European Parliamentary Research Service Blog
EU Member State
Implementation of macro-regional strategies
While each macro-regional strategy is unique in terms of the countries it brings together and the scope of its policies, they all share the same common aim: to ensure a coordinated approach to issues that are best tackled together. Continue reading
Outcome of the European Council and Euro Summit, 20-21 June 2019
At their most recent meeting, EU Heads of State or Government postponed decisions on nominating a set of high-level EU appointments, including the position of President of the European Commission. Continue reading
EU policies – Delivering for citizens: Economic policy [Policy Podcast]
In the European Union (EU), although economic policy is the remit of each Member State, there is, nevertheless, multilateral coordination of economic policies between individual countries. Continue reading
Mandatory origin-labelling schemes in Member States [Policy Podcast]
Eight EU Member States have launched, or are about to launch, national mandatory labelling schemes for certain food products, mainly for milk and milk used in dairy products, but also meat used in processed foods. Continue reading
Acquisition and loss of citizenship in EU Member States: Key trends and issues
Access to citizenship status is an important prerequisite for enjoying rights and privileges, such as migration and political rights, as well as for developing a sense of identity and belonging. Since the establishment of Union citizenship, all persons who are nationals or citizens of an EU Member State enjoy the status of EU citizenship, which confers on them a number of additional rights and privileges. Continue reading
Amending social security coordination [EU Legislation in Progress]
Approximately 14 million EU residents (mobile workers, unemployed and economically inactive citizens) are not living in their home country. Continue reading
EU response to the Caribbean hurricanes
The scenes of devastation caused by recent hurricanes in the Caribbean are a stark reminder of the destructive force of nature. As residents struggle to rebuild their lives following the passage of the latest storms, attention turns to the relief efforts. The EU can help through emergency humanitarian assistance and a variety of funding mechanisms, depending on the status of the territories concerned and their relationship with the EU. Continue reading
Reviving risk capital: The proposal to amend EuVECA and EuSEF [EU Legislation in Progress]
In its 2016 review, the Commission noted that these funds remain small and concentrated in a few Member States and that, while the take-up of EuVECA could be considered successful, the EuSEF results have been disappointing. Continue reading
How the EU budget is spent: European Maritime and Fisheries Fund
Written by Magdalena Sapala, Jean Weissenberger, The €6 396.6 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) may be the smallest of the European Structural and Investment Funds for the 2014-2020 period, but it is the principal financial tool supporting the EU common fisheries policy (CFP). Governed by Regulation 508/2014, (the EMFF Regulation), the Fund aims at providing the … Continue reading
Revision of the Fourth Anti-Money-Laundering Directive [EU Legislation in Progress]
Directive (EU) 2015/849, which forms part of the EU regulatory framework to combat financial crime, has shown gaps in the light of recent terrorist attacks and various tax leaks. In this context, the European Commission proposed to amend the directive, along with Directive 2009/101/EC, to broaden their scope, lower thresholds benefiting from exemptions and provide for the creation of automated centralised mechanisms (e.g. central electronic data retrieval systems). Continue reading
Revision of the Blue Card Directive [EU Legislation in Progress]
Attracting highly qualified immigrants to Europe has been one of the EU’s key priorities for several years. However, up until now the EU has not been as successful as other OECD countries. Continue reading
EU support for education: Improving young people’s chances on the job market
Written by Christian Salm and Cornelia Klugman, The EU’s ERASMUS+ programme is investing €14.7 billion in education (2014-2019). ERASMUS+ will enable 4 million young Europeans to study or learn abroad. Experience abroad increases young people’s chances on the job market and reduces their risk of unemployment. Support for education, training and youth in Europe School … Continue reading
EU support for social entrepreneurs [Policy Podcast]
Written by Agnieszka Widuto, Social enterprises combine social goals with entrepreneurial activity. They represent a business model focused on having a positive social or environmental impact rather than simply making profit for shareholders. Social enterprises make a valuable contribution to the economy and society, operating mainly in local communities and covering areas such as education, … Continue reading
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