European Parliamentary Research Service Blog
Citizens’ enquiries
European Parliament’s role in hearings of the 2019 Commissioner-designates
On 16 July 2019, the European Parliament elected, with 383 votes in favour, Ursula von der Leyen as President of the next European Commission. Individual governments of EU countries subsequently put forward candidate members of the European Commission. On 10 September 2019, President-elect von der Leyen presented her team, along with the proposed allocation of portfolios. Continue reading
Translation and interpretation at the European Parliament
Using 24 languages creates 552 possible language combinations. To cope with these, the European Parliament uses a system of ‘relay’ languages: a speaker or a text is first interpreted or translated into one of the most widely used languages (English, French or German), and then into other languages. As a rule, each interpreter and translator works into his/her mother tongue. 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
Verifying the credentials of new Members of the European Parliament
The European Parliament regularly receives enquiries from citizens as to how it ensures that elected Members do not hold any office that is incompatible with the office of Member of the European Parliament. Continue reading
What are Spitzenkandidaten?
The European Parliament regularly receives enquiries from citizens on the election of the President of the European Commission and the process known as ‘Spitzenkandidaten’ or ‘lead candidates’. Continue reading
What is the European Union doing about climate change?
The European Parliament regularly receives enquiries from citizens asking what the European Union (EU) is doing about climate change. Continue reading
European elections: voting rights for EU citizens living abroad
The European Parliament regularly receives enquiries from EU citizens living abroad about how to vote in the European elections. Continue reading
European elections: how to stand as a candidate
The European Parliament regularly receives enquiries from citizens about how to stand as a candidate in the European elections. Continue reading
Citizens’ enquiries to the European Parliament in 2018
Every day, citizens from all across the EU and the wider world address the European Parliament to request information, express opinions or suggest ideas on an extensive range of topics. The Citizens’ Enquiries Unit (Ask EP) provides answers to citizens on the issues they raise. In 2018, citizens put more than 30 000 questions, suggestions and comments to the European Parliament or its President. Continue reading
European elections: common rules and national provisions
Citizens are asking what are the main common rules and national provisions for electing Members of the European Parliament. The procedures for electing Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are governed both by European Union (EU) legislation, which defines certain rules common to all Member States, and by provisions specific to each Member State. Continue reading
What measures is the European Parliament taking to combat terrorism?
Many citizens have written to the European Parliament expressing their unity in the face of acts of terrorism. They also ask the EU institutions to adopt measures to combat and prevent these crimes. Continue reading
New rules on copyright in the digital single market
Technological advances and the growth of the digital market have given rise to an ever-growing number of questions from the public concerning the new proposals to modernise EU copyright rules. Continue reading
Citizens’ enquiries to the European Parliament in 2017
On a daily basis, citizens from all across the EU and the wider world address the European Parliament to request information, express opinions or suggest ideas on an extensive range of topics. The Citizens’ Enquiries Unit (Ask EP) provides answers to citizens on the issues raised. In 2017, citizens put more than 52 000 questions, suggestions and comments to the European Parliament or its President. Continue reading
What is the European Youth Event?
The EYE is a two-day event organised by the European Parliament on its premises in cooperation with the European Youth Forum and other organisations. It gives young people the opportunity to take part in political debates, workshops and other activities and interact with leading EU figures, with a view to coming up with innovative solutions to major future issues. Continue reading
What is the EU doing for people with disabilities?
On 6 December 2017, the European Parliament hosted the 4th European Parliament of persons with disabilities event, bringing together delegates from organisations that represent persons with disabilities from across Europe, Members of the European Parliament and representatives of other EU institutions. Continue reading
What is the EU doing to combat cybercrime?
Citizens write to the European Parliament to find out what the EU is doing to combat cybercrime. Continue reading
Wintertime: changing of the clocks, but why?
Citizens recurrently turn to the European Parliament with comments on the changing of the clocks. Some citizens are in favour of the summertime/wintertime arrangement; others call on the Parliament to abolish it. Continue reading
What is the EU doing to reduce food waste?
In the EU, food waste is estimated at some 88 million tonnes in a single year, which equates to 173 kilograms per person. The total amount of food produced in the EU in 2011 was around 865 kg/person. This means that we are wasting 20 % of the total food produced. In this context, citizens turn to the European Parliament to request information on what the EU is doing to reduce food waste, as well as calling for European legislation to end food waste in every country in Europe, including several petitions introduced on this matter. Continue reading
How is the EU reforming air passenger rights?
Citizens recurrently turn to the European Parliament to request information about their rights as passengers. Ongoing legislative framework reform intends to clarify certain aspects of air passenger rights, to ensure a better application of the regulation. Continue reading
‘Erasmus+’: the Union programme for education, training, youth and sport
Young people want to know more about Erasmus+ and are asking for information on mobility opportunities so that they can enhance their skills and improve their job prospects. They frequently pose questions to the European Parliament to find out what support the EU provides for youth training and education. Legal framework Articles 165 and 166 … Continue reading
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