European Parliamentary Research Service Blog
EAVA
EU single market: Boosting growth and jobs in the EU
The EU single market (also known as the internal market and, originally, the common market) prescribes free movement from one EU Member State to another of goods, people, services and capital (known as the ‘four freedoms’). Continue reading
Area of Freedom, Security and Justice: The untapped potential
A well-attended EP-European University Institute Policy Roundtable took place on 7 November 2017 to consider the ‘Area of freedom, security and justice: untapped potential’. Continue reading
Area of freedom, security and justice: Untapped potential
Since the entry into force of the 1997 Treaty of Amsterdam, the EU offers its citizens an area of freedom, security and justice (AFSJ). Continue reading
The added value of international trade and impact of trade barriers
It is recognised that GDP growth and trade are interlinked – consequently, measures which facilitate international trade also have positive effects on the development of GDP. Continue reading
Benefits of EU international trade agreements
Trade is the EU’s most important link to the world beyond its borders. In force since the 1957 Treaty of Rome, the transition to a common EU trade policy was completed in 1968. Continue reading
‘Radar’ tool helps EU policy-makers plan for the future
Written by Risto Nieminen, Things change. In the European political environment and in the world in general, society has lately changed faster than ever before. Volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) have increased considerably. Today’s challenges are increasingly fast-moving, interconnected, and complex. Policy-makers nevertheless need solid information on which to base legislation. A systematic approach … Continue reading
EU abolishes mobile roaming charges
Written by Cornelia Klugman. As of 15 June 2017, all European Union (EU) residents can use their mobile phones throughout the EU without additional charges. Consumers saved €9.6 billion between 2009 and 2013 thanks to lower roaming charges. A genuine digital single market would bring additional growth of €415 billion per year. Almost all EU … Continue reading
EU support for education: Improving young people’s chances on the job market
Written by Christian Salm and Cornelia Klugman, The EU’s ERASMUS+ programme is investing €14.7 billion in education (2014-2019). ERASMUS+ will enable 4 million young Europeans to study or learn abroad. Experience abroad increases young people’s chances on the job market and reduces their risk of unemployment. Support for education, training and youth in Europe School … Continue reading
EU Research Policy: Tackling the major challenges facing European society
Written by Christian Salm, 2014 – 2020, EU funds for research and innovation near €120 billion. €31 billion of EU funds are set aside for research into societal challenges (2014 – 2020) A fully established European Research Area will generate annual gains of €16 billion. A European Research Area to boost growth and jobs in Europe In … Continue reading
Sovereign debt restructuring: Main drivers and mechanism
Written by Risto Nieminen with Mattia Osvaldo Picarelli, This briefing provides an overview of the main issues relating to the restructuring of sovereign debt, and outlines the factors which impact the decision as to whether or not to proceed with debt restructuring. Restructuring is a complex issue – it involves positive and negative aspects, which … Continue reading
Protecting and empowering EU consumers [European Added Value in Action]
Written by Pierre Goudin, Wide-ranging consumer protection: The European system has developed over 30 years, with direct benefits for consumers in various areas of their daily lives. High standards and more choice : EU rules impose the highest safety requirements in the world, not least for toys. Lower prices: Mobile phone roaming costs have decreased … Continue reading
Have your say on Robotics and Artificial Intelligence!
Written by Tatjana Evas, Are you worried about robots taking over your job? Do you have views on how artificial intelligence could help your company become more profitable? Today the European Parliament asks what the public thinks of the legal situation regarding robots as it launches a public consultation on robotics and artificial intelligence. The … Continue reading
The Cost of Non-Schengen: Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs aspects
This study identifies the costs, of the (temporary) reintroduction of border controls between the Schengen Member States, with a special focus on civil liberties, justice, and home affairs aspects. Continue reading
An EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights: European Added Value Assessment
Updated on 27 October 2016 Written by Wouter van Ballegooij and Tatjana Evas, This European Added Value Assessment (EAVA) accompanies a resolution based on the legislative initiative report prepared by Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) (rapporteur: Sophie in’t Veld (ALDE, Netherlands) presenting recommendations to the Commission on an EU mechanism … Continue reading
Organised Crime and Corruption: Cost of Non-Europe Report
Written by Wouter van Ballegooij and Thomas Zandstra, This study demonstrates the need to tackle organised crime and corruption together as the two are in a mutually reinforcing relationship. Organised crime groups attempt to regulate and control the production and distribution of a given commodity of service unlawfully. In so doing, their aim is to … Continue reading
The Cost of Non-Europe in the Sharing Economy: Economic, Social and Legal Challenges and Opportunities
Written by Pierre Goudin In recent years, a major evolution has begun to reshape the capitalist economy. Today, no-one can say with certainty to what extent the ‘sharing economy’ will change the economic landscape. Yet, the speed, dynamism and scale of the change seem to point to a substantial long-term trend. What is at work … Continue reading
The Reform of the Electoral Law of the European Union: European Added Value Assessment accompanying the legislative own-initiative Report
Written by Monika Nogaj and Eva-Maria Poptcheva Although the Treaties foresee the possibility of a uniform electoral procedure, elections to the European Parliament are determined by national electoral rules, which differ considerably from one Member State to the next. The discrepancies in national procedures make for a very complex overall process of electing Members of … Continue reading
Water Legislation : Cost of Non-Europe Report
Written by Thomas Zandstra, Infographic by Eulalia Claros This ‘Cost of Non-Europe’ study examines the state of implementation of current EU Water Legislation and identifies the cost of the lack of further European action in this field. The assessment made of existing water legislation confirms that there are still implementation gaps and areas of poor performance. … Continue reading
Mapping the Cost of Non-Europe, 2014 -19: Third edition (April 2015)
Written by Joseph Dunne On 13 April 2015, the European Parliamentary Research Service published the third edition of its study ‘Mapping the Cost of Non-Europe, 2014-19‘, previously published in March and July 2014. The analysis in the study builds, in large part, on a series of more detailed pieces of work undertaken for individual European Parliamentary Committees by the … Continue reading
The Added Value of EU policy in Education [European Added Value in Action]
Written by Eva Casalprim Background Although the 1957 Treaty of Rome first made reference to vocational training, which was known as an area of EU competence, was not until the Treaty of Maastricht that education was specifically recognised as a field in which the EU could contribute to the development of quality education by encouraging … Continue reading
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