European Parliamentary Research Service Blog
International Relations
The EU’s new approach to funding peace and security [EU Legislation in Progress]
The link between security, peace and development is recognised by both security and development communities. However, the practical implications of this nexus still pose challenges – especially in the light of a rapidly evolving security environment. Continue reading
Youth challenges and opportunities in the Western Balkans
Albania, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia are all candidates for EU membership, while Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and Kosovo are potential candidates. To improve their chances of EU accession and secure their citizens a more prosperous future, one of the key priorities these countries need to address are the problems facing their youth, who hold the key to such a future. Continue reading
North Korea: Possible scenarios
As the international community tries to resolve the current crisis, analysts have identified a number of possible scenarios. Continue reading
EU rules on control of arms exports [Plenary Podcast]
Written by Beatrix Immenkamp, The EU’s Common Position on arms exports is the only legally binding region-wide arrangement on conventional arms exports. While the Common Position has increased information-sharing and transparency of Member States’ arms exports, there is still scope for enhancing the convergence of national arms-exports policies and for stricter implementation of the criteria … Continue reading
Le soutien de l’UE aux pays en développement [What is Europe doing for its citizens?]
Written by Marta Latek, Dans un monde secoué par des guerres, des désastres naturels de plus en plus fréquents et des crises migratoires sans précédent, l’Europe tente de garder le cap de sa politique de développement sur la lutte contre la pauvreté. Même si le nombre de personnes vivant dans l’extrême pauvreté continue de diminuer, … Continue reading
Review of dual-use export controls [EU Legislation in Progress]
Written by Beatrix Immenkamp (3rd edition), Certain goods and technologies have legitimate civilian applications but can also be used for the development of weapons of mass-destruction, terrorist acts and human rights violations; these so-called ‘dual-use’ goods are subject to the European Union’s export control regime. The regime is now being revised, mainly to take account … Continue reading
Ukraine and the EU [What Think Tanks are thinking]
Written by Marcin Grajewski, Relations between the European Union and Ukraine have been improving since the Maidan protests ousted President Viktor Yanukovych in 2014, leading to the election a pro-Western Petro Poroshenko as Head of State. At their meeting on 12-13 July, EU and Ukraine leaders welcomed the completion of the ratification of the EU-Ukraine … Continue reading
Culture in EU-US relations
Written by Ivana Katsarova, North America and Europe dominate the global trade in cultural goods. Together they account for 49 % of exports and 62 % of imports. However, there is a significant cultural divide between the EU and USA, which is reflected in contrasting policy approaches towards culture. Under the 2005 Unesco Convention – not signed … Continue reading
US development policy: New priorities under President Trump
Written by Michael Kaczmarek with Graham Scott, The new administration of US President Donald Trump has put forward an ‘America First’ vision in the field of development policy. In his 2018 budget proposal, President Trump requests the US Congress to scale back and refocus US political commitments and financial contributions in the areas of economic … Continue reading
The European Council in 2016: Overview of decisions and discussions
Written by Suzana Elena Anghel Gavrilescu, Izabela Cristina Bacian, Ralf Drachenberg and Susanna Tenhunen, The European Council held five formal meetings in 2016. The analysis of the conclusions of the debates shows that it dedicated 50 % of its attention to migration. The two other main topics were foreign and security policy; and economic governance, competitiveness, … Continue reading
Blue economy in Africa: initiatives, prospects and issues
Written by Eric Pichon and Anne Vernet, Harnessing the oceans’ resources in a sustainable manner is the ‘new frontier of the African renaissance’ according to the African Union (AU). This ‘blue growth’ will only be achieved if ocean’s health and security at sea are won back. The AU has designed an ambitious maritime strategy, but … Continue reading
Russia and security [What Think Tanks are thinking]
Written by Marcin Grajewski, Relations between the European Union and Russia remain strained after the EU extended its sanctions against the country late in June until 31 January 2018, citing a lack of progress in the implementation of the Minsk agreements aimed to end of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its conflict … Continue reading
The G20 Summit in Hamburg: Key issues
Written by Elena Lazarou, On 7-8 July 2017, the 12th Summit of Heads of State or Government of the Group of Twenty (G20) will take place in Hamburg, Germany. Besides traditional G20 issues, with an emphasis on financial regulation, the focus is on climate and trade protectionism in light of policies recently adopted by the … Continue reading
Helmut Kohl, citizen of Europe
Written by Philippe Perchoc, Helmut Kohl died on 16 June 2017 at the age of 87. The father of German reunification and a strong supporter of European integration, he leaves a long-lasting legacy. A European ceremony of honour is planned for the former Chancellor and Honorary Citizen of Europe, in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, … Continue reading
Trade flows: animated infographic
Written by Krisztina Binder, Laura Puccio, Giulio Sabbati. ‘Every man lives by exchanging’, said philosopher and economist Adam Smith in the late 18th century. Indeed, trade has historically played a significant role in a country’s economy. In today’s globalised world, trade is a major tool in state policies to ensure economic growth and more jobs. A country’s success … Continue reading
The EU and China [What Think Tanks are thinking]
Written by Marcin Grajewski, The European Union and China made limited progress towards improving bilateral ties at their summit in early June, and they remain at odds over a number of controversial trade issues. However, analysts say the EU and China look poised to strengthen cooperation on fighting climate change, especially after the new US … Continue reading
Turkey: Economic indicators and trade with EU
Written by Philippe Perchoc and Giulio Sabbati (both EPRS), In cooperation with Caterina Francesca Guidi (from GlobalStat | EUI), The EU is Turkey’s number one trading partner, and Turkey the EU’s fifth trading partner – and the only one with which the EU has concluded a custom union. Turkish growth remains strong (4% in 2015 … Continue reading
Côte d’Ivoire: bright economic prospects overshadowed by recent instability
Written by Ionel Zamfir, On 14 June 2017, the European Parliament will welcome Côte d’Ivoire’s President, Alassane Ouattara, who will address the Plenary. Alassane Ouatarra will be the first African president to visit the EP during President Antonio Tajani’s term of office. President Tajani, in a speech on the state of the Union delivered in May, the, emphasised that ‘we … Continue reading
Qatar: Rising tension in the Gulf
Written by Beatrix Immenkamp, On 5 June 2017, several Arab nations, including Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), simultaneously announced that they were severing ties with Qatar, a fellow member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Accusing Qatar of supporting and financing ‘terrorism and extremism’ in the region, the above countries … Continue reading
Transatlantic relations under the Trump administration
Written by Elena Lazarou, Over four months into the Trump Presidency, several analysts concur that it is still difficult to make sense of President Trump’s ‘Europe policy’ and, consequently, to forecast the course of transatlantic relations under the Trump administration. The issues that currently occupy the media tend to be those on which the divergence … Continue reading
