European Parliamentary Research Service Blog
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Review and revision of the 2014-2020 multiannual financial framework [European Parliament impact 2014-2019]
Erasmus+ is the European Union’s programme dedicated to education, training, youth and sport. It is one of the best-known EU initiatives, but many think Erasmus+ is only for university students who go to study for a few months in another European university. Continue reading
An EU budget focused on results [European Parliament impact 2014-2019]
The principles of sound financial management, regularity and legality of budget implementation have been present in the EU legal and financial system since the earliest days of the European Communities. Continue reading
More EU funding to fight unemployment: Youth Employment Initiative [European Parliament impact 2014-2019]
The European Parliament has traditionally been very supportive of EU funding for employment-related programmes. On different occasions, it has expressed concerns about the level of unemployment among young people, calling for the European youth strategy and concrete actions, endowed with adequate financial resources. Continue reading
Promoting peace and stability in the world: the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP) [European Parliament impact 2014-2019]
Development cooperation has been a cornerstone of the EU’s relations with the outside world, contributing to the objectives of EU external action, alongside foreign, security and trade policies. Continue reading
Passenger name records (PNR) for the prevention of terrorist offences and serious crime [European Parliament impact 2014-2019]
In April 2016, after five years of legislative work and lengthy negotiations, the co-legislators adopted the Directive on the use of passenger name record (PNR) data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime. Continue reading
Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between EU and Canada [European Parliament impact 2014-2019]
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada entered into force on a provisional basis on 21 September 2017, and most of the agreement now applies. The ratification process is still ongoing at the Member State level. Continue reading
Telecoms reform: a new European Electronic Communications Code [European Parliament impact 2014-2019]
The last overhaul of EU telecommunications rules took place in 2009, which is a very long time ago in a modern digital world that is increasingly reliant on rapid technological development. Given the urgent need to meaningfully adapt the framework so that European businesses can compete globally and citizens have stronger rights and are better protected in the virtual world, in September 2016 the European Commission proposed the directive establishing the new European Electronic Communications Code (EECC). Continue reading
Promotion of renewable energy in the EU after 2020 [European Parliament impact 2014-2019]
In June 2018, the EU institutions reached agreement on a substantial revision of the Renewables Directive (RED), which sets an ambitious framework for the promotion of renewable energy sources in the EU over the 2021-2030 period. Continue reading
Online shopping: banning unjustified geo-blocking and discrimination practices [European Parliament impact 2014-2019]
Erasmus+ is the European Union’s programme dedicated to education, training, youth and sport. It is one of the best-known EU initiatives, but many think Erasmus+ is only for university students who go to study for a few months in another European university. Continue reading
Protection of small producers against unfair trading practices in the food supply chain [European Parliament impact 2014-2019]
The food supply chain ensures that food and drink products are delivered to the public. It affects all consumers in the EU. The final price paid by the consumer is impacted by the number of participants in the food supply chain. Continue reading
Erasmus+: more open for people from disadvantaged backgrounds as well as smaller organisations [European Parliament impact 2014-2019]
Erasmus+ is the European Union’s programme dedicated to education, training, youth and sport. It is one of the best-known EU initiatives, but many think Erasmus+ is only for university students who go to study for a few months in another European university. Continue reading
Stricter CO2 emission standards for new cars and vans [European Parliament impact 2014-2019]
Road transport is responsible for around 20 % of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Transport is the only sector in the EU that did not record any significant decline in greenhouse gas emissions since 1990. In 2016, EU transport emissions were 26 % above 1990 levels.
The European Parliament has played an important role in shaping EU legislation to respond to this challenge and in pushing for ambitious but realistic targets. Mandatory CO2 standards for new passenger cars in the EU were introduced in 2009 and strengthened in 2014. Continue reading
3 Key Questions on Nuclear applications and ballistic missiles
Listen for just three minutes to learn about the essentials of nuclear applications and ballistic missiles in the light of recent developments – with our Policy Analyst Vincent Reillon answering three key questions. Continue reading
3 Key Questions on Circular economy
We are used to an economy based on a ‘take-make-consume-throw away’ pattern: this is the linear economy. Continue reading
3 Key Questions on European Defence
The Treaty of Lisbon established the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) which substituted the former European Security and Defence Policy. The main aim of the CSDP is the promotion of security and peace. One of its key goals is to establish common European defence capabilities, but not necessarily a European army, as is often rumoured.
Continue reading
3 Key Questions on Blockchain voting
The techniques used by anti-democratic state and non-state actors to disrupt or influence democratic processes are constantly evolving. The use of algorithms, automation and artificial intelligence is boosting the scope and the efficiency of disinformation campaigns and related cyber-activities. Continue reading
3 Key Questions on Disinformation and democracy
The techniques used by anti-democratic state and non-state actors to disrupt or influence democratic processes are constantly evolving. The use of algorithms, automation and artificial intelligence is boosting the scope and the efficiency of disinformation campaigns and related cyber-activities. Continue reading
3 Key Questions on Competition Fines
Some companies use monopoly situations or join forces with other companies to fix prices in order to overcharge. The European Union punishes this kind of unfair behaviour and the European Commission has the power to issue what are known as competition fines. Continue reading
European Parliament Plenary Session – July II 2019
The European Parliament resumes business on Monday, with a relatively light agenda (although with some rather major decisions to be made), ahead of the summer recess. Continue reading
Staffing arrangements of Members of the European Parliament
Members are free to choose their own staff, although they may not employ close relatives. To cover the costs of hiring staff, Members have a monthly budget of about €25 000 at their disposal. However, the Parliament does not simply give these sums to the Members. Parliament pays their staff salaries directly – and contributes to the relevant tax and social security authorities. Continue reading
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