Although the European Union is about much more than economics – promoting peace, common values, democratic governance, international development, human rights, health, social protection, research and innovation, and many other public goods – the process of European integration has been key to driving economic growth for half a century, generating significant gains in gross domestic product (GDP) for EU Member States both collectively and individually. Continue reading
Robotics is a wide and multi-faceted domain that crosses boundaries between many economic sectors and legal disciplines. The perception of a need for some kind of Europe-wide legal framework to accompany the development of robotic and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is growing. Continue reading
Since the entry into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam in 1999, the EU offers its citizens an area of freedom, security and justice (AFSJ). In this area, the free movement of persons should be ensured, in conjunction with appropriate measures with respect to external border controls, asylum and migration, as well as preventing and combating crime. Continue reading
Ensuring that legally residing non-European Union nationals, referred to as third-country nationals (TCNs), are treated fairly and in a non-discriminatory manner is the goal of the EU’s efforts to build a comprehensive EU immigration policy. Continue reading
EU Member States have committed to offering protection to those who have to leave their home country to seek safety from persecution or serious harm. Through the ‘Common European Asylum System’ (CEAS), the EU has developed legal and policy instruments for the management of asylum in the EU that apply from the moment someone has lodged an asylum application until the moment the application has been recognised or rejected upon appeal. Continue reading
In the wake of recent attacks, surveys show that combatting terrorism while respecting individual freedom, remains one of the key concerns of EU citizens. The EU fights terrorism through supporting various national measures and exchanges, including those preventing radicalisation and recruitment, measures addressing terrorist financing and regulating the possession and acquisition of weapons and explosives, as well as instruments aimed at strengthening security at the Union’s external borders. Continue reading
Equality is one of the fundamental values on which the European Union is founded. It is reflected in the Treaties and the Charter, as well as in EU secondary legislation. Nevertheless, one in five people within the EU have experienced discrimination in the last 12 months. Continue reading
This paper embodies work-in-progress on a long-term project being undertaken by the European Parliament’s European Added Value Unit, in conjunction with the office of the Secretary-General, to try to identify and analyse the ‘cost of non-Europe’ in certain policy fields. Continue reading
This study identifies the costs, of the (temporary) reintroduction of border controls between the Schengen Member States, with a special focus on civil liberties, justice, and home affairs aspects. Continue reading
Written by VIncent Reillon, Thomas Zandstra and Christian Salm, The European Research Area (ERA) concept has shaped common European policy on research since 2000. However, despite positive developments in creating an integrated research area in Europe with 28 different research systems working together, the implementation of the ERA still faces challenges. Over 40 years after the … Continue reading
Written by Wouter van Ballegooij and Thomas Zandstra, This study demonstrates the need to tackle organised crime and corruption together as the two are in a mutually reinforcing relationship. Organised crime groups attempt to regulate and control the production and distribution of a given commodity of service unlawfully. In so doing, their aim is to … Continue reading
Written by Pierre Goudin In recent years, a major evolution has begun to reshape the capitalist economy. Today, no-one can say with certainty to what extent the ‘sharing economy’ will change the economic landscape. Yet, the speed, dynamism and scale of the change seem to point to a substantial long-term trend. What is at work … Continue reading
Written by Thomas Zandstra, Infographic by Eulalia Claros This ‘Cost of Non-Europe’ study examines the state of implementation of current EU Water Legislation and identifies the cost of the lack of further European action in this field. The assessment made of existing water legislation confirms that there are still implementation gaps and areas of poor performance. … Continue reading
Written by Joseph Dunne On 13 April 2015, the European Parliamentary Research Service published the third edition of its study ‘Mapping the Cost of Non-Europe, 2014-19‘, previously published in March and July 2014. The analysis in the study builds, in large part, on a series of more detailed pieces of work undertaken for individual European Parliamentary Committees by the … Continue reading
Written by Monika Nogaj and Eulalia Claros Updated in March 2015 Transport is a vital component of the EU economy with huge untapped potential. The sector suffers however from remaining barriers, gaps and market inefficiencies that create substantial costs and that could be addressed through further action at EU level. The gains that could … Continue reading
Written by Risto Nieminen Why economic growth is important Weak or negative growth curbs EU economy, endangers fiscal sustainability, hampers income levels and increases unemployment and inequality. The EU’s economic recovery remains fragile and subdued. Labour markets have improved only mildly and weak growth has compounded disinflationary trends. The persistence of high structural unemployment has … Continue reading
Written by Clare Ferguson 2014 was an interesting year for us at the EPRS. Debate on all things European broke out all over, with the European elections in May, a new European Commission, and increasingly vocal arguments for and against integration, independence, immigration and invigoration of the EU economy. Not surprisingly then, our top posts … Continue reading
Single Market in Transport and Tourism : Cost of Non-Europe Report Significant progress has been achieved during the last 20 years in creating a Single Market for Transports. European tourism is and will remain a vital component of the economy, with enormous economic potential. Both sectors suffer however from remaining barriers, gaps and market inefficiencies that create substantial costs … Continue reading
Written by Kristina Svobodová and Zsolt Pataki A Panel Discussion on ‘Cost of Non-Europe: A Route to Growth without Debt?’ took place on 10 October in the EPRS Library Reading Room. The main goal was to present and discuss the Mapping the ‘Cost of Non-Europe’, 2014-19 study, focusing on the topic of whether, and to what … Continue reading
The European Parliament has called for a “social dimension” to the Economic and Monetary Union to tackle unemployment and restore growth following the recent economic crisis. Among various alternative options, automatic stabilisers could potentially be means of stabilising the Eurozone, while at the same time addressing social problems associated with the financial crisis. This Cost … Continue reading