To help the European Parliament to understand how individuals, industries, consumers, civil society organisations, and public administrations experience their interaction with European Union administrations, the EU, through the European Parliament Committee on Legal Affairs, launches a public consultation on 15 December 2017. Continue reading
This paper embodies work-in-progress on a long-term project being undertaken by the European Parliament’s European Added Value Unit, in conjunction with the office of the Secretary-General, to try to identify and analyse the ‘cost of non-Europe’ in certain policy fields. Continue reading
Cross-border aspects of family and succession law form part of EU judicial cooperation in civil matters (Article 81, Treaty on the Functioning of the EU – TFEU). Continue reading
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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