European Parliamentary Research Service Blog
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Radio frequency identification tags: a new technology which could change our lives [Science and Technology Podcast]
The Internet of Things is slated to transform our way of life – while radio frequency identification tags, and other short-range communication devices, are already with us – how might this technology change our way of life? Continue reading
Text and data mining: a new service for libraries?
Text and data mining (TDM), the automated analysis of digital data searching for trends, correlations and patterns, is rapidly gaining prominence due to exponentially increasing amounts of digital data (‘Big Data’) and decreasing technology prices. Continue reading
EP Plenary Session October II: Protecting borders, investors, workers and whistle-blowers
This blogpost presents key topics to be discussed on the second October plenary session of the European Parliament. Continue reading
The European Council: What makes it to the agenda and why?
The Leaders’ Agenda presented by European Council President Donald Tusk in October 2017 sets priorities for action at the European level for the coming two years. Continue reading
Will artificial intelligence really improve our lives?
Humans are, on the whole, living longer and healthier lives than ever before. For many, these basic measures are enough to conclude that the world is becoming a better place. Continue reading
Empowering through knowledge: EPRS organises workshop at EWRC masterclass
The European Parliamentary Service is associated with this year’s European Week of Regions and Cities, the world’s largest annual event on local and regional development. Continue reading
EPRS: helping you prepare for the EWRC
As the world’s largest annual get-together of local and regional experts, the 2017 European Week of Regions and Cities is without a doubt ‘the place to be’ for the EU’s regional movers and shakers. Continue reading
The EU strongly opposes the death penalty
On 10 October 2017, the world celebrates the 15th anniversary of the International Day against the Death Penalty – a good opportunity to highlight what the EU – as a front line diplomatic actor and donor to the cause – does to oppose the death penalty, and also have a look at the situation regarding the death penalty in the world. Continue reading
Precision agriculture: animated infographic explains how it revolutionises farming in Europe
Precision agriculture may revolutionise the future of farming in Europe. We have developed an animated infographic to guide you through precision agriculture’s potential and the risks it poses. Continue reading
EPRS: supporting this year’s EWRC
Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the European Week of Regions and Cities has grown to become Europe’s largest annual get-together of local and regional representatives, drawing several thousand participants from across Europe to four days of workshops and debate. Continue reading
Therapies for the future – Exploring the potential of innovative treatments in Europe
The purpose of this workshop is to report on the status of nanomaterial-based and advanced therapy medicinal products, as well as on possible pathways for the future development of these new therapies in Europe. Continue reading
New technologies and regional policy: Towards the next cohesion policy framework
The workshop and in-depth report implement a STOA project aimed at highlighting the importance of the territorial dimension for economic growth at European level. Continue reading
EPRS-OECD conference: businesses, governments should brace for next production revolution
Businesses and governments cannot ignore that the global economy is on the verge of another revolution in production. This new world of manufacturing is emerging from the confluence of fast-developing digital technologies, new materials and productions processes, offering tremendous opportunities to create wealth and improve human life, but requiring appropriate regulation, as well as suitable business, investment and education strategies, according to analysts speaking at a conference in the European Parliament. Continue reading
Legislative trains schedule – checking progress on EU legislation
Thanks to Parliament’s legislative train schedule application, it is possible to check on the progress of European legislation at any time. The ten priorities set out in 2014 by Jean‑Claude Juncker for his five-year term as President of the European Commission represent the core of this online system. Continue reading
Languages, multilingualism, translation and interpretation
Europeans celebrate the diversity of their languages each year on 26 September, with the international community focusing on translation and interpretation a few days later on 30 September. Continue reading
EP Plenary Session October: Looking to the future of the EU
Members of the European Parliament meet for a plenary session 12 times per year. This blogpost discusses the main topics of the October 2017 EP plenary session. Continue reading
Maritime matters matter – World Maritime Day, 28 September
Celebrated since 1978 as an official United Nations day, World Maritime Day draws attention to issues related to shipping safety and security, and the marine environment. Continue reading
A European strategy to enhance the competitiveness of the tourism industry, a key driver for job creation
On the occasion of World Tourism Day on 27 September, the European Parliament is organising a high-level conference under the initiative of its President, Antonio Tajani, to promote a European strategy on tourism as a key driver of growth and job creation. Continue reading
Turning waste into a resource
Around 476 kilograms per person of municipal waste (1 300 grams per person per day) were generated in the EU in 2015, with a significant portion — around one-third of all municipal waste in 2012 — still being disposed of in landfills. Continue reading
Technologies for humanitarian aid
The number of people in need due to humanitarian crises resulting from conflicts, climate change-related events or population growth is on the rise. The crises are becoming more complex and protracted, while, at the same time, technological progress advances at an ever increasing pace worldwide. Does technology offer a means for preventing or mitigating the implications of crises? Continue reading
