without replacing, the executive capacities of the Member States. Theconcept of complementary EU executive capacity dovetails naturally with the ongoing transformation of the EU from alegislative union to a hybrid (legislative–executive) union, as it becomes more involved in implementing law rather thanpurely enacting it. Essentially, the notion repackages pre-existing administrative practices in a way that facilitates theiroperationalisation, draws attention to new areas of potential EU executive involvement, and presents a tool forcommunication with citizens that can be understood.

Briefing EN

Plenary round-up – February 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 12-02-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword agenda | capital market | circular economy | common foreign and security policy | economic recovery | EU financial

instrument | European Central Bank | European Parliament | gender equality | parliamentary session | social media |trafficking in human beings

Summary The main debates held during the February 2021 plenary session concerned the state of play of the EU's Covid 19vaccination strategy and the de facto abortion ban in Poland. Members also debated democratic scrutiny of socialmedia platforms and the protection of fundamental rights, including the challenges ahead for women's rights more than25 years after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action The impact of coronavirus on young people and sport,relief measures for the transport sector, homologation and distribution of transparent masks and the humanitariansituation in Ethiopia were also discussed. Members debated statements by High Representative of the Union forForeign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, Josep Borell, on his visit to Russia in the light ofthe recent crackdown on protestors and the opposition, on the humanitarian and political situation in Yemen, and onthe situation in Myanmar.

At a Glance EN

Transnational electoral lists: Ways to Europeanise elections to the European ParliamentPublication type Study

Date 08-02-2021Author DIAZ CREGO Maria

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword citizens' Europe | composition of parliament | electoral law | electoral register | European election | European electoral

system | European Movement | European Parliament | promotion of the European idea | vote | voting methodSummary Aiming to feed into the forthcoming Conference on the Future of Europe and debate in the European Parliament on

possible reforms of the 1976 European Electoral Act, this paper from the European Parliamentary Research Serviceanalyses the main proposals to create a European constituency (or constituencies), in which Members of the EuropeanParliament would be elected from transnational electoral lists. Such proposals have been discussed over the years inthe European Parliament itself, as well as in other European and national institutions and academia. Following areview of these proposals, the paper then details the legal changes that would be needed at European and nationallevels to bring the idea to fruition.

Study EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 49

European Commission: Facts and FiguresPublication type Briefing

Date 04-02-2021Author SABBATI Giulio

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword administration of the Institutions | EU budget | EU statistics | European Commissioner | female worker | infringement

procedure (EU) | interinstitutional cooperation (EU) | legislative initiative | President of the Commission | servant (EU)Summary The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. Under the Treaties, its tasks are to 'promote

the general interest of the Union', without prejudice to individual Member States, to 'ensure the application of theTreaties' and adopted measures, and to 'execute the budget'. It also holds a virtual monopoly on the right of legislativeinitiative, alone proposing nearly all EU legislation to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. The Collegeof Commissioners is currently composed of 27 individuals: the President, Ursula von der Leyen, three Executive Vice-Presidents, five Vice-Presidents and eighteen Commissioners. The Executive Vice-Presidents both manage a specificportfolio and coordinate one of the core parts of the Commission's political agenda. The five Vice-Presidents eachcoordinate a single specific policy priority. The other Commissioners manage the specific portfolios, under thecoordination of the Vice-Presidents. This Briefing sets out the responsibilities, composition and work of theCommission and its leadership, both in the current Commission and in the past. It also gives details of the staff of theCommission’s departments, their main places of employment, gender distribution and national background, as well asproviding a breakdown of the EU’s administrative budget and budgetary management responsibilities.

Briefing EN

Democratic institutions and prosperity: The benefits of an open societyPublication type Briefing

Date 04-02-2021Author SAULNIER JEROME LEON | SGUEO Gianluca | ZAMFIR Ionel

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword civil society | democracy | economic development | governance | industrial revolution | Joint Research Centre |

monocracy | political rights | public consultation | technological changeSummary The ongoing structural transformation and the rapid spread of the technologies of the fourth industrial revolution are

challenging current democratic institutions and their established forms of governance and regulation. At the same time,these changes offer vast opportunities to enhance, strengthen and expand the existing democratic framework to reflecta more complex and interdependent world. This process has already begun in many democratic societies but furtherprogress is needed. Examining these issues involves looking at the impact of ongoing complex and simultaneouschanges on the theoretical framework underpinning beneficial democratic regulation. More specifically, combiningeconomic, legal and political perspectives, it is necessary to explore how some adaptations to existing democraticinstitutions could further improve the functioning of democracies while also delivering additional economic benefits tocitizens and society as whole. The introduction of a series of promising new tools could offer a potential way to supportdemocratic decision-makers in regulating complexity and tackling ongoing and future challenges. The first of thesetools is to use strategic foresight to anticipate and control future events; the second is collective intelligence, followingthe idea that citizens are collectively capable of providing better solutions to regulatory problems than are publicadministrations; the third and fourth are concerned with design-thinking and algorithmic regulation respectively.Design-based approaches are credited with opening up innovative options for policy-makers, while algorithms hold thepromise of enabling decision-making to handle complex issues while remaining participatory.

Briefing EN

Policing in national parliaments: How parliaments organise their securityPublication type Briefing

Date 02-02-2021Author CIRLIG Carmen-Cristina

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary National parliaments organise their security in a variety of ways. Whereas in some cases the principles of separation of

powers or of parliamentary autonomy prevent police forces from entering parliamentary premises − meaning that theselegislative chambers rely on in-house security services – in others the security of parliaments is ensured exclusively bythe police or other state forces with responsibilities in the area of security, defence or civil protection. Other nationalparliaments exhibit a mixed model, whereby parliamentary security departments are supplemented by national policeor military units. This briefing provides an overview of the structures responsible for maintaining security and order inand around the parliaments of 11 EU Member States, namely Belgium, Germany, Spain, Estonia, France, Italy,Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Finland, and also 3 non-EU countries − Canada, the United Kingdom (UK)and the United States (US). It focuses on the competences and tasks assigned to the services responsible for thesecurity of each national parliament and highlights modes of cooperation with other external state forces. Furthermore,the briefing indicates, for each parliament, the ultimate authority in charge of the services responsible for maintainingorder and security on and off the premises.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 50

The European Parliament and Greece's accession to the European CommunityPublication type Briefing

Date 29-01-2021Author SALM Christian

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary Enlargement of the European Communities (EC) to the south represented one of the most profound changes in

European politics of the 1980s. It dramatically altered political, economic and social structures not only in the EC andthe then Member States, but also in the three accession countries: Greece, Portugal and Spain. This year marks the40th anniversary of Greece's accession to the European Communities (now Union). Greece became the tenth ECMember State in 1981, following its transformation from an authoritarian to a democratic system of government.Importantly, Greece’s EC accession was connected with the consolidation of the country’s emerging democraticsystem, starting with the transitional government under Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis from July 1974 on.Although in the mid-1970s it was not formally involved in deciding on EC membership, the European Parliament sawitself politically obliged to discuss the major guidelines of EC accession and to assert the need for democraticconditions in Greece. Against this background, this Briefing looks at the democratisation process in Greece and thecountry's EC accession from the perspective of the European Parliament. First, it demonstrates that the Parliamentdemanded the fulfilment of fundamental democratic criteria before accepting any rapprochement between Greece andthe Community. Resting on the basic understanding of democracy, the core demand was the holding of free and fairparliamentary elections. Second, it shows that, following the establishment of democratic structures, the EuropeanParliament quickly developed relations with Greece, for example with the Greek Parliament in the form of a jointparliamentary committee. These relations served to support the accession process by discussing and preparing thebaselines of EC enlargement.

Briefing EL, EN

Digital automation and the future of workPublication type Study

Date 29-01-2021External author DG, EPRS_This study has been written by David Spencer, Matt Cole, Simon Joyce, Xanthe Whittaker and Mark Stuart

of the Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, UK, at the request of the Panel for the Future of Scienceand Technology (STOA) and managed by the Scientific Foresight Unit, within the Directorate-General forParliamentary Research Services (EPRS) of the Secretariat of the European Parliament.

Policy area Contract Law, Commercial Law and Company Law | Democracy | Employment | EU Democracy, Institutional andParliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Forward Planning | Human Rights | Private international law andjudicial cooperation in civil matters | Social Policy

Keyword artificial intelligence | digital technology | EU employment policy | impact of information technology | new technology |technological change | work

Summary This report addresses the nature, scope and possible effects of digital automation. It reviews relevant literature andsituates modern debates on technological change in historical context. It also offers some policy options that, ifimplemented, would help to harness technology for positive economic and social ends. The report recognises thattechnological change can affect not just the volume of work but also its quality. It identifies threats to job quality and anunequal distribution of the risks and benefits associated with digital automation. In response, it recommends a numberof policy options – ones that aim to go beyond the provision of skills and training and which seek a human-centredapproach to digital transformations of work based on industrial democracy and social partnership. Overall, the reportpushes for a new Digital Social Contract and a future of work that works for all

Study EN

Annex 1 EN

Plenary round-up - January 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 22-01-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area Coronavirus | Employment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Gender Issues, Equality andDiversity | Human Rights | International Trade | Security and Defence

Keyword agenda | common foreign and security policy | European arrest warrant | European Parliament | gender equality |human rights | interinstitutional relations (EU) | international trade | parliamentary session | teleworking | work-lifebalance

Summary The main debates of the January 2021 plenary session were on the inauguration of the new President of the UnitedStates, and the presentation of the Portuguese EU Council Presidency. Members also debated the humanitariansituation of refugees and migrants at the EU's external borders, as well as the EU global strategy on Covid 19vaccinations, and the social and employment crisis caused by the pandemic and the EU's response. Lack oftransparency in Council appointments to the European Public Prosecutor's Office and the consequences ofearthquakes in Croatia were also discussed. Members discussed the Court of Auditors' annual report, and Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borellmade statements on the arrest of Aleksei Navalny, on enhancing EU external action in Latin America and theCaribbean, and on the latest developments in the National Assembly of Venezuela.

At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 51

The Portuguese Parliament and EU affairsPublication type Briefing

Date 12-01-2021Author GOMEZ RAMIREZ Enrique | RITTELMEYER Yann-Sven

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword application of EU law | competence of the institution | intergovernmental cooperation (EU) | legislative power | national

parliament | parliamentary scrutiny | parliamentary system | Portugal | principle of subsidiarity | representativedemocracy

Summary According to the Portuguese Constitution adopted in 1976, Portugal is a semi-presidential Republic and aparliamentary democracy. It is a unitary state which also includes two autonomous regions (the Azores and Madeiraarchipelagos) with their own political and administrative statutes and self-governing institutions (Article 6 of theConstitution). The Constitution of the Third Republic created a single representative body: the Assembly of theRepublic (Assembleia da República). The Assembly exercises national sovereign power alongside the President of theRepublic, the Government and the courts. Its primary function is to represent all Portuguese citizens, and as such itacts as the main legislator and is the body to which the executive is accountable. The Assembly and the Governmentshare legislative competence, but the Assembly also has exclusive responsibility to legislate on certain specific matterssuch as on elections and referendums, the working of the Constitutional Court, political associations and parties, andnational symbols (see Article 164 of the Constitution for the full list). This briefing is part of an EPRS series on nationalparliaments (NPs) and EU affairs. It aims to provide an overview of the way the NPs of EU Member States arestructured and how they process, scrutinise and engage with EU legislation. It also provides information on relevantNP publications.

Briefing EN

Priority dossiers under the Portuguese EU Council PresidencyPublication type Briefing

Date 04-01-2021Author ATTARD LUCIENNE

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword climate change policy | digital single market | economic recovery | EU aid | EU banking union | EU Council Presidency |

European social policy | information security | multiannual financial framework | PortugalSummary Portugal is a democratic republic with a unitary semi-presidential system of government, whereby the Prime Minister of

Portugal is the head of government. The current Prime Minister is António Luís Santos da Costa, from the SocialistParty, and a former MEP who was a Vice-President of the European Parliament between July 2004 and March 2005.The President of Portugal, Marcelo de Sousa, from the Social Democrat Party, is the executive head of state and hasseveral significant political powers. Executive power is exercised by the President and the Council of Ministers.Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Assembly of the Republic. The Judiciary of Portugal isindependent of the executive and the legislature. The political landscape is composed of several political parties,primarily the Socialist Party (PS) and the Social Democratic Party (PSD). Other parties are the Popular Party (PP), thePortuguese Communist Party (PCP), the Left Bloc (BE) and the Green Ecologist Party (PEV). The Communists andthe Greens are in coalition as the Unitary Democratic Coalition (UDC). Portugal will hold the Presidency of theEuropean Council for the fourth time from 1 January 2021. The last time it held the Presidency was in 2007, when theTreaty of Lisbon was signed on 13 December 2007. Portugal is part of the Trio also composed of Germany andSlovenia. The Trio adopted a Declaration outlining the main areas of focus for their Trio, including democracy, humanrights and the rule of law, as well as an economically strong EU based on growth and jobs and the social dimension.Likewise the three Member States pledged to work on the challenges of digitalisation, climate change and energytransition. The Strategic Agenda 2019-2024 endorsed by the Member States at the European Council on 20 June 2019will remain, however, a guiding instrument. The Agenda covers the protection of citizens' freedoms; developing astrong and vibrant economic base; building a climate-neutral, green, fair and social Europe; and promoting Europeaninterests and values on the global stage.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 52

Data subjects, digital surveillance, AI and the future of workPublication type Study

Date 23-12-2020External author This study has been written by Associate Professor Dr Phoebe V. Moore, University of Leicester School of Business,

United Kingdom, and Guest Research Fellow, Weizenbaum Institute, Wissenschaftszentrum für Sozialforschung,Berlin. The study was prepared at the request of the Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) andmanaged by the Scientific Foresight Unit, within the Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research Services (EPRS)of the Secretariat of the European Parliament.

Policy area Contract Law, Commercial Law and Company Law | Employment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law| Human Rights | Public international law

Keyword artificial intelligence | comparative analysis | data protection | EU Member State | impact of information technology |labour relations | labour standard | new technology | protection of privacy | working conditions

Summary The report provides an in-depth overview of the social, political and economic urgencies in identifying what we call the‘new surveillance workplace’. The report assesses the range of technologies that are being introduced to monitor, trackand, ultimately, watch workers, and looks at the immense changes they imbue in several arenas. How are institutionsresponding to the widespread uptake of new tracking technologies in workplaces, from the office, to the contact centre,to the factory? What are the parameters to protect the privacy and other rights of workers, given the unprecedentedand ever-pervasive functions of monitoring technologies? The report evidences how and where new technologies arebeing implemented; looks at the impact that surveillance workspaces are having on the employment relationship andon workers themselves at the psychosocial level; and outlines the social, legal and institutional frameworks withinwhich this is occurring, across the EU and beyond, ultimately arguing that more worker representation is necessary toprotect the data rights of workers.

Study EN

Annex EN

Multimedia Workplace Monitoring In The Era Of Artificial Intelligence

Plenary round-up – December 2020Publication type At a Glance

Date 21-12-2020Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword agenda | common foreign and security policy | coronavirus disease | epidemic | European Parliament | High

Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy | multiannual financial framework | parliamentarydebate | parliamentary session | United Kingdom | vaccination | withdrawal from the EU

Summary The December 2020 plenary session focused on the agreement on EU finances for the coming years, as well as theconclusions of the 10-11 December European Council meeting. Members debated future relations between theEuropean Union and the United Kingdom, and adopted first-reading positions on temporary contingency measures onair and road connectivity, fisheries and aviation safety, to come into force should no agreement be reached with the UKby the end of this year. Members also discussed the preparation of an EU strategy on Covid 19 vaccination, includingits external dimension, an EU Security Union strategy and a dedicated Council configuration on gender equality.Members discussed the European Citizens' Initiative, Minority Safepack, seeking to protect minority languages andcultures. Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,Josep Borell made statements on recent developments in the Eastern Partnership, on the situation in Mozambique andon the 25th anniversary of the Barcelona Process and the Southern Neighbourhood.

At a Glance EN

The Effectiveness of Conflict of Interest Policies in the EU- Member StatesPublication type Study

Date 17-12-2020External author Christoph DEMMKE; Maros PAULINI; Jari AUTIONIEMI; Florian LENNER

Policy area Competition law and regulation | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts| Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice

Keyword civil servant | comparative study | conflict of interest | EP Committee | EU Member State | head of government |minister | policy analysis | research report

Summary This comparative study - commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights andConstitutional Affairs - analyses the effectiveness of relevant rules, policies and practices within Member Statesregarding conflict of interest for top political appointment (Head of Government, Ministers and other high rankingofficials).The research highlights the theoretical and practical aspects of the notion of conflict of interest, giving some policyrecommendations

Study DE, EN, FR, IT

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 53

Passerelle clauses in the EU Treaties: Opportunities for more flexible supranational decision-makingPublication type Study

Date 16-12-2020Author KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and ActsKeyword Council of the European Union | European treaties | operation of the Institutions | ordinary legislative procedure |

proposal (EU) | qualified majority | research report | special legislative procedure | supranationality | unanimitySummary Passerelle clauses are a mechanism for introducing Treaty change of a very specific nature. They modify the decision-

making rules that affect acts of the Council, by allowing a shift from unanimity to qualified majority voting or from aspecial legislative procedure to the ordinary legislative procedure. This study explores the differences betweenpasserelle clauses and other flexibility measures (enhanced cooperation, the flexibility clause, and accelerator or brakeclauses) and explores the main legal issues surrounding the introduction, revocation, and effects of passerelle clausesand their relationship with the other Treaty revision mechanisms. The analysis focuses not only on the two generalpasserelle clauses set out in Article 48(7) TEU, but also on the specific passerelle clauses contained in the Treaties inthe field of environment, social policy, the multiannual financial framework, common foreign and security policy, familylaw and enhanced cooperation. Finally, the study outlines recent Commission proposals to use general and/or specificpasserelles in certain policy areas, and the approaches taken by other institutions with respect to this constitutionaltool.

Study DE, EN, FR

What future for democracy?Publication type At a Glance

Date 11-12-2020Author NOONAN EAMONN

Policy area Democracy | Economics and Monetary Issues | Education | Employment | EU Democracy, Institutional andParliamentary Law | Forward Planning | Global Governance | Social Policy

Keyword digital technology | direct democracy | disinformation | dissemination of information | participatory democracy |populism | public consultation | public opinion | public relations | representative democracy

Summary A panel at the 2020 ESPAS conference discussed the future of democracy in the light of the coronavirus pandemic.Participatory democracy was seen as a potential remedy for polarisation, while digitisation brings a need for carefulgovernance. Misinformation and disinformation needs to be addressed through education. A poll of attendees identifiedtax equity as a key innovation for successfully rebuilding democracy.

At a Glance EN

Sustainable economic recoveryPublication type At a Glance

Date 11-12-2020Author NOONAN EAMONN

Policy area Budget | Budgetary Control | Democracy | Economics and Monetary Issues | Employment | Environment | EUDemocracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | European Semester | Forward Planning | Social Policy

Keyword clean technology | coronavirus disease | economic consequence | economic recovery | epidemic | EU aid | fossil fuel |green economy | social impact | sustainable development

Summary A panel at the 2020 ESPAS conference discussed how to create a sustainable economic recovery after thecoronavirus pandemic. Robust governance is needed to get the most out of the new resources created at EU level.Both public funding and private capital are needed for the green transition. Public access to big data sets was identifiedas a critical issue, to prevent harmful monopolies. A poll of attendees identified dependence on fossil fuels as a keyobstacle to a sustainable recovery.

At a Glance EN

Amending the Comitology RegulationPublication type At a Glance

Date 10-12-2020Author MAŃKO Rafał

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword amendment of a law | comitology | EU control | EU Member State | European Commission | legal basis | power of

implementation | powers of the institutions (EU) | proposal (EU) | regulation (EU)Summary When adopting implementing acts, the Commission acts under the scrutiny of the Member States (represented in

specialised committees and an appeal committee) following mechanisms set out in the Comitology Regulation. In2017, the Commission proposed amendments to this Regulation, aimed at eliminating 'no opinion' deadlocks in theappeal committee and increasing transparency in the procedure. The European Parliament is expected to vote on theproposal during the December plenary session.

At a Glance EN

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States of emergency in response to the coronavirus crisis: Normative response and parliamentaryoversight in EU Member States during the first wave of the pandemic

Publication type StudyDate 04-12-2020

Author DIAZ CREGO Maria | KOTANIDIS SilviaPolicy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice

Keyword constitution | coronavirus disease | epidemic | EU Member State | national parliament | parliamentary scrutiny | state ofemergency | statutory power

Summary This study examines the normative response of the 27 EU Member States during the first phase of the Covid 19pandemic (March to mid June 2020) and parliamentary oversight over the measures adopted. The study reveals thatMember States' normative responses to the pandemic were generally efficient, as very few of them were notpreventively equipped with a set of rules enabling the national authorities to adopt the containment measures neededto address the first peak of the health crisis, and because the Member States lacking those normative tools were ableto adopt the necessary empowering legislative acts quickly. The study also reveals that all EU national parliamentsplayed some role in the management of the pandemic, either through the supervision of the measures adopted by theexecutive to contain the spread of the virus or through the exercise of their ordinary legislative and budgetary powersto provide the government with the normative tools needed to address the pandemic.

Study DE, EN, FR

Plenary round-up – November II 2020Publication type At a Glance

Date 27-11-2020Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Budget | Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law |Foreign Affairs

Keyword agenda | common foreign and security policy | coronavirus disease | epidemic | European election | EuropeanParliament | freedom of expression | High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy |parliamentary debate | parliamentary session | public statement | sexual violence

Summary During the second November 2020 plenary session, Parliament held a number of debates with Council and theEuropean Commission. Discussions concerned fundamental rights issues such as abortion rights in Poland, the newLGBTIQ equality strategy, and Hungarian interference in the media in Slovenia and North Macedonia. In a debate withCouncil and Commission, Members also discussed the forthcoming European Council meeting, on 10 11 December2020. Debates with the Commission included discussion of a new consumer strategy and a pharmaceutical strategyfor Europe. Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,Josep Borell made statements on escalating tensions in Varosha, and on the fight against impunity for crimescommitted against journalists around the world, followed by a debate with Members. Members also voted, inter alia, onrepresentative actions for the protection of the collective interests of consumers, on customs duties on certainproducts, on tariff quotas with Northern Ireland, as well as on a number of own-initiative reports, including on industrialpolicy.

At a Glance EN

Taking stock of the 2019 European electionsPublication type At a Glance

Date 19-11-2020Author DIAZ CREGO Maria

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword election campaign | European election | European electoral system | European Parliament | gender equality | political

parties | position of women | turnout of voters | universal suffrageSummary At its second November plenary session, Parliament is expected to vote on an own-initiative report taking stock of the

May 2019 European elections, the ninth direct elections to the European Parliament since the first ones in 1979, and ofthe subsequent appointment of the College of Commissioners. This report makes concrete proposals to strengthen theelectoral process and enhance its European dimension.

At a Glance EN

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Article 50 TEU in practice: How the EU has applied the 'exit' clausePublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 17-11-2020Author CIRLIG Carmen-Cristina

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and ActsKeyword European Parliament | research report | Treaty on European Union | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EU

Summary The United Kingdom's 2016 referendum on EU membership triggered the first ever application of Article 50 of theTreaty on European Union (TEU), the withdrawal clause. However, as Article 50 TEU had never been tested, someaspects of the procedure had to be defined in real time, a process that was not without controversy. This EPRS In-depth Analysis looks at how the EU has applied the 'exit clause' that sets out the conditions and procedure to befollowed in the event of a Member State wishing to leave the Union. Looking first at the origins and the main features ofthe withdrawal clause, the paper then emphasises the way in which the Union filled in certain gaps left open in thedrafting of Article 50 TEU and took the lead in establishing the main parameters for the withdrawal negotiations withthe UK. It also analyses the European Parliament's success in forging a more substantial role in the withdrawalnegotiations than that originally assigned to it by the Treaties.

In-Depth Analysis DE, EN, FR

Plenary round-up – November I 2020Publication type At a Glance

Date 16-11-2020Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword agenda | coronavirus disease | designation of origin | epidemic | EU programme | European Parliament | fishing

agreement | multiannual financial framework | parliamentary debate | parliamentary session | sustainable fisheries |terrorism

Summary During the first November 2020 plenary session, the main debate followed Council and Commission statements on themultiannual financial framework (including own resources), on a rule of law conditionality mechanism and the recoveryfund for Europe, subsequent to the agreements recently reached by Parliament's negotiators in trilogue negotiations.Members also discussed the outcome of the United States presidential elections, and condemned recent terror attacksfollowing Council and Commission statements on fighting terrorism and the right to freedom of expression andeducation. Members also held debates on access to Covid 19 vaccination and the impact of Covid 19 emergencymeasures on democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law.

At a Glance EN

Vacancy for a Parliament Vice-PresidentPublication type At a Glance

Date 05-11-2020Author DEL MONTE Micaela

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword appointment of members | by-election | job vacancy | Member of the European Parliament | vacant seat | Vice-

President of the EPSummary On 7 October 2020, the European Parliament approved by an overwhelming majority the appointment of Mairead

McGuinness as European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union, as wellas the change of portfolio of Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, to become the new TradeCommissioner. Mairead McGuinness was subsequently appointed by the Council (Article 246 of the Treaty on theFunctioning of the European Union, TFEU) on 12 October and thus ceased to be a Member of the EuropeanParliament as well as its first Vice-President. Parliament is expected to hold a vote on the election of a new Vice-President during the November I plenary part-session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Strengthening transparency and integrity via the new ‘Independent Ethics Body’ (IEB)Publication type Study

Date 31-10-2020External author FRISCHHUT Markus

Policy area Budgetary Control | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System andActs | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Petitions to the European Parliament

Keyword comparative analysis | ethics | EU office or agency | European integration | professional ethicsSummary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional

Affairs at the request of the AFCO Committee, provides an overview of transparency and integrity-related elements inthe current EU setting, covering both substantive elements (including, in particular, conflict of interest and revolving-doors) as well as the body in charge of ethical control and guidance. Based on a comparison covering France, Irelandand Canada, this study proposes an ‘Independent Ethics Body’ (IEB) via a new interinstitutional agreement.

Study EN

Executive summary BG, DE, EN, FR, IT, NL

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Protecting civil society space: strengthening freedom of association, assembly and expression and theright to defend rights in the EU

Publication type StudyDate 28-10-2020

External author Lina VOSYLIŪTĖ, Ngo Chun LUKPolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Keyword civil society | coronavirus disease | epidemic | human rights | human rights movement | social impactSummary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament's Policy Department for Citizens' Rights and Constitutional

Affairs at the request of the LIBE Committee, covers the challenges facing the civil society space. Watchdog NGOsand other human rights defenders have been under pressure during the humanitarian and rule of law ‘crises’. SeveralEU Member States have passed laws that fall short of international, regional and EU freedom of association standards.Some governments have used the COVID-19 pandemic to further restrict the civic space. The study explores how theEU could protect civil society from unjust state interference by strengthening freedom of association, assembly andexpression, as well as the right to defend human rights. The study elaborates on four policy options: introducing aEuropean association statute; establishing internal guidelines to respect and protect human rights defenders;developing a civil society stability index; and creating a network of focal contact points for civil society at EUinstitutions. It recommends strengthening the independence of critical civil society actors and increasing funding foractivities such as strategic litigation to uphold EU laws and values.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR

Plenary round-up – October II 2020Publication type At a Glance

Date 26-10-2020Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area Coronavirus | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Foreign AffairsKeyword agenda | artificial intelligence | budgetary discharge | common agricultural policy | common foreign and security policy |

coronavirus disease | deforestation | epidemic | European Globalisation Adjustment Fund | European Parliament |parliamentary debate | parliamentary session

Summary During the second October 2020 plenary session – the first at which Members were able to speak remotely, and notonly vote, from the Member States – the European Commission presented its 2021 work programme, which Memberslargely welcomed. Members also discussed the conclusions of the 15 16 October 2020 European Council meeting, EUmeasures to mitigate the social and economic impact of Covid 19, police brutality within the EU, the sale of EUpassports and visas to criminals, the State of the Energy Union and aligning the Energy Charter Treaty with theEuropean Green Deal. Parliament announced that its 2020 Sakharov Prize will be awarded on 16 December to theBelarusian opposition, in particular the Coordinating Council, for 'an initiative launched by courageous women'.

At a Glance EN

Understanding the European Economic and Social CommitteePublication type Briefing

Date 13-10-2020Author CIRLIG Carmen-Cristina

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword ESC opinion | European Economic and Social Committee | historical account | summarising

Summary The European Social and Economic Committee (EESC), established in 1957 by the Treaty of Rome, is one of the twoadvisory bodies of the European Union (EU). Composed of representatives of various European economic and socialgroups and categories, such as employers, workers, producers, farmers, liberal professions and civil societyorganisations, the EESC assists the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission in the policy-making andlegislative process, in an advisory capacity. EESC members are appointed by the Council according to the proposalsof national governments and after consulting the European Commission, for a mandate of five years. Since the 2002Treaty of Nice the maximum number of EESC members has been fixed at 350. With the withdrawal of the UnitedKingdom from the EU, the 24 UK members of the EESC also left. In the new mandate starting on 21 September 2020,the total number of members is 329. Over time, the EU Treaties have increased the number of policy areas in whichthe consultation of the EESC is required for the adoption of legislation; however, the EU institutions often request theCommittee's opinion beyond these mandatory areas, and even before legislation is proposed, in order to assess theviews of civil society on a specific topic. Importantly, the EESC has acquired the right to give its views on any EU-related issue and the Committee's own-initiative opinions and information reports currently account for around 15 to 20% of the opinions it adopts every year. In addition to the consultative role assigned by the Treaties, the Committee hasset for itself the task of communicating the European Union to citizens, reinforcing participatory democracy andproviding a forum for civil dialogue between the EU institutions and civil society. For over 20 years, the EESC hasorganised events on various topics, cooperated with national economic and social committees and, in general, strivedto enhance the role of civil society both in Europe and outside. In all its aspects, the EESC has become a bridgebetween Europe and organised civil society.

Briefing EN

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Foresight within the EU institutions: The ESPAS analysis so farPublication type Briefing

Date 13-10-2020Author NOONAN EAMONN

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | ForwardPlanning | Global Governance | Social Policy

Keyword EU policy | forward studies | long-term forecast | policy analysis | short-term forecastSummary Three ESPAS Global Trends Reports identify major shifts through the 2010s and the challenges they pose for the

European Union. The reports tease out both risks and opportunities arising in geopolitics, the economy, technology,the environment and society. They underline the need for anticipatory governance and for the development of astrategic foresight culture within the EU institutions.

Briefing EN

Multimedia Foresight within the EU institutions: The ESPAS analysis so far

Plenary round-up – Brussels, October I 2020Publication type At a Glance

Date 09-10-2020Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword agenda | common foreign and security policy | coronavirus disease | epidemic | European Parliament | money

laundering | multiannual financial framework | parliamentary debate | parliamentary session | rights of the individual |rule of law | virtual currency

Summary During the first October 2020 plenary session in Brussels, Parliament held a debate on the rule of law and fundamentalrights in the context of introducing conditionality measures in the framework of the 2021 2027 multiannual financialframework (MFF) and Next Generation EU. In parallel, Parliament's negotiating team on the next MFF announced apause in talks, due to concerns over the Council's lack of engagement on the key issue of top-ups for 15 flagship EUprogrammes. Parliament also discussed the conclusions of the special European Council meeting of 1 2 October andthe preparations for the next regular European Council meeting, on 15 16 October 2020. Parliament approved theallocation of new responsibilities to Executive Vice-President of the Commission Valdis Dombrovskis and approved theappointment of Mairead McGuinness as member of the European Commission. Parliament also debated the role of theEuropean Supervisory Authorities in the Wirecard scandal, on the fight against money laundering, following theFinCEN revelations, and on the impact of the Covid 19 outbreak on long-term care facilities. Parliament debatedstatements from the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs andSecurity Policy, Josep Borell, on the resumption of hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, on the EU diplomatic mission in Venezuela, and on the situation in Iran.

At a Glance EN

Towards a more resilient Europe post-coronavirus: Capabilities and gaps in the EU's capacity to addressstructural risks

Publication type StudyDate 09-10-2020

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword China | coronavirus disease | crisis management | epidemic | European Union | policymaking | research report

Summary The current coronavirus crisis emphasises the need for the European Union to devote more effort to anticipatorygovernance, notably through analysis of medium- and long-term global trends, as well as structured contingencyplanning and the stress-testing of existing and future policies. In order to contribute to reflection on and discussionabout the implications of the coronavirus pandemic for EU policy-making, this paper builds on an initial ‘mapping' ofsome 66 potential structural risks which could confront Europe over the coming decade. Taking 33 risks which areassessed as being more significant or likely, it looks first at the capabilities which the EU and its Member Statesalready have to address those risks, and then looks at the various gaps in policy and instruments at the Union'sdisposal, suggesting possible approaches to overcome them in the short and medium terms.

Study EN

Foresight for resilience: The European Commission's first annual Foresight ReportPublication type At a Glance

Date 08-10-2020Author NOONAN EAMONN

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Global GovernanceKeyword activity report | circular economy | coronavirus disease | economic recovery | epidemic | EU environmental policy | EU

strategy | European Commission | geopolitics | green economy | impact of information technologySummary The first Annual Foresight Report sets out how foresight will be used in the EU’s work towards a sustainable recovery

and open strategic autonomy, Horizon scanning can identify emerging risks and opportunities. Scenario developmentcan tease out potential synergies, for example between green and digital objectives. Dashboards can be used tomeasure progress towards agreed goals, while a European Foresight Network can enhance the interaction betweendifferent levels of governance.

At a Glance EN

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Accountability at the Fed and the ECBPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 30-09-2020External author Karl WHELAN

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policyin Practice

Keyword appointment of members | European Central Bank | European Council | European Parliament | interinstitutionalrelations (EU) | research report | supervisory power | transparency in decision-making | United States

Summary This paper reviews the independence and accountability of the ECB and the Federal Reserve. While the ECB makessignificant efforts to be accountable for its actions, there are several improvements that could be made to Europeaninstitutions to improve its independence and accountability. These include reforming the process of appointing ECBExecutive Board members, improving the transparency of ECB decision-making and reforming aspects of theMonetary Dialogue to make the questioning more effective.This document was provided by Policy Department A at the request of the Committee on Economic and MonetaryAffairs (ECON).

In-Depth Analysis EN

How Can the European Parliament Better Oversee the European Central Bank?Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 30-09-2020External author Grégory CLAEYS, Marta DOMÍNGUEZ-JIMÉNEZ

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policyin Practice

Keyword central bank | Eurogroup (euro area) | European Central Bank | European Parliament | green economy | Japan |research report | single monetary policy | supervisory power | transparency in decision-making

Summary This paper assesses how the European Parliament (EP) holds the European Central Bank (ECB) accountable. Thesame exercise is done for the Bank of Japan, in order to identify possible lessons for the ECB and the EP. Possibleimprovements to the ECB accountability framework include procedural changes to the Monetary Dialogue to increaseits effectiveness, the release of detailed minutes and votes from ECB governing council meetings, and theestablishment of a ranking by the EU legislators of the ECB’s secondary objectives.This document was provided by Policy Department A at the request of the Committee on Economic and MonetaryAffairs (ECON).

In-Depth Analysis EN

Accountability Mechanisms of the Bank of England and of the European Central BankPublication type Study

Date 30-09-2020External author Rosa M. LASTRA

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policyin Practice

Keyword central bank | EP Committee | European Central Bank | research report | single monetary policy | United KingdomSummary This paper analyses the accountability mechanisms of the European Central Bank and of the Bank of England and

focuses on parliamentary accountability for the monetary policy functions. The paper suggests ways to improve theMonetary Dialogue between the ECB and the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (European Parliament).This document was provided by Policy Department A at the request of the Committee on Economic and MonetaryAffairs (ECON).

Study EN

Independence with Weak Accountability: The Swiss CasePublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 29-09-2020External author Charles WYPLOSZ

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policyin Practice

Keyword central bank | European Central Bank | European Parliament | financial stability | inflation | operation of the Institutions |public opinion | research report | single monetary policy | supervisory power | Switzerland

Summary The Swiss National Bank is highly independent but weakly accountable. Weak accountability is rooted in the formallegislation on central banking but also in the reputation of the Bank, which is unanimously considered as highlysuccessful. The ECB too is highly independent and weakly accountable but it faces diverse public opinions whoseviews differ across countries. Buttressing ECB accountability is important, therefore, and the European Parliamentshould consider strengthening the Monetary Dialogue.This document was provided by Policy Department A at the request of the Committee on Economic and MonetaryAffairs (ECON).

In-Depth Analysis EN

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On the path to 'strategic autonomy': The EU in an evolving geopolitical environmentPublication type Study

Date 28-09-2020Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | IMMENKAMP Beatrix | LAZAROU Eleni | SAULNIER JEROME LEON | WILSON Alex

BenjaminPolicy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Foreign Affairs | Security and Defence

Keyword China | common foreign and security policy | coronavirus disease | epidemic | EU Member State | geopolitics |research report | the EU's international role | Treaty of Lisbon

Summary In confronting the EU with an unprecedented crisis, the coronavirus outbreak is testing the bloc's unity, but may alsoaccelerate the construction of EU strategic autonomy, as the roadmap for recovery is implemented. Political will, still inthe making, and the capacity to act are key prerequisites for achieving effective European strategic autonomy. The EUis increasingly at risk of becoming a 'playground' for global powers in a world dominated by geopolitics. BuildingEuropean strategic autonomy on a horizontal – cross-policy – basis would strengthen the EU's multilateral action andreduce dependence on external actors, to make the EU less vulnerable to external threats; while promoting a levelplaying field that benefits everyone. The EU could thus reap the full dividend of its integration and possibly benefit fromgreater economic gains. To build European strategic autonomy, the EU may choose to use the still 'under-used' or'unused' potential of the Lisbon Treaty, with the European Council having a key role to play in triggering some of theTreaty provisions, particularly in foreign and security policy. European strategic autonomy may also result from adeepening of the EU integration process. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether the Member States will wish tograsp the opportunity offered by the Conference on the Future of Europe to deepen the European project.

Study DE, EN, FR

Multimedia What is Strategic Autonomy?

Protecting EU common values within the Member States: An overview of monitoring, prevention andenforcement mechanisms at EU level

Publication type StudyDate 25-09-2020

Author DIAZ CREGO Maria | MAŃKO Rafał | VAN BALLEGOOIJ WouterPolicy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Keyword eligibility criteria | EU institution | EU Member State | European Semester | infringement procedure (EU) | researchreport | rights of the individual | rule of law | sanction (EU) | Treaty on European Union

Summary This study analyses the existing and proposed mechanisms available to the institutions of the EU that may bedeployed in order to monitor and enforce the observance of EU values by the Member States. More specifically, thestudy addresses the status and meaning of EU values (Article 2 TEU) and also discusses existing monitoring andpreventive mechanisms (European Semester, EU Justice Scoreboard, Commission's rule of law framework, theCouncil's dialogues on the rule of law, and the preventive arm of Article 7 TEU) and enforcement mechanisms(preliminary reference rulings, infringement procedures and the sanctions arm of Article 7 TEU)). It also analyses anumber of proposed mechanisms: the pact on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights; rule of law reviewcycle; reviewed Council dialogues on the rule of law; and the rule of law budgetary conditionality.

Study DE, EN, FR

Multimedia Protecting EU common values within the Member States

Plenary round-up – Brussels, September 2020Publication type At a Glance

Date 18-09-2020Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area Coronavirus | Development and Humanitarian Aid | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law| Foreign Affairs

Keyword China | common foreign and security policy | coronavirus disease | epidemic | European Parliament | interinstitutionalrelations (EU) | own resources | parliamentary debate | pollution from ships | rail transport | rule of law | sexual minority

Summary The September 2020 plenary session was the sixth conducted with Members participating remotely, using thealternative voting procedure put in place in March by Parliament's Bureau, although a majority were again present inBrussels. As well as the Commission President's traditional State of the Union address, Parliament held a joint debateon the risk of breach of the rule of law and LGBTI-free zones in Poland. Parliament also debated EuropeanCommission statements on the preparation of the special European Council focusing on Turkey's actions in theeastern Mediterranean, on the consequences for the single market of EU coordination of sanitary measures in theongoing pandemic, on combatting sexual abuse and exploitation of children, and on the need for a humanitarian EUresponse to the situation in the Moria refugee camp. Parliament also debated statements from the Vice-President ofthe Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borell, on the situationin Belarus, in Lebanon and the poisoning of Alexei Navalny. Parliament also voted on legislative proposals andresolutions, including on arms exports, the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, the EU Association Agreement withGeorgia, protecting world forests, EU-African security cooperation in the Sahel, type approval of motor vehicles andthe importance of urban and green infrastructure.

At a Glance EN

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Members of the European Parliament from February 2020Publication type At a Glance

Date 18-09-2020Author SABBATI Giulio

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword distribution by age | European election | gender equality | graphic illustration | Member of the European Parliament |

political group (EP)Summary In May 2019, on a turnout of 51%, European Union citizens elected their representatives to the European Parliament

for the next five years. On 31 January 2020, the United Kingdom withdrew from the Union. Of the 73 seats vacated byMembers elected in the UK, 27 have been redistributed among 14 Member States, while 46 remain available forpotential EU enlargements and/or the possible creation of a transnational constituency in the future. The number ofseats in the Parliament has fallen from 751 to 705. The 705 MEPs elected have an average age of 51 years (with theyoungest being 22 and the oldest 83). A majority of MEPs (415) are new to the Parliament. Women now represent39.6% of all MEPs.

At a Glance EN

Brexit: Towards the end-game [What Think Tanks are thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 18-09-2020Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword external border of the EU | internal border of the EU | negotiation of an agreement (EU) | Northern Ireland | think tank |

trade agreement (EU) | withdrawal from the EUSummary There is now growing doubt about possible progress on future relations between the European Union and the United

Kingdom. The British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has tabled a bill on the internal market within the country, whichcontains provisions relating to the border between Northen Ireland and the rest of the UK that violate the agreement onBritain’s withdrawal from the EU, and would thus constitute a breach of international law. The European Parliamenthas already indicated that it would not be able to ratify any post-Brexit EU-UK trade agreement, if such arrengementswere to be adopted. This note offers links to recent commentaries, studies and reports from international think tanks onnumerous challenges facing the UK, EU and their future ties after their divorce.

Briefing EN

What if 'rewilding' could help reverse biodiversity loss in Europe?Publication type At a Glance

Date 18-09-2020Author KULJANIC Nera

Policy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Public HealthKeyword biodiversity | protected area | protected species | protection of animals | protection of plant life

Summary Biodiversity is in crisis across the globe: species extinctions and a loss of nature occurring at rates unprecedented inhuman history, and with the EU no exception, our biodiversity and the essential value it brings are under threat. Could'rewilding' help restore Europe's nature?

At a Glance EN

Multimedia What if 'rewilding' could help reverse biodiversity loss in Europe?

Accountability Mechanisms of Major Central Banks and Possible Avenues to Improve the ECB'sAccountability

Publication type StudyDate 15-09-2020

External author Rosa M. LASTRA, Charles WYPLOSZ, Grégory CLAEYS, Marta DOMÍNGUEZ-JIMÉNEZ, Karl WHELANPolicy area Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policy

in PracticeKeyword administrative transparency | European Central Bank | financial supervision | separation of powers | single monetary

policySummary Independece of monetary authorities is a key tenet of modern central banking. Indepedence, however, must go hand in

hand with accountability towards the public and its elected representatives. Four studies were prepared for the ECONCommittee by the Monetary Expert Panel, comparing the accountability practices of major central banks in otherjuristictions (the Bank of England, the Swiss National Bank, the Bank of Japan and the Federal Reserve) with those ofthe European Central Bank (ECB) and offering recommendations on how to improve the ECB's accoutabilityframework.

Study EN

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Police Information Exchange - The future developments regarding Prüm and the API DirectivePublication type Study

Date 15-09-2020External author Dr Niovi VAVOULA, Queen Mary University of London

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword border control | disclosure of information | EU police cooperation | illegal migration | personal data | Schengen

Information SystemSummary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional

Affairs at the request of the LIBE Committee, aims to provide background information and policy recommendationsconcerning police information exchange and in particular the future developments regarding Prüm and the APIDirective (Directive 2004/82/EC).

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR

The State of the Union debate in the European Parliament, 2020Publication type Briefing

Date 11-09-2020Author MAŃKO Rafał

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword European Parliament | multiannual financial framework | operation of the Institutions | parliamentary debate | President

of the Commission | speechSummary The State of the Union address of 2020 will be delivered at a time when the coronavirus pandemic continues to create

challenges for the European Union and its Member States. At the same time, the the next multiannual financialframework (MFF), the EU's long-term budget, is yet to be agreed. Unresolved challenges also include ensuring respectfor EU values (Article 2 TEU) in the Member States, addressing the threat of climate change, and ensuring Europe is fitfor the digital age. The tradition of EU State of the Union addresses, delivered by the President of the EuropeanCommission before the European Parliament, dates back to 2010. The address takes stock of the achievements of thepast year and presents the priorities for the year ahead. The State of the Union speech constitutes an importantinstrument for the European Commission's ex-ante accountability vis-à-vis Parliament. It is also aimed at rendering thedefinition of priorities at EU level more transparent, and at communicating those priorities to citizens. It resemblessimilar speeches in national democracies. The United States of America, for instance, has a long-standing tradition ofpresidential State of the Union addresses, in which the President speaks in the Capitol to a joint session of Congress,thus fulfilling his constitutional obligation. By contrast to the US Constitution, the EU Treaties do not prescribe the Stateof the Union address, which was instigated with the 2010 Framework Agreement between Parliament and theCommission. Former Commission Presidents José Manuel Barroso (2010 to 2013, marked mainly by the economicand financial crisis) and President Jean Claude Juncker each gave four State of the Union speeches. In his 2015address, Jean Claude Juncker presented new proposals on migration, external action, and economic and fiscal policy.In 2016, he announced new initiatives to invest in Europe's young people, jobseekers and start-ups, to expand publicaccess to wifi, and make fairer copyright laws. In 2017, he proposed a roadmap for a more united, stronger and moredemocratic union. In his final speech in 2018, he called for a more sovereign Europe that allows its nations to be globalplayers, setting out proposals on migration, cybersecurity and foreign policy. This briefing further updates an earlierone, from September 2016, originally written by Eva-Maria Poptcheva.

Briefing EN

The State of the Union 2020 [What Think Tanks are thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 11-09-2020Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword China | coronavirus disease | democracy | economic recovery | epidemic | European Parliament | green economy |

President of the Commission | speech | think tankSummary In what has now become a tradition, every year in September, the President of the European Commission delivers a

State of the Union address before the European Parliament, taking stock of achievements over the past year andpresenting priorities for the year ahead. Ursula von der Leyen will deliver her first State of the Union address on 16September 2020, followed by a debate in plenary. In essence, the Commission’s position is that the priorities that it setout at the beginning of its current mandate remain valid, but with both major challenges and opportunities arising fromthe coronavirus pandemic. After some initial criticism of ‘too little action, too late’, EU institutions are now working flatout to help to address various aspects of the crisis. Notably, the European Council has agreed on a major financialboost to fight the economic effects of the pandemic, including a measure of common debt. The Commission is alsoactively pursuing, in parallel, the European Green Deal, the digital agenda, making Europe stronger in the world, a newpush for European democracy and efforts to make the economy work for people. This note offers links to recentcommentaries and reports from international think tanks on the state of the union and related issues.

Briefing EN

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The von der Leyen Commission's six priorities: State of play in autumn 2020Publication type Briefing

Date 10-09-2020Author BASSOT Etienne

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword China | coronavirus disease | democracy | epidemic | EU strategy | European Commission | European social policy |

green economy | information technology applications | operation of the Institutions | rule of law | the EU's internationalrole

Summary In her statements to the European Parliament in July and November 2019, Commission President Ursula von derLeyen outlined the political priorities that would shape the Commission's work programme for the years 2019 to 2024.The 2020 Commission work programme, adopted before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in Europe, mirroredthese priorities. Without changing the overall structure of the six priorities, the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and its significant impact across Member States obliged the Commission, however, to focus on immediatecrisis management. As a result, at the end of May, the Commission adjusted its work programme for 2020, prioritisinginitiatives that it considered to be essential or necessary for the EU's post-crisis recovery, in line with the RecoveryPlan for Europe. The State of the Union debate provides the opportunity to take stock of the progress made thus farand to look ahead.

Briefing EN

Replacement of individual CommissionersPublication type At a Glance

Date 08-09-2020Author DEL MONTE Micaela | DIAZ CREGO Maria

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword appointment of members | China | coronavirus disease | epidemic | European Commissioner | European Parliament |

General Court (EU) | Ireland | judgment of the Court (EU) | public health | Treaty on European Union | Treaty on theFunctioning of the EU

Summary On 26 August 2020, Commissioner Phil Hogan tendered his resignation to the President of the European Commissionfollowing controversy over his participation in an Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) Golf Society dinner attended by morethan 80 people, despite the applicable Irish public health guidelines adopted to contain the spread of Covid-19 limitinggatherings to a fraction of that number. In addition, questions were raised as to whether he had complied withapplicable restrictions on movements after his arrival in Ireland. Although President Ursula von der Leyen had notformally requested his resignation, she accepted it and thanked Commissioner Hogan for 'his tireless and successfulwork' during the current mandate as Trade Commissioner and in his previous mandate as Agriculture and RuralDevelopment Commissioner. Consequently, the procedure to replace him has started, with President von der Leyenrequesting that the Irish government propose both a female and a male candidate. On 4 September, the Irishgovernment proposed two candidates to replace Phil Hogan: Mairead McGuinness, current European Parliament FirstVice-President, and Andrew McDowell, a recent European Investment Bank Vice-President. On 8 September,President von der Leyen announced she had chosen Mairead McGuinness, and that she would take over financialservices, financial stability and the capital markets union from Valdis Dombrovskis. The latter would take the tradeportfolio permanently (having already taken it temporarily in the meantime), while continuing in his role of ExecutiveVice-President. Parliament is now expected to organise hearings with both.

At a Glance EN

Enforcement and cooperation between Member StatesPublication type At a Glance

Date 14-08-2020External author Melanie SMITH

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law| Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs Union

Keyword digital single market | digital technology | electronic commerce | EU Member State | provision of servicesSummary The original full study presents an overview of possible options for an effective model of enforcement for a future

Digital Services Act (DSA). Four key areas of regulatory design are emphasised: the failure of self-regulation in relationto platforms; the importance of correct regulatory framing; the necessity of focusing on the internal operations ofplatforms; and that the scope of a DSA should be limited but include robust transparency and enforcement measures.A range of enforcement strategies are then evaluated across a suite of Digital Single Market (DSM) legislation,alongside barriers to Member States cooperation and effective enforcement.

At a Glance EN

The European Elections of May 2019: Electoral systems and outcomesPublication type Study

Date 29-07-2020Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Keyword election result | European election | European electoral system | European ParliamentSummary This EPRS study provides an overview of the electoral systems and outcomes in the May 2019 elections to the

European Parliament. It analyses the procedural details of how parties and candidates register their participation, howvotes are cast, how valid votes are converted into seats, and how seats are assigned to candidates. For each MemberState the paper describes the ballot structure and vote pattern used, the apportionment of seats among the MemberState’s domestic parties, and the assignment of the seats of a party to its candidates. It highlights aspects that arecommon to all Member States and captures peculiarities that are specific to some domestic provisions.

Study EN

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Towards a more resilient Europe post-coronavirus: An initial mapping of structural risks facing the EUPublication type Study

Date 29-07-2020Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Keyword coronavirus disease | economic consequence | epidemic | EU policy | impact study | social impactSummary The current coronavirus crisis emphasises the need for the European Union to devote more effort to anticipatory

governance, notably through analysis of medium- and long-term global trends, as well as structured contingencyplanning and the stress-testing of existing and future policies. In order to contribute to reflection on, and discussionabout, the implications of the coronavirus pandemic for EU policy-making, this paper offers an initial ‘mapping’ of someof the potential structural risks which could confront Europe over the coming decade, with 66 such risks analysedbriefly in a series of short notes. The document then goes on to take a closer look at some of the more immediate risksto be considered in the near-term and outlines possible EU action to prevent or mitigate them over the remainder of the2019-24 institutional cycle.

Study EN

Linking the levels of governance in the EUPublication type Briefing

Date 29-07-2020Author RITTELMEYER Yann-Sven | ZUMER KLEMEN

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword coronavirus disease | epidemic | European cooperation | European integration | intergovernmental cooperation (EU) |

interinstitutional cooperation (EU)Summary The coronavirus crisis has further underlined the need for a more cohesive European Union (EU). Previous ideas

about how best to link the levels of the EU's system of multilevel governance have become even more important, whilenew paths of cooperation have been opened by changes triggered by the crisis itself. Every level of governance, fromthe EU to the local, via the national and regional levels, has been affected by the crisis and all are involved in theresponse. This crisis has shown that coordination between the levels can improve and should be improved. EUdecision-making could become even more effective, efficient and legitimate if it draws appropriate lessons from thecrisis. The first part of this paper focuses on the rationale for, and form of, an EU strategy to better connect thedifferent levels of the multilevel system of governance in Europe. The second part assesses the consequences of thecurrent crisis for the links between EU governance levels, reflecting on the various lessons to be drawn, for each level,and suggesting different practical implications for the process, such as the need to adjust the network of key partnersand seize the moment to further incorporate digital technologies in partnership-building. Finally, the paper highlightsthe historic opportunity provided by the forthcoming Conference on the Future of Europe to develop and establish amore permanent system to link the levels of our Union. Concrete proposals are summarised in a table of potentialinitiatives.

Briefing EN

Scenarios for geo-politics after coronavirus: A recent Atlantic Council analysisPublication type At a Glance

Date 16-07-2020Author SCHMERTZING Leopold

Policy area Coronavirus | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Foreign Affairs | Forward Planning |Global Governance | International Trade | Public Health | Security and Defence | Social Policy

Keyword China | coronavirus disease | epidemic | geopolitics | Russia | think tank | United StatesSummary The Atlantic Council report, 'What World Post-Covid-19? Three Scenarios', has two main takeaways: first, Chinese-US

rivalry could get worse and go global, destabilising an increasingly divided EU and endangering the United States'alliances system in Asia. Second, there is no way around the US, Europe and China cooperating to develop a positive,global 'new normal'.

At a Glance EN

Hate speech and hate crime in the EU and the evaluation of online content regulation approachesPublication type Study

Date 15-07-2020External author Judit BAYER, Petra BÁRD

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policy in PracticeKeyword area of freedom, security and justice | comparative analysis | coronavirus disease | crime against individuals | digital

content | EP Committee | epidemic | EU Member State | research report | rule of law | social media | Treaty onEuropean Union

Summary This study was commissioned by the European Parliament's Policy Department for Citizens' Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the LIBE Committee. The study argues that hate speech and hate crimes poison societies bythreatening individual rights, human dignity and equality, reinforcing tensions between social groups, disturbing publicpeace and public order, and jeopardising peaceful coexistence. The lack of adequate means of prevention andresponse violates values enshrined in Article 2 of the TEU. Member States have diverging rules, and national publicadministrations are torn by disagreement in values. Therefore, EU regulation is needed to reinforce the existingstandards and take measures to counter hate speech and counter-act against hate speech and hate crime. The study– on the basis of a cross-country comparison conducted – proposes concrete, enforceable and systematic soft andhard law measures to counter hate speech and hate crimes EU-wide efficiently.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR, PL

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 64

SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS AND THE FIGHTING OF CORRUPTION IN THE EUPublication type Study

Date 15-07-2020External author Tarlach McGONAGLE

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policy in PracticeKeyword communications profession | coronavirus disease | corruption | epidemic | fight against crime | freedom of expression |

freedom of the pressSummary Journalism and journalists face a growing range of threats, including violence and harassment; the misuse of

defamation and other laws against them, and restrictive measures on freedom of information and expression adoptedin response to the Covid-19 crisis. States must ensure a safe and favourable environment for journalists to performtheir public watchdog function. This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the LIBE Committee, examines the overall chilling effect of crimesand threats against journalists and explores various regulatory and other measures to counter them.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR, PL

Organised Property Crime in the EUPublication type Study

Date 14-07-2020External author Ernesto U. SAVONA, Director of Transcrime (Joint Research Centre on Transnational Crime) Università Cattolica del

Sacro Cuore, Milan (www.transcrime.it)Matteo ANASTASIO, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies and intern at Transcrime-Università Cattolica del SacroCuore, Milan

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword crime against property | EU police cooperation | fight against crime | organised crime

Summary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), aims to provide informationon Organised Property Crime in the EU, by offering a strategic discussion on the Union policies on this topic andhighlighting key recommendations for future action. The study proposes a holistic approach to the problem, addingnew elements to existing measures.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR

Plenary round-up – Brussels, July 2020Publication type At a Glance

Date 13-07-2020Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword China | coronavirus disease | economic and social cohesion | economic recovery | epidemic | EU migration policy |

European Investment Bank | European Parliament | fraud against the EU | human rights | international road transport |Roma

Summary The July 2020 plenary session was the fifth conducted with Members participating remotely, using the alternativevoting procedure put in place in March by Parliament's Bureau, although a majority were present in Brussels. Duringthis session a number of Council and European Commission statements were debated, with the presentation of theprogramme of activities of the German Presidency a highlight. Members also debated the conclusions of the EuropeanCouncil meeting of 19 June and preparation of the meeting of 17-18 July 2020. Members heard Council andCommission statements on Union policy on preventing money laundering and terrorist financing, on the state of play ofCouncil negotiations on the proposed regulation on the protection of the Union's budget in case of generaliseddeficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States, and on cultural recovery in Europe. Parliament alsodebated a Commission statement commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. Members debatedstatements from the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs andSecurity Policy, Josep Borell, on stability and security in the Mediterranean and the negative role of Turkey, and on thesituation in Belarus. Parliament voted on a number of legislative proposals and resolutions including on the Europeancitizens' initiative, a resolution on the humanitarian situation in Venezuela, and a chemicals strategy for sustainability.

At a Glance EN

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Jacques Delors: Architect of the modern European UnionPublication type Briefing

Date 13-07-2020Author LEHMANN Wilhelm | SALM Christian

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword Economic and Monetary Union | European integration | historical account | President of the Commission

Summary The consensus among most historians of European integration and political scientists is that Jacques Delors, whoserved as President of the European Commission from 1985 to 1995, was the most successful holder of that post todate. His agenda and accomplishments include the EU single market, the Single European Act, Economic andMonetary Union (EMU) and the rapid integration of the former German Democratic Republic into the EuropeanCommunity. His combination of coherent agenda-setting and strong negotiating skills, acquired through longexperience of trade union bargaining and years of ministerial responsibilities in turbulent times, puts Delors aboveother Commission Presidents, whether in terms of institutional innovation or the development of new Europe-widepolicies. He also showed himself able to react swiftly to external events, notably the collapse of the Soviet bloc, whilstbuilding Europe’s credibility on the international stage. This Briefing records Delors' life across its crucial stages, fromtrade union activist, senior civil servant, French politician, and Member of the European Parliament, to the helm of theEuropean Commission, where he left the greatest individual impact on European integration history to date. It alsotraces the most important ideas that guided Delors in his national and European roles. Finally, it describes the politicalevents and key actors which made Delors' decade in office a time of important decisions and progress in the processof European integration and, in doing so, it draws on recent academic literature and on speeches Delors gave in theEuropean Parliament.

Briefing DE, EN, FR

The European Parliament’s right of initiativePublication type Study

Date 09-07-2020External author Andreas MAURER, Michael C. WOLF

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System andActs | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Financial and Banking Issues

Keyword European Parliament | legislative initiative | power of initiative | powers of parliamentSummary The European Parliament is the only democratically elected body in the EU. Yet, unlike most parliaments, it has no

formal right of legislative initiative. Initiating legislation lies almost solely with the EU's executive bodies, theCommission, and – to a limited but increasing extend – the European Council and the Council. This study,commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at therequest of the AFCO Committee, reveals that Parliament’s „own-initiative-reports” form a widely underestimated andunrecognized tool to informally shape the EU’s policy agenda. The study provides for a comprehensive analysis ofnon-legislative and legislative own-initiative reports. We argue that Parliament is able to create a cooperativeenvironment in order to bring the Commission in line with its own legislative priorities and sometimes very specificlegislative requests. Building on the empirical evidence of Parliament’s practice since 1993, we finally discuss meansand ways for pragmatic reform and Treaty revision.

Study EN

Executive summary ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PT

States of emergency in response to the coronavirus crisis: Situation in certain Member States IVPublication type Briefing

Date 07-07-2020Author CUNDERLIKOVA Zuzana | DEL MONTE Micaela | ECKERT GIANNA | KOTANIDIS Silvia | LANGOVA VENDULA |

RAKOVSKA VioletaPolicy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts

Keyword China | coronavirus disease | Cyprus | Czechia | epidemic | Greece | Ireland | Lithuania | public health | Slovakia | stateof emergency

Summary With the virulence of the coronavirus pandemic gradually diminishing, and in the light of the restrictive measuresadopted by Member States, attention remains on the way chosen by the various states to respond to the crisis. Withstates at various stages of relaxing emergency constraints, the effects of the coronavirus pandemic are likely to last interms of health, economic, social, psychological and possibly even political impact. Although public attention is nowturned towards the widely differing measures that states are taking in order to live with the virus, new challenges areemerging as international and domestic traffic, trade and free movement of people are re-established, having been allbut frozen. In this context, it is still necessary to complete the overview of Member States' constitutional frameworks inresponse to the coronavirus pandemic with the hope that this might offer some guidance or insight, should acomparable crisis arise in the future. This is the last in a series of four briefings and completes the comparativeoverview of Member States' institutional responses to the coronavirus crisis by analysing the legislation of Cyprus,Czechia, Greece, Ireland, Lithuania and Slovakia. The first in the series gave an overview of the responses in Belgium,France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland and Spain, the second covered Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Malta,Romania and Slovenia, while the third covered Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal andSweden.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 66

Priority dossiers under the German EU Council PresidencyPublication type Briefing

Date 01-07-2020Author ATTARD LUCIENNE

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword coronavirus disease | digital technology | economic and social cohesion | epidemic | EU Council Presidency | EU policy

| GermanySummary Germany is a federal parliamentary republic, with federal power vested in the Bundestag (the German parliament) and

the Bundesrat (the representatives of Germany's regional states, Länder). The Bundestag is the only body at thefederal level directly elected by the people, and is currently composed of 709 members. The Bundestag is electedevery four years by German citizens aged 18 and over. The current Bundestag is led by the CDU (ChristianDemocratic Union) with 33 % of representation, followed by the SPD (Social Democratic Party) with 24 % and then bythe AFD (Alternative for Germany) with 11 %. These are followed by: the Free Democratic Party (FDP), the Left (DieLinke), Alliance 90/The Greens (Grüne) and the Christian Social Union (CSU). Chancellor Angela Merkel, who hasbeen in office since 2005, heads the executive government. The executive is elected by the Bundestag and isresponsible to it. The German head of state is the federal President, currently Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The federalPresident has a role in the political system, particularly in the establishment of a new government and its possibledissolution. Germany has held the Council Presidency 12 times since becoming a founding member of the EuropeanEconomic Community in 1957. The country last held the Presidency in 2008. It will take the helm of the EU CouncilPresidency on 1 July 2020, starting the trio Presidency composed of Germany, Portugal and Slovenia. The Trio hasadopted a Declaration outlining the main areas of focus for their Trio, including democracy, human rights and the ruleof law, as well as an economically strong EU based on growth and jobs and the social dimension. Likewise the threeMember States have pledged to work on the challenges of digitalisation, climate change and energy transition. It is tobe noted that the Trio is working on a revised declaration to reflect the changed situation in Europe due to thecoronavirus pandemic. The Strategic Agenda 2019-2024 endorsed by the Member States at the European Councilmeeting of 20 June 2019 will remain, however, a guiding instrument. The Agenda covers the protection of citizens'freedoms; developing a strong and vibrant economic base; building a climate-neutral, green, fair and social Europe;and promoting European interests and values on the global stage.

Briefing EN

The German Parliament and EU affairsPublication type Briefing

Date 01-07-2020Author EISELE Katharina | RITTELMEYER Yann-Sven | ZUMER KLEMEN

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword federal State | Germany | national parliament | parliamentary system

Summary The Federal Republic of Germany has a parliamentary system consisting of the Bundestag and the Bundesrat,established in 1949. The Bundestag is the main legislative body, which determines all laws at federal level. It does sowith the participation of a ‘second chamber’, the Bundesrat, which represents the 16 constituent states (Bundesländer).Competencies are shared between the Federation and the Länder, with the Länder having the right to legislate insofaras the Grundgesetz (Basic Law) does not confer legislative power on the Federation. Federal law takes precedenceover Länder law. Areas of exclusive federal legislation, such as foreign policy, defence and trade, are governed atfederal level. In areas of concurrent legislation, the Länder can adopt legislation as long as there is no existing federallegislation. Over time, federal legislation has been expanding. Only in some areas, for example in education, culture,police and administrative law, have the Länder retained their exclusive legislative powers. This briefing is part of anEPRS series on national parliaments and EU affairs. It aims to provide an overview of the way the national parliamentsof EU Member States are structured and how they process, scrutinise and engage with EU legislation. It also providesinformation on relevant publications of the national parliaments.

Briefing EN

Plenary round-up – Brussels, June 2020Publication type At a Glance

Date 22-06-2020Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword budgetary amendment | China | coronavirus disease | disinformation | drawing up of the EU budget | epidemic | fishing

agreement | Hong Kong | sustainable mobility | tourism | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EUSummary The June 2020 plenary session was the fourth conducted with Members participating remotely, although this time a

majority were present in Brussels, and using the alternative voting procedure put in place in March by Parliament'sBureau. The session focused on a number of urgent legislative proposals as well as votes on draft amending budgetsand the guidelines for the 2021 EU budget. Parliament adopted recommendations on the negotiations for a newpartnership with the United Kingdom, and discussed the European Council meeting held subsequently on 19 June.Members heard Council and European Commission statements on anti-racism protests, on the Conference on theFuture of Europe, and on Covid-19 related issues: protecting strategic sectors; tackling disinformation; and protectionof cross-border and seasonal workers. Members also discussed the situation in the Schengen area following theCovid-19 outbreak, as well as tourism and transport in 2020 and beyond, and land-grabbing and deforestation in theAmazonas. Members debated statements from the Vice President of the Commission/High Representative of theUnion for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borell, on the foreign policy consequences of the Covid-19 crisis,on China's national security law for Hong Kong, and on the EU response to the possible Israeli annexation of the WestBank. Finally, Parliament adopted decisions creating a subcommittee on tax matters, a special committee on beatingcancer, a special committee on foreign interference and a special committee on artificial intelligence.

At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 67

EU and UK citizens' rights after Brexit: An overviewPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 18-06-2020Author CIRLIG Carmen-Cristina

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Foreign AffairsKeyword agreement (EU) | EU national | European citizenship | European election | foreign national | free movement of persons

| rights of the individual | transitional period (EU) | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EUSummary This EPRS paper analyses the implications of Brexit for the rights of both European Union and United Kingdom

citizens and provides an overview of the rights protected by the Withdrawal Agreement, which entered into force on 1February 2020, as well as of the national measures envisaged by the UK and the EU Member States to give effect tothe relevant provisions thereof. As a result of the UK leaving the EU and becoming a third country, UK citizens are nolonger EU citizens and they will therefore lose a series of rights based on EU citizenship once the transition periodprovided for in the agreement expires. Currently, UK and EU citizens may still move to the EU and the UK respectively,under the applicable EU rules. Beyond the end of the transition period, the agreement guarantees the rights of EU andUK citizens who had made use of their freedom of movement rights by the end of 2020.

In-Depth Analysis DE, EN, FR

States of emergency in response to the coronavirus crisis: Situation in certain Member States IIIPublication type Briefing

Date 17-06-2020Author BENTZEN Naja | BOSTRÖM KARL ERIK ALBIN | DEL MONTE Micaela | ODINK Ingeborg | PRPIC Martina |

TUOMINEN ULLA-MARIPolicy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Public

HealthKeyword comparative analysis | coronavirus disease | crisis management | epidemic | EU Member State | state of emergency

Summary The spread of the coronavirus pandemic has prompted countries to take extensive and far-reaching measures totackle the consequences of the outbreak. Apart from curbing the spread of the disease, these measures have alsoposed legal and economic challenges, significantly affecting people's lives. Due to the nature of the virus, citizens'rights and freedoms have been curtailed, inter alia affecting their freedom of movement and assembly, as well as theright to conduct economic activities. Whilst the measures are currently being relaxed, there is debate in some MemberStates over whether the measures were justified and proportionate. Some Member States resorted to declaring a 'stateof emergency', whilst others did not, either because they have no such mechanism in their constitutional framework orbecause they chose a different path, giving special powers to certain institutions or using and modifying existinglegislation. In either case, democratic scrutiny over the situation has been highly important, making parliamentaryoversight crucial to ensure the rule of law and respect for fundamental democratic principles. This briefing covers thefollowing countries: Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Sweden. It focuses onthree key aspects: i) the constitutional framework of the state of emergency or legitimation of the emergencylegislation; ii) the specific measures adopted; and iii) the extent of parliamentary oversight exercised on the adoptedmeasures. This briefing is the third in a series aimed at providing a comparative overview of Member States'institutional responses to the coronavirus crisis. The first in the series gives an overview of the responses in Belgium,France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland and Spain, while the second covers Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Malta,Romania and Slovenia.

Briefing EN

The practice of democracy: A selection of civic engagement initiativesPublication type Study

Date 17-06-2020Author SGUEO Gianluca

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary Public authorities are currently facing extraordinary challenges. These include managing an unprecedented public

health crisis, restoring economic growth without damaging the environment, combating inequality, securing peace, andmany more. In the coming decades, public regulators, and with them academics, civil society actors and corporatepowers, will have to confront another dilemma that is fast becoming a clear and present challenge: whether to preserveand protect the current structures of democratic governance, in spite of the widespread perception of their inefficiency,or to adapt them to fast-changing scenarios (and in doing so run the risk of further weakening democracy). The tensionbetween these two opposing tendencies raises a number of key questions, to which policy-makers and analysts needto find answers. What is driving this transformation of democratic systems? Should new, hybrid forms of democraticparticipation replace classic democratic structures? And, lastly, amid these transformative processes, how are powerroles to be redistributed?

Study EN

Multimedia What could be the future of democracy?

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Coronavirus and elections in selected Member StatesPublication type Briefing

Date 17-06-2020Author MAŃKO Rafał | RADJENOVIC Anja

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword coronavirus disease | election | epidemic | EU Member State | organisation of elections | referendum

Summary With the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, many countries around the world that were or are due to organiseelections or referendums, have had to decide whether to hold them as originally planned, introducing mitigatingmeasures, put them on hold or postpone them to a later date. When deciding whether to continue with elections or not,decision-makers have needed to take into account a variety of legal, technical and sanitary parameters andimplications, as well as constitutional arrangements, to ensure that democratic institutions function as they would innormal circumstances and to ensure people's fundamental rights and freedoms are upheld. While postponing anelection may be the most feasible and responsible option from the public health perspective, the decision may openthe door to other risks, including undermining people's trust in democracy and casting doubt on the regular nature ofelections. However, as experts suggest, democracy can also be undermined by holding elections during the pandemic,as their free and fair nature might be questioned. In order to protect election staff and voters, health and safetyprocedures can be built into election-related procedures, and special voting arrangements can be introduced, such aspostal or e-voting, that allow citizens to cast their votes remotely. These entail other technological, security and socialchallenges, however, that need to be taken into account. This briefing provides example of how selected EU MemberStates have dealt with elections and referendums that were due to take place during the coronavirus pandemic.

Briefing EN

How to Fully Reap the Benefits of the Internal Market for E-Commerce?Publication type At a Glance

Date 15-06-2020External author Nadina IACOB, Felice SIMONELLI

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law| Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs Union

Keyword copyright | digital single market | digital technology | electronic commerce | provision of servicesSummary This paper provides a framework for maximising current and potential benefits of e-commerce for the single market

while minimising economic and societal costs. It takes stock of the role of the e-Commerce Directive and analyses newchallenges arising in the age of platforms. Forward-looking solutions are presented to enhance cross-border e-commerce in the EU, facilitate access to digital copyrighted content and improve the sustainability of online platforms.Finally, the paper reflects on the planned digital services act, outlining policy recommendations.This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at therequest of the committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO).

At a Glance EN

The Legal Framework for E-commerce in the Internal MarketPublication type At a Glance

Date 15-06-2020Author MACIEJEWSKI Mariusz | RATCLIFF Christina

External author Ida RÜFFER, Carlos NOBREGA, Hans SCHULTE-NÖLKE, Aneta WIEWÓROWSKA-DOMAGALSKAPolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

| Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs UnionKeyword digital single market | digital technology | electronic commerce | provision of services

Summary This at a glance presents an overview of the current state of play in the area of e-commerce. It discusses the existinglegislative framework of the Digital Single Market as well as the technology-driven changes of market and economythat have taken place over the last twenty years. The analysis identifies areas prone to producing a positive reaction tolegislative intervention.This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at therequest of the committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO).

At a Glance EN

New aspects and challenges in consumer protectionPublication type Briefing

Date 15-06-2020External author Prof Dr Giovanni Sartor

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law| Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs Union

Keyword advertising | artificial intelligence | consumer protection | data protection | digital technology | freedom to provideservices

Summary The original full study discusses the new challenges and opportunities for digital services that are provided by artificialintelligence, in particular which regard to consumer protection, data protection, and providers’ liability. The discussionaddresses the way in which digital services rely on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for processing consumer data and fortargeting consumers with ads and other messages, with a focus on risks to consumer privacy and autonomy, as wellas on the possibility of developing consumer-friendly AI applications. Also addressed is the relevance of AI for theliability of service providers in connection with the use of AI systems for detecting and responding to unlawful andharmful content.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 69

Europeanising European Public SpheresPublication type Study

Date 15-06-2020External author Katrin AUEL, Guido TIEMANN

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Lawand Policy in Practice

Keyword dissemination of EU information | EP Committee | European election | European integration | mass media | nationalparliament | public consultation | research report | university | university research

Summary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the AFCO Committee, provides a brief overview of the academic debates on Europeanisationas well as contestation and politicisation of the EU and European integration. Against this background, it focuses onthe European public sphere(s), in particular those based on the media and parliaments. The study further discussescurrent reform proposals aiming to Europeanise the European elections and concludes with recommendations onincreasing the legitimacy of the European Union.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR

Institutions and foreign interferencesPublication type Study

Date 15-06-2020External author Edoardo BRESSANELLI, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa (Principal Investigator)

Anna DI PALMA, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, PisaGaetano INGLESE, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, PisaSofia MARINI, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, PisaEric REPETTO, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword coronavirus disease | disinformation | epidemic | European election | interference | party financing | political

propagandaSummary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional

Affairs at the request of the AFCO Committee, assesses the EU responses to counter foreign interferences. Itexamines in particular the effectiveness of the EU action against foreign interferences in the 2019 EuropeanParliament elections, the COVID-19 crisis and the issue of foreign donations to European political parties. The studyconcludes with specific policy recommendations to enhance the EU’s responses.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR

The EU's response to the coronavirus 'infodemic'Publication type At a Glance

Date 12-06-2020Author BENTZEN Naja

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Foreign AffairsKeyword coronavirus disease | disinformation | epidemic | freedom of expression | political propaganda

Summary In parallel to the coronavirus pandemic, governments across the world are having to tackle a viral 'infodemic'; a waveof coronavirus-related information including hoaxes, conspiracy theories and disinformation by third parties. In manycountries, the situation is hampering freedom of expression. During the June plenary session, the EuropeanCommission and the Council are scheduled to make statements on the fight against disinformation campaigns duringthe Covid-19 crisis and the impact on freedom of expression.

At a Glance EN

Conference on the Future of EuropePublication type At a Glance

Date 11-06-2020Author KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and ActsKeyword China | coronavirus disease | epidemic | EU Member State | European conference

Summary Announced by Ursula von der Leyen and supported by Parliament, the Conference on the Future of Europe wassupposed to offer the opportunity for a thorough reflection on the direction of the EU and its institutional set up.However, the Covid-19 pandemic has halted the preparation process, with the result that the three institutions have notyet agreed on the format, composition and structure of the Conference. Parliament is nevertheless fully engaged inresuming this initiative as soon as possible in the post-coronavirus context, and will debate the issue with the Counciland Commission during the June plenary session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 70

Possible Avenues for Further Political Integration in Europe - A Political Compact for a More Democraticand Effective Union?

Publication type StudyDate 03-06-2020

External author FABBRINI FedericoPolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy in

PracticeKeyword coronavirus disease | EP Committee | epidemic | European currency | European integration | European treaties |

intergovernmental conference (EU) | migration control | research report | rule of law | United Kingdom | withdrawal fromthe EU

Summary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the AFCO Committee, analyses possible avenues for further political integration in the EU afterBrexit. The study maps the multiple crises that the EU has weathered in the past decade and explains how thesecrises, including the recent Covid-19 pandemic, reveal several substantive and institutional weaknesses in the currentEU system of governance. The study considers the potentials of the nascent Conference on the Future of Europe torenew the EU and examines the obstacles and opportunities for EU treaty reforms, considering the option ofchannelling the Conference’s outcome into a new Political Compact, subject to new, less-than-unanimous ratificationrules.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR

Unlocking the potential of the EU Treaties: An article-by-article analysis of the scope for actionPublication type Study

Date 28-05-2020Author BASSOT Etienne

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and ActsKeyword climate change policy | common foreign and security policy | EU competence | EU migration policy | European treaties

| illegal migration | information analysis | policymaking | research report | terrorismSummary The latest Eurobarometer surveys indicate that there is consistent support for more EU action in various policy areas,

including preventing climate change, tackling irregular migration, designing a common foreign and security policy andpreventing terrorism. Assuming that the Treaty of Lisbon will be the framework for EU action for the foreseeable future,this paper explores possibilities for broadening the scope of EU action in order to respond to these repeated calls fromEU citizens. With a view to reappraising the legal framework of the EU, it aims at identifying those legal bases in theTreaties that remain either under-used (in terms of the purposes they could be used to achieve) or completely unused.It analyses possible ways of delivering on EU policies, including in the development of common rules, providingenhanced executive capacity, better implementation of existing measures, targeted financing and increased efficiency.An overview table sets out possible initiatives, which are then explored in greater detail in 50 fiches, organisedaccording to broad policy clusters reflecting the priorities of the von der Leyen Commission. Possible measures arementioned in each fiche, along with the legal bases in the current Treaties on which action could potentially be based.It is a revised and expanded version of a paper published in January 2019, ahead of the European elections.

Study DE, EN, FR

Foresight within the EU institutions: The ESPAS process so farPublication type Briefing

Date 20-05-2020Author NOONAN EAMONN

Policy area Budget | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Forward PlanningKeyword administrative cooperation | EU institution | EU office or agency | interinstitutional cooperation (EU) | policy analysis

Summary The European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS) brings together the various European Union (EU)institutions and bodies in a process of administrative-level cooperation designed to identify and analyse the medium-and long-term trends facing the European Union and their implications for policy-makers. This dialogue wasestablished in the early 2010s as a means of promoting longer-term thinking in the EU policy process and encouragingthe Union’s various institutions to cooperate more closely in this field. This EPRS Briefing traces the origins of theESPAS process and describes its operation to date, with the digital version of the Briefing offering links to some of itskey output since 2012. A parallel Briefing will compare and contrast the three Global Trends Reports produced by theESPAS process, in 2012, 2015 and 2019.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 71

Plenary round-up – Brussels, May 2020Publication type At a Glance

Date 18-05-2020Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area Coronavirus | Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Fisheries |Public Health

Keyword budgetary discharge | Bureau of the EP | China | coronavirus disease | epidemic | fishing agreement | macro-financialassistance | multiannual financial framework | rule of law | software | vaccine | voting method

Summary The May 2020 plenary session was the third conducted with a majority of Members participating remotely, althoughmore were present in Brussels than at the April session, and using the alternative voting procedure put in place inMarch by Parliament's Bureau. The session focused on a number of urgent legislative proposals as well as votes ondischarge for EU institutions and bodies concerning the 2018 budget. On the response to the Covid 19 pandemic,Parliament called upon the European Commission to set up a recovery plan as part of the 2021-2027 multiannualfinancial framework (MFF). Members heard Council and Commission statements on the conclusions of the video-conference meeting of the European Council on 23 April 2020 and the MFF, own resources and recovery plan. Theyalso debated statements relating to: emergency legislation in Hungary and its impact on the rule of law andfundamental rights; on the use of contact-tracing apps; and on vaccines and therapeutics. Members also held a debateon the 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration.

At a Glance EN

Sustainable Consumption and Consumer Protection LegislationPublication type At a Glance

Date 15-05-2020External author Bert KEIRSBILCK, KU Leuven

Evelyne TERRYN, KU LeuvenAnaïs MICHEL, KU LeuvenIvano ALOGNA, BIICL

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law| Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs Union

Keyword circular economy | consumption | product life | sustainable developmentSummary This paper analyses the contribution, or lack of contribution of, the current EU Consumer Protection Legislation to a

sustainable consumption and a longer lifetime of products. In addition, it gives an overview of the most relevant bestpractices at national and international level and provides recommendations on the future development and possiblereforms of European consumer protection legislation in order to contribute to a more sustainable consumption and alonger lifetime of products.This document was commissioned by Policy Department A at the request of the European Parliament’s Committee onthe Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO).

At a Glance EN

The e-commerce Directive as the cornerstone of the Internal MarketPublication type At a Glance

Date 15-05-2020External author Alexandre de STREEL and Martin HUSOVEC

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law| Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs Union

Keyword digital single market | EC Directive | electronic commerce | impact study | Internet | provision of servicesSummary The e-commerce Directive was adopted in 2000 and has played a key role in the development of online platforms in

Europe. The study assesses the effects of the Directive as a cornerstone of the Digital Single Market. On that basis, itproposes some reforms for the future Digital Services Act.

At a Glance EN

New Developments in Digital ServicesPublication type Briefing

Date 15-05-2020External author Nick SOHNEMANN et al.

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law| Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs Union

Keyword digital single market | electronic commerce | Internet | provision of servicesSummary The study lays out predictions for digital services in the next one to ten years and provides recommendations for action

for the European Parliament in preparation for the Digital Services Act.Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 72

E-commerce rules, fit for the digital age - IMCO Workshop ProceedingsPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 15-05-2020Author BLANDIN LOUISE MATHILDE CAROLINE

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law| Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs Union

Keyword consumer protection | digital single market | digital technology | EC Directive | electronic commerce | Internet |provision of services

Summary The report summarises the discussion that took place at the workshop on “E-commerce rules, fit for the digital age”.The E-commerce directive was elaborated twenty years ago and has been key in regulating online services. However,the role of the internet has drastically evolved over the last two decades. The Chair of IMCO Committee Prof Dr Petrade Sutter and the Rapporteur for the Digital Services Act (DSA) Mr Alex Agius Saliba co-chaired this workshop in orderto discuss which areas of the E-commerce directive are no longer fit for purpose and need reforming in the DSA.This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies for thecommittee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO).

In-Depth Analysis EN

The ECB’s Mandate and Legal ConstraintsPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 15-05-2020External author Karl WHELAN

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System andActs

Keyword cyclical unemployment | economic recession | euro area | European Central Bank | Eurosystem | inflation | powers ofthe institutions (EU) | price control | price stability | single monetary policy

Summary This paper considers how the ECB can implement its mandate in the current crisis conditions and the legal constraintsthat exist on its actions. The current position of the euro area economy means the threat to meeting the ECB’s primaryobjective of price stability stems from the possibility of a long period of below-target inflation. This means the ECBshould consider a wide range of stimulative policies that would help it meet both its primary and secondary objectives.The ECB, however, will be constrained by the ECJ’s interpretation of the monetary financing clause and its ability tomeet its primary objective (and its independence) could be threatened by the recent German constitutional courtjudgement which is flawed in both its legal and economic analysis.This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at therequest of the committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.

In-Depth Analysis EN

The Dimensions of Responsibility: Perspectives on the ECB’s Monetary Policy MandatePublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 15-05-2020External author Joseph E. GAGNON, Jacob F. KIRKEGAARD, David W. WILCOX, Christopher G. COLLINS

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System andActs

Keyword climate change | European Central Bank | financial stability | full employment | inflation | labour market | monetarypolicy | powers of the institutions (EU) | price stability | sustainable development

Summary A strong theoretical and empirical case exists for a dual monetary policy mandate. Central banks should aim tostabilise both prices (or inflation) and output (or employment). Other objectives, such as financial stability, reversingclimate change, and reducing inequality are at best secondary objectives for which better policy tools are available.This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at therequest of the committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.

In-Depth Analysis EN

The ECB in the COVID-19 Crisis: Whatever it Takes, Within its MandatePublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 15-05-2020External author Grégory CLAEYS

Policy area Coronavirus | Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: LegalSystem and Acts

Keyword coronavirus disease | economic recession | epidemic | euro area | European Central Bank | European System ofCentral Banks | inflation | market stabilisation | monetary crisis | monetary policy | price stability

Summary To keep the euro-area economy afloat, the European Central Bank (ECB) has announced a large number of measuressince the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. This response has triggered fears of a future increase in inflation. Wediscuss the risks that the ECB is unable to fulfil its price-stability mandate, and also whether these new measuresrespect legal limits set by the EU Treaties. We conclude that the measures introduced by the ECB during the crisis andthe resulting increase in the size of its balance sheet, even if it were to be permanent, should not restrict its ability toachieve its price-stability mandate in the future, within its legal obligations.This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at therequest of the committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.

In-Depth Analysis EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 73

Setting New Priorities for the ECB’s MandatePublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 15-05-2020External author Christophe BLOT, Jérôme CREEL, Emmanuelle FAURE and

Paul HUBERTPolicy area Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and

ActsKeyword climate change | European Central Bank | financial stability | fiscal policy | full employment | inflation | monetary policy |

powers of the institutions (EU) | price stability | sustainable developmentSummary Beyond price stability, the EU Treaties assign to the ECB a range of secondary objectives. We investigate the linkages

between price stability and these objectives to assess whether they are independent, complementary or substitutable,which is important to refine the definition of the mandate. Keeping the current mandate would not provide leeway forthe ECB to reach other objectives. We propose to broaden the mandate to include employment and financial stability.Enhanced coordination should contribute to fulfilling the objectives.This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at therequest of the committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.

In-Depth Analysis EN

The ECB Mandate: Perspectives on Sustainability and SolidarityPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 15-05-2020External author Rosa Maria LASTRA, Kern ALEXANDER

Policy area Coronavirus | Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: LegalSystem and Acts

Keyword banking supervision | coronavirus disease | economic recession | epidemic | European Central Bank | financial stability| powers of the institutions (EU) | price stability | single monetary policy | sustainable development

Summary This report analyses the ECB mandate in light of its primary objective of price stability along with its secondaryobjective to support the general economic policies in the Union (Article 127 TFEU), which include employment, growth,climate change, and the quality of the environment, bearing in mind the broader goals of sustainability and solidarity(Article 3 TEU). The pursuit of financial stability directly interacts with the price stability mandate.This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at therequest of the committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.

In-Depth Analysis EN

The functioning of the Internal Market for Digital Services: responsibilities and duties of care of providersof Digital Services

Publication type StudyDate 15-05-2020

External author Jan Bernd NORDEMANNPolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

| Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs UnionKeyword digital single market | EC Directive | electronic commerce | EP Committee | intellectual property | Internet access

provider | research report | search engineSummary The paper reflects on responsibilities and duties of care of online intermediaries as set out in the E-Commerce

Directive and gives recommendations for a possible future EU Digital Services Act.This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at therequest of the committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO).

Study EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 74

The ECB's Mandate: Perspectives on General Economic PoliciesPublication type Study

Date 15-05-2020External author Rosa M. LASTRA, Kern ALEXANDER, Karl WHELAN, Joseph E. GAGNON, Jacob F. KIRKEGAARD, David W.

WILCOX, Christopher G. COLLINS, Christophe BLOT, Jérôme CREEL, Emmanuelle FAURE, Paul HUBERT, GrégoryCLAEYS

Policy area Coronavirus | Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: LegalSystem and Acts

Keyword EP Committee | European Central Bank | powers of the institutions (EU) | research reportSummary The ECB has a clear primary objective to maintain price stability. The Treaty is less clear on how the ECB is required

to fulfil its so-called secondary objective of “supporting general economic policies of the Union”. Just as the ECB wasabout to start its monetary policy strategy review which also provided an opportunity to clarify these elements of themandate, the COVID-19 crisis brought the toughest test yet for its ability to deliver on the objectives. In addition, theGerman constitutional court delivered a judgement on the ECB’s public sector purchase programme (PSPP) whichmight bring further legal and economic consequences.

In advance of the Monetary Dialogue with ECB President Christine Lagarde on 8 June 2020, the ECON Committee’sMonetary Expert Panel has prepared a set of five papers on this topic.

This publication is provided by Policy Department A at the request of the Committee on Economic and MonetaryAffairs (ECON).

Study EN

The Legal Framework for E-commerce in the Internal MarketPublication type Study

Date 15-05-2020External author Ida RÜFFER, Carlos NOBREGA, Hans SCHULTE-NÖLKE, Aneta WIEWÓROWSKA-DOMAGALSKA

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional andParliamentary Law | Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs Union

Keyword digital single market | digital technology | electronic commerce | freedom to provide servicesSummary This study presents an overview of the current state of play in the area of e-commerce. It discusses the existing

legislative framework of the Digital Single Market as well as the technology-driven changes of market and economythat have taken place over the last twenty years. The analysis identifies areas prone to producing a positive reaction tolegislative intervention.This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at therequest of the committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO).

Study EN

Strengthening the Fundamental Rights Agency - The Revision of the Fundamental Rights AgencyRegulation

Publication type StudyDate 15-05-2020

External author Professor Olivier DE SCHUTTERPolicy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Keyword European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights | human rights | operation of the Institutions | rights of the individualSummary Since it was set up in 2007, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights has demonstrated its ability produce high-quality

research, and to provide the EU institutions and the EU Member States implementing Union law with expert advice onfundamental rights issues. The regulatory framework under which the Agency operates, however, is not fullyappropriate to discharge its mandate effectively. This in-depth study commissioned by the European Parliament'sPolicy Department for Citizens' Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the Committee on Civil Liberties,Justice and Home Affairs identifies how it could be improved.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 75

States of emergency in response to the coronavirus crisis: Situation in certain Member States IIPublication type Briefing

Date 13-05-2020Author ATANASSOV Nikolai | DALLI HUBERT | DUMBRAVA Costica | ECKERT GIANNA | JURVISTE Ulla | RADJENOVIC

Anja | VORONOVA SofijaPolicy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Public

HealthKeyword coronavirus disease | democracy | disease prevention | epidemic | EU Member State | rights of the individual | state of

emergencySummary Member States have adopted a range of emergency measures in response to the unprecedented public health crises

generated by the coronavirus pandemic. Whereas not all Member States dispose of constitutional mechanisms toenable the declaration of a 'state of emergency', all have taken exceptional and far-reaching emergency measures thataffect citizens' rights and freedoms as well as democratic processes. These institutional changes and the restrictionsimposed on citizens' lives pose significant institutional and democratic challenges. Given their impact on fundamentalrights and freedoms and on the normal functioning of democracy, emergency measures need to be carefullyexamined, matched with adequate legal safeguards, and subject to close democratic scrutiny. This is particularly truein the context of rapid changes of circumstances and in view of new evidence about the evolution of the crisis and itsimplications. This briefing covers the following countries: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Malta, Austria, Romania, andSlovenia. It focuses on three key aspects: i) the constitutional framework of the state emergency or legitimation of theemergency legislation; ii) the concrete measures adopted; and iii) the extent of parliamentary oversight exercised onthe adopted measures. This briefing is the second in a series aimed at providing a comparative overview of MemberStates' institutional responses to the coronavirus crisis. The first in the series covered an initial set of seven MemberStates.

Briefing EN

The e-commerce Directive as the cornerstone of the Internal MarketPublication type Study

Date 12-05-2020External author Alexandre de Streel

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional andParliamentary Law | Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs Union

Keyword digital single market | electronic commerce | EP Committee | research reportSummary The e-commerce Directive was adopted in 2000 and has played a key role in the development of online platforms in

Europe. The study assesses the effects of the Directive as a cornerstone of the Digital Single Market. On that basis, itproposes some reforms for the future Digital Services Act.

Study EN

How to Fully Reap the Benefits of the Internal Market for E-Commerce?Publication type Study

Date 12-05-2020External author Nadina IACOB, Felice SIMONELLI

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional andParliamentary Law | Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs Union

Keyword copyright | digital content | digital single market | EC Directive | electronic commerce | EP Committee | research reportSummary This paper provides a framework for maximising current and potential benefits of e-commerce for the single market

while minimising economic and societal costs. It takes stock of the role of the e-Commerce Directive and analyses newchallenges arising in the age of platforms. Forward-looking solutions are presented to enhance cross-border e-commerce in the EU, facilitate access to digital copyrighted content and improve the sustainability of online platforms.Finally, the paper reflects on the planned digital services act, outlining policy recommendations.This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at therequest of the committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO).

Study EN

Outcome of the Zagreb EU-Western Balkans video-summit of 6 May 2020Publication type Briefing

Date 11-05-2020Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword China | coronavirus disease | corruption | democracy | enlargement of the Union | epidemic | rule of law | videophone

conference | Western BalkansSummary The EU-Western Balkans Summit, which normally would have been held in Zagreb, took place by video-conference on

Wednesday 6 May 2020. The focus was on a joint response to the crisis and on the common commitment to supportthe political, economic and social transformation of the region. The EU and Western Balkan leaders adopted theZagreb Declaration, confirming the region’s ‘European perspective’, albeit without mentioning enlargement as aprocess.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 76

Coronavirus and the cost of non-Europe: An analysis of the economic benefits of common Europeanaction

Publication type In-Depth AnalysisDate 11-05-2020

Author EVAS Tatjana | HEFLICH ALEKSANDRA | LOMBA NIOMBO | NAVARRA Cecilia | PANELLA Lauro | SAULNIERJEROME LEON

External author Muller, KlausPolicy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Coronavirus | Development and Humanitarian Aid | Economics and Monetary

Issues | Education | Employment | Energy | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law |European Added Value | Industry | Internal Market and Customs Union | International Trade | Public Health | RegionalDevelopment | Research Policy | Social Policy | Transport

Keyword area of freedom, security and justice | coronavirus disease | Economic and Monetary Union | economic and socialcohesion | economic integration | epidemic | EU environmental policy | European integration | gross domestic product |international cooperation | single market | sustainable development

Summary This EPRS paper focuses on the economic benefits of common action at European level and the risk involved if thecurrent coronavirus crisis and its aftermath were to stall or reverse the process of European integration. It attempts toquantify the losses from: (i) any gradual dismantling of the EU project - where cautious estimates suggest that erosionof the EU single market alone would cost the European economy between 3.0 and 8.7 per cent of its collective GDP(this would be existing 'European added value' permanently lost); and (ii) a parallel failure to take advantage of theunexploited potential of collective public goods that have yet be achieved (this would be future GDP growth foregone).The latter 'cost of non-Europe' in 50 policy areas was identified by EPRS in 2019 as around 14 per cent of EU GDP bythe end of a ten-year running-in period.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Schuman Declaration: 70 years onPublication type At a Glance

Date 07-05-2020Author SALM Christian

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword ECSC | history of Europe | promotion of the European idea

Summary Aiming to secure peace in Europe after the horrors of the Second World War, the Schuman Declaration proposedcooperation among European countries in two key economic areas central to rearmament and warfare: coal and steel.As an institutional framework for this cooperation, the Schuman Declaration proposed the creation of the firstsupranational organisation in Europe, the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). Established in 1952, theECSC laid the foundations for today's European Union (EU). The Schuman Declaration is therefore seen as the EU’sfounding act. Presented by the French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, on 9 May 1950, this year marks the 70thanniversary of the Schuman Declaration.

At a Glance EN

Multimedia Schuman Declaration: 70 years on

Schuman Declaration: 70 years on

New Developments in Digital ServicesPublication type Study

Date 07-05-2020External author Nick SOHNEMANN et al.

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional andParliamentary Law | Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs Union

Keyword digital technology | electronic commerce | Internet | provision of servicesSummary The study lays out predictions for digital services in the next one to ten years and provides recommendations for action

for the European Parliament in preparation for the Digital Services Act.Study EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 77

States of emergency in response to the coronavirus crisis: Situation in certain Member StatesPublication type Briefing

Date 04-05-2020Author BINDER Krisztina | DEL MONTE Micaela | DIAZ CREGO Maria | ECKERT GIANNA | KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | PublicHealth

Keyword coronavirus disease | disease prevention | epidemic | EU Member State | state of emergencySummary With the first case of unknown pneumonia reported in the province of Wuhan (People's Republic of China) on 31

December 2019, within few weeks the coronavirus (Covid-19) was declared a pandemic by the World HealthOrganization on 30 January 2020. Since then it has spread to most corners of the globe. While the health threat itposes and the challenge it represents for human health is paramount, no less important is the strain it puts on the legalorder. For most of the affected countries, in particular in the EU, this outbreak is posing unprecedented institutionalchallenges and has obliged institutions and governments to adopt strict measures affecting citizens' rights in a wayunparalleled since the Second World War. While some Member States' constitutions include mechanisms allowing forrecourse to a 'state of emergency' or the entrustment of special powers to specific institutions, other Member States'legal orders do not, either for historic reasons or owing to institutional tradition. Crucial aspects of the exercise of publicpowers under a pandemic threat include not only the extent of the measures adopted, but also their legitimacy, raisingthe question of their duration and of the degree of parliamentary oversight. This briefing is the first in a series intendedto offer a comparative overview of the institutional responses adopted in different Member States, in the light of i) theconstitutional framework for the state of emergency or legitimation of the emergency legislation ii) the specificmeasures adopted, iii) the extent of the parliamentary oversight exercised over the measures adopted. This firstbriefing, therefore, offers an overview of the responses to the coronavirus pandemic in Belgium, France, Germany,Hungary, Italy, Poland and Spain.

Briefing EN

Parliaments in emergency mode: How Member States' parliaments are continuing with business duringthe pandemic

Publication type BriefingDate 24-04-2020

Author DIAZ CREGO Maria | MAŃKO RafałPolicy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Keyword coronavirus disease | digital technology | electronic voting | epidemic | EU Member State | national parliamentSummary The coronavirus pandemic has been accompanied by a huge array of public measures aiming to protect against and

mitigate the consequences of the virus. While citizens have had to adjust to weeks of lockdown in their homes as aconsequence of the emergency measures adopted by Member States, public institutions have been forced to movequickly to adapt their ways of working to a new and unprecedented scenario. These changes are particularlychallenging for parliamentary institutions, as their functioning is based on the principles of pluralism, deliberation andtransparency. How can decisions be adopted on the basis of those principles if many members cannot attendparliamentary sessions owing either to the restrictions on freedom of movement and bans on public gatherings invirtually all Member States, or to personal health concerns? National parliaments in the EU have adopted a variety ofapproaches to address this challenge. Some have gone entirely digital, using remote technology to ensure allmembers can take part in parliamentary work, including voting. Others have opted to adopt parliamentary decisionswith a reduced number of members while ensuring the balance of power between their different political groups. Someothers, finally, have decided to adopt social distancing measures, allowing members to continue with theirparliamentary activities from different rooms of the parliament premises or from another location entirely. Given theparticular difficulties in travelling between Member States, the European Parliament opted for the first solution, holdingits first ever digital plenary session, in which Members voted remotely using a new electronic voting procedure, on 26March 2020.

Briefing EN

Completing the Single Market: The European Parliament and Economic Integration, 1979-1989Publication type Study

Date 23-04-2020External author Prof. Laurent Warlouzet, Sorbonne Université, Paris.

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Internal Market and Customs UnionKeyword Economic and Monetary Union | European currency | European Parliament | history of Europe | research report | single

marketSummary During its first decade as a directly elected political institution, from 1979 to 1989, the European Parliament exercised

significant influence in shaping the debate and agenda around the concept of completing the ‘single’ or ‘internal’market of the (then) European Economic Community. Through both its early campaigning for action in this field and itsdefinition and analysis of issues such as the ‘cost of non-Europe’, the Parliament contributed to the political andintellectual climate which led to the launch in 1985 by the European Commission, under its new President, JacquesDelors, of an ambitious programme to complete the single market by 1992. This process was reinforced and facilitatedby adoption of the Single European Act (SEA) the following year. The extension of qualified majority voting (QMV) inthe Council and the introduction of a more significant legislative role for the European Parliament under the SEAenhanced the position of the Parliament in the Community’s ‘institutional triangle’, enabling it to influence the content oflaw more directly. From 1987 onwards, the Parliament used its new legislative power actively when considering thedetailed proposals for completing the single market brought forward by the Delors Commission, with significantdebates taking place on the priorities that should attach to various aspects of liberalisation and regulation. The growingsuccess of the single market process led in turn to the Parliament strongly supporting efforts to complement the singlemarket with the creation of a single currency, building momentum for the launch of Economic and Monetary Union(EMU). This study, commissioned by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), forms part of an on-goinghistory of the character, role and influence of the European Parliament as a political institution since its creation in1952.

Study DE, EN, FR

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 78

Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020: European Implementation AssessmentPublication type Study

Date 23-04-2020Author KORVER RONNIE JOHANNES

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Culture | Employment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law |Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | Public Health | Social Policy |Transposition and Implementation of Law

Keyword economic integration | ethnic discrimination | EU Member State | EU strategy | Roma | social integrationSummary This study provides a review of the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies (NRIS) up to 2020. It was

produced at the request of the Committee for Civil Liberties. Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) and the Committee forEmployment and Social Affairs (EMPL) to feed into the discussions regarding the post-2020 Framework. The studyprovides a synthesis of evaluations and opinions of the Framework. It gives an appreciation of the coordination,consultation and monitoring structures and the way they work out in practice. It also looks at the interplay with other EUlegal, funding and policy instruments. It then reviews the main policy objectives, namely (Roma access to) education,employment, health, housing, as well as anti-discrimination and anti-gypsyism.

Study EN

Plenary round-up – Brussels, April 2020Publication type At a Glance

Date 20-04-2020Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area Coronavirus | Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Fisheries |Public Health

Keyword Albania | aquaculture | Bureau of the EP | China | coronavirus disease | earthquake | epidemic | fishing industry |Greece | migration control | multiannual financial framework | voting method

Summary For the second time since the introduction of strict coronavirus containment measures, the European Parliamentconducted its April plenary session with the majority of Members participating remotely, and used the alternative votingprocedure put in place by Parliament's Bureau for the March II session. This temporary voting procedure is availablefor use until 31 July 2020, unless extended by Bureau decision. As in March, the session focused on a number ofurgent legislative proposals as well as amendments to the EU's 2020 budget to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.Members also heard from the Presidents of the European Council and Commission on the coordination of theEuropean response to the Covid-19 outbreak. Parliament then adopted a resolution setting out its position on theresponse to the pandemic and its consequences, ahead of the next video-conference meeting of EU Heads of State orGovernment, on 23 April. In this resolution, Members called for a massive economic recovery package, greatercoordination on cross-border health threats, and condemned national emergency measures that restrict civil liberties.

At a Glance EN

The EU’s Public Procurement Framework. How is the EU’s Public Procurement Framework contributing tothe achievement of the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the Circular Economy Strategy?

Publication type BriefingDate 15-04-2020

External author Jorge NÚÑEZ FERRERPolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

| Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs UnionSummary The present public procurement directives entered into force in 2014 allowing national authorities enough flexibility to

align procurement with social and environmental objectives. However, public authorities have not sufficiently taken upthe possibilities to use strategic public procurement to introduce sustainable, green, pre-procurement or innovation-focused tools.The existence of clear Guidelines and tools is essential to provide legal certainty for public procurement officials.in thisrespect, the European Commission has a central role to play and work is being undertaken to provide guidelines andoff-the-shelf solutions. However, further action is needed to promote strategic public procurement and in particularGreen Public Procurement requiring low carbon, life-cycle and circular approaches in public purchases.The EU should increase – in tandem with the provision of assistance and tools – the number of mandatory greenprocurement requirements, either through technical specifications in the sectoral directives or through delegated actsto the procurement directives. A voluntary approach is not sufficient.Member states should in turn professionalise the public procurement authorities and establish central purchasingbodies or national competence centres. There is a need for many member states to invest in professionalisation,training and ICT tools to mainstream strategic public procurement and in particular Green Public Procurement.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 79

Artificial Intelligence (AI): new developments and innovations applied to e-commercePublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 15-04-2020External author Prof. Dr Dino PEDRESCHI

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional andParliamentary Law | Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs Union

Keyword artificial intelligence | big data | data-processing law | electronic commerce | innovation | new technology | protection ofprivacy | search engine | social media

Summary This in-depth analysis discusses the opportunities and challenges brought by the recent and the foreseeabledevelopments of Artificial Intelligence into online platforms and marketplaces. The paper advocates the importance tosupport trustworthy, explainable AI (in order to fight discrimination and manipulation, and empower citizens), andsocietal-aware AI (in order to fight polarization, monopolistic concentration and excessive inequality, and pursuediversity and openness).

This document was prepared by the Policy Department A at the request of the Committee on the Internal Market andConsumer Protection.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Enforcement and cooperation between Member StatesPublication type Study

Date 15-04-2020External author Melanie SMITH

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law| Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs Union

Summary This study presents an overview of possible options for an effective model of enforcement for a future Digital ServicesAct. Four key areas of regulatory design are emphasised; the failure of self-regulation in relation to platforms; theimportance of correct regulatory framing; the necessity of focusing on the internal operations of platforms; and that thescope of a DSA should be limited but include robust transparency and enforcement measures. A range of enforcementstrategies are then evaluated across a suite of DSM legislation, alongside barriers to Member States cooperation andeffective enforcement. The paper sets out several options for enforcement and concludes with a recommendation of aspecific enforcement model for a new DSA.

Study EN

New aspects and challenges in consumer protection - Digital services and artificial intelligencePublication type Study

Date 15-04-2020External author Prof. Giovanni SARTOR

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law| Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs Union

Keyword artificial intelligence | consumer protection | data protection | electronic commerce | personal dataSummary The study addresses the new challenges and opportunities for digital services that are provided by artificial

intelligence, in particular which regard to consumer protection, data protection, and providers’ liability.The discussion addresses the way in which digital services rely on AI for processing consumer data and for targetingconsumers with ads and other messages, with a focus on risks to consumer privacy and autonomy, as well as on thepossibility of developing consumer-friendly AI applications.Also addressed is the relevance of AI for the liability of service providers in connection with the use of AI systems fordetecting and responding to unlawful and harmful content.This document was provided/prepared by Policy Department A at the request of the Committee on the Internal Marketand Consumer Protection.

Study EN

Western Balkans on the European Council agenda: Overview of discussions since the Lisbon TreatyPublication type Briefing

Date 02-04-2020Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword enlargement of the Union | European Council | migration policy | terrorism | Treaty of Lisbon | videophone conference |

Western BalkansSummary The European Council to endorse the 24 March 2020 Council political agreement on the opening of negotiations with

Albania and North Macedonia.Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 80

Collective intelligence at EU level: Social and democratic dimensionsPublication type Briefing

Date 31-03-2020Author MILOTAY Nora | SGUEO Gianluca

Policy area Coronavirus | Economics and Monetary Issues | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law |Public Health | Social Policy

Keyword economic intelligence | innovation | knowledge economy | knowledge management | new technology | social andcultural anthropology

Summary Humans are among the many living species capable of collaborative and imaginative thinking. While it is widely agreedamong scholars that this capacity has contributed to making humans the dominant species, other crucial questionsremain open to debate. Is it possible to encourage large groups of people to engage in collective thinking? Is itpossible to coordinate citizens to find solutions to address global challenges? Some scholars claim that large groups ofindependent, motivated, and well-informed people can, collectively, make better decisions than isolated individuals can– what is known as 'collective intelligence.' The social dimension of collective intelligence mainly relates to socialaspects of the economy and of innovation. It shows that a holistic approach to innovation – one that includes not onlytechnological but also social aspects – can greatly contribute to the EU's goal of promoting a just transition foreveryone to a sustainable and green economy in the digital age. The EU has been taking concrete action to promotesocial innovation by supporting the development of its theory and practice. Mainly through funding programmes, ithelps to seek new types of partners and build new capacity – and thus shape the future of local and nationalinnovations aimed at societal needs. The democratic dimension suggests that the power of the collective can beleveraged so as to improve public decision-making systems. Supported by technology, policy-makers can harness the'civic surplus' of citizens – thus providing smarter solutions to regulatory challenges. This is particularly relevant at EUlevel in view of the planned Conference on the Future of Europe, aimed at engaging communities at large and makingEU decision-making more inclusive and participatory. The current coronavirus crisis is likely to change society and oureconomy in ways as yet too early to predict, but recovery after the crisis will require new ways of thinking and acting toovercome common challenges, and thus making use of our collective intelligence should be more urgent than ever. Inthe longer term, in order to mobilise collective intelligence across the EU and to fully exploit its innovative potential, theEU needs to strengthen its education policies and promote a shared understanding of a holistic approach to innovationand of collective intelligence – and thus become a 'global brain,' with a solid institutional set-up at the centre of asubsidised experimentation process that meets the challenges imposed by modern-day transformations.

Briefing EN

Charles Michel as President of the European Council: The first 100+ daysPublication type Briefing

Date 30-03-2020Author DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area Budget | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword competence of the institution | coronavirus disease | crisis management | epidemic | president of an institution |

President of the European CouncilSummary On 1 December 2019, Charles Michel, previously prime minister of Belgium, became the third President of the

European Council. He began his term in dynamic mode, aiming to make his mark in foreign affairs and develop theEU's interinstitutional relations. While pursuing his predecessors' efforts to secure unity between EU leaders, Michelhas applied his own style, visible notably in his discourse, social media presence and transparency efforts. An analysisof the President's Twitter activities shows his strong focus on EU-Africa relations, climate and, most recently, COVID-19.

Briefing EN

The European Council as COVID-19 crisis manager: A comparison with previous crisesPublication type Briefing

Date 27-03-2020Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Public HealthKeyword coronavirus disease | crisis management | epidemic | EU policy | European Council

Summary The COVID-19 outbreak confronts the European Union with a severe crisis, affecting both individual EU citizens’ livesand society as a whole. Due to its role and centrality in the EU's institutional framework, the European Council is onceagain called upon to exercise its crisis-management role. Similarities can be drawn with past crises as regards bothshort and long-term responses. The main difference to previous crises, for instance, in the economy or on migration,which impacted a limited number of EU policies, is that the COVID-19 crisis touches the entire spectrum of policies atboth European and national level, making a common response more challenging, as competences are dividedbetween the different strata of the EU's multi-level governance system. Ultimately, this crisis has the potential toreshape EU policies, leading to increased cross-policy cooperation and possibly a centrally coordinated responsemechanism.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 81

Key issues in the European Council - State of play in March 2020Publication type Study

Date 26-03-2020Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | BACIAN Izabela Cristina | DRACHENBERG Ralf | PAPUNEN Annastiina

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Economics and Monetary Issues |Employment | Energy | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System andActs | Financial and Banking Issues | Foreign Affairs | Industry | International Trade | Security and Defence

Keyword European Council | operation of the Institutions | policy analysis | research reportSummary This EPRS publication, 'Key issues in the European Council', which will be updated quarterly to coincide with

European Council meetings, aims to provide an overview of the institution’s activities on major EU issues. It analysestwelve broad policy areas, explaining the legal and political background and the main priorities and orientations definedby the European Council.

Study EN

European Council conclusions - A rolling check-list of commitments to datePublication type Study

Date 26-03-2020Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | BACIAN Izabela Cristina | DRACHENBERG Ralf | PAPUNEN Annastiina

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Economics and Monetary Issues |Employment | Energy | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System andActs | Financial and Banking Issues | Foreign Affairs | Industry | Internal Market and Customs Union | InternationalTrade | Security and Defence | Social Policy

Keyword EU policy | EU strategy | European CouncilSummary The role of the European Council – to 'provide the Union with the necessary impetus for its development' and to define

its 'general political directions and priorities' – has evolved rapidly over the last decade. This overview of EuropeanCouncil conclusions is the latest edition of the Rolling Check-List, which has been published regularly by the EuropeanCouncil Oversight Unit since 2014. It is designed to review the degree of progress in achieving the goals that theEuropean Council has set itself and to assist the Parliament in exercising its important oversight role in this field.

Study EN

Remote voting in the European Parliament and national parliamentsPublication type At a Glance

Date 25-03-2020Author DEL MONTE Micaela

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword airport | Bureau of the EP | charges for use of infrastructure | China | coronavirus disease | epidemic | European

Structural and Investment Funds | European Union Solidarity Fund | national parliament | parliamentary vote |teleworking | voting method

Summary In the words of Parliament’s President, David Sassoli, the 'European Parliament must remain open, because a viruscannot bring down democracy'. Ways have therefore had to be found to enable Members of the European Parliament(MEPs) to exercise their public duties should it become impossible for them to attend committees or plenary sessionsin person. The need to keep parliaments functioning in emergency situations has been on Member States' agendastoo. The European Parliament’s Bureau has taken the unprecedented decision to provide for remote voting during theextraordinary plenary session on 26 March so as to allow for the rapid adoption of EU legislation to tackle the socio-economic consequences of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 82

Solidarity in EU asylum policyPublication type Briefing

Date 23-03-2020Author RADJENOVIC Anja

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword agreement (EU) | asylum seeker | EU Member State | EU migration policy | illegal migration | judgment of the Court

(EU) | migrant | refugee | resettlement of persons | right of asylum | Treaty on the Functioning of the EU | TurkeySummary The unprecedented arrival of refugees and irregular migrants in the EU in 2015 exposed a number of deficiencies in

EU external border, asylum and migration policy, sparking EU action through various legal and policy instruments.While the EU has been relatively successful in securing external borders, curbing irregular migrant arrivals andincreasing cooperation with third countries, Member States are still reluctant to show solidarity and do more to shareresponsibility for asylum-seekers. International cooperation and solidarity is key in helping to manage migration to andbetween states. Under international law, countries have certain legal obligations to assist and protect refugees thatthey accept on their territory, but the legal duties of other states to help and share that responsibility are less clear. AtEU level, the principle of solidarity is set out in Article 80 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union(TFEU), however there is currently no consensus on whether it can be used as a stand-alone or joint legal basis forsecondary legislation. Furthermore, the notions of 'solidarity' and 'fair sharing of responsibilities' for refugees orasylum-seekers are not defined in EU law. This has prompted EU institutions, academics and other stakeholders topropose different ways to resolve the issue, such as sharing out relevant tasks and pooling resources at EU level,compensating frontline Member States financially and through other contributions – such as flexible solidarity – andchanging the focus of the European Court of Justice when interpreting EU asylum law. In recent years, the EU hasprovided the Member States most affected by migrant arrivals with significant financial and practical support, notablythrough the EU budget and the deployment of personnel and equipment. Nevertheless, the continued failure to reformthe EU asylum system, as well as the implementation of temporary solidarity measures based on ad-hoc solutions, hasexposed a crisis of solidarity that shows no signs of being resolved. The von der Leyen Commission has made it clearthat the new EU asylum system 'should include finding new forms of solidarity and should ensure that all MemberStates make meaningful contributions to support those countries under the most pressure'.

Briefing EN

Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges for the Internal Market and Consumer ProtectionPublication type Briefing

Date 16-03-2020Author MACIEJEWSKI Mariusz | NAESS KRISTINE MARIE SAKSENVIK

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law| Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs Union

Keyword artificial intelligence | consumer protection | digital single market | new technologySummary Developing appropriate policies and regulations for AI is a priority for the European Union. AI has become a powerful

driver of social transformation, reshaping individual lives and interactions as well as economical and politicalorganisations. AI brings huge opportunities for development, sustainability, health and knowledge, as well assignificant risks of unemployment, discrimination, exclusion, etc.Multiple areas are affected by AI, such as data protection (lawful and proportionate processing of personal data,subject to oversight), fair algorithmic treatment (not being subject to unjustified prejudice resulting from automatedprocessing), transparency and explicability (knowing how and why a certain algorithmic response has been given or adecision made), protection from undue influence (not being misled, manipulated, or deceived).This collection of studies presents research resulting from ongoing interest of the Committee on the Internal Marketand Consumer Protection in improving functioning of the Digital Single Market and developing European digital and AIrelated policy based on scientific evidence and expertise.

Briefing EN

Sustainable Consumption and Consumer Protection LegislationPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 16-03-2020External author Bert KEIRSBILCK, KU Leuven ; Evelyne TERRYN, KU Leuven ; Anaïs MICHEL, KU Leuven and Ivano ALOGNA,

BIICLPolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

| Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs UnionKeyword circular economy | consumer information | consumer law | consumer society | eco-label | ecodesign | fight against

wastage | product life | sustainable development | wastageSummary This paper analyses the contribution, or lack of contribution of, the current EU Consumer Protection Legislation to a

sustainable consumption and a longer lifetime of products. In addition, it gives an overview of the most relevant bestpractices at national and international level and provides recommendations on the future development and possiblereforms of European consumer protection legislation in order to contribute to a more sustainable consumption and alonger lifetime of products.This document was commissioned by Policy Department A at the request of the European Parliament’s Committee onthe Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO).

In-Depth Analysis EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 83

Handbook on the incompatibilities and immunity of the Members of the European ParliamentPublication type Study

Date 16-03-2020Author PANIZZA Roberta | PAVY Eeva

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: LegalSystem and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice

Keyword comparative study | incompatibility | Member of the European Parliament | parliamentary immunitySummary Upon request by the Committee on Legal Affairs, this handbook, provided by the Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights

and Constitutional Affairs, summarises, in its first part, the EU legal framework on the incompatibilities and immunity ofMembers of the European Parliament. Based on national reports, the second part of the handbook gives an overview,for each EU Member State, of the relevant national provisions on the composition of national governments andparliaments as well as those on national parliamentary immunities.

This handbook will be updated regularly based on information received; please hold as reference the date of edition.Study EN

The European Parliament’s Right of inquiry in context - A comparison of the national and the Europeanlegal frameworks

Publication type StudyDate 16-03-2020

External author Diane FROMAGEPolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal

System and ActsKeyword committee of inquiry | European Parliament | national parliament | parliamentary inquiry | research report | Treaty of

Lisbon | Treaty on the Functioning of the EUSummary One of Parliament’s main tools of political control vis-à-vis the EU executive is its capacity to establish Committees of

inquiry. This possibility, now formally recognised in Article 226 TFEU, has existed since 1981 but it has been scarcelyused by Parliament.

This study provides an analysis of Parliament’s right of inquiry as it stands after the entry into force of the LisbonTreaty, and examines how it has evolved since it was first introduced. It also compares Parliament’s right of inquirywith the investigatory powers of other European Union institutions and bodies, and with the rules governing the right ofinquiry of Member State parliaments. The study concludes with some proposals for reform.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR

Inquiries by Parliaments - The political use of a democratic rightPublication type Study

Date 16-03-2020External author Olivier ROZENBERG

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: LegalSystem and Acts

Keyword committee of inquiry | comparative analysis | European Parliament | national parliament | parliamentary inquiry |research report | Treaty of Lisbon

Summary Conducting in-depth investigations is an ancient and essential right of parliaments in Europe. Yet, despite a provisionof the Lisbon treaty, the European Parliament still has a limited institutional capacity to conduct inquiries. This study,commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at therequest of the AFCO Committee, discusses the theoretical basis of parliamentary investigation, compares recentcommittees of inquiries and develops recommendations for up-grading the European Parliament’s capacity.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 84

Committees of Inquiry in National Parliaments - Comparative SurveyPublication type Study

Date 16-03-2020Author PAVY Eeva

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: LegalSystem and Acts

Keyword committee of inquiry | comparative analysis | comparative study | EP Committee | EU Member State | nationalparliament | parliamentary inquiry | research report

Summary This survey, provided by the Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of theAFCO Committee, looks into the legal and administrative framework in which parliamentary committees of inquiryoperate in the EU Member States. It focuses, in particular, in the investigative powers these committees have at handto assist national parliaments in exercising parliamentary control. It also examines the role of Member States’parliamentary committees of inquiry in guiding the action of the government, enhancing transparency and eradicatingcontraventions and maladministration.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR

The Unified Patent Court after BrexitPublication type At a Glance

Date 11-03-2020Author BUX Udo

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Contract Law, Commercial Law and Company Law | EU Democracy,Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Intellectual Property Law | Internal Market andCustoms Union | Private international law and judicial cooperation in civil matters | Research Policy

Keyword European patent | Unified Patent Court | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EUSummary Great Britain has recently made known that it does not intend to apply the International Agreement on a Unified Patent

Court (UPCA).At a Glance EN

Women in parliamentsPublication type At a Glance

Date 25-02-2020Author PRPIC Martina | SABBATI Giulio

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Gender Issues, Equality and DiversityKeyword EU statistics | gender equality | national parliament | position of women

Summary This 'Women in parliaments' infographic provides information on the proportion of women in national parliaments,compares representation of women in national parliaments with their numbers in the European Parliament and showsthe number of women in the EP by political group. It also gives an overview of female representatives in the EP byMember State and outlines the gender quotas applicable to the 2019 EP elections. This is a further updated version ofan infographic of which the previous edition was published in December 2019, PE 646.110.

At a Glance EN

Size of Political Groups in the EP - February 2020Publication type At a Glance

Date 21-02-2020Author SABBATI Giulio

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword dissemination of EU information | graphic illustration | political group (EP)

Summary Our table shows the number of MEPs in each group, broken down by Member State, as well as the non-attached (NI)Members not in any group. The figures are supplied by our colleagues from the Members’ Administration Unit. Thisinfographic updates an earlier edition, of 5 July 2019, PE637.970.

At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 85

European arrest warrantPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 19-02-2020Author KIENDL KRISTO IVANA | VAN BALLEGOOIJ Wouter

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Budget | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law |EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Human Rights | Transposition andImplementation of Law

Keyword criminal procedure | European arrest warrant | extradition | framework decisionSummary The European Arrest Warrant has led to simplified and faster surrender procedures for suspects and sentenced

persons. However, trust in the system needs to be enhanced through proper implementation and further harmonisationof substantive and procedural criminal law.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, February 2020Publication type At a Glance

Date 14-02-2020Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area Coronavirus | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword European Central Bank | European Parliament | Frontex | gender equality | multiannual financial framework |

parliamentary debate | Poland | small and medium-sized enterprises | United Kingdom | United States | Vietnam |withdrawal from the EU

Summary Highlights of the February session included debates on a review of economic governance; the revised enlargementmethodology proposed by the Commission; a breach of Council Decision 2017/2074 concerning restrictive measuresin view of the situation in Venezuela; the current situation in Syria; on fighting against antisemitism, racism and hatredacross Europe; as well as on the ongoing threat to the rule of law in Poland. Members also adopted a resolution on theillegal trade in companion animals. They debated the state of play in the EU's fight against money laundering (in lightof the Luanda Leaks); the humanitarian situation of refugees at EU external borders; and the coronavirus outbreak.Members also voted on a resolution on EU priorities for the 64th session of the UN Commission on the Status ofWomen.

At a Glance EN

Parliament's right of legislative initiativePublication type Briefing

Date 12-02-2020Author KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and ActsKeyword drafting of EU law | legislative initiative | legislative power | power of initiative | powers of the institutions (EU)

Summary The European Commission has a near monopoly on legislative initiative in the European Union (EU), with specialinitiative rights for other institutions applying only in certain specific cases. However, the European Parliament and theCouncil may invite the Commission to submit legislative proposals. Whilst this 'indirect' initiative right does not createan obligation on the Commission to propose the legislation requested, the Treaty of Lisbon codified the Commission'sobligation to provide reasons for any refusal to follow a parliamentary initiative. Against this backdrop, some argue thatParliament could take the Commission to the Court of Justice of the EU if it fails to justify a negative decision. Otherssee Parliament's increasing participation in overall political planning – particularly through negotiations on theCommission's annual work programme (CWP) – as a further channel for Parliament to increase its influence on EUlegislation. It is thus argued that the increased role of Parliament in the legislative procedure should have reduced theneed for its Members to make use of legislative initiatives. Notwithstanding that, there is a trend towards greater use offormal parliamentary legislative initiatives to assert greater influence on the political process. Most recently, in herinaugural address in July 2019 and in her Political Guidelines, the then newly elected President of the EuropeanCommission, Ursula von der Leyen, pledged to strengthen the partnership with the European Parliament, inter alia, byresponding with a proposal for a legislative act whenever Parliament, acting by a majority of its members, adopts aresolution requesting that the Commission submit legislative proposals. She added that this commitment would have tobe in full respect of the proportionality, subsidiarity and better law-making principles. President von der Leyen alsodeclared herself supportive of moves towards recognition of a right for Parliament of legislative initiative. This briefingis an update of a European Parliament Library briefing from 2013, by Eva-Maria Poptcheva.

Briefing EN

Multimedia European Parliament’s legislative initiative

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 86

Clash of Cultures: Transnational Governance in Cold War Europe - EPRS Annual Lecture 2019Publication type Briefing

Date 06-02-2020External author This briefing has been written by Professor Dr Wolfram Kaiser of the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom, at the

request of the Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research Services (EPRS) of the Secretariat of the EuropeanParliament.

Policy area Culture | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Global GovernanceKeyword cultural difference | EU situation | governance | history of Europe | post-Cold War

Summary Wolfram Kaiser, a non-resident Visiting Fellow with the European Parliamentary Research Service, delivered theEPRS annual lecture in Brussels on 6 November 2019. In his lecture, he argued that the EU has been profoundlyshaped by three main notions and practices of transnational governance: the struggle for executive autonomy,practices of neo-corporatist concertation and consensus-seeking, and the vision to Europeanise parliamentarydemocracy by 'constitutionalising' what is now the EU. He sought to show how each has impacted on attempts tocreate transnational European democracy, and how they might actually have facilitated the far more aggressivecontestation of European union (with a small 'u').

Briefing EN

Digital democracy: Is the future of civic engagement online?Publication type Briefing

Date 05-02-2020Author SGUEO Gianluca

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword civil society | digital literacy | digital technology | electronic government | national | technological change

Summary Digital innovation is radically transforming democratic decision-making. Public administrations are experimenting withmobile applications (apps) to provide citizens with real-time information, using online platforms to crowdsource ideas,and testing algorithms to engage communities in day-to-day administration. The key question is what technologybreakthrough means for governance systems created long before digital disruption. On the one hand, policy-makersare hoping that technology can be used to legitimise the public sector, re-engage citizens in politics and combat civicapathy. Scholars, on the other hand, point out that, if the digitalisation of democracy is left unquestioned, the danger isthat the building blocks of democracy itself will be eroded. This briefing examines three key global trends that aredriving the on-going digitalisation of democratic decision-making. First are demographic patterns. These highlightgrowing global inequalities. Ten years from now, in the West the differentials of power among social groups will be onthe rise, whereas in Eastern countries democratic freedoms will be at risk of further decline. Second, a more urbanisedglobal population will make cities ideal settings for innovative approaches to democratic decision-making. Currentinstances of digital democracy being used at local level include blockchain technology for voting and onlinecrowdsourcing platforms. Third, technological advancements will cut the costs of civic mobilisation and pose newchallenges for democratic systems. Going forward, democratic decision-makers will be required to bridge digitalliteracy gaps, secure public structures from hacking, and to protect citizens' privacy.

Briefing EN

The 2019 ESPAS Conference: Some useful take-awaysPublication type At a Glance

Date 31-01-2020Author SCHMERTZING Leopold

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Education | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Foreign Affairs |Forward Planning | Public Health | Security and Defence | Social Policy

Keyword forward studies | geopolitics | higher education | interinstitutional relations (EU) | population ageing | populationforecast | social inequality

Summary What are the probable and less probable developments of ageing? How should university deal with the disrespect forfacts? Will we see a multipolar or poly-nodal world? What will be the main causes of inequality? What can governmentdo to prevent undesired futures? The 2019 ESPAS Conference was devoted to foresight, the disciplined exploration ofalternative futures and had some useful take-aways in these questions

At a Glance EN

Plenary round-up – Brussels, January II 2020Publication type At a Glance

Date 31-01-2020Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword European Parliament | parliamentary sitting

Summary The highlights of the January II plenary session included discussion and the vote on the agreement on the UnitedKingdom’s withdrawal from the EU, the ceremony to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and a debateon the von der Leyen Commission’s first work programme, for 2020. Parliament also debated the coronavirusoutbreak, the humanitarian situation on Greek islands, the strategy for sustainable mobility and transport, and the EU’sresponse to devastation following floods in Spain. It also debated statements on the rights of indigenous peoples andIndia’s Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019. Finally, Members adopted Parliament’s calendar of part-sessions for 2021and 2022.

At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 87

The von der Leyen Commission's priorities for 2019-2024Publication type Briefing

Date 28-01-2020Author BASSOT Etienne

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword candidate | democracy | digital economy | election programme | EU situation | European social policy | green economy

| political programme | President of the Commission | promotion of the European idea | technological changeSummary In her statements to the European Parliament in July and November 2019, as candidate for European Commission

President and President-elect respectively, Ursula von der Leyen outlined the six political priorities that would shapethe working programme of the European Commission over the next five years. While the former CommissionPresident, Jean-Claude Juncker, had claimed to lead a 'political Commission', his successor, Ursula von der Leyen,has pledged to lead a 'geopolitical Commission'. Such a Commission will have a political agenda in which reinforcingthe EU's role as a relevant international actor, and trying to shape a better global order through reinforcingmultilateralism, is to become a key priority ('A stronger Europe in the world'). The other main political priorities of theCommission are brought together under five broad headings: 'A European Green Deal', 'A Europe fit for the digitalage', 'An economy that works for people', 'A new push for European democracy', and 'Promoting the European way oflife'. Together they define the framework within which the Commission will act in the coming five years. The structureand working methods announced by von der Leyen show that her Commission will differ from its predecessors in anumber of ways.

Briefing EN

Agreement on the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the EUPublication type At a Glance

Date 24-01-2020Author CIRLIG Carmen-Cristina

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword ratification of an agreement | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EU

Summary On 29 January 2020, the European Parliament is set to vote on the recommendation to give consent to the treaty onthe withdrawal of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU), endorsed in its current version by EUleaders and the UK Prime Minister in October 2019. Parliament's consent, following the completion of the UK'sdomestic procedures for ratifying the agreement, will allow its entry into force on 1 February 2020. The UK will thencease its 47-year membership of the EU, although EU law will remain applicable to the UK during an 11 monthtransition period ending on 31 December 2020. If however Parliament were to deny consent, the UK would leave theEU without a deal on 1 February 2020, absent another extension of the Article 50 period.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Financing the EU's administration: Heading 7 of the 2021-2027 MFFPublication type Briefing

Date 24-01-2020Author LILYANOVA Velina

Policy area Budget | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword administrative expenditure (EU) | multiannual financial framework | staff regulations (EU)

Summary In May 2018, the European Commission published its proposal for the EU's long-term budget for 2021-2027, known asthe multiannual financial framework (MFF). The proposed next MFF is structured in 7 headings, encompassing 17policy clusters. The Commission has proposed a total budget of €1 134 583 million in current prices. The vast majorityof these funds – over 93 % – is dedicated to a variety of EU programmes, and is invested primarily in Member States,as well as partially in partner countries as external spending. The remaining funds cover the administrative expensesof the EU, an underlying cost of all EU activities. In the current MFF for 2014-2020, Heading 5 covers administration,while in the proposed 2021-2027 MFF, administrative costs will be funded under Heading 7, entitled 'European publicadministration'. While in other policy areas there is more significant restructuring, the heading that covers EUadministrative costs is comparable to that of the current MFF in size and structure. In its proposal for the futureHeading 7, the Commission upholds its view that, to ensure the smooth functioning of the Union, the EU budget mustfinance its administration adequately, particularly in view of the fact that the EU civil service has undergone twosuccessive and substantial reforms within a short time frame, in 2004 and 2014. The Commission proposal aims toensure that the EU can rely on a highly qualified administrative service, which respects a geographical and genderbalance. The proposal has been backed by the European Parliament. On the other hand, in its first draft 'negotiatingbox' including figures from December 2019, the Council proposed a 2.6 % cut to the allocations in the Commissionproposal and Parliament's position.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 88

EU Agencies and Conflicts of InterestsPublication type Study

Date 23-01-2020External author Ellen VOS, Natassa ATHANASIADOU, Laura DOHMEN

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Petitions to the European ParliamentKeyword administrative transparency | conflict of interest | EU office or agency | whistleblowing

Summary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the Committee on Petitions, takes stock and assesses the existing rules and policies onconflicts of interests in EU agencies and examines whether, and/or how, scrutiny can be improved and whether thereis a need to streamline and enhance the coherence of the various rules in place.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, FR

Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, January I 2020Publication type At a Glance

Date 17-01-2020Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword European Parliament | parliamentary sitting

Summary January highlights included statements on ongoing hearings on the rule of law under Article 7(1) of the Treaty onEuropean Union (EU) regarding Hungary and Poland; bushfires in Australia and climate change consequences; cross-border organised crime and its impact on free movement; a common charger for mobile radio equipment; the genderpay gap; and the 'Housing First' approach to address homelessness. Parliament also debated statements on thesituation in Iran and Iraq, in Libya, and in Venezuela following the illegal election of the new National AssemblyPresidency and Bureau. Members voted on annual reports on implementation of the common foreign and security, andforeign and defence policies. Members debated citizens' rights provisions in the UK Withdrawal Agreement. They alsovoted on a resolution on the European Green Deal, following their debate in December's special session – on the dayon which the Commission had itself adopted and presented its plans. In addition, His Majesty King Abdullah II ofJordan addressed a formal sitting of Parliament.

At a Glance EN

Using technology to 'co-create' EU policiesPublication type Briefing

Date 17-01-2020Author SGUEO Gianluca

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword impact of information technology | information technology applications | innovation | policymaking | transparency in

decision-makingSummary What will European Union (EU) decision-making look like in the next decade and beyond? Is technological progress

promoting more transparent, inclusive and participatory decision-making at EU level? Technology has dramaticallychanged both the number and quality of connections between citizens and public administrations. With technologicalprogress, citizens have gained improved access to public authorities through new digital communication channels.Innovative, tech-based, approaches to policy-making have become the subject of a growing debate betweenacademics and politicians. Theoretical approaches such as ‘CrowdLaw’, ‘Policy-Making 3.0’, ‘liquid’, ‘do-it-yourself’ or‘technical’ democracy and ‘democratic innovations’ share the positive outlook towards technology; and technology isseen as the medium through which policies can be ‘co-created’ by decision-makers and stakeholders. Co-creation ismutually beneficial. Decision-makers gain legitimacy by incorporating the skills, knowledge and expertise of citizens,who in turn have the opportunity to shape new policies according to their needs and expectations. EU institutions areat the forefront of experimentation with technologically innovative approaches to make decision-making moretransparent and accessible to stakeholders. Efforts in modernising EU participatory channels through technology haveevolved over time: from redressing criticism on democratic deficits, through fostering digital interactions withstakeholders, up to current attempts at designing policy-making in a friendly and participative manner. Whiletechnological innovation holds the promise of making EU policy-making even more participatory, it is not withoutchallenges. To begin with, technology is resource consuming. There are legal challenges associated with both over-and under-regulation of the use of technology in policy-making. Furthermore, technological innovation raises ethicalconcerns. It may increase inequality, for instance, or infringe personal privacy.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 89

The European Parliament after BrexitPublication type At a Glance

Date 14-01-2020Author GROSEK Kristina | SABBATI Giulio

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword allocation of seats | European Parliament | United Kingdom | vacant seat | withdrawal from the EU

Summary Once the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU becomes legally effective, 73 EP seats will become vacant.Twenty-seven of these seats will be re-distributed among 14 Member States. The remaining 46 seats would beavailable for potential EU enlargements and/or for the possible future creation of a transnational constituency.

At a Glance EN

Multimedia The European Parliament after Brexit

The European Parliament after Brexit

The European Parliament after Brexit

The European Parliament after Brexit

The European Parliament after Brexit

Policy Departments' Monthly Highlights - January 2020Publication type At a Glance

Date 13-01-2020Policy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Budget | Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional and

Parliamentary Law | Security and DefenceKeyword EU publication | parliamentary document | summarising

Summary The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments,including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

At a Glance EN

Ten issues to watch in 2020Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 06-01-2020Author BASSOT Etienne

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Budget | Democracy | Energy | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional andParliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Foreign Affairs | Forward Planning | Gender Issues, Equalityand Diversity | Research Policy

Keyword 5G | Arctic | biodiversity | democracy | electronic government | EU energy policy | EU environmental policy | EUmigration policy | multiannual financial framework | presidential election | United States | young person

Summary This is the fourth edition of an annual EPRS publication designed to identify and frame some of the key issues andpolicy areas that are likely to feature prominently on the political agenda of the European Union over the coming year.The topics analysed are biodiversity, EU policies for children, the 5G era, the price for energy transition, 'gamification'of EU democracy, finding solutions for asylum policy, the EU's long-term budget, climate action, the US elections, andthe Arctic.

In-Depth Analysis DE, EN, FR

Multimedia Ten issues to watch in 2020

Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, December 2019Publication type At a Glance

Date 20-12-2019Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword agenda | commemoration | common agricultural policy | cultural prize | European Ombudsman | European Parliament |

freedom of expression | Treaty of LisbonSummary The December plenary session highlights included the election of the European Ombudsman; commemoration of the

10th anniversary of the Lisbon Treaty and the Charter of Fundamental Rights becoming legally binding; and the awardof the 2019 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. Parliament adopted positions on the rule of law in Malta, followingthe murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, and on public discrimination and hate speech against LGBTI people, includingLGBTI-free zones. It also debated statements by the Vice-President of the European Commission/High Representativeof the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR/VP) on the humanitarian situation of the Uyghur in China andin Venezuela and Nicaragua, on the migration and refugee crisis, and on the violent crackdown on recent protests inIran. Debates took place, inter alia, on Commission and Council statements on: the 30th anniversary of the Romanianrevolution of December 1989; the post-2020 EU disability strategy; the COP25 outcome; animal welfare conditionsduring transport to third countries; and the US Trade Representative's announcement on France's digital service tax.Parliament also voted on appointments to the Executive Board of the European Central Bank.

At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 90

2019: A year of challenges and choices [What Think Tanks are thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 20-12-2019Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | International Trade | Research PolicyKeyword EU study report | summarising | think tank

Summary The European Parliament elections and formation of a new European Commission with new priorities, together with ageneral economic slowdown against the backdrop of the US-China trade conflict, to say nothing of Brexit, defined 2019as a year of tough choices in the context of old and new challenges. Those include efforts to fight climate change, thedefence of the rules-based international order, the advance of the digital revolution, the emerging debate over the EU’sstrategic sovereignty, and the need to re-define relations with the United Kingdom post-Brexit. This note offers links torecent selected commentaries, studies and reports from major international think tanks on the state of the EU in 2019and its outlook in several important areas.

Briefing EN

Priority dossiers under the Croatian EU Council PresidencyPublication type Briefing

Date 19-12-2019Author ATTARD LUCIENNE

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword Croatia | EU Council Presidency

Summary For the first time since joining the European Union in 2013, Croatia will hold the rotating Council Presidency from 1January to 30 June 2020. Croatia is a parliamentary, representative democratic republic, where the Prime Minister ofCroatia is the head of government in a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government and thePresident of Croatia. Legislative power is vested in the Croatian Parliament. The judiciary is independent of theexecutive and the legislature. Parliament adopted the current Constitution of Croatia on 22 December 1990 anddecided to declare independence from Yugoslavia on 25 May 1991. The Croatian Parliament is the unicameralrepresentative body of the citizens of the Republic of Croatia. Under the terms of the Croatian Constitution, the ‘Sabor’represents the people and is vested with legislative power. The Sabor is composed of 151 members elected for a four-year term based on direct, universal and equal suffrage by secret ballot. Seats are allocated according to the CroatianParliament electoral districts: 140 members of the parliament are elected in multi-seat constituencies, 8 from theminorities and 3 from the Croatian diaspora. Since 19 October 2016, the Prime Minister of Croatia is Mr AndrejPlenković. There are four deputy prime ministers: Davor Božinović, Zdravko Marić, Damir Krstičević and PredragŠtromar. The government ministers are from the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and the Croatian People's Party -Liberal Democrats (HNS), with two further ministers being independent politicians. The Croatian Democratic Union(Croatian: Hrvatska demokratska zajednica or HDZ, literally Croatian Democratic Community) is a liberal conservativepolitical party and the main centre-right political party in Croatia. It is one of the two major contemporary politicalparties in Croatia, along with the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SDP). It is currently the largest party in the Saborwith 55 seats.

Briefing EN

Council of the European Union: Facts and FiguresPublication type Briefing

Date 19-12-2019Author CHRISTIE Aidan | CLAROS GIMENO Eulalia

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword Council of the European Union | summarising

Summary This Council of the European Union: Facts and Figures briefing provides an overview of the role and powers of theCouncil as one part of the European Union's legislature (and its budgetary authority), in adopting (jointly with theEuropean Parliament) much of the EU's legislation and the EU annual budget. It describes the current arrangementsand the history of the Council's rotating presidency and 'trios', as well as the ten thematic configurations in whichMember State government ministers decide on the Council's policy positions. The publication provides statistics on thenumber of Council meetings and on attendance at those meetings (including the gender balance and seniority of thosepresent), on the legislative and non-legislative acts adopted by the Council and on the voting weights used when takingsuch decisions. Finally, it provides information on the Council's budget and its secretariat.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 91

Global Trendometer 2019Publication type Study

Date 18-12-2019Author KONONENKO Vadim | NOONAN EAMONN | RECHARD Daniele | SALM Christian | SCHMERTZING Leopold |

WINDLE-WEHRLE Jessica FreyaPolicy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | Economics and Monetary Issues | Environment | EU Democracy,

Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Forward Planning | Security and Defence | Social PolicyKeyword auditing | China | democracy | EU study report | European social policy | forward studies | life expectancy | North Africa

| social structure | space policySummary The new Global Trendometer examines topics ranging from deliberative democracy and the future of social policy in

Europe, to scenarios for Northern Africa, China's social credit system, the auditing of algorithms and space as a newfrontier.

Study EN

Multimedia Global Trendometer

Women in parliamentsPublication type At a Glance

Date 18-12-2019Author PRPIC Martina | SABBATI Giulio

External author CHAHRI, SamyPolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity

Keyword female worker | Member of Parliament | Member of the European Parliament | national parliament | statistics | womanSummary This 'Women in parliaments' infographic provides information on the proportion of women in national parliaments,

compares representation of women in national parliaments with their numbers in the European Parliament and showsthe number of women in the EP by political group. It also gives an overview of female representatives in the EP byMember State and outlines the gender quotas applicable to the EP elections in May 2019. This is a further updatedversion of an infographic of which the previous edition was published in February 2019.

At a Glance EN

Outcome of the meetings of EU leaders, 12-13 December 2019Publication type Briefing

Date 17-12-2019Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Ex-ante ImpactAssessment | Financial and Banking Issues | Foreign Affairs | Forward Planning | International Trade

Keyword climate change | European Council | multiannual financial framework | summit meetingSummary At the first European Council meeting chaired by the new President, Charles Michel, the main issues on the agenda

were climate change, the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), and the proposed Conference on the Future ofEurope. Regarding climate change, the European Council announced an agreement on the objective of achieving aclimate-neutral EU by 2050, despite the refusal of one Member State to commit to implementing this objective at thisstage. On the MFF, the European Council did not reach agreement, but mandated its President to take thenegotiations forward. The European Council also considered the idea of a Conference on the Future of Europe, andtasked the in-coming Croatian Council presidency to work towards defining a Council position on the matter, and onthat basis, to engage with the European Parliament and the Commission. EU leaders also discussed a wide range ofinternational issues, including relations with Turkey and Russia.

Briefing EN

Election of the European OmbudsmanPublication type At a Glance

Date 10-12-2019Author ATANASSOV Nikolai

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal Systemand Acts

Keyword appeal to the European Ombudsman | appointment of members | European Ombudsman | institutional activitySummary In December, the European Parliament is set to elect the European Ombudsman for the new parliamentary term

following a public hearing of the candidates by the Committee on Petitions (PETI). Five candidates are running:Giuseppe Fortunato (Italy), Ombudsman of the Campania Region; Julia Laffranque (Estonia), judge at the EuropeanCourt of Human Rights; Nils Muižnieks (Latvia), former Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe;Emily O'Reilly (Ireland), the incumbent Ombudsman (since 2014); and Cecilia Wikström (Sweden), former MEP andChair of the PETI committee.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 92

Outlook for the meetings of EU leaders on 12-13 December 2019Publication type Briefing

Date 09-12-2019Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area Budget | Economics and Monetary Issues | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law |Foreign Affairs

Keyword agenda | climate change | EU relations | European Council | head of government | head of State | multiannual financialframework | summit meeting | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EU

Summary The main issues on the agenda of the European Council are climate change and the Multiannual Financial Framework(MFF). EU leaders will also address the idea of a Conference on the Future of Europe, with the aim of developing ajoint position of Member States on the initiative. In addition, the European Council (Article 50) meeting is expected todiscuss the result of the general election in the UK (taking place on 12 December) and the likely consequences for theBrexit process, as well as preparations for the negotiations on future EU-UK relations. Finally, the Euro Summit willconcentrate on the revision of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) Treaty, the budgetary instrument forconvergence and competitiveness (BICC), and technical work on the strengthening of the banking union.

Briefing EN

Political Culture and Dynamics of the European Parliament, 1979-1989Publication type Study

Date 05-12-2019External author Schirmann, Sylvain; Wassenberg, Birte

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword composition of parliament | European Parliament | history of Europe | political culture | powers of parliament | powers

of the institutions (EU)Summary The election of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage in 1979 was a groundbreaking democratic event

in that it profoundly changed the character, composition and functioning of the Assembly and its political influence inthe institutional set-up of the European Community. The impact of this change extended to areas as diverse as theorganisation of parliamentary business, the workings of parliamentary committees and intergroups, increasedbudgetary powers, the socio-professional profile of MEPs, the role of political groups, relations between MEPs and theAdministration, changes in the Secretariat's establishment plan, relations with lobbyists, communication policy, theAssembly's activities in the context of the European Community's values and interinstitutional relations.

Study DE, EN, FR

The European Council under the Lisbon Treaty: How has the institution evolved since 2009?Publication type Study

Date 04-12-2019Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | Economics and Monetary Issues | Employment | Environment |EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Foreign Affairs | Security andDefence

Keyword European Council | historical account | institutional activity | Treaty of LisbonSummary On 1 December 2009, with the coming into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, the European Council became a formal EU

institution. Ten years later, the European Council is seen by many as representing the centre of gravity of the EU'sinstitutional framework. However, was this development purely the result of the changes to the Treaties made withLisbon or did it happen naturally over time? This study analyses both the formal changes brought about by the LisbonTreaty and the incremental evolution resulting from the institution's day-to-day practice, including the EuropeanCouncil's behaviour during the various crises of the last decade. It outlines the responsibilities envisaged for theEuropean Council in the Treaty and the informal roles it has taken on over time. It explores the extent to which theLisbon Treaty changed the functioning of the European Council, and how EU leaders themselves tried to optimise theworking methods of their institution. Special attention is to the new position of full-time European Council President andthe way in which the first two incumbents have interpreted their office. The analysis concludes that, while the EU’svarious crises strongly contributed to the rise of the European Council, the Lisbon Treaty united two previouslyseparate dimensions – the political and the legal, formally adding new competences to the role already performed bythe EU Heads of State or Government. Many of these competences have yet to be fully exploited and represent a richseam of unused Treaty potential for the future.

Study EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 93

Preparing the Conference on the Future of EuropePublication type Briefing

Date 03-12-2019Author KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and ActsKeyword citizens' Europe | conference proceedings | development plan | forward studies | public consultation

Summary After the many debates and declarations of principles on the future of Europe of recent years, the time for a morestructured reflection on the future of Europe's development has arrived. The new President of the EuropeanCommission, Ursula von der Leyen has pledged to establish a Conference on the Future of Europe, in an effort to givenew impulse to European construction and bring Europe closer to citizens. At this stage, details of this initiative are stillup for discussion. For Dubravka Šuica, the Commissioner who will take charge of the process, the inclusion of allcitizens' voices will be an essential characteristic of the Conference. However, how to ensure that European citizensare properly represented remains to be clarified. Preparation of the Conference, in von der Leyen's approach, willfollow three steps: first, the elaboration of the concept, structure, timing and scope with Parliament and Council; then,design of a means to ensure that citizens participate as much as possible, including by fostering online participation foryounger people; and last, making sure that appropriate follow-up is provided to the actions agreed by the Conference.The Parliament has created a working group to contribute to the design of the Conference, in particular in respect of itsstructure, with a view to a vote in plenary. Parliament's Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) has also launcheddiscussions, confirming the eagerness of Parliament and its political bodies to play an active part from the beginning ofthis process. The Conference on the Future of Europe should be an excellent opportunity to engage in more structureddebate, with the intention to find concrete proposals to improve the way in which the EU works not only in terms ofinstitutional dynamics, but also of its policies. Some have however cautioned that the initiative needs to be carried outwith the utmost care, in particular on the follow-up to be given to its outcomes, so that it can remain a meaningfulendeavour.

Briefing EN

Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, November II 2019Publication type At a Glance

Date 29-11-2019Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword agenda | climate change policy | EU budget | European Commission | European Parliament | fight against crime |

international convention | sexual violenceSummary The November II plenary session highlights included the vote on the new European Commission, agreement on the

2020 budget, and Parliament's declaration of a climate emergency. Parliament adopted positions on preparation forCOP25, and on the Istanbul Convention, and also debated statements by the Vice-President of the EuropeanCommission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR/VP) on EasternNeighbourhood developments, on the situation in Israel and Palestine, and on the situation in the Middle East,including the crises in Iran, Iraq and Lebanon. Debates took place, inter alia, on Commission and Council statementson: the 30th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution; on the EU response to the impact of extreme weather events; ondiscrimination and hate speech against LGBTI people; on the World Trade Organization Appellate Body; as well as onthe protection of forest and environmental defenders in the EU. The 2019 Lux Prize, which tells the story of a youngwoman's feminist struggle in conservative North Macedonian society, was awarded to God Exists, Her Name IsPetrunija, directed by Teona Strugar Mitevska.

At a Glance EN

The European Council in 2018Publication type Study

Date 27-11-2019External author Dinan, Desmond

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional andParliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Foreign Affairs

Keyword activity report | European Council | summarisingSummary Two issues preoccupied the European Council in 2018: Brexit and migration. Whereas Brexit was an issue on which

leaders of the EU27 could agree, migration was extremely divisive. Other issues of concern to the European Councilincluded reform of Economic and Monetary Union, relations with the United States, and possible EU enlargement inthe Western Balkans.

Study EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 94

Vote of investiture for the CommissionPublication type At a Glance

Date 22-11-2019Author DIAZ CREGO Maria

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword appointment of members | European Commission

Summary On 27 November 2019, the European Parliament is expected to vote on the von der Leyen Commission as a whole.This would be one of the final steps in an investiture process that started in May 2019, following the Europeanelections. If the Commission obtains Parliament's consent – by a majority of the votes cast by roll call – the EuropeanCouncil will then appoint its members by qualified majority, finally allowing the new Commission to take up its duties,expected to be on 1 December 2019.

At a Glance EN

Parliamentary hearings of the Commissioners-designate: An analysis of the portfolios of the von derLeyen Commission

Publication type BriefingDate 22-11-2019

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword appointment of members | European Commissioner | public hearing

Summary This compendium brings together a set of Briefings prepared by the European Parliamentary Research Service(EPRS) to assist Members of the European Parliament in gaining an overview of the parliamentary hearings ofCommissioners-designate, which took place in early October 2019, as well as additional hearings in November. Thesepublic hearings form the backdrop to Parliament's confirmation vote on the College of Commissioners put forward byUrsula von der Leyen, following her own election as Commission President by the European Parliament in July 2019.In addition to an overview of the process, setting it in its historical and political context, this volume contains a briefingon each of the Commissioners-designate and their portfolios. Each of these briefings highlights some of the key issuesand recent developments in the portfolio, as well as recalling the Parliament's activity in the area in the lastparliamentary term.

Briefing EN

Commitments made at the hearing of Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Vice-President-designate - InterinstitutionalRelations and Foresight

Publication type BriefingDate 22-11-2019

Author Mussa Giorgio | PANIZZA RobertaPolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Petitions to the European

ParliamentKeyword appointment of members | comitology | European Commissioner | European Parliament | interinstitutional relations

(EU) | oral question | petition | policymaking | public hearing | regulatory policy | transparency in decision-making |Treaty on the Functioning of the EU

Summary This briefing includes a series of quotes, which make reference to the oral commitments made during the hearing ofVice-President-designate for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight Maroš Šefčovič.

Briefing EN

Commitments made at the hearing of Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President-designate - Promoting theEuropean Way of Life

Publication type BriefingDate 22-11-2019

Author HERIARD PIERRE MARIE | ISKRA Katarzyna Anna | SOKOLSKA INAPolicy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Culture | Democracy | Education | Employment | EU Democracy, Institutional

and Parliamentary Law | Foreign Affairs | Forward Planning | Human Rights | Security and Defence | Social PolicyKeyword appointment of members | common security and defence policy | cultural pluralism | education policy | EU migration

policy | EU programme | European Commissioner | European Parliament | integration of migrants | oral question |public hearing | vocational training

Summary The Vice President-designate, Margaritis Schinas, appeared before the European Parliament on 03 October 2019 toanswer questions from MEPs in the Committees on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, Culture and Education,Employment and Social Affairs. During the hearing, he made a number of commitments which are highlighted in thisdocument. These commitments refer to his portfolio, as described in the mission letter sent to him by Ursula von derLeyen, President-elect of the European Commission, including:- Skills, education and integration;- Finding common ground on migration; and- Security Union.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 95

Commitments made at the hearing of Dubravka ŠUICA, Vice-President-designate - Democracy andDemography

Publication type BriefingDate 22-11-2019

Author PAVY EevaPolicy area Democracy | Employment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Keyword appointment of members | democracy | demography | EU statistics | European Commissioner | European Parliament |European social policy | Eurostat | oral question | population ageing | public hearing | rural region

Summary The Vice President-designate, Dubravka Šuica, appeared before the European Parliament on 03 October 2019 toanswer questions from MEPs in the Committees on Constitutional affairs and Employment and social affairs. Duringthe hearing, she made a number of commitments which are highlighted in this document. These commitments refer toher portfolio, as described in the mission letter sent to her by Ursula von der Leyen, President-elect of the EuropeanCommission, including:- Conference on the Future of Europe; and- Supporting Europe through the demographic transition.

Briefing EN

Commitments made at the hearing of Věra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President-designate - Values andTransparency

Publication type BriefingDate 22-11-2019

Author MARZOCCHI Ottavio | PAVY EevaPolicy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Petitions to the

European ParliamentKeyword appointment of members | democracy | disinformation | European citizens' initiative | European Commissioner |

European Parliament | oral question | pluralism in the media | public hearing | rights of the individual | rule of law |transparency in decision-making

Summary The Vice President-designate, Věra Jourová, appeared before the European Parliament on 07 October 2019 to answerquestions from MEPs in the Committees on Constitutional affairs, Civil liberties, justice and home affairs, and Legalaffairs. During the hearing, she made a number of commitments which are highlighted in this document. Thesecommitments refer to her portfolio, as described in the mission letter sent to her by Ursula von der Leyen, President-elect of the European Commission, including: á- Strengthening democracy and transparency; and- Upholding Europe’s values and rights.

Briefing EN

Plenary round-up – Brussels, November I 2019Publication type At a Glance

Date 15-11-2019Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword Bosnia and Herzegovina | children's rights | collective memory | commemoration | migration policy | parliamentary

sittingSummary The November I plenary session highlights included statements and debates on the 30th anniversary of the fall of the

Berlin Wall and on the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Parliamentalso debated statements made by the Vice-President of the European Commission/High Representative of the Unionfor Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR/VP) on Turkish drilling activities in European Union waters in the EasternMediterranean, and on the situation in Bolivia and in Chile. Debates took place, inter alia, on Commission and Councilstatements on the international day to end impunity for crimes against journalists, on the resurgence of Ebola in EastAfrica, as well as on the situation of migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina and on the hotspots in Greek islands.

At a Glance EN

Hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Adina-Ioana Vălean - TransportPublication type Briefing

Date 11-11-2019Author PAPE Marketa

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | TransportKeyword appointment of members | European Commissioner | public hearing | transport policy

Summary This briefing is one in a set looking at the Commissioners-designate and their portfolios as put forward by CommissionPresident-elect Ursula von der Leyen. Each candidate faces a three-hour public hearing, organised by one or moreparliamentary committees. After that process, those committees will judge the candidates' suitability for the role basedon 'their general competence, European commitment and personal independence', as well as their 'knowledge of theirprospective portfolio and their communication skills'. At the end of the hearings process, Parliament votes on theproposed Commission as a bloc, and under the Treaties may only reject the entire College of Commissioners, ratherthan individual candidates. The Briefing provides an overview of key issues in the portfolio areas, as well asParliament's activity in the last term in that field. It also includes a brief introduction to the candidate.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 96

Hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Olivér Várhelyi - Neighbourhood and EnlargementPublication type Briefing

Date 11-11-2019Author STANICEK BRANISLAV

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Foreign AffairsKeyword appointment of members | enlargement of the Union | European Commissioner | European neighbourhood policy |

public hearingSummary This briefing is one in a set looking at the Commissioners-designate and their portfolios as put forward by Commission

President-elect Ursula von der Leyen. Each candidate faces a three-hour public hearing, organised by one or moreparliamentary committees. After that process, those committees will judge the candidates' suitability for the role basedon 'their general competence, European commitment and personal independence', as well as their 'knowledge of theirprospective portfolio and their communication skills'. At the end of the hearings process, Parliament votes on theproposed Commission as a bloc, and under the Treaties may only reject the entire College of Commissioners, ratherthan individual candidates. The Briefing provides an overview of key issues in the portfolio areas, as well asParliament's activity in the last term in that field. It also includes a brief introduction to the candidate.

Briefing EN

European Parliament and the path to German reunificationPublication type At a Glance

Date 05-11-2019Author SALM Christian

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword commemoration | German Democratic Republic | Germany | national unification | relations between the two German

States | unification of GermanySummary This year marks the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, set in motion by the events of 9 November 1989,

which led to Germany’s full reunification within less than a year. The accession of the German Democratic Republic(GDR) to the Federal Republic of Germany (Federal Republic) completed the reunification process on 3 October 1990.Moreover, with the accession of the former GDR to the Federal Republic, the GDR integrated into the EuropeanEconomic Community (EEC) of the time via a special procedure. As the GDR's status as a subject of international lawended with its accession to the Federal Republic, a normal EEC Treaty accession procedure was not possible. TheEuropean Parliament followed the chain of profound political developments triggered by the fall of the Berlin Wallclosely.

At a Glance EN

The powers of the European ParliamentPublication type Briefing

Date 04-11-2019Author TILINDYTE-HUMBURG Laura

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword agreement (EU) | appointment of members | drafting of EU law | EU budget | European Commission | European

Parliament | history of Europe | interinstitutional relations (EU) | parliamentary scrutiny | powers of the institutions (EU)Summary Since its inception in 1951, the European Parliament has come a long way. Initially a consultative body composed of

delegations of national parliaments, it became a directly elected institution, obtained budgetary and legislative powers,and now exercises influence over most aspects of EU affairs. Together with representatives of national governments,who sit in the Council, Parliament co-decides on European legislation, in what could be seen as a bicameral legislatureat EU level. It can reject or amend the European Commission's proposals before adopting them so that they becomelaw. Together with the Council of the EU, it adopts the EU budget and controls its implementation. Another core set ofEuropean Parliament prerogatives concerns the scrutiny of the EU executive – mainly the Commission. Such scrutinycan take many forms, including parliamentary questions, committees of inquiry and special committees, and scrutiny ofdelegated and implementing acts. Parliament has made use of these instruments to varying degrees. Parliament hasthe power to dismiss the Commission (motion of censure), and it plays a significant role in the latter's appointmentprocess. Parliament has a say over the very foundations of the EU. Its consent is required before any new countryjoins the EU, and before a withdrawal treaty is concluded if a country decides to leave it. Most internationalagreements entered into by the EU with third countries also require Parliament's consent. Parliament can initiateTreaty reform, and also the 'Article 7(1) TEU' procedure, aimed at determining whether there is a (risk of) seriousbreach of EU values by a Member State.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 97

Global and regional trendsPublication type Briefing

Date 25-10-2019Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal Systemand Acts | Security and Defence

Keyword economy | energy policy | EU study report | interinstitutional cooperation (EU) | policy analysis | politics | technologySummary The European Union’s key institutions held a joint annual conference on 14-15 October entitled ‘Challenges and

Choices for Europe.’ The annual event was organised under the auspices of the European Strategy and PolicyAnalysis System (ESPAS), which is a framework for cooperation between the administrations of the EuropeanParliament, European Commission, Council of the European Union, European External Action Service and otherbodies, to work together on medium- and long-term trends facing or relating to the European Union.

Briefing EN

European Parliament: Facts and FiguresPublication type Briefing

Date 25-10-2019Author SABBATI Giulio

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword European Parliament | institutional activity | institutional structure | report

Summary This Briefing, published by the European Parliamentary Research Service, is designed to provide key facts and figuresabout the European Parliament, both in the 2019 to 2024 parliamentary term now starting - and in the eight previousterms since direct elections were introduced in June 1979. It includes graphics of various kinds which: • detail thecomposition of the European Parliament now and in the past; • trace the increase in the number of parties representedin the EP and evolution of political groups; • chart the rise in the number of women sitting in the Parliament; • explainthe electoral systems used in the 2019 elections to the Parliament across the Member States; • show how turnout inEuropean elections compares with that in national elections; • summarise the activity of the Parliament in the currentand previous five-year terms; • outline the composition of the Parliament’s committees and governing bodies. TheBriefing will be updated regularly over the coming term to take account of latest developments.

Briefing ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, NL, PL

Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, October II 2019Publication type At a Glance

Date 24-10-2019Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword accession negotiations | budgetary discharge | common foreign and security policy | Council of the European Union |

European Asylum Support Office | European Commission | European Council | general budget (EU) | parliamentarysitting | Syria | Turkey | withdrawal from the EU

Summary The October II plenary session highlights included statements and debates on the outcome of the European Councilmeeting of 17 and 18 October 2019, and a review of the Juncker Commission's term. Parliament also debatedstatements made on behalf of the Vice-President of the European Commission/High Representative of the Union forForeign Affairs and Security Policy (HR/VP) on the Turkish military operation in north-east Syria and its consequences,and on the violent suppression of young people's and students' protests in Iraq. Debates took place, inter alia, onCommission and Council statements on the effects of the Thomas Cook bankruptcy, on the dangers of violent right-wing extremism, on criminalisation of sexual education in Poland and on storms in Europe, followed by debates onaccession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania. Members declined to approve the 2017 accounts of theEuropean Asylum Support Office (EASO) and European Council/Council, and adopted Parliament's position on thegeneral budget of the EU for 2020, which now goes to conciliation.

At a Glance EN

Commission as 'caretaker administration'Publication type At a Glance

Date 24-10-2019Author DEL MONTE Micaela | KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword appointment of members | European Commissioner | public hearing

Summary The hearings of the Commissioners-designate before the European Parliament’s committees took place between 30September and 8 October 2019. The plenary vote on the entire Commission was originally planned for 23 October inStrasbourg, after a presentation by the Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen of the full College and itsprogramme. However, three Commissioners-designate did not successfully complete the hearings process, making itnecessary for three Member States to nominate new candidates and for committees to carry out new hearings. Thenew Commission will not, therefore, now be able to enter into office on 1 November, as scheduled. The outgoingCommission will thus remain in office until the formal appointment of its replacement, although questions arise as to itspowers in that period.

At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 98

The revised Brexit deal: What has changed and next steps?Publication type Briefing

Date 22-10-2019Author CIRLIG Carmen-Cristina

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword negotiation of an agreement (EU) | ratification of an agreement | revision of an agreement | United Kingdom |

withdrawal from the EUSummary Brexit talks between the EU and the UK had reached a standstill in spring 2019, with the House of Commons refusing

to vote in favour of the negotiated withdrawal agreement, including a Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. The new UKgovernment led by Boris Johnson, who came into office on 24 July, made a priority of finalising preparations for leavingthe EU without a deal on 31 October 2019, unless the EU was willing to renounce the ‘backstop’ included in theProtocol. However, the EU continued to restate its opposition to removing what it considered a legally operationalsafety net that would prevent a future hard border on the island of Ireland, in the absence of concrete proposals fromthe UK. At the beginning of October 2019, the UK government sent its proposals on revising the above-mentionedprotocol, which were received with a measure of concern by the EU and other stakeholders. Discussions aimed atbridging the gap between the UK and EU positions were stepped up and, after a series of concessions, the EU and UKannounced they had reached a revised withdrawal agreement, which was then immediately endorsed by the EuropeanCouncil on 17 October 2019. With only days to go until 31 October 2019, the date on which the UK is set to leave theEU, completing the ratification procedures to allow the withdrawal agreement's entry into force on 1 November is goingto be a challenge. Whereas on the EU side no major obstacles are foreseen, in the UK, the House of Commonsdecided on 19 October to withhold approval for the revised deal until Parliament passes the related implementinglegislation. Required by law to send the EU a request for an extension of the Article 50 period until 31 January 2020,the UK Prime Minister is nonetheless still aiming to fulfil all the necessary steps for the ratification of the withdrawalagreement to allow its entry into force on 1 November. This is also the stated aim of the European Union, although ifthe European Council were to decide in favour of granting an Article 50 extension, following the UK request, thatdecision would have to be taken before the end of October.

Briefing EN

Outcome of the European Council (Article 50) meeting on 17 October 2019Publication type Briefing

Date 22-10-2019Author BACIAN Izabela Cristina

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Internal Market and Customs Union | International TradeKeyword European Council | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EU

Summary Leaders of the 27 EU Member States endorsed the agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from theEuropean Union with a revised Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, as well as a revised political declaration on theframework of the future EU-UK relationship. They invited the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council totake steps to ensure the entry into force of the withdrawal agreement by 1 November 2019. Following postponement ofthe House of Commons vote to approve the deal, President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, will consult the EU-27 Heads of State or Government as to whether to agree to the request he received on 19 October for an extension ofthe Article 50 negotiation period to 31 January 2020.

Briefing EN

Review of the Juncker CommissionPublication type At a Glance

Date 17-10-2019Author RADJENOVIC Anja

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword EU policy | EU strategy | European Commission

Summary Prior to his election as President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker set out the policy priorities thatwould serve as the political mandate for the Commission's 2014-2019 term of office. Although the new Commission willnot take office on 1 November as scheduled, Juncker is due to make a statement during the October II plenary sessionon his term as President, and a debate will review the work of his Commission.

At a Glance EN

Western Balkans: State of play in the European CouncilPublication type Briefing

Date 17-10-2019Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | ForeignAffairs

Keyword enlargement of the Union | European cooperation | European Council | migration | terrorism | Treaty of Lisbon |Western Balkans

Summary The Western Balkans have regularly featured on the agenda of the European Council since the entry into force of theLisbon Treaty in December 2009. Three dimensions – enlargement, counter-terrorism and migration – have been atthe centre of the EU leaders' discussion of the subject. The European Commission recommended twice in the last twoyears the opening of accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia. In the absence of an agreement at the15 October 2019 General Affairs Council, the decision on whether to open accession negotiations with the twocountries now lies with the European Council.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 99

Key issues in the European Council - State of play in October 2019Publication type Study

Date 16-10-2019Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | BACIAN Izabela Cristina | DRACHENBERG Ralf | VUKOVIC MARKO

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Development and HumanitarianAid | Economics and Monetary Issues | Education | Employment | Energy | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutionaland Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Financial and Banking Issues | Foreign Affairs | InternalMarket and Customs Union | International Trade | Research Policy | Security and Defence | Social Policy

Keyword common foreign and security policy | economic policy | employment policy | EU environmental policy | EU policy | EUstrategy | European Council

Summary This EPRS publication, 'Key issues in the European Council', which will be updated quarterly to coincide withEuropean Council meetings, aims to provide an overview of the institution’s activities on major EU issues. It analysesnine policy areas, explaining the legal and political background and the main priorities and orientations defined by theEuropean Council. It also assesses the results of European Council involvement to date and identifies futurechallenges in the various policy fields.

Study EN

European Council conclusions:A rolling check-list of commitments to datePublication type Study

Date 16-10-2019Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | BACIAN Izabela Cristina | DRACHENBERG Ralf | VUKOVIC MARKO

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Development and HumanitarianAid | Economics and Monetary Issues | Education | Employment | Energy | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutionaland Parliamentary Law | Financial and Banking Issues | Foreign Affairs | Internal Market and Customs Union |International Trade | Research Policy | Security and Defence | Social Policy

Keyword common foreign and security policy | economic policy | EU employment policy | EU policy | EU strategy | EuropeanCouncil

Summary The role of the European Council – to 'provide the Union with the necessary impetus for its development' and to defineits 'general political directions and priorities' – has evolved rapidly over the last decade. Since June 2014, theEuropean Council Oversight Unit within the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), the EuropeanParliament's in-house research service and think tank, has been monitoring and analysing the European Council'sdelivery on commitments made in the conclusions of its meetings. This overview of European Council conclusions isthe latest edition of the Rolling Check-List which has been published regularly by the European Council Oversight Unitsince 2014. It is designed to review the degree of progress in achieving the goals that the European Council has setitself and to assist the Parliament in exercising its important oversight role in this field.

Study EN

Outlook for the European Council (Article 50) meeting on 17 October 2019Publication type Briefing

Date 16-10-2019Author BACIAN Izabela Cristina

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Internal Market and Customs Union | International TradeKeyword European Council | summit meeting | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EU

Summary The October European Council meeting will represent an important point on the timeline of negotiations on UnitedKingdom’s withdrawal from the EU as leaders will be taking stock of the situation before the end of the extensionperiod on 31 October 2019. This briefing provides an overview of European Council guidelines and decisions taken toprovide direction to the negotiations since the UK’s formal notification of withdrawal on 29 March 2017.

Briefing EN

Plenary round-up – Brussels, October I 2019Publication type At a Glance

Date 10-10-2019Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area Budget | Employment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Public Health | Social PolicyKeyword amending budget | common foreign and security policy | EU budget | EU employment policy | European social policy |

parliamentary sittingSummary Highlights of the October I plenary session included statements and debates on the preparation of the European

Council meeting of 17 and 18 October 2019, on greening the European Investment Bank (EIB), in the presence of theBank's president, and on how to prevent conflicts of interest in the EU. Parliament also debated statements made bythe Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy(HR/VP) on the situation in northern Syria and Ukraine. Debates took place on Council and Commission statements onthe Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 and own resources. Finally, Members discussed Commissionstatements on United States tariffs on European goods following the World Trade Organization's Airbus disputedecision, on authorisation of genetically modified organisms, and on the fight against cancer.

At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 100

Origins of the 2019-24 EU Strategic Agenda: The Future of Europe debate and the Sibiu EuropeanCouncil

Publication type StudyDate 10-10-2019

Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | DRACHENBERG RalfPolicy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Foreign Affairs | Forward

Planning | Security and DefenceKeyword EU policy | EU strategy | European Council | European integration | Sibiu | summit meeting

Summary The Sibiu Summit of 9 May 2019 and the subsequent adoption of the 2019-24 Strategic Agenda on 20 June 2019constitute the end of the Future of Europe debate (at least in its current iteration), which was initiated following theJune 2016 UK referendum on EU membership. Throughout the Future of Europe process, EU Heads of State orGovernment reiterated three core messages that also featured prominently in all the milestone documents: the needfor unity, priority to EU citizens, and focus on (policy) delivery. Moreover, the three policy priorities – migration, securityand the economy – identified in the Bratislava Declaration, have been the focus over the entire period of the Future ofEurope process (June 2016 to June 2019), forming the European Council's 'rolling agenda' of policy priorities.

Study EN

Brexit: Make or break? [What Think Tanks are thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 04-10-2019Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword external border of the EU | internal border of the EU | Northern Ireland | political crisis | report | think tank | third country

| United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EUSummary The British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has presented a draft text to replace the 'Irish backstop', with the aim of

reaching agreement with the other 27 EU leaders on the United Kingdom's orderly withdrawal from the EU in thecoming weeks. While the UK withdrawal is currently scheduled for 31 October, the UK Parliament has adoptedlegislation obliging Johnson to seek a delay in that date, if no deal is reached by 19 October. But with British politics inturmoil, it remains unclear if the Prime Minister will comply, or, if he does, whether the EU will agree. Economists warnthat the UK's disorderly departure from the EU is likely to have damaging consequences for supply chains in trade andproduction, transport, the supply of medicines and many other areas. This note offers links to a series of most recentcommentaries and reports from major international think tanks and research institutes on Brexit.

Briefing EN

Understanding European Parliament delegationsPublication type At a Glance

Date 26-09-2019Author BENTZEN Naja

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Foreign AffairsKeyword diplomatic relations | EP delegation | interparliamentary delegation

Summary Members of the European Parliament form official groups – delegations – with ties to regions and organisations, aswell as parliaments, in non-EU countries. Parliament has expanded its impact EU in foreign policy in recent decades,and its delegations are a key component of its diplomatic work.

At a Glance EN

Hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Virginijus Sinkevičius - Environment, Oceans and FisheriesPublication type Briefing

Date 26-09-2019Author HALLEUX Vivienne | POPESCU Irina

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law |Fisheries | Food Safety | Public Health

Keyword appointment of members | environmental protection | European Commissioner | fisheries policy | ocean | public hearingSummary This briefing is one in a set looking at the Commissioners-designate and their portfolios as put forward by Commission

President-elect Ursula von der Leyen. Each candidate faces a three-hour public hearing, organised by one or moreparliamentary committees. After that process, those committees will judge the candidates' suitability for the role basedon 'their general competence, European commitment and personal independence', as well as their 'knowledge of theirprospective portfolio and their communication skills'. At the end of the hearings process, Parliament votes on theproposed Commission as a bloc, and under the Treaties may only reject the entire College of Commissioners, ratherthan individual candidates. The Briefing provides an overview of key issues in the portfolio areas, as well asParliament's activity in the last term in that field. It also includes a brief introduction to the candidate.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 101

Hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Dubravka Šuica – Vice-President: Democracy andDemography

Publication type BriefingDate 26-09-2019

Author KISS MonikaPolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | Social Policy

Keyword appointment of members | candidate | consent procedure | democracy | demography | dissemination of EU information| EP Committee | European Commissioner | parliamentary procedure | social rights | summarising | vice-president of aninstitution

Summary This briefing is one in a set looking at the Commissioners-designate and their portfolios as put forward by CommissionPresident-elect Ursula von der Leyen. Each candidate faces a three-hour public hearing, organised by one or moreparliamentary committees. After that process, those committees will judge the candidates' suitability for the role basedon 'their general competence, European commitment and personal independence', as well as their 'knowledge of theirprospective portfolio and their communication skills'. At the end of the hearings process, Parliament votes on theproposed Commission as a bloc, and under the Treaties may only reject the entire College of Commissioners, ratherthan individual candidates. The Briefing provides an overview of key issues in the portfolio areas, as well asParliament's activity in the last term in that field. It also includes a brief introduction to the candidate.

Briefing EN

Hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Kadri Simson - EnergyPublication type Briefing

Date 26-09-2019Author WILSON Alex Benjamin

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Energy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Industry |Research Policy

Keyword appointment of members | candidate | consent procedure | dissemination of EU information | energy efficiency | EPCommittee | EU energy policy | European Commissioner | gas supply | parliamentary procedure | renewable energy |summarising

Summary This briefing is one in a set looking at the Commissioners-designate and their portfolios as put forward by CommissionPresident-elect Ursula von der Leyen. Each candidate faces a three-hour public hearing, organised by one or moreparliamentary committees. After that process, those committees will judge the candidates' suitability for the role basedon 'their general competence, European commitment and personal independence', as well as their 'knowledge of theirprospective portfolio and their communication skills'. At the end of the hearings process, Parliament votes on theproposed Commission as a bloc, and under the Treaties may only reject the entire College of Commissioners, ratherthan individual candidates. The Briefing provides an overview of key issues in the portfolio areas, as well asParliament's activity in the last term in that field. It also includes a brief introduction to the candidate.

Briefing EN

Hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Jutta Urpilainen - International PartnershipsPublication type Briefing

Date 26-09-2019Author LATEK Marta | PICHON Eric

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Development and Humanitarian Aid | EU Democracy, Institutional andParliamentary Law

Keyword appointment of members | candidate | common foreign and security policy | consent procedure | development aid |dissemination of EU information | EP Committee | European Commissioner | parliamentary procedure | summarising |sustainable development | the EU's international role

Summary This briefing is one in a set looking at the Commissioners-designate and their portfolios as put forward by CommissionPresident-elect Ursula von der Leyen. Each candidate faces a three-hour public hearing, organised by one or moreparliamentary committees. After that process, those committees will judge the candidates' suitability for the role basedon 'their general competence, European commitment and personal independence', as well as their 'knowledge of theirprospective portfolio and their communication skills'. At the end of the hearings process, Parliament votes on theproposed Commission as a bloc, and under the Treaties may only reject the entire College of Commissioners, ratherthan individual candidates. The Briefing provides an overview of key issues in the portfolio areas, as well asParliament's activity in the last term in that field. It also includes a brief introduction to the candidate.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 102

Hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Janez Lenarčič - Crisis ManagementPublication type Briefing

Date 26-09-2019Author D'AMBROGIO Enrico

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Development and Humanitarian Aid | EU Democracy, Institutional andParliamentary Law

Keyword appointment of members | candidate | consent procedure | crisis management | dissemination of EU information |ECHO | EP Committee | EU migration policy | European Commissioner | humanitarian aid | parliamentary procedure |summarising

Summary This briefing is one in a set looking at the Commissioners-designate and their portfolios as put forward by CommissionPresident-elect Ursula von der Leyen. Each candidate faces a three-hour public hearing, organised by one or moreparliamentary committees. After that process, those committees will judge the candidates' suitability for the role basedon 'their general competence, European commitment and personal independence', as well as their 'knowledge of theirprospective portfolio and their communication skills'. At the end of the hearings process, Parliament votes on theproposed Commission as a bloc, and under the Treaties may only reject the entire College of Commissioners, ratherthan individual candidates. The Briefing provides an overview of key issues in the portfolio areas, as well asParliament's activity in the last term in that field. It also includes a brief introduction to the candidate.

Briefing EN

Hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Ylva Johansson - Home AffairsPublication type Briefing

Date 26-09-2019Author ORAV Anita

External author Theron, FrancoisPolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and

Parliamentary LawKeyword appointment of members | area of freedom, security and justice | European Commissioner | public hearing

Summary This briefing is one in a set looking at the Commissioners-designate and their portfolios as put forward by CommissionPresident-elect Ursula von der Leyen. Each candidate faces a three-hour public hearing, organised by one or moreparliamentary committees. After that process, those committees will judge the candidates' suitability for the role basedon 'their general competence, European commitment and personal independence', as well as their 'knowledge of theirprospective portfolio and their communication skills'. At the end of the hearings process, Parliament votes on theproposed Commission as a bloc, and under the Treaties may only reject the entire College of Commissioners, ratherthan individual candidates. The Briefing provides an overview of key issues in the portfolio areas, as well asParliament's activity in the last term in that field. It also includes a brief introduction to the candidate.

Briefing EN

Hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Sylvie Goulard - Internal MarketPublication type Briefing

Date 26-09-2019Author KARAKAS Cemal

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law| Internal Market and Customs Union

Keyword appointment of members | candidate | consent procedure | dissemination of EU information | EP Committee | EUindustrial policy | European Commissioner | information security | parliamentary procedure | single market |summarising | technological change

Summary This briefing is one in a set looking at the Commissioners-designate and their portfolios as put forward by CommissionPresident-elect Ursula von der Leyen. Each candidate faces a three-hour public hearing, organised by one or moreparliamentary committees. After that process, those committees will judge the candidates' suitability for the role basedon 'their general competence, European commitment and personal independence', as well as their 'knowledge of theirprospective portfolio and their communication skills'. At the end of the hearings process, Parliament votes on theproposed Commission as a bloc, and under the Treaties may only reject the entire College of Commissioners, ratherthan individual candidates. The Briefing provides an overview of key issues in the portfolio areas, as well asParliament's activity in the last term in that field. It also includes a brief introduction to the candidate.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 103

Hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Helena Dalli - EqualityPublication type Briefing

Date 26-09-2019Author SHREEVES Rosamund

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Employment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law |Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | Social Policy

Keyword anti-discriminatory measure | appointment of members | candidate | consent procedure | dissemination of EUinformation | EP Committee | European Commissioner | gender equality | human rights | parliamentary procedure |summarising | women's rights

Summary This briefing is one in a set looking at the Commissioners-designate and their portfolios as put forward by CommissionPresident-elect Ursula von der Leyen. Each candidate faces a three-hour public hearing, organised by one or moreparliamentary committees. After that process, those committees will judge the candidates' suitability for the role basedon 'their general competence, European commitment and personal independence', as well as their 'knowledge of theirprospective portfolio and their communication skills'. At the end of the hearings process, Parliament votes on theproposed Commission as a bloc, and under the Treaties may only reject the entire College of Commissioners, ratherthan individual candidates. The Briefing provides an overview of key issues in the portfolio areas, as well asParliament's activity in the last term in that field. It also includes a brief introduction to the candidate.

Briefing EN

Hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Didier Reynders - JusticePublication type Briefing

Date 26-09-2019Author MAŃKO Rafał | VORONOVA Sofija

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional andParliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Private international law and judicial cooperation in civil matters

Keyword appointment of members | candidate | common security and defence policy | consent procedure | data-processing law |dissemination of EU information | EP Committee | European Commissioner | parliamentary procedure | rights of theindividual | rule of law | summarising

Summary This briefing is one in a set looking at the Commissioners-designate and their portfolios as put forward by CommissionPresident-elect Ursula von der Leyen. Each candidate faces a three-hour public hearing, organised by one or moreparliamentary committees. After that process, those committees will judge the candidates' suitability for the role basedon 'their general competence, European commitment and personal independence', as well as their 'knowledge of theirprospective portfolio and their communication skills'. At the end of the hearings process, Parliament votes on theproposed Commission as a bloc, and under the Treaties may only reject the entire College of Commissioners, ratherthan individual candidates. The Briefing provides an overview of key issues in the portfolio areas, as well asParliament's activity in the last term in that field. It also includes a brief introduction to the candidate.

Briefing EN

Hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Stella Kyriakides - HealthPublication type Briefing

Date 26-09-2019Author LAANINEN Tarja | SCHOLZ Nicole

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | FoodSafety | Public Health

Keyword animal health | appointment of members | candidate | consent procedure | dissemination of EU information | EPCommittee | European Commissioner | food safety | parliamentary procedure | plant health legislation | public health |summarising

Summary This briefing is one in a set looking at the Commissioners-designate and their portfolios as put forward by CommissionPresident-elect Ursula von der Leyen. Each candidate faces a three-hour public hearing, organised by one or moreparliamentary committees. After that process, those committees will judge the candidates' suitability for the role basedon 'their general competence, European commitment and personal independence', as well as their 'knowledge of theirprospective portfolio and their communication skills'. At the end of the hearings process, Parliament votes on theproposed Commission as a bloc, and under the Treaties may only reject the entire College of Commissioners, ratherthan individual candidates. The Briefing provides an overview of key issues in the portfolio areas, as well asParliament's activity in the last term in that field. It also includes a brief introduction to the candidate.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 104

Hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Elisa Ferreira - Cohesion and ReformsPublication type Briefing

Date 26-09-2019Author VAN LIEROP Christiaan

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | RegionalDevelopment

Keyword appointment of members | candidate | consent procedure | dissemination of EU information | economic and socialcohesion | economic convergence | EP Committee | European Commissioner | parliamentary procedure | regionaldevelopment | summarising | sustainable development

Summary This briefing is one in a set looking at the Commissioners-designate and their portfolios as put forward by CommissionPresident-elect Ursula von der Leyen. Each candidate faces a three-hour public hearing, organised by one or moreparliamentary committees. After that process, those committees will judge the candidates' suitability for the role basedon 'their general competence, European commitment and personal independence', as well as their 'knowledge of theirprospective portfolio and their communication skills'. At the end of the hearings process, Parliament votes on theproposed Commission as a bloc, and under the Treaties may only reject the entire College of Commissioners, ratherthan individual candidates. The Briefing provides an overview of key issues in the portfolio areas, as well asParliament's activity in the last term in that field. It also includes a brief introduction to the candidate.

Briefing EN

Hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Janusz Wojciechowski - AgriculturePublication type Briefing

Date 26-09-2019Author MCELDOWNEY James

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Agriculture and Rural Development | EU Democracy, Institutional andParliamentary Law

Keyword appointment of members | candidate | common agricultural policy | consent procedure | dissemination of EUinformation | EP Committee | European Commissioner | multiannual financial framework | parliamentary procedure |rural development | summarising

Summary This briefing is one in a set looking at the Commissioners-designate and their portfolios as put forward by CommissionPresident-elect Ursula von der Leyen. Each candidate faces a three-hour public hearing, organised by one or moreparliamentary committees. After that process, those committees will judge the candidates' suitability for the role basedon 'their general competence, European commitment and personal independence', as well as their 'knowledge of theirprospective portfolio and their communication skills'. At the end of the hearings process, Parliament votes on theproposed Commission as a bloc, and under the Treaties may only reject the entire College of Commissioners, ratherthan individual candidates. The Briefing provides an overview of key issues in the portfolio areas, as well asParliament's activity in the last term in that field. It also includes a brief introduction to the candidate.

Briefing EN

Hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Paolo Gentiloni - EconomyPublication type Briefing

Date 26-09-2019Author DELIVORIAS Angelos

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional andParliamentary Law

Keyword appointment of members | candidate | consent procedure | dissemination of EU information | Economic and MonetaryUnion | EP Committee | EU investment | European Commissioner | European tax cooperation | parliamentaryprocedure | summarising | unemployment insurance

Summary This briefing is one in a set looking at the Commissioners-designate and their portfolios as put forward by CommissionPresident-elect Ursula von der Leyen. Each candidate faces a three-hour public hearing, organised by one or moreparliamentary committees. After that process, those committees will judge the candidates' suitability for the role basedon 'their general competence, European commitment and personal independence', as well as their 'knowledge of theirprospective portfolio and their communication skills'. At the end of the hearings process, Parliament votes on theproposed Commission as a bloc, and under the Treaties may only reject the entire College of Commissioners, ratherthan individual candidates. The Briefing provides an overview of key issues in the portfolio areas, as well asParliament's activity in the last term in that field. It also includes a brief introduction to the candidate.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 105

Hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Věra Jourová – Vice-President: Values and TransparencyPublication type Briefing

Date 26-09-2019Author DIAZ CREGO Maria

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal Systemand Acts

Keyword appointment of members | candidate | consent procedure | democracy | dissemination of EU information | EPCommittee | European Commissioner | parliamentary procedure | rights of the individual | rule of law | summarising |vice-president of an institution

Summary This briefing is one in a set looking at the Commissioners-designate and their portfolios as put forward by CommissionPresident-elect Ursula von der Leyen. Each candidate faces a three-hour public hearing, organised by one or moreparliamentary committees. After that process, those committees will judge the candidates' suitability for the role basedon 'their general competence, European commitment and personal independence', as well as their 'knowledge of theirprospective portfolio and their communication skills'. At the end of the hearings process, Parliament votes on theproposed Commission as a bloc, and under the Treaties may only reject the entire College of Commissioners, ratherthan individual candidates. The Briefing provides an overview of key issues in the portfolio areas, as well asParliament's activity in the last term in that field. It also includes a brief introduction to the candidate.

Briefing EN

Overview of the parliamentary hearingsPublication type At a Glance

Date 23-09-2019Author SABBATI Giulio

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword appointment of members | European Commissioner | public hearing

Summary This infographic presents an overview of the schedule of hearings of the Commissioners-designate of the von derLeyen Commission. The parliamentary committees take the lead for the hearings, with each Commissioner-designateinvited to a single hearing of three hours duration. All the hearings are to be held in the József Antall building, in rooms2Q2 and 4Q2, in the period from 30 September to 8 October 2019.

At a Glance EN

Parliamentary hearings of the Commissioners-designate: A decisive step in the investiture processPublication type Briefing

Date 23-09-2019Author DIAZ CREGO Maria

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword appointment of members | candidate | consent procedure | democratisation | dissemination of EU information | EP

Committee | European Commissioner | parliamentary procedure | summarisingSummary The hearings of the Commissioners-designate before the European Parliament's committees are a necessary

ingredient in informing Parliament's decision to give its consent to, or reject, the proposed college. EachCommissioner-designate appears before a single hearing, involving one or more parliamentary committees, afterresponding to a written questionnaire and presenting his or her declaration of interests. In past hearings, the mainpoints of criticism have been some candidates’ lack of specialist knowledge of their portfolio, their vague answers andreluctance to make commitments, the existence of possible conflicts of interests in relation to the assigned portfolioand concerns regarding the integrity of the candidate. From the 2004 investiture on, Parliament has used its role in theappointment of the Commission to press for the replacement of certain controversial candidates and to forceadjustments to certain portfolios, although it can only reject or accept the college as a whole. Whilst some experts warnof excessive politicisation of the hearings, others welcome the increased accountability of the Commission toParliament, and see the deepening political link between the two as a step towards further democratisation of the EUdecision-making process. Hearings have become critical for Parliament's holding the Commission to account, and aregaining in significance as a means for Parliament to take a greater role in agenda-setting at EU level. This is a furtherupdated and expanded version of a 2014 briefing by Eva-Maria Poptcheva.

Briefing ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Multimedia Parliamentary hearings of the Commissioners-designate

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 106

Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, September 2019Publication type At a Glance

Date 20-09-2019Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area Budget | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword amending budget | common foreign and security policy | EU budget | European Central Bank | parliamentary sitting

Summary Highlights of the September plenary session included statements and debates on the preparation for the ClimateAction Summit and the Sustainable Development Goals Summit in New York, on the importance of Europeanremembrance for the future of Europe, and on the implementation of anti-money laundering legislation. A furtherdebate on the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the EU was held, Parliament’s first since the change of prime ministerin the UK. Parliament also debated statements made on behalf of the Vice-President of the Commission/HighRepresentative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the political situation in Hong Kong, BurkinaFaso, Colombia and Kashmir. Debates also took place on Council and Commission statements on the fires in theAmazon, forests in the EU, and cases of breaches of human rights. Members voted to approve Christine Lagarde'snomination as President of the European Central Bank, and voted on a series of reports on amendments to the 2019budget.

At a Glance EN

EU challenges at a time of transition [What Think Tanks are thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 06-09-2019Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword China | climate change policy | common commercial policy | common foreign and security policy | competitiveness |

European Commission | report | think tank | trade dispute | United Kingdom | United States | withdrawal from the EUSummary The European Union faces numerous challenges, both short and long-term, as it prepares to choose the new

executive, a European Commission for the next five years, following elections to the European Parliament in May2019. The most immediate task is for European Commission President-elect, Ursula von der Leyen, to put together acollege of Commissioners and secure its approval by the European Parliament. The EU is also engaged in difficulttalks on the terms of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU, currently due on 31 October. On the economicfront, the EU needs to deal with the fallout of a trade conflict between the United States and China, and to boost itscompetitiveness, as the two other global powerhouses swiftly pursue the digitalisation of their economies. In the face ofpolitical volatility in the US, Europe should also consider enhancing its defence capabilities. Last, but not least, theUnion must deliver on its pledge to remain the world’s leader in efforts to fight climate change. This note bringstogether recent commentaries, analyses and studies by major international think tanks and research institutes onchallenges facing the EU. More papers analysing the outcome of the European Elections can be found in a previousedition of ‘What Think Tanks are Thinking’, published in July.

Briefing EN

Appointment of the President of the ECBPublication type At a Glance

Date 24-07-2019Author SCHEINERT CHRISTIAN

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword appointment of members | European Central Bank | president of an institution

Summary During the September 2019 plenary sitting, the European Parliament is expected to vote on a resolution on thecandidate (Christine Lagarde) for the position of President of the European Central Bank (ECB), to succeed MarioDraghi, whose term is due to end on 1 November 2019. The President is appointed by the European Council, whileParliament and the Bank’s Governing Council are consulted. Prior to the vote, the candidate will receive a series ofquestions for written answer, and be invited to a hearing before the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee(ECON). The ECB President is a key figure within the Eurosystem when setting monetary policy for the euro area.

At a Glance EN

Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, July II 2019Publication type At a Glance

Date 18-07-2019Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword agenda | appointment of members | EU Council Presidency | Finland | humanitarian aid | Mediterranean region (EU) |

President of the Commission | RomaniaSummary The main highlight of the July II plenary session was the election of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the

European Commission. Other highlights included a statement by Viorica Dăncilă, Prime Minister of Romania, on theoutcome of that country's Council presidency, and by Antti Rinne, Prime Minister of Finland on the priorities for thecurrent Finnish Council Presidency. Parliament also debated statements by the Vice-President of theCommission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on implementation of the EUGlobal Strategy, and the situation in Venezuela (also adopting a resolution), in the Persian Gulf and in Moldova.Debates were also held on Council and Commission statements on humanitarian assistance in the Mediterranean andclean air zones in EU cities. Members also decided on the numerical strength of the interparliamentary delegations.

At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 107

European Central Bank appointments: Role of the European ParliamentPublication type Study

Date 15-07-2019Author RAKIC Drazen

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policyin Practice

Keyword appointment of members | European Parliament | member of the European Central BankSummary The European Parliament plays an important role in the appointment processes of two European Central Bank bodies:

the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board (Chair and Vice-Chair). This paper aims to: a) provide an overview ofthe relevant procedural provisions, b) present a selection of past appointments; and c) describe the evolving role of theEuropean Parliament in those procedures.This document was prepared by Policy Department A for the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee.

Study EN

Role and election of the President of the European CommissionPublication type Briefing

Date 12-07-2019Author KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword appointment of members | candidate | consent procedure | dissemination of EU information | European Parliament |

interinstitutional relations (EU) | parliamentary procedure | President of the Commission | summarisingSummary The President of the European Commission has taken on an ever more prominent leading role within the College of

Commissioners, with the increasingly presidential system eclipsing the principle of collegiate decision-making. With theEuropean Parliament now more involved in the appointment, the Presidency has not only become a much morepoliticised office, but the President has also gained greater influence vis-à-vis the other members of the Commission.The Commission President plays a crucial role in relations between Parliament and Commission. Presenting his or herpriorities to Parliament prior to election sets the course for the whole term, on which the President will be called toaccount by Parliament. Building on this, Parliament has an increasingly prominent role in political agenda-setting,shaping the EU's legislative programming together with the Commission and the Council. At the end of PresidentBarroso's second term as Commission President, many had criticised the lack of ambitious initiatives undertaken,whereas others believe that the economic and institutional difficulties which the EU faced made this inevitable. Thelegacy of President Juncker's mandate can claim, on the one hand, to show progress in trade and defence, althoughsome maintain that more ambition could have been displayed in other areas, for instance on the digital market ormonetary union. On the other hand, the Juncker Commission introduced some significant changes in the College'sworking methods and a more political role for the Commission. Whereas Jean-Claude Juncker had been aSpitzenkandidat (lead candidate) in the European elections, Ursula von der Leyen, nominated as candidate for theCommission presidency by the European Council on 2 July, was not. As none of the Spitzenkandidaten were seen tohave a clear majority in Parliament, it remains to be seen whether an 'outsider' from that process can muster thesupport of the required majority of Parliament's component Members at the time of the election, currently planned forthe July II plenary session. This is an updated edition of a 2014 briefing drafted by Eva-Maria Poptcheva.

Briefing EN

The European elections and thereafter [What Think Tanks are Thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 12-07-2019Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword European election | European Parliament | report | think tank

Summary On 23-26 May, 2019, European Union citizens elected a more fragmented European Parliament than its predecessor,with the two main political groups – the European People’s Party and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists andDemocrats losing some ground, and the Liberals, now known as Renew Europe, and the Greens/European FreeAlliance strengthening their representation. Gains made by Eurosceptic and populist groups proved more limited thanhad been predicted. This note brings together commentaries, analyses and studies by major international think tanksand research institutes on the European elections and their aftermath.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 108

Walter Hallstein: First President of the Commission and visionary of European integrationPublication type Briefing

Date 11-07-2019Author LEHMANN Wilhelm | SALM Christian

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword biography | historical figure | history of Europe | political figure

Summary When Walter Hallstein became the first President of the European Economic Community Commission, in 1958, a longcareer already lay behind him: legal scholar, university professor, research manager, diplomat and Germangovernment representative at the conferences drafting the founding treaties of the European Coal and SteelCommunity and then the European Economic Community. The federalist ideas he developed and the emphasis heplaced on supranational institutions remain among his most important legacies. Equally significant was hisadministrative capacity to build an institution of a completely new type and to anticipate policies that seemed utopian atthe time but turned out to be necessary many years later. This impetus to push for further integration earned Hallsteinstrong opposition from several national leaders, and eventually led to his precipitous departure. This briefing recallsthree principal aspects of Hallstein's life: as a scholar and research administrator, as a protagonist of German foreignpolicy and, of course, as a crucial architect of the early period of European integration.

Briefing EN

Members of the European Parliament, 2019-2024Publication type At a Glance

Date 10-07-2019Author SABBATI Giulio

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword European election | Member of the European Parliament | statistics

Summary In May 2019, European citizens voted on their representatives in the European Parliament for the next five years, todefend their interests in the EU. This year’s election had a turnout of 51%, an increase of 8.3 percentage points fromthe previous election in 2014. It is also the first time since 1999 that more than half of adult citizens voted. The 751MEPs elected have an average age of 50 years (with the youngest being 21 and the oldest 82). There is a majority ofnew MEPs(435). Women represent 40.4% of all MEPs.

At a Glance DE, EN, FR

Parliamentary scrutiny of the European Commission: Implementation of Treaty provisionsPublication type Study

Date 09-07-2019Author REMAC Milan

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy inPractice

Keyword European Parliament | executive power | information analysis | parliamentary scrutiny | supervisory powerSummary The European Parliament's application of scrutiny prerogatives of political oversight of the European Commission

increases the democratic legitimacy of the European Union, and the transparency and accountability of the Europeanexecutive. The update of the 2018 study examines the European Parliament's powers of scrutiny of the EuropeanCommission in the last two legislative terms. The cases examined pertain mainly to electoral and institutional issues,motions of censure, parliamentary questions, inquiry committees and special parliamentary committees and reporting,consultation and provision of information. It also touches upon scrutiny in budgetary issues, scrutiny of delegated acts,scrutiny in the legislative procedure, legal proceedings and the EU's external relations.

Study DE, EN, FR

Size of Political Groups in the EP - July 2019Publication type At a Glance

Date 05-07-2019Author SABBATI Giulio

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword political group (EP) | statistics

Summary Our table shows the number of MEPs in each group, broken down by Member State, as well as the non-attached (NI)Members not in any group. The figures are supplied by our colleagues from the Members’ Administration Unit. Thisinfographic updates an earlier edition, of 4 December 2017, PE614.600.

At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 109

Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, July I 2019Publication type At a Glance

Date 04-07-2019Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword appointment of members | European Parliament | parliamentary session

Summary The first parliamentary session of the ninth legislature took place in Strasbourg from 2-4 July 2019. The Members ofthis new Parliament (sitting from 2019 to 2024), dealt with elections of their peers to the most important offices inParliament – the President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors. Under Rule 14 of Parliament's Rules of Procedure, theoutgoing President opened this first, constituent session, during which Members also adopted a decision on thenumerical strength of the standing committees and debated the outcome of the European Council meeting of 20 and21 June 2019, and the follow-up meeting earlier this week.

At a Glance EN

Outcome of the special European Council meeting of 30 June-2 JulyPublication type At a Glance

Date 03-07-2019Author DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword appointment of members | High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy | member of the

European Central Bank | President of the Commission | President of the EP | President of the European Council |report | summit meeting

Summary The special European Council agreed on a package of EU high-level appointments including, the German DefenceMinister, Ursula von der Leyen (Germany) as candidate for the office of European Commission President. The PrimeMinister of Belgium, Charles MIchel, was elected as incumbent European Council President. Josep Borrell (Spain) wasnominated for High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Christine Lagarde (France)for President of the European Central Bank.

At a Glance EN

Impact Assessment and European Added Value work during the eighth legislative term, 2014-2019Publication type Briefing

Date 03-07-2019Author HILLER WOLFGANG

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | European Added Value |Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Ex-ante Impact Assessment | Transposition and Implementation of Law

Keyword drafting of EU law | impact study | legislation | policymakingSummary The responsibility for better law-making is shared between the European Union institutions. In recent years Parliament

has developed its own instruments to guarantee proper and independent assessment and to support parliamentarycommittees in their work. The concept of impact assessment is applied throughout the whole policy cycle – on both anex-ante and an ex-post basis – from the design of legislation through to its implementation, evaluation and revision.The European Parliament also advocates a proper assessment of European added value, in terms of what savings willresult from a European solution and if supplementary costs would arise in the absence of a European solution. Thisbriefing provides a look back over five years’ experience in support of better regulation for the benefit of citizens.

Briefing EN

Understanding the d'Hondt method: Allocation of parliamentary seats and leadership positionsPublication type Briefing

Date 28-06-2019Author KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword allocation of seats | European election | European electoral system | voting method

Summary The allocation of seats in collegiate organs such as parliaments requires a method to translate votes proportionally intowhole seats. The 'd'Hondt method' is a mathematical formula used widely in proportional representation systems,although it leads to less proportional results than other systems for seat allocation such as the Hare-Niemeyer andSainte-Laguë/Schepers methods. Moreover, it tends to increase the advantage for the electoral lists which gain mostvotes to the detriment of those with fewer votes. It is, however, effective in facilitating majority formation and thus insecuring parliamentary operability. The d'Hondt method is used by 16 EU Member States for the elections to theEuropean Parliament. Furthermore, it is also used within the Parliament as a formula for distributing the chairs of theparliamentary committees and delegations, as well as to distribute those posts among the national delegations withinsome political groups. Such proportional distribution of leadership positions within Parliament prevents domination ofparliamentary political life by only one or two large political groups, ensuring smaller political groups also have a say onthe political agenda. Some argue however that this limits the impact of the election results on the political direction ofdecision-making within Parliament and call for a 'winner-takes-all' approach instead. Many national parliaments in theEU also distribute committee chairs and other posts proportionally among political groups (either using the d'Hondtmethod or more informally). Other Member States, however, apply a 'winner-takes-more' approach with only somecommittee chairs with particular relevance to government scrutiny being reserved for opposition groups, while in theUS House of Representatives committee chairs all come from the majority.

Briefing EN

Multimedia Understanding the d'Hondt method: Allocation of parliamentary seats and leadership positions

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 110

Continuation of work in progress from last termPublication type At a Glance

Date 28-06-2019Author GROSEK Kristina

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword drafting of EU law | elective office | European election

Summary With European elections held on 23-26 May 2019, the eighth parliamentary term formally ends on 1 July 2019, a daybefore the constituent part-session of the newly elected Parliament. Despite the efforts of the co-legislators, agreementcould not be found on a number of legislative proposals before the end of the parliamentary term, and these form amajor part of the business that needs to be picked up again in the new term. In order to ensure continuity in its work,therefore, Parliament has adopted rules on how to deal with unfinished files.

At a Glance EN

Outcome of the European Council and Euro Summit, 20-21 June 2019Publication type Briefing

Date 26-06-2019Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: LegalSystem and Acts

Keyword appointment of members | climate change policy | EU relations | European Council | summit meetingSummary At their most recent meeting, EU Heads of State or Government postponed decisions on nominating a set of high-level

EU appointments, including the position of President of the European Commission. EU leaders will now reconvene fora special meeting of the European Council on 30 June, with the aim of reaching an agreement on a package ofcandidates. On climate policy, the European Council did not achieve consensus on ensuring climate neutrality by 2050either. Conversely, it adopted the strategic agenda for 2019-24, setting four priority areas that will guide the work of theEU institutions over the next five years. EU leaders also discussed a wide range of external relations issues, includingthe situation in eastern Ukraine and the Azov Sea, and reconfirmed economic sanctions on Russia.

Briefing EN

Outlook for the European Council and Euro Summit meetings, 20-21 June 2019Publication type Briefing

Date 19-06-2019Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Budget | Economics and Monetary Issues | Environment | EU Democracy,Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Foreign Affairs | Forward Planning

Keyword appointment of members | climate change policy | EU strategy | European Council | multiannual financial framework |summit meeting

Summary The June 2019 European Council will discuss, and potentially agree on, high-level appointments to EU institutions andadopt the 2019-2024 strategic agenda. Other agenda topics are the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), theEU’s common climate ambition, disinformation, enlargement and foreign policy issues, including relations with Russia.EU-27 leaders will meet for a Euro Summit in extended format to discuss the report submitted by the Eurogroup onEMU reforms.

Briefing EN

Electing the European Parliament's PresidentPublication type At a Glance

Date 19-06-2019Author KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword appointment of members | President of the EP

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

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Multimedia Electing the European Parliament's President

What if we didn't need cows for our beef?

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 111

The ECSC Common Assembly's decision to create political groups: Writing a new chapter in transnationalparliamentary history

Publication type BriefingDate 12-06-2019

Author SALM ChristianPolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Keyword ECSC | historical account | political group (EP)Summary Political groups in the European Parliament contribute greatly to the institution's supranational character and are a

most important element of its parliamentary work. Moreover, the Parliament's political groups have proven to be crucialdesigners of EU politics and policies. However, when the forerunner of today's Parliament, the Common Assembly ofthe Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), was established in 1952, the creation of political groups was not envisaged atall. Making use of its autonomy with regard to writing its rules of procedures, the ECSC Common Assemblyunanimously decided, at its plenary session in June 1953, to allow the creation of political groups. With this decision,the ECSC Common Assembly became the world's first international assembly organised in political groups. Thisbriefing analyses the decision of the ECSC Common Assembly to create political groups by bringing together politicaland historical science literature on the topic, as well as original sources from the Parliament's Historical Archives thatrecord considerations and motives for the decision to create political groups. It will illustrate the complementarycultural, historical, organisational and financial reasons for this decision. Furthermore, it will demonstrate that, for thefirst ECSC Common Assembly members, it was highly important to take account of political affiliations in order tohighlight the supranational character of the newly emerging Assembly. Finally, the briefing highlights that commonwork within the political groups was essential in helping to overcome early difficulties between the Assembly'smembers with different national backgrounds.

Briefing EN

Political groups in the European Parliament since 1979: Key facts and figuresPublication type Study

Date 12-06-2019Author SALM Christian

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword historical account | political group (EP) | statistics

Summary This study seeks to fill a gap in research on the development of political groups, which have become a crucialcomponent of the European Parliament. In fact, the creation of political groups can be traced back to a June 1953decision of the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community, the European Parliament’s forerunner,to allow members to establish three political groups – Christian Democrats, Socialists and Liberals – and thus beginthe formation of supranational links among Members. The paper focuses on the period from the first direct elections, in1979, to the end of the eighth parliamentary term, and includes data on group membership, on committee chairs bygroup, on political groups’ staffing and on the funding allocated to political groups and the linked European politicalfoundations.

Study EN

Rules on political groups in the EPPublication type Briefing

Date 05-06-2019Author TILINDYTE-HUMBURG Laura

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword dissemination of EU information | EU financing | Member of the European Parliament | non-attached member | political

group (EP) | powers of the EP | summarisingSummary Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) may form political groups; these are organised not by nationality, but by

political affiliation. Since the first direct elections in 1979, the number of political groups has fluctuated between sevenand ten. Following the 2019 elections, the number, size and composition of political groups is likely to continue tofluctuate, as a result of the possible dissolution of some political groups and the creation of new ones. To form apolitical group, a minimum of 25 MEPs, elected in at least one quarter (currently seven) of the EU's Member States isrequired. Those Members who do not belong to any political group are known as 'non-attached' (non-inscrits)Members. Although the political groups play a very prominent role in Parliament's life, individual MEPs and/or severalMEPs acting together, also have many rights, including in relation to the exercise of oversight over other EUinstitutions, such as the Commission. However, belonging to a political group is of particular relevance when it comesto the allocation of key positions in Parliament's political and organisational structures, such as committee anddelegation chairs and rapporteurships on important dossiers. Moreover, political groups receive higher funding for theircollective staff and parliamentary activities than the non-attached MEPs. Political group funding, however, is distinctfrom funding granted to European political parties and foundations, which, if they comply with the requirements toregister as such, may apply for funding from the European Parliament.

Briefing ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Multimedia Rules on political groups in the EP

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 112

European elections: A historical perspectivePublication type At a Glance

Date 05-06-2019Author SALM Christian

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword European election | historical account

Summary Between 23 and 26 May 2019, 427 million European Union (EU) citizens had the opportunity to vote for Members ofthe European Parliament. This was the ninth time that EU citizens could vote directly for the policy- and decision-makers who will represent them in EU politics. European elections are consequently one of the most important eventsin the EU political cycle. With a view to this year's European election and challenges to come for the new Parliament,many EU observers attached special historical significance to this ninth European election. Looking back, while thevery first European election was held forty years ago, in 1979, the journey to holding European elections was long andcomplex.

At a Glance DE, EN, FR

Outcome of the informal dinner of Heads of State or Government on 28 May 2019Publication type At a Glance

Date 29-05-2019Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword appointment of members | EU institution | European election | public conduct of debates

Summary EU leaders met to consider the outcome of the European Parliament elections, and to start the appointment process tohigh-level EU positions ahead of the June 2019 European Council. They discussed the principles that would guidetheir action, and mandated the European Council President, Donald Tusk, to begin consultations with the Parliament.EU leaders reiterated their February 2018 position on the absence of automaticity between a role as lead candidateand the European Council nomination for President of the European Commission. They discussed the balance thatneeds to be found, but did not discuss any names. The President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, stressedthe parliamentary majority’s attachment to the Spitzenkandidaten process.

At a Glance EN

The work of EPRS - The first five years: 2014 to 2018Publication type Study

Date 29-05-2019Author TEASDALE ANTHONY

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword European Parliament | policy analysis | research body

Summary The European Parliament’s Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research Services (EPRS) was established inNovember 2013, in order to provide Members of the European Parliament, and where appropriate, parliamentarycommittees, with independent, objective and authoritative analysis of, and research on, policy issues relating to theEuropean Union, and so assist them in their parliamentary work.DG EPRS aims to provide a comprehensive range of products and services, backed by specialist internal expertiseand knowledge sources in all policy fields, so empowering Members and committees through knowledge andcontributing to the Parliament’s effectiveness and influence as an institution.This report describes the work of EPRS during its first five years of full operation, from January 2014 to December2018, with special emphasis on the most recent calendar year, 2018.

Study EN

Outcome of the informal meeting of EU-27 leaders on 9 May 2019 in SibiuPublication type Briefing

Date 13-05-2019Author DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Forward PlanningKeyword appointment of members | Cyprus | Cyprus question | EU strategy | European Council | Turkey

Summary EU-27 Heads of State or Government met on 9 May 2019 in the Romanian city of Sibiu, to discuss the Union’scommon future. They adopted the Sibiu Declaration, recalling the achievements and values of the European Union. EUleaders reaffirmed their unity, and recognised the role they have to play to make the EU stronger and the futurebrighter. They also discussed the forthcoming Strategic Agenda for 2019-2024, which will outline policy priorities forthe next five years. The European Council President, Donald Tusk, suggested a process for the forthcomingappointments to a set of high-level EU positions, and called a special summit for 28 May.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 113

Robert SchumanPublication type Briefing

Date 09-05-2019Author DESCHAMPS ETIENNE

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword historical figure | history of Europe | political figure

Summary Sixty years ago, Robert Schuman was elected president of the European Parliamentary Assembly, predecessor to theEuropean Parliament. This French politician, who was particularly sensitive to the tensions between France andGermany, is regarded as one of the 'founding fathers' of what is now the European Union. After the Second WorldWar, he supported the establishment of the Council of Europe and helped to bring many other European projects tofruition. With his declaration of 9 May 1950, considered the founding act of the European integration process, RobertSchuman assumed political responsibility for a common coal and steel market that would later become the EuropeanCoal and Steel Community (ECSC). The declaration underlines the role of France in building a strong, prosperous andpeaceful Europe, starting with France and Germany. Going far beyond mere objectives, the declaration also sets outthe precise basis upon which the negotiations should begin. Robert Schuman was president of the EuropeanParliamentary Assembly from 1958 to 1960. This institution was the political institution par excellence of theCommunities: at once a democratic organ representing the peoples of Europe, a body invested with the power ofexecutive scrutiny, and a unifying element between the three Communities. Highly influenced by Christian values,Robert Schuman campaigned to build a strong and united Europe step by step, and to establish institutionalisedsolidarity between European countries. Robert Schuman's legacy continues to influence and shape the EuropeanUnion to this day.

Briefing DE, EN, FR, IT

The Future of Europe debates in the European Parliament, 2018-19: A synthesis of the speeches by EUHeads of State or Government

Publication type In-Depth AnalysisDate 08-05-2019

Author DRACHENBERG Ralf | KOTANIDIS SilviaPolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts

Keyword climate change policy | common foreign and security policy | dissemination of EU information | Economic and MonetaryUnion | EU energy policy | EU migration policy | European Parliament | head of government | head of State |information analysis | multiannual financial framework | parliamentary session

Summary This paper concludes a series of four briefings on the Future of Europe debates that have explained the views of thedifferent Heads of State or Government who have spoken in the European Parliament's plenary sessions from January2018 until April 2019. The first part of this paper describes the overall points of convergence and divergence amongthe speakers, trends in the topics tackled, and proposals advanced. In the second part, the paper offers excerpts fromsome of the most significant statements by the speakers, as well as a more detailed analysis of their various positionson the following key policy areas: Economic and Monetary Union, migration, the social dimension, international trade,climate change and energy, security and defence, the next Multiannual Financial Framework, and institutional issues.

In-Depth Analysis BG, ES, CS, DA, DE, ET, EL, EN, FR, HR, IT, LV, LT, HU, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SK, SL, FI, SV

The impact of the UK's withdrawal on the institutional set-up and political dynamics within the EUPublication type Study

Date 07-05-2019External author BESSELINK Leonard, SWIDER Katjia, MICHEL Bastian

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Private international law andjudicial cooperation in civil matters

Keyword impact study | operation of the Institutions | third country | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EUSummary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional

Affairs at the request of the AFCO Committee, examines the impact of Brexit on the institutional balance within theCouncil and European Parliament, on the interinstitutional balance and on the necessity of Treaty changes, anddelineates constitutional limits on the participation of non-Member States in EU policies.

Study EN

Assessing the Leaders’ AgendaPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 06-05-2019Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword decision-making | dissemination of EU information | Economic and Monetary Union | European citizenship | European

Council | impact of information technology | innovation | international trade | migration | research and development |single market | summarising

Summary The Leaders' Agenda can be assessed rather favourably as it has enabled more structured work and betterpreparation by all actors concerned. This method can be recommended for the future work of the European Council asit allows a consistent follow-up. However, it has not helped to overcome deadlock on some of the most sensitiveissues, such as migration and taxation.

In-Depth Analysis EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 114

The Juncker Commission's ten priorities: An end-of-term assessmentPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 03-05-2019Author BASSOT Etienne | HILLER WOLFGANG

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword area of freedom, security and justice | citizens' Europe | climate change policy | common commercial policy | Economic

and Monetary Union | EU energy policy | EU migration policy | EU strategy | European Commission | operation of theInstitutions | regulatory policy | single market | the EU's international role

Summary This April 2019 edition closes the cycle of the European Parliamentary Research Service's bi annual monitoring of theJuncker Commission's ten priorities. After the last plenary session of the 2014 2019 Parliament, and before the end ofthe European Commission's mandate, this publication provides an up-to-date overview of the state of play in thedelivery of the various legislative and other political initiatives flowing from the ten priorities defined by theCommission's President, Jean-Claude Juncker, on taking office in 2014. The analysis shows that, of the 547 proposalsforeseen from the Commission, 512 have been submitted (94 per cent), of which 361 have been adopted (66 per cent).There are 151 proposals (28 per cent) which have not so far been adopted, and where the outcome may depend onthe EU institutional transition this year. Of these, 115 (21 per cent) have been proceeding normally through thelegislative process, and 36 (7 per cent) have either been proceeding slowly or are blocked. On the eve of the 2019European Parliament elections, the paper is intended both to assess the extent to which the Juncker Commission hasmet the targets that it set itself, to take note of the achievements made to date and to identify areas in which difficultieshave been, or continue to be, encountered.

In-Depth Analysis DE, EN, FR

Living in the EU: European Elections and DemocracyPublication type At a Glance

Date 30-04-2019Author SABBATI Giulio

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword corruption | democracy | EU statistics | European election | freedom of the press | position of women | turnout of voters

| womanSummary The concept of participation lies at the heart of the European project, however recent years have seen a decrease in

electoral turnout in contrast to the broader feelings of EU citizens of being part of a wider project promoting prosperity,social cohesion, unity and tolerance. Participation differs among different groups, and among the most explored is thegender gap in political participation, even though progress has been achieved over the years. Nowadays manyEuropean citizens show an increasing attachment to the EU, and its democracy, despite the perception of corruptionand the challenges to press freedom affecting Member States to different degrees.

At a Glance EN

The power of the European Parliament: Examples of EP impact during the 2014-19 legislative termPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 30-04-2019External author DG, EPRS;

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword budgetary discharge | dissemination of EU information | drafting of EU law | elective office | EU relations | EU strategy |

European Parliament | information analysis | parliamentary scrutiny | powers of the EP | revision of the Treaty (EU) |withdrawal from the EU

Summary As the only European Union institution elected directly, the European Parliament is at the heart of representativedemocracy, the foundation upon which the EU is built. Since its creation, the Parliament’s powers have evolvedsignificantly, transforming it into a full-fledged legislative body and forum of discussion and engagement, whoseinfluence is felt in virtually all areas of EU activity. This paper provides an overview of the European Parliament's mainpowers, demonstrating how they interact, and illustrating through practical examples from the most recentparliamentary term (2014-2019) the various ways in which the Parliament uses those powers in its daily work.

In-Depth Analysis DE, EN, FR

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 115

Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, April II 2019Publication type At a Glance

Date 18-04-2019Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword agri-foodstuffs | digital single market | EU investment | EU visa policy | European Parliament | Framework Programme

for Research and Development | investment company | market supervision | parliamentary session | social-securityharmonisation | whistleblowing | working conditions

Summary Highlights of the April II plenary session (the last of the current legislature) included debates on the conclusions of theApril 2019 European Council meeting on the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union, and the final debate in theseries on the future of Europe with the Prime Minister of Latvia, Kisjanis Karins. Important debates also took place onthe rule of law in Romania; failure to adopt an EU digital services tax; protecting the European elections againstinternational cybersecurity threats; and on the possible extradition of Julian Assange. Members debated a number ofexternal relations situations: in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe after cyclone Idai; in Libya; in Sudan; and USrecognition of the Golan Heights as Israeli territory. The legislative proposals adopted included those on collectiveinvestment funds, banking reform, prudential requirements, covered bonds, CO2 emission standards for heavy-dutyvehicles, and promoting clean, energy-efficient vehicles. Members voted on a number of legislative proposals (seebelow), including a partial agreement on the Horizon Europe programme.

At a Glance EN

The protection of fundamental rights in the EU: European Parliament achievements during the 2014-2019legislative term and challenges for the future

Publication type BriefingDate 17-04-2019

Author MARZOCCHI OttavioPolicy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System

and ActsKeyword EU Charter of Fundamental Rights | human rights | information analysis | rights of the individual

Summary In the years between 2014 and 2019, the EU has faced serious challenges related to the protection of fundamentalrights within its territory, notably in connection to the Rule of Law (RoL) and democracy in some EU Member States.The Commission and the European Parliament (EP), led by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs(LIBE), have addressed these challenges by activating - for the first time since its introduction in the Treaties - theprocedure foreseen in art. 7.1 TEU, respectively against Poland and against Hungary. The EP has also consolidatedits former requests under the proposal for an EU mechanism on Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental rights(EU DRF Pact). Important legislative dossiers on procedural rights were approved (presumption of innocence,safeguards for children in criminal proceedings, legal aid). While the EP continued to report annually on the situation offundamental rights in the EU and on traditional issues of interest (among which minorities, Roma, anti-Semitism, right-wing extremism, prisons, media freedom, as well as follow up activities on mass surveillance and CIA), it has alsoaddressed new issues, such as protection of whistle-blowers (a Commission proposal was issued following insistenceof the EP), islamophobia, afrophobia and fundamental rights of intersex persons. The EP has also adopted resolutionson the situation in specific Member States, such as Malta, Slovakia, Romania, expressing Rule of Law concerns.Among the challenges that remain open for the next term are the art. 7 TEU procedures against Hungary and Poland,the strengthening of the protection of art. 2 TEU values including through the promotion of the EU DRF Pact, the EUaccession to the ECHR, the enhancement of the EU and EP monitoring mechanisms, the adoption of pending files,including the Rule of Law conditionality for EU funds, the Rights and Values and Justice programmes, the equaltreatment directive, the reform of the transparency regulation and, in the longer term; the reform of the Treaties.

Briefing EN

Future of Europe debates IV: Parliament hosts Heads of State or GovernmentPublication type Briefing

Date 12-04-2019Author DRACHENBERG Ralf | KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword climate change | common security and defence policy | Economic and Monetary Union | EU energy policy | EU

migration policy | European Parliament | head of government | head of State | international trade | multiannual financialframework | parliamentary debate | social rights

Summary As the 2019 European elections approach, the 'Future of Europe debates' are coming to their natural conclusion. ThisApril II session is the last plenary session at which one of the Heads of State or Government will set out their vision ofthe future path that Europe should follow. This initiative has been meant to provide the occasion to reflect deeply onhow to shape the future of the EU and its institutions, as a concrete contribution to the Sibiu Summit taking place on 9May 2019. The series of debates started with the invitation of the President of the European Parliament, AntonioTajani, who announced at the European Council in October 2017 his intention to host debates during plenary sessions,as a democratic and open forum in which Heads of State or Government would be invited to express their vision of thefuture. Originally intended to run for the whole of 2018, the debates, which have to date featured the leaders of 19Member States, continued into 2019, up to the 2019 European elections. This is the fourth edition of a Briefingdesigned to provide an overview of the Future of Europe debates. As usual it takes stock of the views of the (four)most recent participating leaders (Juha Sipilä, Giuseppe Conte, Peter Pellegrini, Stefan Löfven) on a number of keypolicy areas such as economic and monetary union (EMU), the EU's social dimension, migration policy, security anddefence, the next multiannual financial framework (MFF), trade and climate change.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 116

Outcome of the Special European Council (Article 50) meeting, 10 April 2019Publication type Briefing

Date 12-04-2019Author DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: LegalSystem and Acts

Keyword European Council | European Union membership | Treaty on European Union | United Kingdom | withdrawal from theEU

Summary At the special European Council (Article 50) meeting on 10 April 2019, Heads of State or Government agreed to furtherextend the Article 50 period until 31 October 2019 at the latest. This goes beyond the request made by the UK PrimeMinister, Theresa May (30 June 2019), but represents only half the time period some European Council members hadbeen seeking to offer. The compromise found, which maintains unity amongst the EU-27, is esigned to reduce asmuch as possible the disruptive effects of the Brexit negotiations on EU affairs at the start of the new institutional cycle.With the longer extension period – and if the Withdrawal Agreement, is not ratified by 22 May – the UK will be requiredto organise European elections. The decision excludes any reopening of the Withdrawal Agreement.

Briefing EN

Is transparency the key to citizens’ trust?Publication type At a Glance

Date 11-04-2019Author BAUER Elisabeth | THIEL Marie

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword election campaign | EU national | European citizenship | European election | interest group | interinstitutional

cooperation (EU) | opinion poll | participatory democracy | representative democracy | rule of law | transparency indecision-making

Summary Trust in political institutions is a key element of representative democracies. Trust in the rule of law is also the basis fordemocratic participation of citizens. According to the spring 2018 Eurobarometer survey of public awareness of the EUinstitutions, 50 % of respondents indicated they trust the European Parliament, which represents a 34 % increasesince the beginning of the 2014-2019 legislative term. A transparent political decision-making processes has become acommon objective to help strengthen citizens’ trust in policy-makers and enhance the accountability of publicadministrations. In this regard, regulation of lobbying (the exchange between policy makers and stakeholders), andbolstering the integrity of this process, is often considered a vital ingredient. Public expectations for increasedtransparency of the exchange between policy-makers and interest representatives varies from one political system tothe next, but it has increasingly become a topic of debate for parliaments across Europe, and a regular demand duringelection campaigns.

At a Glance EN

2019 European elections: National rulesPublication type At a Glance

Date 11-04-2019Author DOBREVA Alina | SABBATI Giulio | SGUEO Gianluca

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and ActsKeyword European election | European electoral system | organisation of elections

Summary This infographic contains up-to-date information on key data concerning the forthcoming European elections (to beheld in May 2019). In a one-page format, readers will find information on the election day in each country, the votingsystems adopted at Member State level, as well as on rules governing eligibility and allocation of seats. Theinfographic also explains the re-distribution of seats which would take place following the United Kingdom’s withdrawalfrom the EU, now expected to take place only after the European elections, and the consequent overall reduction in thetotal number of seats to 705. Further information and clarification is provided on the second page of the infographic.

At a Glance DE, EN, FR

Adapting legal acts to Articles 290 and 291 TFEUPublication type At a Glance

Date 10-04-2019Author TILINDYTE-HUMBURG Laura

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and ActsKeyword EU act | legal basis | power of implementation | Treaty of Lisbon

Summary By introducing delegated and implementing acts, the Lisbon Treaty (2007) reformed the system of conferring upon theCommission the power to adopt non-legislative measures. However, a certain category of pre-Lisbon acts, referred toas 'regulatory procedure with scrutiny' (RPS) measures, remained unaligned to the new system. FollowingCommission proposals of December 2016, a number of acts referring to RPS are now to be aligned with the LisbonTreaty, while others remain to be negotiated. Having reached an agreement with the Council on 64 acts, theParliament is expected to vote on the proposals during its April II plenary session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 117

Ratifying the EU-UK withdrawal deal: State of play and possible scenariosPublication type Briefing

Date 08-04-2019Author CIRLIG Carmen-Cristina

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword government policy | national parliament | Northern Ireland | ratification of an agreement | referendum | transitional

period (EU) | Treaty on European Union | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EUSummary On 14 November 2018, the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) negotiators announced their approval

of the legal agreement on the UK's withdrawal from the EU. At a special European Council meeting on 25 November2018, EU leaders endorsed the draft withdrawal agreement, as well as the text of a non-binding political declarationsetting out the framework for the future EU-UK relationship. While the process of approving the withdrawal deal (theagreement and the political declaration) began rapidly in both the UK and the EU, it immediately met with significantdifficulties in the UK. In particular, the House of Commons' rejection of the withdrawal deal in the 'meaningful vote' of15 January 2019, led to renewed UK attempts at renegotiation. Although the EU and the UK eventually agreedadditional guarantees with respect to the Ireland/Northern Ireland backstop, the withdrawal deal was again voted downon 12 March 2019. Faced with the prospect of a 'no deal exit' on 29 March 2019, the initial Brexit date, the UKgovernment, as instructed by the House of Commons, eventually requested an extension to the Article 50 negotiatingperiod. On 22 March, the European Council extended the UK's EU Membership until 22 May 2019, on the conditionthat the UK parliament approved the withdrawal agreement by 29 March. As the House of Commons rejected thewithdrawal agreement for a third time, the new Brexit date was instead set, under that European Council decision, at12 April 2019. With a 'no deal' Brexit becoming a highly likely scenario, both sides stepped up their contingencyplanning. However, other outcomes remain possible, in particular a further Article 50 extension, given the UK PrimeMinister's request of 5 April. The EU-27 are set to decide on this within the European Council on 10 April 2019, mostlikely on the basis of conditions set for the UK. While a parallel process for establishing a majority for an alternativesolution to the negotiated deal is under way in Westminster, its outcome remains uncertain. Finally, although rejectedby the government, the UK still has the option to unilaterally revoke its notification to withdraw from the EU, or toorganise another referendum on the issue (the latter dependent on an extension). Please see also the parallel Briefing,Brexit: Understanding the withdrawal agreement and political declaration, of March 2019 (PE 635.595). And visit theEuropean Parliament homepage on Brexit negotiations.

Briefing EN

A governance framework for algorithmic accountability and transparencyPublication type Study

Date 04-04-2019External author DG, EPRS

Policy area Democracy | Employment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts |Forward Planning | Human Rights | Social Policy

Keyword artificial intelligence | big data | data processing | decision-making | equal treatmentSummary Transparency and accountability are both tools to promote fair algorithmic decisions by providing the foundations for

obtaining recourse to meaningful explanation, correction, or ways to ascertain faults that could bring aboutcompensatory processes. The study develops policy options for the governance of algorithmic transparency andaccountability, based on an analysis of the social, technical and regulatory challenges posed by algorithmic systems.Based on an extensive review and analysis of existing proposals for governance of algorithmic systems, the authorspropose a set of four policy options each of which addresses a different aspect of algorithmic transparency andaccountability. 1. Awareness raising: education, watchdogs and whistleblowers. 2. Accountability in public sector useof algorithmic decision-making. 3. Regulatory oversight and Legal liability. 4. Global coordination for algorithmicgovernance.

Study EN

Annex 1 EN

The establishment and initial work of the European Parliamentary Assembly after the Rome TreatiesPublication type Study

Date 01-04-2019Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Keyword EEC Treaty | European Parliament | historical accountSummary The first Community assembly was the ‘Common Assembly’ provided for in the ECSC Treaty, and which operated as

part of that Community from 1953 to 1958. The European Parliamentary Assembly was its historic and legalsuccessor, but the establishment of the EEC and Euratom under the 1957 Rome Treaties meant that, as a single bodyserving the three Communities, it was no longer the seat of democratic representation for an organisation dealing withone sector, namely coal and steel, but of a system of Communities which embraced the entire range of productiveactivities and trade. In other words, the Community system was now dealing with the European economy as a whole,but there were still three Communities with three Treaties. Two of those Treaties were similar to each other but thethird, the ECSC Treaty, was significantly different in terms of distribution of powers. The problem therefore arose ofcoordination between the three Communities, the solution to which was considerably assisted by the merger of theexecutive bodies nine years later. It is to the European Parliamentary Assembly’s credit that it immediately seized uponthat issue and made it the subject of one of its first reports, which was drawn up and discussed over a relatively shorttime-scale, given that all Parliamentary proceedings on the matter were concluded within three months. Thispublication deals essentially with that report, setting it in the context of the broader debate on the nature and future ofintegration addressed at the sittings of the part-session of March 1958.

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European Parliament: Facts and FiguresPublication type Briefing

Date 29-03-2019Author SABBATI Giulio

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword administrative expenditure (EU) | composition of parliament | dissemination of EU information | electoral system | EU

statistics | European election | European Parliament | gender equality | position of women | summarising | turnout ofvoters | woman

Summary This Briefing, published by the European Parliamentary Research Service, is designed to provide key facts and figuresabout the European Parliament, both in the 2014 to 2019 parliamentary term now drawing to a close - and in the sevenprevious terms since direct elections were introduced in June 1979. On the following pages you will find graphics ofvarious kinds which: • detail the composition of the European Parliament now and in the past; • trace the increase inthe number of parties represented in the EP and evolution of political groups; • chart the rise in the number of womensitting in the Parliament; • explain the electoral systems used in elections to the Parliament across the Member States;• show how turnout in European elections compares with that in national elections; • summarise the activity of theParliament in the 2014-19 term, and in the 2009-14 term; • present the annual cost of the Parliament compared withother parliaments; • outline the composition of the Parliament’s main governing bodies. The Briefing has been updatedregularly during the 2014-19 term to take account of latest developments.

Briefing ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, NL, PL

Transparency, integrity and accountability in the EU institutionsPublication type Briefing

Date 26-03-2019Author PANIZZA Roberta

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword administrative transparency | conflict of interest | EU institution | staff regulations (EU) | transparency in decision-

makingSummary This briefing provides an overview of the main tools on transparency, integrity and accountability implemented in the

EU institutions and the reforms thereof.Briefing EN

Constitutional Challenges of the Enlargement – Is Further Enlargement Feasible without ConstitutionalChanges?

Publication type In-Depth AnalysisDate 26-03-2019

External author Bruno DE WITTE, Professor of European Union law, Maastricht University & European University InstitutePolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Keyword enlargement of the Union | revision of the Treaty (EU)Summary This in-depth analysis, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and

Constitutional Affairs at the request of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, recalls the earlier debates linking theenlargement of the Union with the need to adapt its constitutional framework, and discusses whether furtherconstitutional reforms, involving Treaty change or not, are necessary when a further enlargement of the Union will takeplace in the near future. It focuses on three main themes: the Union’s decision-making capacity; forms of differentiatedintegration; and the question on how to ensure respect by all member states for the Union’s fundamental values.

In-Depth Analysis EN

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Outcome of the meetings of EU leaders, 21-22 March 2019Publication type Briefing

Date 25-03-2019Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword capital markets union | climate change policy | disinformation | economic growth | EU competition policy | EU industrial

policy | EU relations | European Council | job creation | single market | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EUSummary Discussions at the March 2019 European Council meeting focussed on agreeing on a both legally and politically

workable response to the request of the UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, that Brexit be delayed until 30 June 2019.The European Council (Article 50) agreed to extend the Article 50 period until 22 May 2019, provided that theWithdrawal Agreement is approved by the House of Commons by 29 March. If not approved, the extension would endon 12 April, with the UK required to indicate a way forward. The EU-27 also formally approved the texts agreed by theUK and the European Commission on 11 March, which add further clarification to the Withdrawal Agreement and thepolitical declaration, in particular regarding the ‘Irish backstop’. On Friday 22, the European Council discussed jobs,growth and competitiveness, climate, external relations and fighting disinformation. As part of these discussions, EUleaders endorsed the Annual Growth Survey, decided to strengthen the EU’s economic base and called for a moreassertive industrial policy. They reiterated their commitment to the Paris Agreement and called on the Council tointensify its work on a long-term climate strategy. Regarding external relations, EU Heads of State or Governmentprepared the forthcoming EU-China summit, reiterated their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorialintegrity, and expressed the EU’s readiness to provide humanitarian relief assistance to Mozambique, Malawi andZimbabwe. The European Council also marked the 25th anniversary of the European Economic Area, together with thePrime Ministers of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Finally, it also appointed Philip Lane as a member of theExecutive Board of the European Central Bank.

Briefing EN

Parliamentary scrutiny of trade policies across the western worldPublication type Study

Date 25-03-2019External author Bart KERREMANS, Johan ADRIAENSEN, Francesca COLLI, Evelyn COREMANS

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Foreign Affairs | International TradeKeyword Australia | Canada | common commercial policy | comparative study | parliamentary scrutiny | trade agreement (EU) |

United StatesSummary The Lisbon Treaty increased the European Parliament’s powers over EU trade policy. Ten years after its entry into

force it is timely to take stock of how the EP has made use of this leverage in shaping the EU’s trade negotiations.Such an exercise benefits from a comparison with other well-established parliamentary democracies, particularly thekey partners with whom the EU has recently negotiated or has started to negotiate a comprehensive trade agreement.This study compares parliamentary scrutiny of trade policy in the EU with the United States, Canada and Australia. Itconcludes that the European Parliament has become powerful and active in trade policy, on a comparable level to theUS Congress. Its powers exceed those of other Western democracies, such as Australia and Canada. From the latterthe European Parliament may conclude that it is important to codify some of its informal oversight practices, beforethey may get lost over time again. This may also help to encourage its trading partners to increase their parliamentaryinvolvement during negotiations with the EU. As regards the implementation of trade agreements however, the EU hasvery few competences in comparison to all other three countries analysed.

Study EN

State of the Union: Spring 2019 [What Think Tanks are thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 22-03-2019Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword European election | European Union | report | rule of law | the EU's international role | think tank

Summary The run-up to the European Parliament elections on 23-26 May has intensified debate about the state of the EuropeanUnion, the challenges it faces and the reforms needed, both to strengthen its resilience and to enhance its internationalrole. Many analysts focus on the rise of anti-establishment movements and a perceived divide between the east andwest of the Union regarding adherence to EU values and the rule of law. Some others discuss whether the EU shouldhave more competence in areas such as defence, international relations, migration and taxation. This note offers linksto reports and commentaries from some major international think-tanks and research institutes on the state of theUnion, proposed reforms and other issues being discussed ahead of the European elections. Studies andcommentaries on Brexit can be found in a previous item in the series. Papers on economic challenges faced by the EUand the euro area are available in still another. Some further analyses on the European elections can be found in a‘What think tanks are thinking’ published in January.

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Outlook for the meetings of EU leaders, 21-22 March 2019Publication type Briefing

Date 20-03-2019Author DRACHENBERG Ralf | VUKOVIC MARKO

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and ActsKeyword capital markets union | climate change policy | disinformation | economic growth | EU competition policy | EU industrial

policy | EU relations | European Council | job creation | single market | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EUSummary The European Council of 21-22 March 2019, is expected to discuss the future development of the single market, the

capital markets union, industrial policy and European digital policy, in preparation for the next strategic agenda. In theexternal relations field, the focus will be on the forthcoming EU-China summit. EU leaders will also look atdevelopments on fighting disinformation and will give guidance on the future EU climate policy. However, Brexit willagain take centre stage following recent developments in the House of Commons.

Briefing EN

Brexit: Understanding the withdrawal agreement and political declarationPublication type Briefing

Date 20-03-2019Author CIRLIG Carmen-Cristina

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword common foreign and security policy | Cyprus | external border of the EU | Gibraltar | internal border of the EU |

Northern Ireland | third country | transitional period (EU) | Treaty on European Union | United Kingdom | withdrawalfrom the EU

Summary In November 2018, the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) endorsed, at leaders’ level, an agreementthat would ensure an orderly UK withdrawal from the EU on 30 March 2019, as well as a political declaration settingout the main parameters of the future EU-UK relationship. The withdrawal agreement is an extensive legal documentaiming, among other things, to preserve the essential rights of UK nationals living in the EU-27 and EU citizens living inthe UK; to ensure that all financial commitments vis-à-vis the EU undertaken while the UK was a Member State arerespected; and to conclude in an orderly manner ongoing processes in various areas (e.g. circulation of goods alreadyon the market and ongoing judicial procedures). Importantly, the agreement establishes a 21-month transition period,extendable once, to help businesses and citizens to adapt to the new circumstances, and the EU and UK to negotiatetheir future partnership agreements. During this time, the UK will be treated as a Member State, but without any EUdecision-making and representation rights. Furthermore, one of the agreement’s three protocols, the Protocol onIreland/Northern Ireland contains a legally operational ‘backstop’, aiming to avoid a hard border on the island of Irelandin the future. It has long been the most contested aspect of the withdrawal deal. The political declaration, by contrast,is a non-binding text, providing the basis for future EU-UK economic and security cooperation, taking into account bothsides’ red lines and principles. With just days to go to the Brexit deadline, the procedures to approve the withdrawaldeal have still not been finalised, due to continuing opposition within the UK Parliament. While extending the Article 50negotiating period now appears highly likely, all scenarios are still possible, including the UK leaving the EU without adeal at the end of March 2019.

Briefing EN

Automated tackling of disinformation-Major challenges aheadPublication type Study

Date 15-03-2019External author DG, EPRS

Policy area Employment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation ofLaw and Policy in Practice | Financial and Banking Issues | Research Policy | Social Policy

Keyword disinformation | dissemination of information | election campaign publicity | political propaganda | social mediaSummary This study maps and analyses current and future threats from online misinformation, alongside currently adopted

socio-technical and legal approaches. The challenges of evaluating their effectiveness and practical adoption are alsodiscussed. Drawing on and complementing existing literature, the study summarises and analyses the findings ofrelevant journalist and scientific studies and policy reports in relation to detecting, containing and countering onlinedisinformation and propaganda campaigns. It traces recent development and trends and identifies significant new oremerging challenges. It also addresses potential policy implications of current socio-technical solutions for the EU.

Study EN

Annex 1 EN

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Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, March I 2019Publication type At a Glance

Date 15-03-2019Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword Afghanistan | criminal record | disabled person | EU visa policy | European citizens' initiative | European Monetary

Fund | European Parliament | information security | loan | parliamentary session | restriction on competition | TurkeySummary Highlights of the March I plenary session included debates on Brexit, preparation of the European Council meeting of

21-22 March 2019, and the latest debate on the Future of Europe, with Peter Pellegrini, Slovakia's Prime Minister.Parliament also held debates on a proposed European human rights violations sanctions regime; the situation inVenezuela and Nicaragua; opening EU-US trade negotiations; climate change; gender balance in nominations to EUeconomic and monetary affairs bodies; and on the urgency to establish an EU blacklist of third countries with weakregimes on anti-money-laundering and countering terrorist financing. Finally, Parliament adopted first-reading positionson three further proposed funding programmes for the 2021-2027 period. A number of Brexit-preparedness measureswere also adopted.

At a Glance EN

Artificial Intelligence ante portas: Legal & ethical reflectionsPublication type Briefing

Date 14-03-2019Author KRITIKOS Michail

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | ForwardPlanning | Human Rights

Keyword artificial intelligence | big data | data processing | data-processing law | impact of information technology | informationsecurity | legal data processing | protection of privacy | regulation (EU) | robotics | transparency in decision-making

Summary This briefing provides accessible introductions to some of the major legal, regulatory and ethical debates surroundingthe deployment and use of AI systems. It focuses on the challenges that the sui generis features of AI may pose on thecurrent legal framework and argues that as AI systems become more autonomous, a doctrinal paradigm swift may beneeded. Given the foreseeable pervasiveness of AI, the briefing poses the question about how this new technologyshould be defined and classified in legal and ethical terms. By providing an analysis of the key legal initiatives in thisfield in Europe, the briefing aims to equip the reader with the understanding they need to engage in clear-headedreflection about AI’s legal and socio-ethical challenges, and meaningful debates about how the current EU acquis mayneed to be adjusted to the new technological realities.

Briefing EN

Multimedia Artificial Intelligence ante portas: Legal & ethical reflections

The cost of non-Europe in the area of legal migrationPublication type Study

Date 14-03-2019Author THIRION Elodie | VAN BALLEGOOIJ Wouter

Policy area Development and Humanitarian Aid | Employment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EuropeanAdded Value | Social Policy

Keyword equal treatment | foreign national | labour mobility | migration | third countrySummary Further EU action in the area of legal migration could address obstacles experienced by Third Country Nationals within

the European Union. Depending on the policy option pursued these options could result in up to €21,75 billion inbenefits. Further gains could be made by addressing the fragmented national policies in this area, which are currentlyundermining ability of the EU as a whole to attract the workers and researchers it needs.

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Why artificial intelligence mattersPublication type Briefing

Date 14-03-2019Author BOUCHER Philip Nicholas

Policy area Consumer Protection | Culture | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Lawand Policy in Practice | Forward Planning | Human Rights | Industry | Public Health | Research Policy | Security andDefence | Social Policy

Keyword artificial intelligence | data processing | impact of information technology | roboticsSummary This briefing explains why AI matters by reviewing some of the key opportunities and challenges it presents, but it does

so with reference to the functionality and readiness of the technology. The first section focuses on the opportunitiesand challenges presented by today’s AI while the second explores longer-term speculative opportunities andchallenges that are contingent upon future developments that may never happen.

Briefing EN

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Regulating disinformation with artificial intelligencePublication type Study

Date 13-03-2019External author DG, EPRS

Policy area Democracy | Employment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts |Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Financial and Banking Issues | Global Governance | Human Rights |Research Policy | Social Policy

Keyword artificial intelligence | disinformation | dissemination of information | freedom of expression | pluralism in the mediaSummary In this study, we examine the consequences of the increasingly prevalent use of artificial intelligence (AI)

disinformation initiatives upon freedom of expression, pluralism and the functioning of a democratic polity. The studyexamines the trade-offs in using automated technology to limit the spread of disinformation online. It presents (self-regulatory to legislative) options to regulate automated content recognition (ACR) technologies in this context. Specialattention is paid to the opportunities for the European Union as a whole to take the lead in setting the framework fordesigning these technologies in a way that enhances accountability and transparency and respects free speech. Thepresent project reviews some of the key academic and policy ideas on technology and disinformation and highlightstheir relevance to European policy.

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Annex 1 EN

Technology and social polarisationPublication type Briefing

Date 07-03-2019Author BOUCHER Philip Nicholas

Policy area Consumer Protection | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Forward Planning |Research Policy | Social Policy

Keyword communications profession | democracy | disinformation | election campaign publicity | EU national | Europeancitizenship | impact of information technology | mass communications | pluralism in the media | political propaganda |populism | social media

Summary With the Cambridge Analytica scandal, it became clear how technologies such as social media and techniques such aspsychological profiling can be combined in election campaigns with worrying effects. Personalised political messagingis highly automated. It starts and ends with social media, which provides both the data for categorising users and themedium for targeting them with personalised messages. Messages might be designed to favour a particular candidateor to encourage widespread discord and mistrust. In either case, it could lead to more polarised societies in whichcitizens share less common ground and are less understanding of those with different political ideologies, attitudes topopulism, or perspectives on specific topics such as immigration. These same technologies and techniques also shapetrends in news production and consumption. As newspaper sales dwindle, outlets increasingly rely upon ad-revenuegenerated by clicks, making extensive use of social media platforms and user profiling. Public debate increasinglyoccurs via these social media platforms in which citizens, politicians, companies and bots communicate directly toeach other without the traditional filters of journalistic standards and editorial oversight. It has been suggested that,where citizens increasingly rely on such platforms for news, they risk entering so-called ‘filter bubbles’ in which theyare exposed to a narrow range of perspectives oriented around their own profiles, shielded from contrasting views, in abroad trend that could also lead to more polarised societies. In this context, STOA launched two studies to explore themechanisms by which these technologies and techniques may foster polarisation in Europe. One study approachedthe question with reference to trends in the production and consumption of news media, while the other focussed ontrends in political campaigning and communication strategies.

Briefing EN

Polarisation and the news media in EuropePublication type Study

Date 07-03-2019External author DG, EPRS

Policy area Consumer Protection | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Forward Planning |Research Policy | Social Policy

Keyword freedom of opinion | mass media | pluralism in the media | populism | public opinion | social mediaSummary • Across Europe there is as yet little evidence to support the idea that increased exposure to news featuring like-

minded or opposing views leads to the widespread polarisation of attitudes. Though some studies have found that bothcan strengthen the attitudes of a minority who already hold strong views. • Most studies of news use on social mediahave failed to find evidence of echo chambers and/or filter bubbles, where people are over-exposed to like-mindedviews. Some studies even find evidence that it increases the likelihood of exposure to opposing views. • The extent towhich people self-select news sources in Europe based on their political preferences, as well as the extent to whichnews outlets produce partisan coverage, still varies greatly by country. • In addition to differences between Europeancountries, comparative research often tends to show that the US has much higher levels of partisan news consumptionand polarisation, making it difficult to generalise from these findings. • There are large gaps in our understanding of therelationship between the news media and polarisation, particularly outside of Western and Northern Europe, andparticularly concerning our knowledge of new, more partisan digital-born news sources.

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Polarisation and the use of technology in political campaigns and communicationPublication type Study

Date 07-03-2019External author DG, EPRS

Policy area Consumer Protection | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Forward Planning |Research Policy | Social Policy

Keyword democracy | digital technology | political propaganda | populism | public opinion | social mediaSummary This report offers a comprehensive overview of the relationship between technology, democracy and the polarisation of

public discourse. Technology is inherently political, and the ways in which it is designed and used have ongoingimplications for participation, deliberation, and democracy. Algorithms, automation, big data analytics and artificialintelligence are becoming increasingly embedded in everyday life in democratic societies; this report provides an in-depth analysis of the technological affordances that enhance and undermine political decision-making, both now and inthe future. To conclude, we formulate principles and policy options for fostering a better relationship between digitaltechnology and public life.

Study EN

Women in parliamentsPublication type At a Glance

Date 21-02-2019Author PRPIC Martina | SABBATI Giulio

External author CHAHRI, SamyPolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity

Summary The Infographic "Women in parliaments" provides information on the proportion of women in national parliaments,compares representation of women in national parliaments with their numbers in the European Parliament and showsthe number of women in the EP by political group. It also gives an overview of female representatives in the EP byMember State and outlines the gender quotas applicable to the EP elections in the current legislature. This is anupdated version of an infographic published in February 2017.

At a Glance EN

The meaning of 'association' under EU law - A study on the law and practice of EU associationagreements

Publication type StudyDate 18-02-2019

External author Peter VAN ELSUWEGE,Merijn CHAMONPolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy in

Practice | Foreign AffairsKeyword associated country | association agreement (EU) | negotiation of an agreement (EU) | third country

Summary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the AFCO Committee, analyses the law and practice of EU association agreements. It mapsout different types of association agreements concluded on the legal basis of Article 217 TFEU and identifies the keyfeatures characterising the nature of association under EU law.

Study EN

Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, February 2019Publication type At a Glance

Date 15-02-2019Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword Bosnia and Herzegovina | European citizens' initiative | European Parliament | exchange policy | fishery management |

fishing agreement | foreign investment | mutual recognition principle | parliamentary session | Singapore | toll | tradeagreement (EU)

Summary The February plenary session highlights included a further debate on the Future of Europe, with Giuseppe Conte,Italy's Prime Minister; debates on Syria, and the future of the INF Treaty and its impact on the EU; and discussions onRoma integration strategies, and on a reflection paper on a sustainable Europe by 2030. Parliament also held debateson the conclusion of three EU-Singapore agreements; the implementation of Treaty provisions; and the rights of LGBTIpeople. Members adopted legislative texts, inter alia, on a multiannual plan for stocks fished in the Western Waters; aUnion civil protection mechanism; minimum requirements for water reuse; screening of FDI; electronic road tollsystems; mutual recognition of goods; cross-border payments and currency conversion charges; and common rules foraccess to the international market for coach and bus services. Finally, Parliament adopted positions on six furtherproposed funding programmes for the 2021-2027 period, clearing the way to the launch of negotiations with theCouncil.

At a Glance EN

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A Fiscal Capacity for the Eurozone: Constitutional PerspectivesPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 15-02-2019External author Federico Fabbrini, Professor of EU Law at Dublin City University (DCU) and Founding Director of the DCU Brexit

InstitutePolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Keyword Economic and Monetary Union | economic stabilisation | euro | euro area | fiscal policy | monetary crisisSummary This in-depth analysis, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and

Constitutional Affairs at the request of the AFCO Committee, considers from a constitutional perspective theintroduction of a fiscal capacity for the Eurozone. After explaining the constitutional asymmetry of Economic &Monetary Union, and surveying several recent proposals to establish a fiscal capacity, the in-depth analysis explains incomparative perspective how other federal unions by aggregation such as the United States and Switzerland areendowed with centralized fiscal stabilization tools and discusses how such a fiscal capacity could be established in theEurozone, considering issues of legal bases, governance and accountability, as well as possible windows ofopportunities to introduce it post-Brexit.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Policy Departments' Monthly Highlights - February 2019Publication type At a Glance

Date 11-02-2019Policy area Budgetary Control | Employment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Foreign Affairs | Transport

Summary The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments,including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

At a Glance EN

Thinking about the future of Europe: 'Ideas Papers' for the European Parliament Administration'sInnovation Day

Publication type StudyDate 08-02-2019

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword EU policy | EU strategy | European identity | European integration

Summary This compendium contains a set of 12 'Ideas Papers' prepared by policy analysts in the European ParliamentaryResearch Service (EPRS) to stimulate discussion at the various sessions of the January 2019 Innovation Day, with aview to the European Parliament administration’s preparations for the coming 2019-2024 parliamentary term.

Study EN

Reviewing the implementation of specific Treaty provisionsPublication type At a Glance

Date 06-02-2019Author KOTANIDIS Silvia | TILINDYTE-HUMBURG Laura

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary On 22 January 2019, the European Parliament's Committee on Constitutional Affairs adopted three own-initiative

reports, dealing with the implementation of the specific Treaty provisions on EU citizenship, enhanced cooperation andparliamentary scrutiny of the European Commission. Parliament is expected to discuss these reports during itsFebruary plenary session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Plenary round-up – Brussels, January II 2019Publication type At a Glance

Date 01-02-2019Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary Highlights of the January II plenary session included the Future of Europe debate with Juha Sipilä, Finland's prime

minister, and the latest debate on the UK's withdrawal from the EU. Members also debated the rule of law andfundamental rights in Hungary, and how to combat the climate of hatred and physical violence against democraticallyelected office-holders. Parliament officially recognised Juan Guaidó, President of the Venezuelan National Assembly,as 'legitimate interim president' of Venezuela, as he has proclaimed himself. Debates on EU-US trade, China-Taiwanrelations and gender balance were held, and Parliament also amended its Rules of Procedure, aiming to increasetransparency on interactions between its Members and representatives of interest groups.

At a Glance EN

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Future of Europe debates III: Parliament hosts Heads of State or GovernmentPublication type Briefing

Date 29-01-2019Author DRACHENBERG Ralf | KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword climate change | common security and defence policy | Economic and Monetary Union | EU energy policy | EU

migration policy | European Parliament | head of government | head of State | international trade | multiannual financialframework | parliamentary debate | social rights

Summary As the 2019 European elections approach, deep reflections on how to shape the future of the EU are taking on greaterprominence. The 'Future of Europe' debates, an initiative of the European Parliament, aim to make a tangiblecontribution to the broader discussion on how to reform EU policies and institutions. The series of debates started withthe invitation of the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, who announced at the European Council inOctober 2017 the intention to host debates during plenary sessions, as a democratic and open forum in which Headsof State or Government would be invited to express their vision of the future. Originally intended to run for the whole of2018, the debates, which have to date featured the leaders of 15 Member States, will now run into 2019, approachingthe 2019 European elections. This is the third edition of a briefing designed to provide an overview of the Future ofEurope debates. As usual, it takes stock of the views of the (five) most recent participating leaders (Iohannis, Merkel,Rasmussen, Anastasiades and Sánchez) on a number of key policy areas such as economic and monetary union(EMU), the EU’s social dimension, migration policy, security and defence, the next multiannual financial framework(MFF), trade and climate change.

Briefing EN

Brexit: The latest impasse [What Think Tanks are thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 25-01-2019Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword EU relations | report | think tank | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EU

Summary On 15 January, the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected the Withdrawal Agreement which the British PrimeMinister, Theresa May, had negotiated with the rest of the European Union, throwing into disarray efforts to ensure thecountry’s orderly exit from the bloc. However, the Prime Minister then survived a no-confidence vote tabled by theOpposition and later proposed tweaking her deal in a bid to win over rebel Conservative law-makers and the NorthernIrish Democratic Unionist Party, on which her government depends for its majority. British and European politicians areweighing various options as to how to proceed. This note offers links to reports and commentaries from some majorinternational think-tanks and research institutes on Brexit negotiations and related issues. More reports on the topiccan be found in a previous edition of ‘What Think Tanks are thinking’, published in December 2018.

Briefing EN

The EU framework for enforcing the respect of the rule of law and the Union’s fundamental principles andvalues

Publication type StudyDate 25-01-2019

External author Diego LÓPEZ GARRIDO, Antonio LÓPEZ CASTILLOPolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts

Keyword democracy | rights of the individual | rule of law | Treaty on European Union | Treaty on the Functioning of the EUSummary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional

Affairs at the request of the AFCO Committee, examines the EU founding values and principles set out in Article 2 TEUand the instruments at the EU’s disposal to uphold them, in particular Article 7 TEU and Article 258 TFEU, as well asthe Rule of Law Framework launched by the European Commission. Focusing on rule of law, the study also examineshow these instruments have been used, in particular in the cases of Poland and Hungary.The study also looks into the proposals put forward by the Parliament and the Commission and givesrecommendations: it proposes, in particular, the signing of the European Convention on Human Rights by the EU aswell as the introduction of economic conditionality into EU Cohesion Policy and its funds as a sanction mechanism.

Study EN

Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, January I 2019Publication type At a Glance

Date 18-01-2019Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword drivers | European Parliament | gender mainstreaming | interinstitutional relations (EU) | motor car | parliamentary

session | pesticide | rights of the individualSummary Highlights of the January I plenary session included the latest debate on the future of Europe, with Pedro Sánchez

Pérez-Castejón, Spain's prime minister, and a debate on the UK's withdrawal from the EU. Members also debated thereform of EU asylum and migration policy, reviewed the Austrian Council Presidency and discussed the incomingRomanian Presidency's programme. Among the subjects debated and voted, Parliament adopted positions on 12 moreof the three dozen funding programmes proposed for the 2021-2027 period, enabling negotiations with the Council tobe launched on each proposal as and when the latter has agreed its position.

At a Glance EN

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The Council of the EU: from the Congress of Ambassadors to a genuine Parliamentary Chamber?Publication type Study

Date 14-01-2019External author Olivier Rozenberg

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy inPractice

Keyword Council of the European Union | European Council | governance | institutional reform | institutional structure |interinstitutional relations (EU) | powers of the institutions (EU) | transparency in decision-making

Summary This study commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the AFCO Committee discusses the parliamentary nature of the Council. It analyses how theCouncil is in between a pure parliamentary institution and a non-parliamentary one from a wide range of perspectives,for example its structure, procedure and transparency. The study recommends incremental reforms towards furtherparliamentarisation rather than radical ones.

Study EN

European elections [What Think Tanks are thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 11-01-2019Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword bibliography | European election | European Parliament | President of the Commission | think tank

Summary Citizens of the European Union go to the polls in May 2019, in elections to the European Parliament which manyanalysts say may be the most important ever. Commentators are currently focused on the prospective performance ofanti-establishment parties and movements, many of which run on Eurosceptic platforms. The vote will also indicate ifthe Spitzenkandidaten process, launched by the European political parties five years ago, has become establishedpractice. If followed as in 2014, the candidate from the political force that receives the highest number of seats in theEuropean elections would become the President of the European Commission. This note offers links to reports andcommentaries from some major international think-tanks and research institutes on the forthcoming Europeanelections and related issues.

Briefing EN

Ten issues to watch in 2019Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 08-01-2019Author BASSOT Etienne

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Budget | Economics and Monetary Issues | Employment | Environment | EUDemocracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Foreign Affairs | InternationalTrade | Research Policy | Security and Defence

Keyword Africa | artificial intelligence | big data | common fisheries policy | digital single market | digitisation | electric vehicle |EU budget | European election | European Parliament | European security | international trade | marine environment |marine pollution | sustainable mobility

Summary This is the third edition of an annual EPRS publication designed to identify and frame some of the key issues andpolicy areas that are likely to feature prominently on the political agenda of the European Union over the coming year.The topics analysed are the outlook for a new European Parliament and new European Commission, the way forwardfor the soon-to-be EU-27, the future financing of the Union, the process of digital transformation, artificial intelligenceand collective intelligence, internal security, trade wars, Africa, electric mobility, and the oceans.

In-Depth Analysis DE, EN, FR

Unlocking the potential of the EU Treaties: An article-by-article analysis of the scope for actionPublication type Study

Date 07-01-2019Author BASSOT Etienne

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and ActsKeyword area of freedom, security and justice | common foreign and security policy | data protection | EU civilian mission | EU

military mission | euro area | European security | European treaties | fraud against the EU | terrorismSummary Public opinion often expresses the view that the European Union should do more to improve the lives of citizens in

various policy areas, but a lack of convergence among Member States on the desired changes, not to mention likelyhurdles in the ratification process, as well as other factors make any significant reform of the EU Treaties unlikely in thenear term. This study identifies and analyses 34 policy areas where there may be the potential to do more under theexisting legal bases provided by the Treaties without recourse to any amendment or updating of those texts. It looks atcurrently unused or under-used legal bases in the Treaties with a view to their contributing more effectively to the EUpolicy process.

Study DE, EN, FR

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Fit for purpose? The Facilitation Directive and the criminalisation of humanitarian assistance to irregularmigrants: 2018 update

Publication type StudyDate 21-12-2018

External author Sergio CARRERA (scientific coordinator), CEPS and the Migration Policy Centre – European University InstituteLina VOSYLIUTE, CEPSStephanie SMIALOWSKI, CEPSDr Jennifer ALLSOPP, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Migration Leadership Team, London International DevelopmentCentre, SOAS University of LondonGabriella SANCHEZ, Migration Policy Centre – European University Institute

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal Systemand Acts | Petitions to the European Parliament | Transposition and Implementation of Law

Keyword approximation of laws | EC Directive | EU Member State | fight against crime | human rights | illegal migration | impactstudy | offence | organised crime | penalty | trafficking in human beings

Summary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the PETI Committee, aims to update the 2016 study “Fit for purpose? The Facilitation Directiveand the criminalisation of humanitarian assistance to irregular migrants”. It takes stock of and examines the latestdevelopments that have taken place since 2016, specifically the legislative and policy changes, along with variousforms and cases of criminalisation of humanitarian actors, migrants’ family members and basic service providers. Thestudy uses the notion of ‘policing humanitarianism’ to describe not only cases of formal prosecution and sentencing incriminal justice procedures, but also wider dynamics of suspicion, intimidation, harassment and disciplining in fiveselected Member States – Belgium, France, Greece, Hungary and Italy. Policing humanitarianism negatively affectsEU citizens’ rights – such as the freedom of assembly, freedom of speech and freedom of conscience. When civilsociety is effectively (self-)silenced and its accountability role undermined, policies to combat migrant smuggling maybe overused and give rise to serious breaches of the EU’s founding values, notably the rule of law, democracy andfundamental rights. Moreover, policing humanitarianism negatively affects wider societal trust and diverts the limitedresources of law enforcement from investigating more serious crimes.

Study EN

Implementation of the Treaty provisions concerning enhanced cooperationPublication type Study

Date 20-12-2018Author KIENDL KRISTO IVANA

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal Systemand Acts | Financial and Banking Issues | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | Intellectual Property Law | Securityand Defence

Keyword case law (EU) | civil union | common foreign and security policy | enhanced cooperation | EP Committee | EU MemberState | European Joint Undertaking | financial transaction | intellectual property | judicial cooperation in civil matters inthe EU | matrimonial law | public prosecutor's department | report | Treaty of Amsterdam

Summary This study examines the existing (and planned) instances of enhanced cooperation (EnC), their institutional set up andstate of play. Our analysis is at this point of time limited to the one EnC case with sufficient implementation record(EnC in divorce law, applied for more than six years to date). The remaining cases either began very recently (PESCOin late 2017); are in the preparatory stages (EPPO); are set to start in the near future (2019 for EnC in property regimerules); have not as yet entered into force (EnC in unitary patent protection awaiting ratification of the UPC Agreementby DE); or are yet to be agreed upon (FTT).

Study EN

Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, December 2018Publication type At a Glance

Date 14-12-2018Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword agri-foodstuffs | alternative dispute resolution | digital economy taxation | EU office or agency | European Parliament |

freedom of opinion | general budget (EU) | Japan | occupational safety | parliamentary session | terrorism | UkraineSummary The December plenary session was marked by the terrorist attack that took place in Strasbourg on 11 December.

Members had that very day debated the report of Parliament's Special Committee on Terrorism, concluding its year'swork. The December plenary session also featured debates on the preparations for the same week's EuropeanCouncil and Euro Summit meetings, as well as on the future of Europe, with Nicos Anastasiades, President of Cyprus.Parliament awarded the 2018 Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought to the imprisoned Ukrainian filmmaker, OlegSentsov, and adopted a report on the implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. Parliament adoptedthe EU's 2019 budget, and held debates and voted on proposals on a digital services tax; risk assessment in the foodchain; risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work; revision of the statutes of three EU agencies; aswell as an own initiative legislative report on expedited settlement of commercial disputes. Finally, Parliament adoptedpositions on seven of the three dozen proposed funding programmes for the 2021-2027 period, enabling negotiationswith the Council to be launched.

At a Glance EN

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Artificial Intelligence and civil law; liability rules for dronesPublication type Study

Date 13-12-2018Author Mussa Giorgio

External author Andrea BertoliniPolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Public international law | Social Policy

Keyword air safety | artificial intelligence | civil aviation | code of conduct | defective product | drone | EU Member State |insurance | liability | risk management | United States

Summary This study – commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the JURI Committee – analyses existing European and national legislation on the regulation ofdrones for civil use, discussing how they are defined and classified, whether certification and registration is required,how liability is apportioned between the subjects involved, and if compulsory insurance is provided for. Finally, on thebasis of a risk-management approach, the study elaborates recommendations for future policy formulation.

Study EN

Priority dossiers under the Romanian EU Council PresidencyPublication type Briefing

Date 07-12-2018Author ATTARD LUCIENNE

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword common transport policy | digital single market | EU budget | EU Council Presidency | EU energy policy | EU migration

policy | European security | European social policy | negotiation of an agreement (EU) | Romania | trade agreement(EU)

Summary Romania will hold the EU Council Presidency from January to July 2019. Its Presidency comes at the end of theEuropean Parliament’s current legislative term, with European elections taking place on 23-26 May 2019. This is thefirst time that Romania holds the EU Council Presidency since joining the European Union on 1 January 2007.Romania has a bicameral legislature. The Parliament consists of the Senate (the upper house) having 137 seats andthe Chamber of Deputies (the lower house) with 332 seats. The members of both houses are elected by direct, popularvote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms. The executive branch of the Government isdirectly or indirectly dependent on the support of the parliament, often expressed through a vote of confidence. TheSocial Democratic Party (PSD) heads the current governmental alliance with the centre-right Liberal-Democrat Alliance(ALDE). Romania is a semi-presidential republic, with Klaus Iohannis as President in office since November 2014, andthe current Prime Minister, Viorica Dancila (PSD), in office since January 2018.

Briefing EN

Brexit: The endgame? [What Think Tanks are thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 07-12-2018Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword negotiation of an agreement (EU) | think tank | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EU

Summary Prime Minister Theresa May faces an uphill struggle to convince the British House of Commons to back the agreementshe has reached with the EU-27 on UK withdrawal from the European Union, in a crucial vote set for 11 December.Although the deal was approved by her Cabinet and all EU leaders, the divorce terms have been criticised by manyMembers of Parliament, both advocates of a no-deal departure from the Union and those who would like the UnitedKingdom to remain within th Union or have the closest possible ties with it from outside. In a parallel development, anAdvocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union has issued an opinion that the UK may unilateralywithdraw its notification of intent to leave the EU, although its departure date is currently set for 29 March 2019. TheCourt is due to issue its ruling on 10 December; in the past, the Court has followed its advocate-generals’ opinions inmost cases. This note offers links to reports and commentaries from some major international think-tanks and researchinstitutes on Brexit negotiations and related issues. More reports on the topic can be found in a previous edition of‘What Think Tanks are thinking’, published in October 2018.

Briefing EN

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Plenary round-up – Brussels, November II 2018Publication type At a Glance

Date 30-11-2018Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword accession negotiations | agenda | European Parliament | interinstitutional cooperation (EU) | Kosovo | parliamentary

debate | parliamentary session | parliamentary vote | United Kingdom | Western Balkans | withdrawal from the EU |World Trade Organisation

Summary The highlights of the November II plenary session were the debate on the future of Europe with the Prime Minister ofDenmark, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, and the discussion on the Council and Commission statements on UK withdrawalfrom the European Union. Debates were held on a Commission statement on the single market package and the long-term strategy for reducing EU greenhouse gas emissions. Members debated and adopted reports on five WesternBalkan countries, as well as a report on the way forward for the World Trade Organization (WTO). A number oflegislative reports were voted without debate, including on trade in goods that could be used for capital punishment,torture or other cruel treatment or punishment, the temporary reintroduction of border controls at the internal borders,and common rules for the operation of air services.

At a Glance EN

Outcome of the special European Council (Article 50), 25 November 2018Publication type Briefing

Date 29-11-2018Author DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal Systemand Acts

Keyword cooperation policy | European Council | European Union membership | Gibraltar | negotiation of an agreement (EU) |rights of the individual | transitional period (EU) | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EU

Summary EU-27 leaders endorsed the withdrawal agreement and approved the political declaration on future EU-UK relations on25 November 2018. After last minute statements regarding Gibraltar and clarification on a possible extension to thetransition period removed all obstacles. The agreement is due to enter into force on 30 March 2019. President Tajanistressed that the European Parliament ‘welcomes the Political Declaration on the future relationship and regards it asan excellent basis on which to develop [the EU’s] post-Brexit cooperation with the United Kingdom’.

Briefing EN

The role of ombudsmen and petitions committees in detecting breaches of EU lawPublication type Briefing

Date 26-11-2018Author HEEZEN JOHANNES

External author Tiago TiburcioPolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Petitions to the

European ParliamentKeyword EU Member State | governance | participatory democracy | petition

Summary Over the last decades, national and EU political institutions have sought ways to get closer to citizens, who areshowing an increasing dissatisfaction with the performance of democratic institutions. The right to petition and the rightto submit complaints to ombudsmen (the twin rights) can be considered two privileged instruments for strengtheningthis relationship, since they are two of the most accessible ways for citizens to address political institutions, notably toreact to the application of EU law and policy. Pioneering efforts have been made to enhance the relationship with thecitizens, notably through the use of new technologies. These technologies facilitate the exercise of the twin rights, theydemocratise access to information or facilitate communication between institutions and citizens. One of the majorshortcomings in the petitions/complaints process is the lack of knowledge of the profile of those who make use of theirright to petition or to complain. This briefing provides some recommendations on how to empower parliaments andenforce citizens’ rights through the petitions and complaints process.

Briefing EN

Relations between the European Council and the European ParliamentPublication type Study

Date 23-11-2018External author EPRS, DG

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword composition of parliament | European Central Bank | European Council | European Parliament | European treaties |

governance | interinstitutional relations (EU) | President of the European CouncilSummary This study explores the development of relations between the European Council (of Heads of State or Government)

and the European Parliament, two institutions that have become increasingly central to the operation of the EuropeanUnion political system, especially since the 2009 Lisbon Treaty. It explains the Treaty framework for relations betweenthe two institutions and traces their practical evolution over time, including an analysis of the roles of the presidents ofeach institution in such interaction. It also examines points of contention in the relationship to date, including in relationto 'legislative trespassing' by the European Council and the Spitzenkandidaten process

Study EN

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Outlook for the special European Council (Article 50), 25 November 2018Publication type Briefing

Date 22-11-2018Author DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword European Council | external border of the EU | free movement of persons | Ireland | negotiation of an agreement (EU) |

Northern Ireland | single market | summit meeting | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EUSummary On 25 November 2018, EU Heads of State or Government are scheduled to meet for a special European Council to

endorse the Brexit withdrawal agreement and approve a political declaration on future EU-UK relations accompanyingthe withdrawal agreement. This briefing outlines the main elements of the withdrawal agreement, notably the solutionto the Irish border issue. It also provides an overview of the European Council’s deliberations and guidance regardingthe Article 50 negotiations to date, as well an outlook of the next steps towards ratifying the agreement.

Briefing EN

EU Agencies, Common Approach and Parliamentary ScrutinyPublication type Study

Date 21-11-2018External author EPRS, DG

Policy area Budget | Budgetary Control | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and ActsKeyword administrative transparency | European agency | European Parliament | financial transparency | governance |

parliamentary scrutiny | powers of the EPSummary Decentralised agencies were set up on a case-by-case basis over the years, to respond to emerging individual policy

needs. Currently there are 36 of them and they have been operating under very diverse conditions. This study providesan overview of the different decentralised EU agencies according to a number of criteria; including their functions, legalbases, sources of financing, respective roles of Parliament, Council, Commission and Member States, stakeholderinvolvement and transparency. It particularly examines how the parliamentary scrutiny over decentralised agencies isensured and suggests possible improvements to those mechanisms in order to reach a more coherent, efficient andtransparent institutional set up for the parliamentary scrutiny over agencies’ activities.

Study EN

The European Ombudsman: Reflections on the role and its potentialPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 20-11-2018Author KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and ActsKeyword administration of the Institutions | administrative transparency | European Ombudsman | institutional activity | powers of

the institutions (EU) | Treaty on European UnionSummary The European Ombudsman is a body established to ensure that maladministration in the EU institutions is addressed

and where possible remedied. From the establishment of the European Ombudsman, personalities and the open-ended character of the notion of maladministration have been relevant in shaping the activity of the office.Maladministration is widely accepted to be a sphere of inappropriate behaviour of the administration that goes beyondsimple illegality. The particularity of the Ombudsman lies therefore on the fact that it is able, through the exercise of'soft power', to tackle issues that would escape the scrutiny of the Court of Justice of the EU. This paper provides anoverview of the activity of the Ombudsman, and attempts to identify the main areas of activity in quantitative terms, themain institutions to which the Ombudsman addresses inquiries and recommendations and highlights the proactive roleexercised by this body so far. The compliance rate with the recommendations of the Ombudsman is rather high,although it would seem to decrease where the Ombudsman, by issuing critical remarks, exercises an 'educational'function. This paper also sets out some proposals to modify the Statute, with some less-extensive proposals, thatwould take into account already established practices, and other more far-reaching proposals, that would needhowever to be carefully considered so as not to distort the nature of the body.

In-Depth Analysis DE, EN, FR

Commission work programme 2019Publication type Briefing

Date 19-11-2018Author REMAC Milan

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and ActsKeyword action programme | application of EU law | capital market | climate change policy | common fisheries policy | deepening

of the European Union | economic policy | EU energy policy | European election | European Union | summit meeting |United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EU

Summary This briefing is intended as a background overview for parliamentary committees planning their activities in relation tothe European Commission's work programme 2019. It gives a brief description of the content of the work programmeconcentrating on the Commission's communication COM(2018)800 and its annexes.

Briefing EN

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Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, November I 2018Publication type At a Glance

Date 16-11-2018Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword arms trade | association agreement (EU) | Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications | EU visa

policy | European Parliament | European Union Solidarity Fund | fishery management | multiannual financial framework| nuclear non-proliferation | parliamentary session | passenger rights | renewable energy

Summary The highlights of the November I plenary session were the debate on the future of Europe with Angela Merkel,Chancellor of Germany, as well as the debate and vote on the interim report on the Multiannual Financial Framework2021-2027. Parliament also held debates on floods in Europe; regulating virtual currencies and initial coin offerings;and EU resilience in the face of foreign actors' potential attempts to influence the upcoming EP election campaign.Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa addressed the Parliament in a formal sitting. Members debated HR/VPFederica Mogherini's statements on the future of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, Central Americanmigrants at the Mexican border, and the effects of US sanctions on Iran for European companies. Parliament voted onlegislative proposals, inter alia, on energy efficiency; promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources; on theEuropean Electronic Communications Code and BEREC; and on rail passengers' rights and obligations. Membersadopted reports on the implementation of the EU Agreements with Georgia and Moldova, and voted on reports onhumanitarian visas and on the implementation of the EU Common Position on arms exports. The 2018 Lux Prize,which promotes European cinema, makes promising films accessible to a wider audience and encourages debate onvalues and social issues across Europe, was awarded to 'Woman at war' (Kona fer í stríð), by Icelandic directorBenedikt Erlingsson.

At a Glance EN

Promoting the Rights and Values, Justice and Creative Europe programmesPublication type Briefing

Date 15-11-2018Author EISELE Katharina

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Culture | Education | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law |Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity

Keyword cultural cooperation | cultural pluralism | distribution of EU funding | EU programme | European citizenship | impactstudy | legal system | participatory democracy | proposal (EU) | rights of the individual | rule of law

Summary With the future (1) Rights and Values, (2) Justice and (3) Creative Europe programmes, the European Commissionaims to protect better EU rights and values; to develop further a European area of justice; and to support Europeancultural and creative sectors and audiovisual works under the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework. This initialappraisal of the Commission’s impact assessment on the proposal finds that the impact assessment is substantiatedby various evaluations, studies and consultations. The Commission describes the challenges encountered of thecurrent and previous programmes well. However, the lack of policy options and of an impact analysis seriously affectthe IA's quality. In addition, the IA does not match the three proposals: the only option considered does not mention aself-standing Creative Europe programme, which the Commission ultimately proposed.

Briefing EN

Shaping European Union: The European Parliament and Institutional Reform, 1979-1989Publication type Study

Date 13-11-2018External author Dr Wolfram Kaiser, University of Portsmouth

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword European election | European Parliament | European treaties | institutional reform | modern history | powers of the EP

Summary Based on a large range of newly accessible archival sources, this study explores the European Parliament’s policieson the institutional reform of the European Communities between 1979 and 1989. It demonstrates how the Parliamentfulfilled key functions in the process of constitutionalisation of the present-day European Union. These functionsincluded defining a set of criteria for effective and democratic governance, developing legal concepts such assubsidiarity, and pressurising the Member States into accepting greater institutional deepening and more powers forthe Parliament in the Single European Act and the Maastricht Treaty.

Study DE, EN, FR

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Historiography of the European Parliament: Changing perceptions of the institution from the 1950s totoday

Publication type StudyDate 13-11-2018

External author This study has been written by Desmond Dinan, Ad Personam Jean Monnet Chair and Professor of Public Policy atGeorge Mason University, Virginia, United States, for the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS).

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword European election | European Parliament | modern history | political group (EP) | powers of the EP | public opinion

Summary This study charts the course and contours of academic interest in, and writing about, the European Parliament (EP)since its origins in the early 1950s. What began as a trickle of scholarly works on the EP turned into a flood in the early1990s, after the EP acquired greater legislative power and became more like a ‘real’ (if not a ‘normal’) parliament. Thestudy does not claim to mention every significant work on the EP, and may well mention some works that otherscholars might not consider to be particularly significant. It aims to present a ‘historiography’ of the EP, without limitingitself to the study of historical writing. Accordingly, it ranges over a wide swath of scholarship, including history butalso, primarily, political science.

Study EN

Creative Europe Programme (2014 to 2020)Publication type Study

Date 26-10-2018Author ZYGIEREWICZ Anna

Policy area Culture | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword audiovisual production | cultural cooperation | cultural pluralism | cultural promotion | culture industry | distribution of EU

funding | EU programme | impact study | language policySummary The study provides an up-to-date evaluation of the implementation of the selected smaller and bigger actions within the

Creative Europe programme (2014 to 2020) with focus on the European dimension and European added value of theundertaken actions as well as their visibility.

Study EN

Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, October II 2018Publication type At a Glance

Date 26-10-2018Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword budgetary discharge | cultural object | drinking water | European Fund for Strategic Investments | European Parliament

| general budget (EU) | import (EU) | marine pollution | parliamentary session | road transport | Schengen InformationSystem | veterinary medicinal product

Summary The highlights of the October II plenary session were the debate on the conclusions of the European Council meetingon 17 and 18 October 2018 and the presentation of the European Commission’s 2019 work programme, the last of thecurrent legislature. Parliament also held debates on the use of Facebook users' data by Cambridge Analytica and itsimpact on data protection, and the Cum-Ex trading scandal. The series of debates on the Future of Europe continued,this time with Klaus Iohannis, President of Romania, urging European unity. Parliament voted on legislative proposals,inter alia, on drinking water; marine litter; the Schengen Information System; import of cultural goods; veterinarymedicinal products; charging of heavy goods vehicles; and energy-efficient road transport vehicles. Members alsoadopted Parliament's position on the EU general budget for 2019 and declined to grant discharge for the 2016 budgetto the European Council and Council.

At a Glance EN

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Future of Europe debates II: Parliament hosts Heads of State or GovernmentPublication type Briefing

Date 19-10-2018Author DRACHENBERG Ralf | KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword adaptation to climate change | common security and defence policy | Economic and Monetary Union | EU migration

policy | EU-NATO cooperation | European Council | European Parliament | European social policy | European StabilityMechanism | head of government | head of State | interinstitutional relations (EU) | international trade | multiannualfinancial framework | trade agreement (EU)

Summary Against the background of the many challenges faced by the European Union (EU) in recent years, and with the May2019 European Parliament elections approaching, the future of the European project has come back on the agenda ofpublic discourse. At the European Council of October 2017, the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani,announced his intention to host a series of Future of Europe debates during plenary sessions, as a democratic andopen forum in which the Heads of State or Government of EU Member States would be invited to express their visionof the future, starting in early 2018. Intended to run for the whole of 2018 and beyond, the 'Future of Europe' debates inthe European Parliament have thus far featured the leaders of ten Member States. They have used the opportunity toset out their personal vision, highlighting priorities, pointing to areas for better development, and revisitingaccomplishments so far. (See the timeline of speakers below.) This is the second edition of a Briefing designed toprovide an overview of the Future of Europe debate in a number of key policy areas. While the first edition covered thefirst six speakers, the present one focuses on the most recent four. It also contains insights on climate change andinternational trade, in addition to the areas of economic and monetary union (EMU), the EU social dimension, migrationpolicy, security and defence, and the multiannual financial framework (MFF), covered in the first edition.

Briefing EN

Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, October I 2018Publication type At a Glance

Date 05-10-2018Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword aid to refugees | amending budget | audiovisual industry | cross-frontier data flow | EU relations | Eurojust | European

Council | North Macedonia | provision of services | referendum | tax harmonisation | Turkey | UNRWA | VATSummary The highlight of the October I plenary session was the debate on the preparation of the European Council meeting on

18 and 19 October 2018. The series of debates on the Future of Europe continued, this time with the Prime Minister ofEstonia, Jüri Ratas. Montenegro's President, Milo Đukanović, also addressed Parliament in a formal sitting. Parliamentadopted, inter alia, legislative proposals on: audiovisual media services; VAT rules; strengthening the EU Agency forCriminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust); mutual recognition of freezing and confiscation of criminal assets; the free flowof non-personal data within the EU; health technology assessment; and emission performance standards for newpassenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Parliament also voted its public procurement package, as well as areport on an amending budget regarding changes to pre-accession aid to Turkey.

At a Glance EN

Brexit negotiations [What Think Tanks are thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 05-10-2018Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword negotiation of an agreement (EU) | think tank | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EU

Summary With less than six months to go before the United Kingdom is due to leave the European Union, there is a palpablesense of tension surrounding the Brexit negotiations. At their most recent meeting in Salzburg, Austria, in September,EU leaders in effect rejected British Prime Minister Theresa May’s ‘Chequers’ plan’ for the UK’s future relationship withthe EU. The move prompted acrimony among British politicians and jolted the financial markets, fearful of a no-dealBrexit. However, both sides are working hard to make progress in negotiations ahead of the next European Councilmeeting, on 18 October. This note offers links to reports and commentaries from some major international think-tanksand research institutes on Brexit negotiations and related issues. More reports on the topic can be found in a previousedition of ‘What Think Tanks are thinking’, published in June 2018.

Briefing EN

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Parliamentary scrutiny of the European Commission: implementation of the Treaty provisionsPublication type Study

Date 02-10-2018Author REMAC Milan

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword delegated legislation | EP Committee | European Commission | European Parliament | High Representative of the

Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy | motion of censure | parliamentary inquiry | parliamentary scrutiny |powers of the EP

Summary The European Parliament's application of scrutiny prerogatives of political oversight of the European Commissionincreases the democratic legitimacy of the European Union, and the transparency and accountability of the Europeanexecutive. The study examines the status quo of the European Parliament's powers of scrutiny of the EuropeanCommission. The cases examined pertain mainly to electoral and institutional issues, motions of censure,parliamentary questions, inquiry committees and special parliamentary committees and reporting, consultation andprovision of information. It also touches upon scrutiny in budgetary issues, scrutiny of delegated acts, scrutiny in thelegislative procedure, legal proceedings and the EU's external relations.

Study EN

The Implementation of Enhanced Cooperation in the EUPublication type Study

Date 01-10-2018External author Prof. Dr. Wolfgang WESSELS, Centre for Turkey and European Union Studies (CETEUS), University of Cologne;

Carsten GERARDS, Department of EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies, College of Europe (Bruges)Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Keyword civil union | enhanced cooperation | EP Committee | EU Member State | European Joint Undertaking | European patent| financial transaction | Framework Programme for Research and Development | intellectual property | matrimonial law |public prosecutor's department | report | research policy | Treaty of Amsterdam

Summary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, examines – against a historical backdrop – the legalprovisions governing Enhanced Cooperation as well as the so far very limited number of implemented EnhancedCooperation initiatives. Based on these insights, concrete ideas are formulated on how to optimise this ‘standardisedand generalised framework’ of differentiated integration, touching upon questions of efficacy, efficiency and legitimacy.

Study EN

What if blockchain offered a way to reconcile privacy with transparency?Publication type At a Glance

Date 27-09-2018Author KRITIKOS Michail

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Consumer Protection | Contract Law, Commercial Law and Company Law |Democracy | Economics and Monetary Issues | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EULaw: Legal System and Acts | Financial and Banking Issues | Food Safety | Global Governance | Industry | IntellectualProperty Law | Internal Market and Customs Union | International Trade | Private international law and judicialcooperation in civil matters | Public Health | Research Policy | Social Policy | Transport

Keyword blockchain | cryptography | data protection | data-processing law | electronic banking | financial supervision | impact ofinformation technology | personal data | protection of privacy | regulation (EU) | virtual currency

Summary One of the most appealing aspects of blockchain technology is the degree of transparency that it can provide.Blockchain has the potential to improve supply chains and clinical trials, enforce the law, enable responsibleconsumption and enhance democratic governance through a traceability of information as a means of ensuring thatnothing is unduly modified. The level of transparency that blockchain brings forward adds a degree of accountabilitythat has not existed to date. At the same time, one of the most appealing aspects of blockchain technology is thedegree of privacy that it can provide. How could blockchain safeguard the rights to privacy and control over one’s data,whilst promoting data transparency?

At a Glance EN

Multimedia What if blockchain were to be truly decentralised?

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 135

What if blockchain were to be truly decentralised?Publication type At a Glance

Date 27-09-2018Author KRITIKOS Michail

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Consumer Protection | Contract Law, Commercial Law and Company Law |Democracy | Economics and Monetary Issues | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EULaw: Legal System and Acts | Financial and Banking Issues | Food Safety | Global Governance | Industry | IntellectualProperty Law | Internal Market and Customs Union | International Trade | Private international law and judicialcooperation in civil matters | Public Health | Research Policy | Transport

Keyword blockchain | centralisation of information | electronic banking | virtual currencySummary Technological systems, once introduced in a particular socio-economic context, often evolve in unforeseen ways and

may fall prey to unexpected power relations. Blockchain, as a technology that relies on decentralisation to enablestoring and securing data-based transactions without central administration, is currently facing significant centralisationpressures that may undermine the purpose of operating a decentralised blockchain network. But what if blockchainfulfilled its promise to be truly decentralised?

At a Glance EN

Multimedia What if blockchain were to be truly decentralised?

The future partnership between the European Union and the United Kingdom: Negotiating a frameworkfor relations after Brexit

Publication type StudyDate 25-09-2018

Author CIRLIG Carmen-Cristina | PUCCIO LauraPolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts

Keyword common foreign and security policy | development aid | European security | European Union | negotiation of anagreement (EU) | police cooperation | preferential agreement | third country | trade relations | United Kingdom |withdrawal from the EU | World Trade Organisation

Summary Following the European Council's additional guidelines of March 2018, the European Union (EU) and the UnitedKingdom (UK) have started discussions on their future relationship after Brexit. The aim is to agree on a politicalframework for their future partnership by autumn 2018, to be adopted alongside the withdrawal agreement. Conclusionof a treaty or treaties establishing future EU-UK relations will only take place after the UK leaves the Union andbecomes a third country. Both parties have expressed the desire to remain in a close partnership, which would coverseveral areas including trade and economic matters, internal security, foreign and security policy, and cooperation ondefence. This study looks at the respective aims for, and principles underpinning, the negotiations, as expressedpublicly to date by each party, and analyses some of the legal constraints and existing practices or precedents shapingEU cooperation with third-country partners. This allows assessment of the possibilities and limits of any future EU-UKpartnership, in light of the stated objectives and 'red lines' officially announced, leading to the conclusion that,notwithstanding several common aims, significant divergences still persist with respect to the means of achieving thestated objectives.

Study EN

Annex 1 EN

The Development of an Institutional Framework for the Implementation of the Association Agreements inGeorgia, Moldova and Ukraine: a comparative perspective

Publication type StudyDate 19-09-2018

External author Kataryna WOLCZUK, Professor of East European Politics, University of Birmingham and Associate Fellow, Russia andEurasia Programme, Chatham House, United Kingdom

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Foreign Affairs |International Trade | Transposition and Implementation of Law

Keyword association agreement (EU) | Community acquis | corruption | Georgia | independence of the judiciary | institutionalreform | judicial reform | Moldova | national parliament | political reform | political situation | powers of parliament |structural adjustment | technical cooperation | Ukraine

Summary In recent years the EU concluded Association Agreements, including the creation of a Comprehensive Free TradeAreas with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. These are amongst the most complex and comprehensive legal treatiesconcluded by the EU with third countries. The treaties place a profound obligation on the partner countries of legalapproximation, that is, to undertake extensive, binding commitments to adopt vast swathes of the acquis in order tostimulate political and economic development and institutional modernisation. This study shows that creating theinstitutional framework for implementation is a challenging and drawn-out process. While all countries have madesome progress with devising these mechanisms, they are short of the necessary political leadership, policy planning,administrative capacity and there is a dearth of budgetary planning to enable effective implementation. There is also anotable need to embed implementation into wider reform strategies. While these issues are being addressed on thepart of the countries, the EU can assist them by providing the necessary systemic support in an integrated, sequencedand long-term way.

Study EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 136

Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, September 2018Publication type At a Glance

Date 14-09-2018Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword circular economy | digital single market | European Parliament | European Union Solidarity Fund | interinstitutional

cooperation (EU) | money laundering | parliamentary session | personal data | pesticide | transatlantic relations |voluntary work | World Trade Organisation

Summary The highlight of September's plenary session was the State of the Union speech by the President of the EuropeanCommission, Jean-Claude Juncker, announcing a number of legislative proposals to come by the end of theCommission's mandate. The debate on the Future of Europe continued, this time with the Prime Minister of Greece,Alexis Tsipras. Lebanon's President, Michel Aoun, addressed Parliament as well as the Prime Minister of the formerYugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Zoran Zaev. Parliament approved, inter alia, proposals on the European SolidarityCorps, Single Digital Gateway, and countering money laundering. Parliament also voted an amended report oncopyright in the digital single market which is now ready to be negotiated with the Council.

At a Glance EN

The 2018 State of the Union debate in the European ParliamentPublication type Briefing

Date 07-09-2018Author DOBREVA Alina

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword EU situation | European Parliament | interinstitutional agreement | multiannual financial framework | parliamentary

debate | President of the Commission | speechSummary European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s State of the Union address to the European Parliament, and

the subsequent debate, on 12 September 2018 is to be the last one during the current mandate. It comes in thecontext of the ongoing reflection on the future path of the European Union, especially in view of the European electionsnext May. The debate will therefore be an occasion to reflect on the legacy and achievements of this Commission, topresent the priorities until the end of the mandate and to follow up on the ongoing debate on the future path of theEuropean Union of 27. President Juncker’s speech is expected to be accompanied by a set of concrete initiatives andproposals with the aim to deliver positive results for citizens by the time of the Sibiu summit in May 2019. This year’sspeech comes as the campaigns for the European elections start to take shape, but also in the period of intensivedebate on the Commission’s proposals for the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which set out theCommission’s vision of the EU financing of policies during that period. The State of the Union debate now forms part ofthe process for the adoption of the annual Commission Work Programme and thus plays an important role inidentifying major political priorities to be agreed in interinstitutional dialogue. This briefing is an update of an earlierone, of September 2017, by Eva-Maria Poptcheva.

Briefing EN

The State of the Union [What Think Tanks are thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 07-09-2018Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword Court of Justice of the European Union | deepening of the European Union | European Union | Germany | Poland |

populism | President of the Commission | think tankSummary The President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, will deliver his last State of the Union address to

the European Parliament on Wednesday 12 September, a little more than eight months before the next Europeanelections. In this annual speech in Strasbourg, President Juncker is expected to take stock of the state of play on histen priorities for the 2014-2019 political cycle and present his remaining initiatives on building a 'more united, strongerand more democratic Union'. Juncker’s 2017 address was marked by cautious optimism: since then, whilst theEuropean economy has continued to recover, several other challenges have proved persistent. This note offers aselection of links to commentaries, studies and reports from major international think tanks on the state of the EU andpossible reforms. Brexit-related publications can be found in a previous edition of 'What Think Tanks are thinking’ fromJuly 2018. Papers on migration are available in an earlier edition in this series, published in June. Those on euro-zonereform appear in a previous publication in June.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 137

The Juncker Commission's ten priorities: State of play in autumn 2018Publication type Study

Date 07-09-2018Author BASSOT Etienne | HILLER WOLFGANG

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword area of freedom, security and justice | climate change policy | digital single market | digitisation | drawing up of the EU

budget | Economic and Monetary Union | EU energy policy | EU growth strategy | EU migration policy | EuropeanCommission | Internet | the EU's international role

Summary As the European Commission approaches the last full year of its five-year mandate, this publication provides an up-to-date overview of the state of play in the delivery of the various legislative and other political initiatives flowing from theten priorities defined by the Commission's President, Jean-Claude Juncker, on taking office in 2014. The paper isintended both to assess the progress towards the targets that the Commission has set itself, and to identify areas inwhich difficulties have been, or are being, encountered, as the EU institutions prepare for the 2019 EuropeanParliament elections. The analysis – part of an on-going series throughout the Commission's five-year term – findsthat, so far, 89 per cent of the proposals envisaged by the Commission have been tabled, and 40 per cent have beenadopted. Of the 49 per cent proposed but not yet adopted, around two-thirds are progressing well through the EUlegislative process.

Study DE, EN, FR

Potential revenue from the extension of charging fees by EU AgenciesPublication type Study

Date 07-09-2018External author Jean-Jacques Lennon, Mathieu Saunier, Thierry Van Schoubroeck

Policy area Budget | Budgetary Control | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword co-financing | EU office or agency | revenue | services contract

Summary This study explores the potential revenue from the extension of charging fees by EU Agencies. It presents a high-levelreview of the current and prospective situation of fees and charges in the 33 decentralised EU Agencies, and adetailed review of fees and charges for 6 Agencies in particular: ACER, EASA, ECHA, EFSA, ERA and ESMA. Thestudy focuses mainly on Agencies’ fees collected from industry and on fees charged for services rendered. It extendsthe analysis to alternative funding means where relevant. Finally, it provides conclusions on the benefits and limitationsof introducing or extending fee-based systems in EU Agencies.

Study EN

What if technologies challenged our ethical norms?Publication type At a Glance

Date 06-09-2018Author KRITIKOS Michail

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Consumer Protection | Contract Law, Commercial Law and Company Law |Democracy | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts |Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Financial and Banking Issues | Food Safety | Forward Planning | GlobalGovernance | Public Health | Research Policy | Social Policy | Transport

Keyword ethics | innovation | new technologySummary Exploring the relationship between ethics and technological innovation has always been a challenging task for policy-

makers. Ethical considerations concerning the impact of research and innovation (R&I) are increasingly importantowing to the quickening pace of technological innovation and the transformative potential and complexity ofcontemporary advances in science and technology. The multiplication of legal references to ethical principles and themushrooming of ad hoc ethics committees indicate the institutional embedding of ethics into the scientific researchprocess as such, but also into an increasing array of technological trajectories. Yet the rapid development of disruptivetechnologies means that social and ethical norms often struggle to keep up with technological development. But what ifdisruptive technologies were to challenge traditional ethical norms and structures?

At a Glance EN

Multimedia What if technologies challenged our ethical norms?

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What if technologies had their own ethical standards?Publication type At a Glance

Date 06-09-2018Author KRITIKOS Michail

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Contract Law, Commercial Law and Company Law | Democracy |Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation ofLaw and Policy in Practice | Financial and Banking Issues | Food Safety | Forward Planning | Global Governance |Public Health | Research Policy | Social Policy | Transport

Keyword ethics | innovation | new technologySummary Technologies are often seen either as objects of ethical scrutiny or as challenging traditional ethical norms. The advent

of autonomous machines, deep learning and big data techniques, blockchain applications and 'smart' technologicalproducts raises the need to introduce ethical norms into these devices. The very act of building new and emergingtechnologies has also become the act of creating specific moral systems within which human and artificial agents willinteract through transactions with moral implications. But what if technologies introduced and defined their own ethicalstandards?

At a Glance EN

Multimedia What if technologies had their own ethical standards?

EP-EUI Roundtable - Role of the European Parliament in promoting the use of independent expertise inthe legislative process

Publication type StudyDate 16-08-2018

Author MACIEJEWSKI MariuszPolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Consumer Protection | Employment | EU Democracy, Institutional and

Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Financial and BankingIssues | Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market and Customs Union | Research Policy | Social Policy

Keyword administrative transparency | European Parliament | expert group (EU) | governance | legislative drafting | scientificexchange | transparency in decision-making | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EU

Summary This report reflects on the role of European Parliament in promoting the use of independent expertise in the Europeanlegislative process.The European Parliament has a unique model of involving independent expertise of universities and think tanks in theEuropean legislative process to guarantee that its decisions are based on the best available evidence. The EP-EUIroundtable discussed the general framework, best practices and the way forward for involving independent expertise inthe European legislative process.This document has been prepared in the framework of scientific cooperation between the European Parliament andthe European University Institute.

Study EN

Latest on Brexit [What Think Tanks are thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 27-07-2018Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword negotiation of an agreement (EU) | think tank | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EU

Summary The politically charged negotiations on the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union moved forward alittle in July, when the British Cabinet put detailed proposals on the table for the future framework of EU-UK relations.The document, which envisages relatively close ties between the EU and UK, in trade and several other areas, afterBritain leaves in March 2019, prompted the resignations of two senior ministers David Davis and Boris Johnson, whofavour an even harder Brexit. EU officials have said that the new proposals contain some constructive elements,although many questions remain unanswered. This note offers links to reports and commentaries from some majorinternational think-tanks and research institutes on Brexit negotiations and related issues. More reports on the topiccan be found in a previous edition of ‘What Think Tanks are thinking’, published in May 2018.

Briefing EN

EU law for an open independent and efficient European administrationPublication type Study

Date 27-07-2018Author EVAS Tatjana

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal Systemand Acts | Petitions to the European Parliament

Keyword citizens' Europe | code of conduct | drafting of EU law | EU action | EU institution | governance | professional ethics |public consultation

Summary The results of the public consultation clearly suggest - EU citizens want action. Citizens call for an action that wold turntheir EU right to good administration into solution. The workable and enforceable solution that adds value. Europeneeds innovation! Innovation not only in tools and technologies but also in how EU governs itself.

Study EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 139

Global Trendometer - Essays on medium- and long-term global trends - July 2018Publication type Study

Date 18-07-2018Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin | NOONAN EAMONN | RECHARD Daniele | SCHMERTZING Leopold | WINDLE-

WEHRLE Jessica FreyaPolicy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | Economics and Monetary Issues | Environment | EU Democracy,

Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Food Safety | Foreign AffairsKeyword artificial intelligence | China | climate change policy | democracy | disinformation | food security | income | India | labour

force | political propaganda | public contract | United StatesSummary The EU faces challenges from the outside and the inside. Most of those are the symptoms of big underlying trends,

and handling them needs foresight. The Global Trendometer tries to provide foresight for decision makers in the EU byanalysing the changes in these long-term trends. This publication does not offer answers or make recommendations. Itpresents summarised information derived from a range of carefully selected sources. This issue of the GlobalTrendometer analyses long-term trends on India, the labour-share of income, and democracy and artificial intelligence.It also features two-pagers on geoengineering, remittances, food security in China, economic waves, the US afterTrump, public procurement and deep fakes.

Study EN

General revision of the European Parliament's Rules of Procedure: Achieving greater transparency andefficiency as of January 2017

Publication type In-Depth AnalysisDate 16-07-2018

Author KOTANIDIS SilviaPolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Keyword amendment | drafting of EU law | EP Committee | interinstitutional relations (EU) | Member of the European Parliament| parliamentary scrutiny | parliamentary sitting | parliamentary vote | political behaviour | political group (EP) | politicalparties | powers of the EP | rules of procedure | transparency in decision-making

Summary The last general and extensive overhaul of the European Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, which entered into force asof 16 January 2017, was intended to bring more transparency and efficiency to parliamentary work. Among thenumerous modifications, may be noted the increased attention to the conduct of Members, the streamlining of thetypes of thresholds for procedural requests, the increased transparency surrounding the decision to begin negotiationsduring the various stages of the legislative procedure, the abolition of written declarations and the modification of themaximum number of questions for written answer allowed. These and further modifications required to adapt to the2016 Interinstititional Agreement on Better Law-making were introduced to bring clarity, incorporate existing practicesand correct redundancies or inconsistencies.

In-Depth Analysis DE, EN, FR

The EU-UK withdrawal agreement: Progress to date and remaining difficultiesPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 12-07-2018Author CIRLIG Carmen-Cristina | MAZUR Sidonia | TILINDYTE-HUMBURG Laura

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword European Union | negotiation of an agreement (EU) | Northern Ireland | transitional period (EU) | United Kingdom |

withdrawal from the EUSummary With the United Kingdom set to leave the European Union in less than one year's time, negotiations to finalise a

withdrawal agreement, as provided for under Article 50 TEU, are coming up against an increasingly tight deadline.Recent progress in agreeing a number of key 'exit' issues prompted the decision to begin discussions on the futureEU-UK relationship. However, significant challenges still remain before the conclusion of a withdrawal agreement, onwhich the transition period requested by the UK also depends. This EPRS In-depth Analysis considers the draftwithdrawal agreement published by the European Commission on 19 March 2018, as well as the (few) additionalpoints settled in negotiations in the period up to June 2018. It seeks to provide an overview of the main areas alreadysettled by the negotiators, as well as of those areas of persisting difficulty or disagreement.

In-Depth Analysis DE, EN, FR

Subsidiarity: Mechanisms for monitoring compliancePublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 12-07-2018Author TILINDYTE-HUMBURG Laura

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and ActsKeyword application of EU law | case law (EU) | competence of the institution | EU institution | national parliament | operation of

the Institutions | principle of proportionality | principle of subsidiarity | regional parliamentSummary The principle of subsidiarity requires decisions to be taken at the lowest practical level of government without,

however, jeopardising mutually beneficial cooperation at the supranational level. Recent decades have seen efforts tostrengthen the subsidiarity principle in EU law, including the introduction of the well-known early warning mechanism(EWM) for national parliaments. At the same time, the principle of subsidiarity remains a contested notion. This hasimportant implications for the regulatory, political and judicial bodies monitoring compliance with the principle. In thiscontext, commentators have called for a better (and shared) understanding of the principle and have formulated anumber of suggestions as to how to monitor compliance with the principle more effectively.

In-Depth Analysis DE, EN, FR

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 140

Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, July 2018Publication type At a Glance

Date 06-07-2018Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Budget | Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional andParliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Foreign Affairs | Security and Defence | Tourism | Transport

Keyword agricultural statistics | Armenia | common security and defence policy | electoral law | epidemic | EU visa policy |European Parliament | general budget (EU) | parliamentary session | political crisis | road transport | Venezuela

Summary The July plenary session highlights were: the continuation of the debate on the Future of Europe, this time with thePrime Minister of Poland, Mateusz Morawiecki, the discussion on the outcome of the European Council meeting of 28-29 June 2018, and the review of the Bulgarian and presentation of the activities of the Austrian Presidencies. TheEuropean Commission and Council participated in discussions on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic ofCongo. VP/HR Federica Mogherini's statement on the migration crisis and humanitarian situation in Venezuela and atits borders was also discussed. Angola's President, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, addressed Parliament in aformal sitting. Parliament approved, inter alia, proposals for a European Travel Information and Authorisation System,a European Defence Industrial Development Programme, financial rules applicable to the general EU budget and twoamending budgets for 2018. Parliament agreed on the conclusion of a partnership agreement between the EU andArmenia and approved the reform of the electoral law of the EU. Three reports on the social and market aspects of thefirst mobility package were rejected and sent back to the Transport and Tourism Committee.

At a Glance EN

European Council: Facts and FiguresPublication type Briefing

Date 05-07-2018Author DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and ActsKeyword European Council | head of government | head of State | statistics | summit meeting

Summary The European Council brings together the Heads of State or Government of the 28 EU Member States, and seeks toset the overall direction and priorities of the European Union. This Briefing provides some of the main facts and figureson different aspects of this key institution, detailing its membership, political make-up over time, historical developmentand roles, as well as the main topics on its agenda, and the number and format of its meetings

Briefing EN

New lobbying law in FrancePublication type Briefing

Date 04-07-2018Author BAUER Elisabeth | THIEL Marie

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword administrative formalities | administrative transparency | code of conduct | EU Member State | France | interest group |

national law | transparency in decision-makingSummary Since 1 May 2018, France's new lobbying law is fully implemented. Part and parcel of recent legislation on

transparency (Sapin II package), it was adopted on 9 December 2016, providing a regulatory framework for lobbyingactivities and establishing a mandatory national register ('le repertoire') for lobbyists. In a step-by-step process, first,the repertoire, in which all active interest representatives must sign up, was created on 1 July 2017. After registering by1 January 2018, interest representatives were then under the obligation to report their lobbying activities in thisrepertoire by 30 April 2018. The repertoire, with just over 1 00 registrants to date, is overseen by the 'Haute Autoritépour la Transparence de la Vie Publique' (HATVP). In France, the cultural acceptance of lobbying as a profession hasbeen slow, and the new law will make a huge difference in terms of making lobbying activities public, with a regulationclosely following the Irish example. The Sapin II package aims for a general increase in public accountability andtransparency of the decision-making processes. Some incremental steps in this direction had been taken previously,primarily with the establishment of the HATVP in January 2014 as an independent body to oversee the integrity andtransparency of the national public institutions.

Briefing EN, FR

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 141

Revolving doors in the EU and USPublication type Briefing

Date 04-07-2018Author BAUER Elisabeth | THIEL Marie

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Foreign AffairsKeyword administrative transparency | code of conduct | EU institution | European official | European Ombudsman | interest

group | private sector | professional ethics | staff regulations (EU) | transparency in decision-making | United StatesSummary The flow of officials and politicians between the public and private sector has in the past few years given rise to calls

for more transparency and accountability. In order to mitigate the reputational damage to public institutions byproblematic use of the 'revolving door', this phenomenon is increasingly being regulated at national level. In the UnitedStates, President Trump recently changed the rules put in place by his predecessor to slow the revolving door. Asshown by press coverage, the US public remains unconvinced. Scepticism may be fuelled by new exceptions made tothe rules – retroactive ethics pledge waivers – and the refusal of the White House to disclose the numbers orbeneficiaries of said waivers. Watchdog organisations argue that not only has the Trump administration so far failed to'drain the swamp', it has ended up doing quite the opposite. In the EU, where revolving door cases are increasinglybeing covered in the media, both the European Parliament and Commission have adopted Codes of Conduct,regulating the activities of current and former Members, Commissioners, and even staff. The European Ombudsman,Emily O'Reilly, has on numerous occasions spoken out in favour of further measures, such as 'cooling-off periods', andhas carried out several inquiries into potentially problematic revolving door cases. Following calls from Parliament, theJuncker Commission adopted a new and stronger Code of Conduct for Commissioners early in 2018. Even so, no onesingle Code can hope to bring an end to the debate.

Briefing EN

The European Council in 2017: Overview of decisions and discussionsPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 29-06-2018Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Security and Defence

Keyword bilateral agreement | common foreign and security policy | common security and defence policy | distribution of EUfunding | energy policy | EU environmental policy | EU migration policy | European Council | European security |European treaties | political asylum | terrorism | third country | trade agreement | withdrawal from the EU

Summary The year 2017 was good for the EU, politically and economically. For the first time in almost a decade, the EU was notbeset by crises, although Brexit posed a difficult challenge. The European Council met the Brexit challenge byapproving guidelines for the negotiations in April, and agreeing to move to a new stage in December, while conveningin a new format: Article 50 (TEU) meetings of the EU-27. The European Council launched another new formal in 2017:Leaders’ Meetings, held under the auspices of the Leader’ Agenda, to discuss challenging issues such as migrationand EMU reform. By the end of the year, the European Council could look back at an eventful but largely successfultwelve months.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Review Clauses in EU Legislation: A Rolling Check-List (6th edition)Publication type Study

Date 29-06-2018Author KIENDL KRISTO IVANA

Policy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Budget | Budgetary Control | ConsumerProtection | Contract Law, Commercial Law and Company Law | Culture | Democracy | Development andHumanitarian Aid | Economics and Monetary Issues | Education | Employment | Energy | Environment | EUDemocracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Financial and Banking Issues |Fisheries | Food Safety | Foreign Affairs | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | Global Governance | Human Rights |Industry | Intellectual Property Law | Internal Market and Customs Union | International Trade | Petitions to theEuropean Parliament | Private international law and judicial cooperation in civil matters | Public Health | RegionalDevelopment | Research Policy | Security and Defence | Social Policy | Tourism | Transport

Keyword Council of the European Union | EU programme | European Commission | European Parliament | interinstitutionalrelations (EU) | legislative act (EU) | parliamentary committee | parliamentary scrutiny | regulatory policy

Summary This study provides an overview of review clauses (reviews, evaluations, implementation reports) contained in EUlegislation during the sixth, seventh and the current, eighth parliamentary term. Drawing on information publiclyavailable across several sources, it provides in a single, comprehensive repository an analytical overview of acts thatcontain a review clause. The study puts a special focus on (and the analysis of) review clauses in EU legislative actsadopted during the current parliamentary term (with a total of 147 legislative acts with a review clause adopted throughthe ordinary legislative procedure up until end of December 2017).

Study EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 142

Priority Dossiers under the Austrian EU Council PresidencyPublication type Briefing

Date 29-06-2018Author ATTARD LUCIENNE

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword Austria | climate change policy | digital single market | digitisation | economic policy | enlargement of the Union | EU

Council Presidency | EU energy policy | EU migration policy | European citizens' initiative | European social policySummary Austria will hold the EU Council Presidency from July to December 2018. Its presidency comes at the end of the Trio

Presidency composed of Estonia, Bulgaria and Austria. The last time Austria held the Council Presidency was in 2006.A EUROPE THAT PROTECTS is the motto Austria has chosen for its Presidency. Austria considers that there havebeen several crises in recent years that have given rise to mistrust in the EU amongst European citizens. This mistrustneeds to be addressed. To this end, the Austrian Presidency has announced three main priorities for its term in office:security, competitiveness and stability. On security, it intends to focus on the fight against illegal migration, by securingEurope's external borders, and on the reform of the Common European Asylum System. On competitiveness, it willwork on matters related to the digital single market, specifically digitalisation. On stability, it has announced its intentionto work towards EU accession of the Western Balkan countries.

Briefing EN

What if law shaped technologies?Publication type At a Glance

Date 28-06-2018Author KRITIKOS Michail

Policy area Consumer Protection | Contract Law, Commercial Law and Company Law | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutionaland Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Financial and Banking Issues | Food Safety | GlobalGovernance | Transport

Keyword drafting of EU law | impact of information technology | legal code | legislative drafting | regulatory policy | technologicalchange

Summary Existing legal structures may prove a poor match for new types of disputes raised by disruptive technologies. Can thelegal system overcome the temporal gap between the emergence of a technology and the subsequent need forcontrolling its possible effects and retain both flexibility and responsiveness? What regulation is justified by a particulartechnology? How should a particular technology be regulated? How can law regulate uncertain and unknown futures inthe face of limited knowledge?

At a Glance EN

Multimedia What if law shaped technologies ?

Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, June 2018Publication type At a Glance

Date 15-06-2018Author FERGUSON CLARE

Policy area Budget | Economics and Monetary Issues | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law |Foreign Affairs | Forward Planning | Transport

Keyword air safety | cultural policy | European Parliament | financial aid | financial derivative | independence of the judiciary |material of animal origin | military occupation | nuclear non-proliferation | parliamentary session | reduction of gasemissions | withdrawal from the EU

Summary The June plenary session highlights were the continuation of the debate on the future of Europe with the PrimeMinister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, and the preparation of the European Council meeting of 28 and 29 June 2018.The European Commission and Council participated in discussions on, inter alia, the independence of the judiciary inPoland, humanitarian emergencies in the Mediterranean and solidarity in the EU, and the economic and monetaryunion package. VP/HR Federica Mogherini's statements on the Iran nuclear deal, the annual report on human rightsand democracy in the world (2017), and on the Georgian occupied territories ten years after the Russian invasion,were also discussed. Debates followed on the first anniversary of the signature of the Istanbul Convention and on theclosure of the ivory market to combat poaching. Parliament approved the proposal to amend the regulation on OTCderivatives, an agreement on common rules in the field of civil aviation, on monitoring and reporting of CO2 emissionsand on fuel consumption of heavy-duty vehicles. It approved the final text of a proposed directive on proportionalitytests for new national professional regulations. It also approved the new composition of Parliament after 'Brexit', andfurther macro-financial assistance to Ukraine.

At a Glance EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 143

Future of Europe debates: Parliament hosts Heads of State or GovernmentPublication type Briefing

Date 08-06-2018Author DRACHENBERG Ralf | KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword common security and defence policy | Economic and Monetary Union | EU banking union | EU migration policy | euro

area | European Parliament | exchange of information | head of government | head of State | multiannual financialframework | social policy | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EU

Summary Against the background of the many challenges which the European Union has faced in recent years, the EuropeanParliament has taken the lead in launching and hosting a series of high-profile debates on the Future of Europe,intended to run for the whole of 2018. While the Heads of State or Government of countries holding the rotatingpresidency of the Council – this year, Boyko Borissov of Bulgaria and Sebastian Kurz of Austria – routinely debate withMEPs in plenary, the leaders of other EU Member States are now able to set out publicly their vision for Europe'sfuture in a dialogue with the only directly elected European institution, during its plenary sittings. This process is all themore important at a time when the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the next seven years is beingdiscussed: the choices surrounding the MFF and the direction in which the EU decides to develop are intrinsicallylinked. So far, at the invitation of its President, Antonio Tajani, the European Parliament has hosted the leaders of sixMember States in the context of these 'Future of Europe' debates, welcoming the prime ministers of Ireland(Taoiseach), Leo Varadkar; Croatia, Andrej Plenković; and Portugal, António Costa; the President of France,Emmanuel Macron; and the prime ministers of Belgium, Charles Michel; and Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel. This Briefingprovides an overview of where the Future of Europe debate stands in a number of key policy areas, such as economicand monetary union (EMU), the EU's social dimension, migration policy, security and defence, and broader institutionalissues. It takes stock of the views expressed by those EU Heads of State or Government who have intervened in thedebate so far, on how these areas might develop in the future.

Briefing EN

What if technologies shaped the law?Publication type At a Glance

Date 07-06-2018Author KRITIKOS Michail

Policy area Consumer Protection | Contract Law, Commercial Law and Company Law | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutionaland Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Financial and Banking Issues | Food Safety

Keyword blockchain | drafting of EU law | impact of information technology | legal code | legislative drafting | regulatory policy |technological change

Summary Is there a relationship between law, technological innovation, and regulatory governance? Are technologies ordinaryobjects of formal law that can fit into the traditional doctrinal classification? What if technologies were legal artefactsthat question and challenge the traditional boundaries of legal thought? Has technology been developed to the extentthat it exerts the functions of law? Is there a gradual shift from the traditional notion of "code is law" (i.e. code havingthe effect of law) to the new conception of "law is code"?

At a Glance EN

Multimedia What if technologies shaped the law?

Composition of the European ParliamentPublication type At a Glance

Date 06-06-2018Author KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and ActsKeyword composition of parliament | European Parliament | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EU

Summary The European Parliament is due to give its consent to a decision of the European Council establishing the compositionof the European Parliament for the next legislature with a vote in plenary in June. The decision aims to adjust thecurrent distribution of seats among Member States and to redistribute some of the seats that would become vacantafter the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. This is an updated version of an 'At a glance' note published in February 2018,PE 614.687.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 144

Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, May II 2018Publication type At a Glance

Date 31-05-2018Author FERGUSON CLARE

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Budget | Employment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law |Fisheries | Foreign Affairs | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | International Trade | Security and Defence |Transport

Keyword conservation of fish stocks | European Parliament | gender equality | help for victims | multiannual financial framework |nationality | Palestine question | parliamentary session | pre-accession aid | speed control | status of Jerusalem | traderestriction

Summary The May II plenary session highlights were the debate on the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework and ownresources in the context of the publication of individual proposals for spending programmes, and the debate on thefuture of Europe with the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel. Alpha Condé, President of Guinea and thePresident of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos Calderón, also addressed Parliament. VP/HR Federica Mogherini'sstatements on the situation in the Gaza Strip, the status of Jerusalem, and the situation in Nicaragua were alsodiscussed. Debates followed on US tariffs in the steel and aluminium sector, the use of pre-accession funds in Turkeyand the impact of delocalisation on workers and regions. Parliament approved the revision of the Posting of WorkersDirective, and the modernisation of the Trade Defence Instruments Regulation (at second reading), and a multiannualplan for demersal stocks in the North Sea. Parliament voted, inter alia, on a number of own-initiative reports onimplementation of the interinstitutional agreement on better law-making, odometer manipulation in motor vehicles,gender equality and women's empowerment, and minimum standards on rights, support and protection for victims ofcrime.

At a Glance EN

Brexit negotiations [What Think Tanks are thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 25-05-2018Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword bilateral relations | negotiation of an agreement (EU) | think tank | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EU

Summary European Union officials have warned the United Kingdom that time is running out if definitive agreement on thecountry’s withdrawal from the Union is to be reached by this autumn. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister, Theresa May,is struggling to keep her Cabinet and Conservative Party united as the focus of negotiations has shifted to the futurecustoms regime and the accompanying, highly sensitive, issue of the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.This note offers links to reports and commentaries from some major international think-tanks and research institutes onBrexit negotiations and related issues. More reports on the topic can be found in a previous edition of ‘What ThinkTanks are thinking’, published in January 2018.

Briefing EN

The fight against terrorismPublication type Study

Date 25-05-2018Author BAKOWSKI Piotr | VAN BALLEGOOIJ Wouter

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | HumanRights

Keyword border control | civilian victim | EU action | EU Member State | EU office or agency | EU police cooperation | Europeansecurity | exchange of information | external border of the EU | fight against crime | money laundering | SchengenAgreement | terrorism

Summary Significant benefits could be achieved by the EU and its Member States by addressing the gaps and barriers in thearea of the fight against terrorism, notably by developing an evidence-based EU criminal policy cycle involving theEuropean Parliament and national parliaments. In this context, EU institutions should conduct comprehensive ex-anteassessments and ex-post evaluations of counterterrorism measures, in line with better law-making principles. Theeffectiveness and fundamental rights compliance of counter-radicalisation programmes should continue to bemonitored. The framework for countering terrorism requires further refinement. A European law enforcement culturewith full respect for fundamental rights needs to be fostered in which relevant information is shared and analysed,judicial cooperation tools are properly utilised and seeking the support of EU agencies becomes a natural reflex. Thisalso requires the allocation of significant resources aimed at training and exchanges. Beyond resulting in morerelevant, coherent, effective and efficient action in the fight against terrorism, such measures could increase thewellbeing of the population, reduce the material and immaterial impacts of terrorism, and ensure protection offundamental rights when impacted by counterterrorism measures.

Study EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 145

Implementation of the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-MakingPublication type At a Glance

Date 23-05-2018Author TILINDYTE-HUMBURG Laura

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword interinstitutional agreement | legislative procedure | transparency in decision-making

Summary On 13 April 2016, the Commission, Parliament and Council signed the Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA) on Better Law-Making, replacing its 2003 predecessor. About two years on from its entry into force, Parliament is expected to vote onan own-initiative joint report on the interpretation and implementation of the IIA during its May II plenary session. Thereport takes stock of progress made and identifies the main issues outstanding.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

The Institutional Consequences of a ‘Hard Brexit’Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 15-05-2018External author Federico Fabbrini , Professor of EU Law & Director of the Brexit Institute, Dublin City University

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Budget | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: LegalSystem and Acts | Security and Defence

Keyword EU budget | EU institution | European security | institutional activity | international trade | negotiation of an agreement(EU) | third country | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EU | World Trade Organisation

Summary This in-depth analysis, commissioned by the European Parliament at the request of the Committee of ConstitutionalAffairs, considers the institutional, budgetary and policy implications that a so-called ‘hard Brexit’ would pose on theEU. It analyses from a legal perspective how a withdrawal of the UK from the EU without a withdrawal treaty, transitiondeal and framework on future relations would affect each specific EU Institution, the EU budget for the remaining yearsof the current MFF, and EU policies in the crucial fields of trade, security and justice. While the study does not endorsea ‘hard Brexit’ it provides guidelines for the EU to be prepared in case such scenario were to materialise.

In-Depth Analysis EN

THE INSTITUTIONAL CONSEQUENCES OF A BESPOKE AGREEMENT WITH THE UK BASED ON A“CLOSE COOPERATION” MODEL

Publication type StudyDate 15-05-2018

External author Michael DOUGAN, University of LiverpoolPolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Keyword bilateral relations | EU Member State | governance | judicial cooperation | market access | negotiation of an agreement(EU) | third country | trade agreement (EU) | United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EU

Summary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the AFCO Committee, considers the governance and institutional aspects of a potentialagreement on the future economic relationship between the Union and the UK based on a “close cooperation” model.“Close cooperation” agreements involve a strong ambition for economic integration, based in practice upon a highdegree of alignment by the third country to the relevant Union acquis. Although the UK’s circumstances may well beunique, there are few grounds to believe that the formal terms for a Union-UK “close cooperation” agreement shouldbe radically different from the experience gained and lessons learned from comparable relationships between theUnion and other third countries. The special situation of the UK would be more likely to manifest itself empirically,through the practical operation and tangible outputs of the governance and institutional structures and processesestablished under any “close cooperation” agreement.

Study EN

The Visegrad Group and the rule of law [What Think Tanks are thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 08-05-2018Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword Community acquis | Czechia | Ecofin | Hungary | Poland | rule of law | Slovakia | tax harmonisation | think tank

Summary Political developments in the Visegrád Group countries have raised concern over the commitment of some of theirleaders and senior politicians to European Union values, notably the rule of law. The Visegrád Group is an informalalliance of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, all of which joined the EU in 2004. Criticism by EUofficials and some other Union governments centres on Hungary and Poland, where governments have implemented anumber of controversial reforms, notably of the judiciary. In December 2017, the European Commission triggered thefirst phase of Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union, which can ultimately deprive a country found guilty of violatingEU values of voting rights. In addition, a European Parliament draft report notes a deterioration of the rule of law inHungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán won a third term in office in the country’s recent general election. Thisnote offers links to recent commentaries, studies and reports from major international think tanks on the VisegrádGroup, its internal relations and its role within the EU, with the focus on the rule of law debate.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 146

Plenary round up - May IPublication type At a Glance

Date 03-05-2018Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Budgetary Control | Economics and Monetary Issues | Energy | Environment | EUDemocracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Fisheries | Foreign Affairs | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity |Transport

Keyword European Banking Authority | European Investment Bank | European Parliament | financing of the EU budget | fraudagainst the EU | freedom of communication | livestock | multiannual financial framework | parliamentary session |pluralism in the media | sustainable mobility | Venezuela

Summary The May I plenary session highlight was the European Commission statement on the post-2020 Multiannual FinancialFramework package adopted by the College of Commissioners on the morning of 2 May 2018. The packagecomprises proposals for a new post-2020 multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the European Union, as well as fora new system of own resources (OR) to provide the EU with the means to finance its annual budgets. Members willrespond in a resolution to be voted at the end of May, and the Commission will make a series of further legislativeproposals for individual spending programmes later in May and in June. Prime Minister of Belgium, Charles Michel,also attended the session, for a debate on the future of Europe. Members also discussed VP/HR Federica Mogherini'sstatement on early presidential elections in Venezuela and approved a call for their immediate suspension. Parliamentvoted, inter alia, on a number of own-initiative reports

At a Glance EN

What is Europe doing for its citizens? European Parliament Open Days 2018Publication type At a Glance

Date 26-04-2018Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Keyword citizens' Europe | climate change policy | consumer protection | energy policy | EU employment policy | EU policy |European social policy | health policy | Structural Funds

Summary This compendium brings together a set of notes produced by the European Parliamentary Research Service on theoccasion of the European Parliament's 2018 Open Days. The European Union is constantly working to improve thelives of European citizens. More than 500 million people in the EU Member States see their work, study, leisure andfamily lives benefitting in many ways, large or small, from the policies and legislation of the European Union. TheEuropean Parliament makes an essential, and often decisive, contribution to shaping those laws and policies.Parliament's 751 Members represent each and every European citizen, ensuring that decisions which affect them aretaken not by unknown officials but by the democratically elected representatives of the citizens of all Member States.The notes presented in this brochure give just a sample of the many areas in which EU action has helped to improve –and continues to benefit – the lives of men and women, young and old across the European Union. The brochure ispublished to mark this year's European Parliament Open Days, when, along with the other EU institutions, Parliamentopens its doors to citizens to let them see what it does and how it works.

At a Glance DE, EN, FR, NL

The Future of Europe [What Think Tanks are thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 20-04-2018Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword deepening of the European Union | Economic and Monetary Union | European Commission | opinion (EU) | think tank |

United Kingdom | withdrawal from the EUSummary The tone of the debate on the Future of Europe and possible institutional reforms of the European Union has shifted

from gloomy to more optimistic, thanks to a developing economic recovery, the easing of the migration crisis, thefailure of anti-EU forces to make decisive gains in some recent elections, and the general progress of the Brexit talks.Still, many analysts and politicians warn against complacency, as anti-establishment political parties continue to gaintraction with some voters, as concerns grow over the rule of law in some EU countries, and as the policies of, andrelations between, the United States and Russia have become less predictable. There is also no agreement on how tooverhaul the euro area to minimise the risk of a repeat of the 2008 crisis and to strengthen economic growth. Thisdebate on the Future of Europe is set to intensify ahead of the 2019 European elections, the installation of the newPresidents of the European Commission and European Council, and the end of the EU’s current long-term budget in2021. This note offers links to commentaries, studies and reports from major international think tanks on the state ofthe EU and possible reforms. Brexit-related publications can be found in a previous edition of ‘What Think Tanks arethinking.’ Earlier papers on the general state of the EU are available in another edition in this series, published inSeptember 2017. More reports on euro zone reforms are also gathered in another in the series, from December 2017.

Briefing EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 147

Plenary round-up – Strasbourg, April 2018Publication type At a Glance

Date 20-04-2018Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Budgetary Control | Economics and Monetary Issues | Energy | Environment | EUDemocracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Fisheries | Foreign Affairs | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity |Transport

Keyword bilateral agreement | budgetary discharge | chemical weapon | civil war | common fisheries policy | EU budget | EUinstitution | Mauritius | money laundering | motor vehicle industry | organic farming | proposal (EU) | reduction of gasemissions | Syria | waste management

Summary The April plenary session's highlight was the debate on the future of Europe with the President of the French Republic,Emmanuel Macron, detailing his ambitions for a reinvigorated Europe, ready to face existing and emerging challenges.Members also heard from the European Council and Commission Presidents on the outcome of the March EuropeanCouncil meeting. High Representative Federica Mogherini made statements on the UN global compacts for migrationand refugees, Syria, Russia, the situation in the Korean peninsula and of Greek soldiers arrested in Turkey. Parliamentadopted, inter alia, legislative resolutions on greenhouse gas emissions, the circular economy, European politicalparties and foundations, anti-money-laundering, market surveillance of motor vehicles, and organic production andlabelling. Members granted discharge for the execution of the 2016 budget to the European Commission and all EUinstitutions and agencies, except the Council/European Council and European Asylum Support Office.

At a Glance EN

Update of the study on The impact of Brexit in relation to the right to petition and on the competences,responsibilities and activities of the Committee on Petitions

Publication type In-Depth AnalysisDate 16-04-2018

External author Professor Eleanor SPAVENTA, Bocconi Law Department, Bocconi University, Milan, ItalyDurham Law School, Durham University, United Kingdomrofessor Leonor Spaventa

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Petitions to theEuropean Parliament | Public international law

Keyword cross-border dimension | negotiation of an agreement (EU) | social integration | unemployed person | United Kingdom |withdrawal from the market

Summary This in-depth analysis, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights andConstitutional Affairs at the request of the PETI Committee, provides an update to the prior study considering theimpact of Brexit on EU-27 and UK citizens. In particular, this analysis considers the citizens’ part of the DraftWithdrawal Agreement (DWA) which was agreed between the UK and the EU on 19 March 2018 and endorsed by theEuropean Council on 23 March 2018. It highlights those situations that might remain unprotected by the DraftWithdrawal Agreement. The update is limited to examining the right to reside of EU-27 and UK citizens post Brexit.

In-Depth Analysis EN

The added value of the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI), and its revisionPublication type Study

Date 13-04-2018Author SALM Christian

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword admissibility | data protection | EU initiative | European citizenship | European Ombudsman | incompatibility | Internet |

legislative initiative | non-governmental organisation | participatory democracy | personal data | petition | power ofinitiative | public consultation | transparency in decision-making

Summary The European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) is aimed at bringing the EU closer to its citizens, by enabling them to invite theEuropean Commission to make a proposal for a legal act. Introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon, the ECI should provideevery citizen with the right to participate in the democratic life of the Union. However, the ECI in practice has hadvarious procedural hurdles, preventing the fulfilment of the regulation's objectives. The ECI is thus not fulfilling itspotential with regard to bringing the EU closer to its citizens. Against this background, the present study outlines theweaknesses in the existing ECI procedure. Moreover, it assesses, with a view to their added value, the main reformproposals that have been put forward to improve the ECI's functioning.

Study EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 148

From Rome to SibiuPublication type Study

Date 12-04-2018Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy, Institutional andParliamentary Law | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Internal Market and Customs Union | International Trade| Security and Defence

Keyword citizens' Europe | EU statistics | European Council | head of government | head of State | opinion poll | President of theEuropean Council | summit meeting

Summary The purpose of this paper is to assess the follow-up and delivery by the European Council on the priorities that wereset in the declaration adopted in Rome on 25 March 2017 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Treaties ofRome. The analysis shows that in the year since Rome, and a year before the special summit on the Future of Europedebate, due to take place in the Romanian city of Sibiu on 9 May 2019, substantive progress has been made regardingthe debate itself and implementation of the policy priorities identified in the Bratislava Declaration/Roadmap and theRome Declaration. The evidence so far suggests that the European Council, as well as the other EU institutions, havefollowed up on the pledges made in Rome, in an effort to boost the legitimacy of the EU, connect with a disaffectedpublic, and combat Euroscepticism. The Leaders' Agenda, adopted by October 2017, made an important contributionto the Future of Europe debate and, furthermore, was a potentially far-reaching institutional innovation for theEuropean Council. Under the Leaders' Agenda, discussions among the Heads of State or Government now attempt toresolve seemingly intractable policy disputes by means of a new working method. Not only has this helped tooperationalise the Rome Declaration, it also seems to have consolidated the European Council's position at the centreof the EU policy-making and agenda-setting framework.

Study EN

12-07-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 149