European Parliamentary Research Service Blog
European Union
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
Digital markets act [EU Legislation in Progress]
In December 2020, the European Commission published a proposal for a regulation on contestable and fair markets in the digital sector, otherwise referred to as the digital markets act (DMA). Continue reading
Customs programme: Supporting cooperation to strengthen the customs union [EU Legislation in Progress]
On 18 June 2018, the Commission put forward a proposal for a regulation establishing a Customs programme for cooperation in the field of customs over the 2021-2027 MFF period, a successor to Customs 2020. The programme’s main objective is to fund actions aimed at strengthening the customs union. Continue reading
Towards a more resilient Europe post-coronavirus: Options to enhance the EU’s resilience to structural risks
In April 2020, the participants in the inter-institutional European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS), which aims to identify and analyse medium- and long-term global trends facing the European Union, were invited by the Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for foresight to offer ‘food for thought’ on issues arising from the coronavirus pandemic, with a view to helping refine collective thinking on how to increase the long-term resilience of the Union over the coming decade. Continue reading
Demographic outlook for the European Union 2021
The impact of demography on economic, social and environmental developments in the world is undeniable. According to the latest statistical data, population trends that were already present in the EU before 2019, continued to persist. Continue reading
What if we could engineer the planet to help fight climate change? [Science and Technology podcast]
Efforts to curb carbon emissions are falling short. As climate change impacts become all too clear, geoengineering is again in the spotlight. Continue reading
Green and sustainable finance [Policy Podcast]
The dramatic consequences of climate change and environmental degradation have brought the need for a more sustainable economy to the top of the agenda. Continue reading
Women in politics in the EU: State of play
One hundred years after women won the vote or were first elected to parliament in some EU countries, the data show that women continue to be under-represented in politics and public life, in the European Parliament, national parliaments and governments, and local assemblies. Continue reading
Covid-19: The need for a gendered response
In the midst of the current pandemic, adopting a gender perspective may seem a secondary concern. However, pandemics are known to affect women and men differently, making it essential to recognise these differences in order to understand the impacts on individuals and communities and to respond effectively and equitably. Continue reading
Revision of the TEN-E Regulation: EU guidelines for new energy infrastructure [EU Legislation in Progress]
On 15 December 2020, the European Commission adopted a proposal to revise the 2013 regulation on trans-European networks in energy (TEN-E). Continue reading
EU hydrogen policy: Hydrogen as an energy carrier for a climate-neutral economy
Research and industrial innovation in hydrogen applications is an EU priority and receives substantial EU funding through the research framework programmes. Continue reading
Advances in administrative cooperation in the field of taxation [EU Legislation in Progress]
The digitalisation of the economy opens the door to new cross-border economic activities that make it possible to under-report income and under-pay tax. Continue reading
Recovery and Resilience Facility [EU Legislation in Progress]
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, on 28 May 2020 the Commission adopted a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Recovery and Resilience Facility (the Facility). Continue reading
Search and rescue in the Mediterranean [Policy Podcast]
International law imposes an obligation to render assistance to persons and ships in distress at sea, which must be provided regardless of the persons’ nationality or status or the circumstances in which they are found. Continue reading
Critical raw materials for the EU: Enablers of the green and digital recovery [Policy Podcast]
The pandemic has highlighted the risk involved, including for the EU, in relying heavily on external suppliers. The EU’s 30 critical raw materials (CRMs) combine two characteristics: they are strategically important for its industry and economy, and there are high risks associated with securing their supply. Continue reading
Sustainable and smart mobility strategy
Transport is the backbone of the EU economy, connecting people and businesses across various EU regions and countries Continue reading
Qualified majority voting in foreign and security policy: Pros and Cons [Policy Podcast]
In her first State of the Union speech, and in the section of the speech most applauded by the European Parliament, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for the use of qualified majority voting (QMV) in areas such as sanctions and human rights. Continue reading
Brexit: The EU-UK trade deal [What Think Tanks are thinking]
The European Union and the United Kingdom reached a last-minute deal on trade and other issues on 24 December 2020, thereby avoiding major disruption from 1 January 2021, the date on which the transition period ended. Continue reading
What if AI took care of traffic as well as driving? [Science and Technology podcast]
While public discussion concentrates on the idea of autonomous driving as an added feature in a vehicle, could it turn out that the real advantage lies in interoperability? Continue reading
Artificial Intelligence in road transport: Cost of Non-Europe report
Transport is one of the sectors in which artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are seeing rapid uptake. AI systems can detect patterns in a large volume of data and model complex solutions that enable increased efficiency in decision making and better resource allocation. Continue reading
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