European Parliamentary Research Service Blog
Institutional and Legal Affairs
Community sponsorship schemes under the new pact on migration and asylum: Take-up by EU regions and cities
A potential solution is the community sponsorship scheme, understood as encompassing several different approaches for refugee admission to third countries other than countries of origin or transit. Continue reading
Peace and Security in 2021: Overview of EU action and outlook for the future
According to the Global Peace Index, the state of peace in the world deteriorated further in 2020, owing not least to the coronavirus pandemic. Continue reading
Asylum in the EU: Facts and Figures
Written by Giulio Sabbati. Asylum is a form of international protection given by a state on its territory to someone who is threatened by persecution on grounds of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular group or political opinion in their country of origin or residence. This infographic provides an overview of the number of … Continue reading
Computerised system for communication in cross-border judicial proceedings (e-CODEX) [EU Legislation in Progress]
The management of the project would be entrusted to eu-LISA (the EU Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice). Within the European Parliament, the LIBE and JURI committees are jointly in charge of the file, and the draft report is expected shortly. Continue reading
World Day Against Child Labour
The International Labour Organization (ILO) introduced the World Day Against Child Labour in 2002, as part of their efforts to eradicate this unacceptable phenomenon. The day is observed annually on 12 June, and this year the focus is on the 2021 International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour. It is also an opportunity to consider measures taken at international and EU level. Continue reading
Plenary round-up – June I 2021
Members approved by an overwhelming majority the proposed EU Digital Covid Certificate for EU nationals as well as the parallel proposal covering third-country nationals. Parliament agreed to an accelerated procedure to consider these proposals. Continue reading
Harnessing the new momentum in transatlantic relations: Potential areas for common action during the Biden presidency
Like-minded strategic partners, natural and historical allies or an Atlantic bridge are among the terms used to describe the complex relationship between the European Union (EU) and the United States of America (USA). Continue reading
Labour market integration of asylum seekers and refugees
EU law envisages access to employment for refugees as soon as they are granted refugee status, or for asylum-seekers at the latest within nine months of lodging an asylum application. Continue reading
Strengthening Europol’s mandate [EU Legislation in Progress]
Discussions in the Council started in January 2021. In the European Parliament, a draft report was discussed in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs at the end of May 2021. Continue reading
The Conference on the Future of Europe
This EPRS infographic sets out the structures of the conference, how they will work and the topics to be discussed. Continue reading
What if objects around us flocked together and became intelligent? [Science and Technology podcast]
Smart objects have evolved beyond the original idea of the internet of things (IoT): to offer a better way to track products, replace obsolete barcodes and improve logistics. Continue reading
Understanding EU action on Roma inclusion
Since the mid-1990s, the European Union has stressed the need for better Roma inclusion. Continue reading
Outcome of the special European Council meeting of 24-25 May 2021
In accordance with Article 235(2) TFEU, the President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, addressed the European Council at the start of its proceedings. As President-in-Office of the Council, the Portuguese Prime Minister, António Costa, provided an overview of progress made on implementing previous European Council conclusions. Continue reading
Plenary round-up – May 2021
Following a joint debate, Members voted on Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE) own-initiative reports on developing EU strategies on hydrogen and on energy system integration. Continue reading
Outlook for the special European Council meeting of 24-25 May 2021
On 23 April 2021, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, called a special European Council to be held on 25 May 2021; it was subsequently announced on 9 May, that the meeting would commence on the evening of 24 May. Continue reading
EU Covid-19 certificate: A tool to help restore the free movement of people across the European Union
A temporary digital health certificate is seen as a less restrictive measure than others currently in place, such as entry bans, quarantine and business closures, and may allow for a gradual reopening of the economy. Continue reading
Matching priorities and resources in the EU budget: Climate action, migration and borders
Underpinned by the European Green Deal strategy, climate action will receive the bulk of its resources through the incorporation of climate considerations and objectives across all relevant EU funding instruments (climate mainstreaming). Continue reading
Outcome of the meetings of EU leaders in Porto on 7-8 May 2021
On 8 May 2021, EU Heads of State or Government met in Porto for an informal European Council, preceded on 7 May by a social summit, organised by the Portuguese Presidency. The informal European Council was followed by an EU–India leaders’ meeting, attended remotely by the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Continue reading
The rights of LGBTI people in the European Union
Sexual orientation is now recognised in EU law as grounds of discrimination. However, the scope of the provisions dealing with this issue is limited and does not cover social protection, health care, education or access to goods and services, leaving LGBTI people particularly vulnerable in these areas. Continue reading
Conference on the Future of Europe
The aim of the conference is to debate how the EU should develop in the future, identify where it is rising to the challenges of current times, and enhance those areas that need reform or strengthening. Continue reading
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