20-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
A
long-running discussion on reforming the European Union's budget gained
momentum when the High-Level Group on Own Resources, led by former
Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, presented its report in January
2017. The report proposes simpler methods for funding the EU, to make it
less reliant on direct contributions from Member States, and recommends
that spending be focused on areas where the highest European added
value can be achieved, now, for example migration and security
emergencies. The report, entitled 'Future financing of the EU', lists
and examines several options for new own resources, such as a reformed
VAT-linked resource, an EU corporate tax, a financial transaction tax or
taxes linked to efforts to fight climate change. It also proposes to
explore other revenue sources stemming directly from the EU policies and
programmes. The report will be taken into consideration by the European
Commission and EU Member States when they work on the EU's next
long-term budget after 2020. This note offers links to reports and
commentaries from some major international think tanks and research
institutes on the EU budget. Some papers also discuss whether the euro
area should have its own, dedicated budget.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
20-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
The
European Venture Capital Funds (EuVECA) and European Social
Entrepreneurship Funds (EuSEF) are collective investment schemes that
have been harmonised at European Union (EU) level since 2011 by means of
two Regulations: (EU) No 345/2013 (EuVECA) and (EU) No 346/2013
(EuSEF). 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. Three main obstacles to further growth have
been identified: limitations imposed on managers; product rules; and the
(varying) application of regulatory fees in Member States with regards
to funds’ marketing and management. To overcome those obstacles, the
Commission has identified some measures that − by removing limitations
on larger managers managing EuVECA and EuSEF funds, decreasing costs for
EuVECA and EuSEF funds, and broadening the range of eligible assets
EuVECA funds may invest in − should increase investment into these
funds. Second edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are
updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
20-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
Despite
significant progress in recent decades, air pollution levels in the
European Union still have adverse impacts on the environment and on
health. The European Commission estimates that health-related costs of
air pollution in the EU range from 390 to 940 billion euros per year.
The proposed directive, which would replace the current National
Emission Ceilings Directive, sets binding national reduction objectives
for six air pollutants (SO2, NOx, NMVOCs, NH3, PM2.5 and CH4) to be met
by 2020 and 2030. It will also implement the Gothenburg Protocol as
amended in 2012. The European Commission estimates that implementation
costs would range from 2.2 to 3.3 billion euros per year. After
completion of the legislative procedure at first reading in the European
Parliament and the Council, the presidents of the co-legislators signed
the final act on 14 December 2016. Member States are required to
transpose the new directive into national law by 1 July 2018. This
briefing updates an earlier edition, of 6 October 2016: PE 589.821.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
20-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
The
EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed in
October 2016, is currently at the ratification stage. This agreement,
concluded between like-minded trade partners, represents the new
generation of EU free trade agreements (FTAs), and contains chapters
covering sustainable development. The inclusion by the EU of sustainable
development chapters in FTAs concluded with its partners plays a role
in ensuring that trade and investment liberalisation does not lead to a
deterioration in environmental and labour conditions. In keeping with
this trade policy practice, developed over the years, trade-related
sustainability provisions, including labour and environmental
considerations, are grouped in three chapters (Chapters 22 to 24) within
CETA. CETA has only partially exceeded the dialogue-only approach
contained in earlier EU trade agreements and has maintained the
exclusion of trade and sustainable development (TSD) chapters from the
scope of the state-to-state dispute settlement (SSDS) procedure. It also
maintains an ad hoc two-stage dispute resolution mechanism already
found in the EU-South Korea FTA. However, this mechanism does not
include sanctions and focuses on mutually agreed solutions to problems.
This choice by the EU is due to the still strongly cooperative nature of
the TSD chapters. On CETA please refer also to the 'International
Agreements in Progress' briefing on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade
Agreement with Canada by Wilhelm Schöllmann.
20-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
EU-Canada
negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
started in May 2009 and were declared concluded at the EU-Canada Summit
on 26 September 2014. The agreement's overall aim is to increase flows
of goods, services and investment to the benefit of both partners. For
the EU, CETA represents the first comprehensive economic agreement with a
highly industrialised Western economy. Except for a few sensitive
agricultural products, the agreement would remove practically all
tariffs on goods exchanged between the two partners. Canada would
substantially open up its public procurement at both federal and
sub-federal level, thereby eliminating a major asymmetry in access to
each other's public procurement markets. The EU succeeded in securing
protection for a large number of European Geographical Indications (GIs)
on the Canadian market. Provisions on sustainable development should
ensure that trade and investment do not develop to the detriment of, but
rather support, environmental protection and social development. CETA
was signed by the EU and Canada on 30 October 2016. The Council decision
on signature was only reached after difficult discussions, so that a
total of 38 statements and declarations by Member States, the Commission
and the Council, as well as a Joint Interpretative Instrument accompany
that Council decision. The European Parliament has launched the consent
procedure, with Artis Pabriks (EPP, Latvia) as rapporteur. The vote in
the Committee on International Trade (INTA) is scheduled for 24 January
2017, and the vote in plenary for the February part-session in
Strasbourg (13 to 16 February). Second edition. The ‘International
Agreements in Progress’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout
the process, from initial discussions through to ratification. To view
earlier editions of this briefing, please see: PE 593.491, 26 October
2016.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
20-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
This
document compares the draft 2017 Recommendations for the economic
policy of the Euro Area proposed by the European Commission on 16
November 2016 with the 2017 Euro Area draft recommendation (revised by
the Economic and Financial Committee) and to be approved by the Council
(ECOFIN) on 27 January 2017.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
Fact Sheet on climate change and the environment
Study on legal obligations relating to emission measurements in the EU automotive sector
Study on legal obligations relating to emission measurements in the EU automotive sector
---
23-01-2017 03:07 PM CET
General
: The international trade committee votes on 24 January on the
Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement or Ceta, but this free trade
agreement with Canada is far from the only deal the EU is working on.
Various deals are currently being negotiated right across the globe, but
they can only enter into force if the European Parliament approves
them. Read on for an overview of the negotiations in progress and an
explanation of how the process works.Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
23-01-2017 04:07 PM CET
General
: On Tuesday 24 January Parliament’s environment committee votes to
amend a Commission proposal on waste management, the so-called “waste
package” which includes four directives. In previous resolutions
Parliament has called for more ambitious targets. Waste packaging is an
inter-institutional priority for 2017 and this vote is the first step
towards entering negotiations with the Commission and Council.Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
23-01-2017 04:36 PM CET
The
2016 EC proposal revises the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC)
Regulation 2006/2004 with the intention to improve the effectiveness of
the rules and procedures on cooperation of national authorities
responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws, in
particular with the aim to better addressing the challenges of the
Digital Single Market. The proposal for a Regulation (repealing
Regulation 2006/2004) is part of the Commission’s e-Commerce package
adopted on 25 May 2016.
The revised provisions would
enhance the enforcement mechanisms used by the national authorities to
address unlawful practices harmful to consumers in several countries,
especially as regards online breaches.
Rapporteur: Olga SEHNALOVÁ (S&D)
Shadow Rapporteurs: Carlos COELHO (EPP), Richard SULIK (ECR), Robert ROCHEFORT (ALDE), tbc (GUE/NGL), Pascal DURAND (Greens/EFA), tbc (EFDD), Mylène TROSZCZYNSKI (ENF)
Rapporteur: Olga SEHNALOVÁ (S&D)
Shadow Rapporteurs: Carlos COELHO (EPP), Richard SULIK (ECR), Robert ROCHEFORT (ALDE), tbc (GUE/NGL), Pascal DURAND (Greens/EFA), tbc (EFDD), Mylène TROSZCZYNSKI (ENF)
Further information
Procedure file
IMCO hearing on the revision of the Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation
Procedure file
IMCO hearing on the revision of the Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
23-01-2017 02:34 PM CET
This
issue covers IMCO committee meeting of 25-26 January and 6 February
2007 December 2016. This edition also summarises past committee meeting
held on 5 December 2016.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
23-01-2017 11:32 AM CET
The
workshop organised by the Policy Department A for the IMCO Committee
aimed at discussing problems in the area of franchising and the impact
of the EU rules on functioning of the franchising contract. It
allowed exchange of views on market conditions in the EU as well as
corrective legislative and regulatory actions.
Further information
Proceedings of the Workshop on "Relations between Franchisors and Franchisees: Regulatory Framework and Current Challenges"
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EPProceedings of the Workshop on "Relations between Franchisors and Franchisees: Regulatory Framework and Current Challenges"
---
23-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
In
the aftermath of the UK’s vote to leave the EU, securing continued
access to each other’s markets will be one of the key issues to be
addressed in the exit negotiations. This paper examines how the current
EU financial services legislation ensures or facilitates access to the
EU single financial market for EU/EEA Member States and third countries.
The analysis focuses on passporting/mutual recognition regimes for
EU/EEA Member States and third country equivalence regimes.
This document was provided by Policy Department A at the request of the
ECON Committee.
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP
---
23-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
This
exploratory study on major changes in European public opinion (updated
in November 2016) was carried out on the basis of the Eurobaroeter
surveys carried out between 1973 and 2016. The following aspects were
studied: changes in European public opinion regarding the European Union
and its institutions; democracy in the European Union; the economy of
the European Union; the lives of Europeans; immigration.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
23-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
This
study assesses the key impacts of the United Kingdom’s exit from the
European Union on the financial system and its infrastructures, on
financial firms and financial services under three alternative concepts
for the future EU-UK relationship. In addition to the impact on the
‘passporting rights’ of financial firms, particular emphasis is given to
the impact on the regulatory framework governing i.a. credit
institutions under a ‘third-country status’ scenario for the UK, the
impact on payment systems and market infrastructures, as well as to
certain aspects of the EU institutional framework governing the monetary
and the financial system could be affected.
This study was prepared by Policy Department A at the request of the
ECON Committee.
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP
---
23-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
The
new proposals build on previous legislation and continue to gradually
implement an internal energy market. In particular, they look to
incorporate recent changes, such as the rapid increase in renewables and
technological advances relating to the digitalisation of services. They
also attempt to clarify previous legislation such as in the case of
storage for Transmission System Operators (TSOs) for example. As with
the recent proposals on security of gas supply, the Commission looks to
incorporate a regional approach as the default option for assessing
needs and mitigating risks. The Commission's evaluation, as well as the
review of the implementation process, have shown that, while progress
has been made, challenges to create a properly functioning internal
market remain. The challenges identified by the evaluation, such as
price controls, insufficient cross-border trade, uncoordinated national
interventions and issues around regulatory independence, are addressed
by the current proposals. However, it is also clear from the evaluation
that progress towards a well-functioning and competitive energy market
has not been consistent across the EU. Where progress has been made, the
effects have been positive, although the evaluation does not look at
examples of best practice to assess the best way forward. The EU- wide
oversight of national regulators and TSOs is seen as positive, but
question marks remain in terms of whether the suggested changes will be
sufficient. Several reviews on the topic have noted that the Agency for
the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) lack sufficient powers to be
effective and it is unclear whether the current proposals will properly
address this issue. The public consultations also pointed to the dual
role of the European Network for Transmission System Operators for
electricity (ENTSO-E), as both a lobby organisation and a representative
of public interest, as potentially problematic. The creation of a
European Distribution System Operator (DSO) could possibly duplicate
this issue. The evaluation does not include any assessment around
infrastructure legislation or the EU's role in this area; however, it
notes that the incentives for private investments have been insufficient
so far. It is hoped that the proposed moves to a more flexible and
price-driven market should improve investment conditions. As reforms in
this area have been ongoing since the 1990s, it will be particularly
important to continue to monitor progress and to what extent the new
proposals increase competition and a well-functioning, price-led market.
In terms of the Parliament's demands, many of its requests are
reflected in the proposals, such as calls for more regional cooperation,
for example. They do not, however, include a review of the gas market
or interconnectivity objectives differentiated by regions; nor do they
look to address to any great extent the issue of external import. In the
case of the ACER, Parliament had asked for a substantial increase in
resources. While the proposals strengthen the agency's position, the
Commission decided not to propose making the ACER into a pan-European
regulator, with the increase in budget and staff that such a move would
have entailed.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
23-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
Overall,
the IA presents a comprehensive and well-researched explanation of the
evidence base of the legislative proposals. However, the nature of the
proposals (one of them being a recast of four existing directives) has
posed an obvious challenge in terms of keeping the report concise and
readable. The IA clearly exceeds the length recommended in the better
regulation guidelines. The report presents stakeholder views well,
although the consultation itself focused more on the review process in
general than on the specific options for future policy. Finally, the
overly general presentation of monitoring instruments represents a
significant shortcoming of the report, especially given the importance
of effective monitoring mechanisms in assessing the implementation of
legislation.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
23-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
Tourism
services have traditionally been provided by businesses such as hotels,
taxis or tour operators. Recently, a growing number of individuals are
proposing to share temporarily with tourists what they own (for example
their house or car) or what they do (for example meals or excursions).
This type of sharing is referred to as the 'sharing economy'. It is not
limited to tourism and can be found in many areas of social and economic
activity, although tourism has been one of the sectors most impacted.
Sharing goods and services between individuals is nothing new in itself.
However, the development of the internet and, as a consequence, the
creation of online platforms have made sharing easier than ever. In the
past decade, many companies managing such platforms have emerged on the
market. A well-known example is a platform on which people can book
accommodation (Airbnb). The sharing economy has had a positive impact on
tourism as well as a negative one. Its advocates think that it provides
easy access to a wide range of services that are often of higher
quality and more affordable than those provided by traditional business
counterparts. Critics, on the other hand, claim that the sharing economy
provides unfair competition, reduces job security, avoids taxes and
poses a threat to safety, health and disability compliance standards.
The response to the sharing economy remains fragmented in the EU. Some
activities or aspects have been regulated at national, regional or local
level. In June 2016, the European Commission published a communication
on a European agenda for the collaborative economy, to offer some
clarification on relevant EU rules and provide public authorities with
policy guidance. The European Parliament and advisory committees have
also touched upon the issue in various resolutions and opinions. This is
an updated edition of a briefing from September 2015.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
23-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
In
2014, the European Commission proposed a revision (‘IORP II’) of the
existing Institutions for Occupational Retirement Provision (IORP)
Directive of 2003, which covers certain occupational pension savings.
These are overwhelmingly in the United Kingdom (55.9% of IORP assets)
and the Netherlands (30.7%). The proposed revision aims to improve the
governance, risk management, transparency and information provision of
IORPs and help increase cross-border IORP activity. Stakeholders
generally welcomed the focus of the proposal and the lack of new
prudential rules, but felt the revision was overly detailed and
prescriptive and did not respect national competences, nor reflect the
variety of IORPs and their position as social (not just financial)
entities. Following trilogue discussions, the compromise text was
adopted at first reading in the European Parliament’s plenary on 24
November, an then adopted by the Council on 8 December. It came into
effect on 12 January 2017 and Member States have two years from then to
transpose it into national law. This briefing updates an earlier
edition, from September 2016: PE 589.800.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
23-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
On
9 November 2016, the European Commission published a proposal for
targeted changes to the EU anti-dumping and anti-subsidy regulations.
The proposal is a response to the expiry of parts of China’s WTO
accession protocol in December 2016 and to unfair trade practices from
third countries. At the core of the amendments of the anti-dumping
regulation is the use for WTO members of prices derived from constructed
values in situations where there are 'substantial market distortions'
in the country of export under investigation. This approach would
replace the 'analogue country methodology' which is currently applied to
non-market economies (NMEs) under EU law and would remain in place for
non-WTO members. The amendments to the anti-subsidy regulation would
insert due process and transparency provisions required to capture
subsidies identified only in the course of anti-subsidy probes.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
23-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
This
briefing has been drawn up to support ECON’s work on the scrutiny of
delegated acts, in particular as regards the discussion of 25 January
2017 on the implementing measures under the Insurance Distribution
Directive (EU) 2016/97.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
24-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
Structural
budget balances play an important role in the fiscal policy frameworks
of the EU both as part of the application of the Stability and Growth
Pact and in the implementation of the balanced budget rule (“Fiscal
Compact”) by the contracting parties of the intergovernmental Treaty on
Stability, Coordination and Governance in the EMU. This document gives
an overview of the concept and application of the structural balance
rule(s) in the EU.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
24-01-2017 03:59 PM CET
General
: Ceta, the EU-Canada trade deal, was approved by the international
trade committee on 24 January. The agreement, which would remove tariffs
on most traded goods and services, will be put to a final vote by all
MEPs next month. Speaking in a Facebook Live interview, Artis Pabriks,
the MEP responsible for steering the deal through Parliament, said: “The
prime motivation is to ensure more wealth from trade. Ceta is a really
good example of how good trade deals should be made.”Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
24-01-2017 03:44 PM CET
The
EU Commission should table a plan in 2017 to cut delays in EU-funded
projects that aim to reduce disparities among EU regions by stimulating
growth and job creation, say Regional Development Committee MEPs in a
resolution voted on Tuesday.
Committee on Regional Development
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Committee on Regional Development
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
24-01-2017 06:08 PM CET
The
share of waste to be recycled should be raised to 70% by 2030, from 44%
today, while landfilling, which has a big environmental impact, should
be limited to 5%, said Environment Committee MEPs on Tuesday, as they
amended the draft EU “waste package” legislation. They also advocate a
50% reduction in food waste by 2030.Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
---
25-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
The
European Commission has decided to re-launch the common consolidated
corporate tax base (CCCTB) project in a two-step approach, with the
publication of two new interconnected proposals on a common corporate
tax base (CCTB) and a common consolidated corporate tax base (CCCTB).
These were published on 25 October 2016, and the 2011 CCCTB proposal
(COM(2011) 121) was withdrawn on the same day. The re-launch follows the
lack of progress on the 2011 proposal in the Council. The 2016 CCTB
provides for the determination of a single set of rules for calculation
of the corporate tax base. Companies operating across borders in the EU
would no longer have to deal with 28 different sets of national rules
when calculating their taxable profits. The intention is that the
proposed CCTB is a step on the way towards re-establishing the link
between taxation and the place where profits are made, via an
apportionment formula to be introduced through the new CCCTB proposal.
The proposals include a number of anti-tax avoidance measures. The
proposal only concerns the corporate tax base and is not intended to
harmonise national corporate tax rates. The Member States would retain
their sovereign right to set their own tax rates.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
25-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
Donald
Trump has begun his four-year term as the US President by moving to
deliver on some of his campaign promises, such on Obamacare, the
Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement and the North American Free
Trade Agreement. Analysts and politicians agree that the Trump
presidency will have wide-ranging implications for trade, international
relations and security. This note offers links to recent commentaries
and reports published by major international think tanks and other
research centres on Trump's presidency. Earlier analyse can be found in a
previous edition of 'What Think Tanks are thinking.'
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
25-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
Further
to the publication of the Five Presidents’ report, the Commission is
planning to release in spring 2017 a white paper including measures to
complete the EMU. During the 2017 European Parliamentary Week,
participants will take stock of the strengths and weaknesses of the
current economic governance framework, with a view to give an input to
such discussion from a parliamentary perspective. This document provides
some elements for this debate and gives an overview on the
implementation of the short-term measures as included in the Five
President’s report.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
In-Depth
Analysis - The EU's General Food Law Regulation: An introduction to the
founding principles and the fitness check - 25-01-2017
General
: Although investment has picked up and the economy has created new
jobs, not everybody is yet sharing equally in the benefits of growth.
During the annual European Parliamentary Week in Brussels from 30
January to 1 February, MEPs meet their counterparts from the member
states and other high-level policy makers to debate how to boost growth
and employment and increase fairness.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
25-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
The
General Food Law Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 178/2002) was drafted
following a series of food incidents in the EU in the late 1990s,
including the BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) outbreak and the
dioxin scare. It is the act underpinning current EU food and feed
legislation and defines its general principles, requirements and aims.
The regulation also established the European Food Safety Authority
(EFSA), an independent agency tasked with providing decision makers with
scientific advice on food safety issues. Furthermore, the General Food
Law Regulation lays down the main procedures for the management of
emergencies and crises, including the Rapid Alert System for Food and
Feed (RASFF), designed to enable a swift reaction when risks to public
health are detected in the food chain. As part of its Better Regulation
agenda, the European Commission is currently finalising its fitness
check of the General Food Law Regulation. The review will assess the key
components of this founding act. The results of the review are expected
in the course of 2017.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
25-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
This
document provides statistical and factual reference material relating
to migration flows between the UK and the rest of the EU. It gives facts
and figures relating to the population of EU-27 nationals living in the
UK as well as UK citizens living in the EU-27. It also examines the
impact of the EU-27 population on the UK’s social security and health
care system and gives information on the UK’s uptake of EU funding.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
25-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
The
procedures for electing the European Parliament are governed both by
European legislation defining rules common to all Member States and by
specific national provisions which vary from one state to another. The
common rules lay down the principle of proportional representation and
certain incompatibilities with a mandate as a Member of the European
Parliament. Many other important matters, such as the exact electoral
system used and the number of constituencies, are governed by national
laws.
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP
---
25-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
Common
rules have been drawn up in an effort to ensure that passengers receive
at least a minimum level of assistance in the event of serious delays
to or cancellation of their journey, irrespective of the mode of
transport used, and, in particular, to protect more vulnerable
travellers. The rules also provide for compensation schemes. A wide
range of derogations may be granted for rail and road transport
services, however, and court actions challenging the application of the
rules are still common.
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP
---
25-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
The
setting up of the Single Aviation Market in the late 1990s has
profoundly transformed the air transport industry and has greatly
contributed to the strong growth in air transport in Europe over the
past twenty years.
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP
---
25-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
The
World Trade Organisation (WTO) has played a major role in ensuring a
rules-based international trading system. However, the further
development of the multilateral trading system stalled with the impasse
in the Doha Development Round of trade talks. This has led some
countries to turn to bilateral trade agreements. The European
Parliament’s role in scrutinising trade policy, including the EU action
in the WTO, has grown under the Treaty of Lisbon.
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP
---
26-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
Ahead
of the upcoming discussions on a new European Union (EU) work plan for
sport, an own-initiative report to be presented to Parliament's first
February plenary session takes stock of the implementation of EU sports
policy to date, and formulates recommendations on its future course.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
26-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
Following
two and a half years of implementation, the European Commission will
submit a mid-term evaluation of the new umbrella programme Erasmus+ at
the end of 2017. Parliament is preparing its contribution, with an
own-initiative report on the implementation of Erasmus+ to be discussed
in plenary in February.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
26-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
On
20 July 2016, the European Commission proposed a regulation regarding
the inclusion of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals from land
use and forestry in the EU 2030 climate and energy framework. This would
be the first time that the land-use sector is formally included in EU
climate policy. The proposed regulation would require Member States to
balance emissions and removals from the land-use sector over two
five-year periods between 2021 and 2030. It sets out accounting rules
and allows for certain flexibilities. The proposed regulation is part of
the EU's efforts to reduce its GHG emissions by 40% below 1990 levels
by 2030. This target was set by the European Council in October 2014,
and is also the EU's international commitment under the Paris Agreement
on climate change. Second Edition. The ‘EU Legislation in Progress’
briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative
procedure.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
26-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
This
is the first edition of a new EPRS publication designed to identify key
issues and policy areas that are likely to feature prominently on the
agenda of Members of the European Parliament over the coming year. Key
issues presented include: the implications for the EU of the new US
administration, the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, the migration
crisis, rising inequalities, and the EU's external security challenges,
with a more specific examination of the situation in Ukraine. Other
important policy areas covered are the budget, agriculture, climate and
transport and, last but not least, the outlook for economic and monetary
union. Please click here for the full publication in PDF format
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
26-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
This
study, commissioned by the Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and
Constitutional Affairs upon request of the Committee on Petitions, finds
out that EU animal welfare policy and legislation has had much positive
influence in the world, on the image of the EU as well as helping
animals. However, most kinds of animals kept in the EU are not covered
by legislation, including some of the worst animal welfare problems, so a
general animal welfare law and specific laws on several species are
needed. Animal sentience and welfare should be mentioned, using accurate
scientific terminology, in many trade-related laws as well as in
animal-specific laws.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
26-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
Gold-plating
describes additional rules and regulatory obligations that go beyond
the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) requirements set out
at European Union (EU) level, and that make the implementation of ESIF
more costly and burdensome for programme bodies and beneficiaries. The
study analyses gold-plating in all five funds and discusses the
presence, reasons and effects of gold-plating in ESIF. It concludes with
pointers for action to reduce gold-plating in the current 2014-2020 and
in the post 2020 programming period.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
26-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
To
ensure the stability of the Economic and Monetary Union, the framework
for avoiding unsustainable public finances needs to be strong. A reform
(part of the ‘Six-Pack’) amending the Stability and Growth Pact entered
into force at the end of 2011. Another one, the intergovernmental Treaty
on Stability, Coordination and Governance (TSCG), including the Fiscal
Compact, entered into force early 2013. A regulation on assessing
national draft budgetary plans (part of the ‘Two-Pack’) entered into
force in May 2013.
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP
---
26-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
The
Banking Union was created as a response to the financial crisis and
currently has two elements, the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) and
the Single Resolution Mechanism (SRM). The SSM supervises the largest
and most important banks in the euro area directly at European level,
while the purpose of the SRM is to resolve failing banks in an orderly
manner with minimal costs for taxpayers and for the real economy. A
third element, a European Deposit Insurance Scheme (EDIS), is currently
under discussion.
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP
---
26-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
In
the aftermath of the global economic and financial crisis of 2008, the
EU has accelerated the move away from the production of
labour-intensive, low-value products so as to specialise in
higher-value, branded goods. Persistent trade barriers, however,
interfere with the efforts of European exporters. To overcome these and
level the playing field for its businesses, the Union is negotiating a
number of free trade agreements.
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP
26-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
The
European Economic Area (EEA) was set up in 1994 to extend the EU’s
provisions on its internal market to the European Free Trade Area (EFTA)
countries. Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are parties to the EEA.
Switzerland is a member of EFTA but does not take part in the EEA. The
EU and EEA partners (Norway and Iceland) are also linked by various
‘northern policies’ and forums which focus on the rapidly evolving
northern reaches of Europe and the Arctic region as a whole.
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP
---
Fact Sheet on police cooperation
Fact Sheet on immigration
Fact Sheet on asylum
Key studies on migration and asylum
Fact Sheet on immigration
Fact Sheet on asylum
Key studies on migration and asylum
---
27-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
This
study was requested by the Committee on Constitutional Affairs of the
European Parliament. It examines the political and institutional steps
taken, or to be taken, both by the UK and by the EU in the context of
the Brexit referendum vote, and into how matters may evolve in the
coming months and years from a legal and institutional perspective. It
will analyses, in broad terms, the possibilities for a future
relationship between the Union and its departing member and the
consequences that the departure of a large Member State may entail for
the rest of the policies of the Union and for the Union itself. The
study also briefly examines the potential for institutional progress
that opens with the departure of the United Kingdom.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
2015 Financial Report of the European Investment Bank
2015 Statistical Report of the European Investment Bank
2015 Activity Report of the European Investment Bank
Fact Sheet on the EIB
Fact Sheet on budgetary control
2015 Statistical Report of the European Investment Bank
2015 Activity Report of the European Investment Bank
Fact Sheet on the EIB
Fact Sheet on budgetary control
---
30-01-2017 11:23 AM CET
General
: Although investment has picked up and the economy has created new
jobs, not everybody is yet sharing equally in the benefits of growth.
During the annual European Parliamentary Week in Brussels from 30
January to 1 February, MEPs meet their counterparts from the member
states and other high-level policy makers to debate how to boost growth
and employment and increase fairness.Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
30-01-2017 12:40 PM CET
REPORT
on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the
Council on establishing a Union programme to support specific activities
enhancing the involvement of consumers and other financial services
end-users in Union policy making in the field of financial services for
the period of 2017-2020
Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
Philippe Lamberts
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
Philippe Lamberts
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
30-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
In
November 2016, the European Commission presented its annual enlargement
package, consisting of a communication that takes stock of the
implementation of the 2015 multiannual strategy and a set of reports on
the Western Balkan countries and on Turkey in their capacity of
candidates or potential candidates for EU membership. Since 2015, the
Commission has been applying a new reporting methodology aimed at
enhanced transparency and comparability among the aspirant countries. In
2016, it shifted the timeframe for publishing the next enlargement
package from the autumn of 2017 to the spring of 2018, to better align
it with the release of the economic reform programmes and the increased
focus on economic governance. In 2016, the Commission continued
prioritising complex and long-term reforms as part of its 'fundamentals
first' approach. Its main message was that enlargement policy continued
to deliver results and promote reforms, albeit slowly and unevenly. The
EU's reconfirmed commitment to the Western Balkan countries' accession
processes was duly reflected in the Slovak Presidency programme, which
stressed the importance of enlargement policy for the EU's own political
and economic stability. Amidst a host of increasing complexities and
declining public support, concerns have been raised that enlargement
policy might be side-lined. Thus, while the EU needs to keep up
momentum, a significant part of the responsibility rests with the
countries themselves. The region needs political will to keep reforms on
the agenda and deliver results. In this context, regional cooperation
and good neighbourly relations are once again brought to the fore as an
indispensable means of re-energising common reform priorities and
maximising the benefits for the region.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
The European Union at a glance: see the Fact Sheets online
COMMITTEES - 31-01-2017 - 08:17
The
Fact Sheets on the EU provide an overview of European integration and
of Parliament's contribution to that process. They present a brief,
straightforward overview of the EU's institutions and policies, and of
Parliament's role in their development. Available in 23 languages, they
cover six main areas: how the EU works; a citizens' Europe; the internal
market; the economic and monetary union; sectoral policies; and the
EU's external relations. The online version is updated regularly.
Further information
Fact Sheets on the European Union
Fact Sheets on the European Union
31-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
Launched
by the European Commission in 2016, the Environmental Implementation
Review (EIR) is aimed at providing an overview of how well Member States
are implementing EU environmental law and at helping them if they are
struggling. The Commission says that insufficient and uneven
implementation causes damage to the environment and human health, and
entails high costs. The EIR is a response to calls from the European
Parliament and others to improve the situation and better integrate
environmental law into other policy areas.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
31-01-2017 12:00 AM CET
The
Commission estimates that the detriment to consumers caused by
non-compliance with basic EU consumer rules in certain cross-border
online markets and also by inefficient cross-border enforcement amounts
to €770 million per year. To remedy this, the Commission has presented a
legislative proposal to review the existing rules on consumer
protection cooperation between enforcement authorities as part of its
e-commerce package in May 2016. The aim is to clarify the rules and to
give more powers to national enforcement authorities, most importantly
to enable them to address unlawful online practices and improve
coordination among them. Stakeholders have, in general, welcomed the
move to improve cooperation between enforcement authorities and the
European Economic and Social Committee in its opinion of 19 October 2016
supported the proposal. The Maltese Council Presidency aims to reach a
general approach in February 2017, when the Parliament’s IMCO committee
is also expected to consider amendments to the draft report, presented
by the rapporteur on 30 November 2016. Second edition. The 'EU
Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout
the legislative procedure.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
01-02-2017 10:21 AM CET
On
31 January, the ENVI committee voted on the draft recommendation for
second reading on the above. The current legislative framework for the
organisation of official controls has proven, overall, to be effective
in preventing and countering risks. However, the modern global market
and in particular the always longer and more complex agri-food chains
increasingly exposes the EU to new risks and constantly calls for
improvements of controls along the agri-food chain.
This
and the experience gained with EU law in this area, points to the need
to simplify and update available instruments and to further integrate
the approach across the different areas. Following the agreement reached
before summer, the Council has now formally transmitted to Parliament
its position on the Official Controls file. To finalise the procedure, the ENVI Committee and then plenary now have to formally endorse Council position.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
01-02-2017 10:21 AM CET
On
31 January, the ENVI committee voted on the above draft report. A
number of parliamentary resolutions and Council conclusions have drawn
the attention to the specific nature of the pharmaceutical market,
highlighting the need for a debate and measures to be taken in this
regard. The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most competitive
sectors in Europe (20% return on investment, 800.000 jobs and producing
an output of approximately €200 billion/year).
The
rapporteur drafted 49 compromise amendments which cover 453 amendments
tabled and concern among others: the price of medicines, unaffordability
and other barriers to access to medicines, the shortages of essential
and other medicines, research priorities, the importance of both public
and private R&D, transparency of the costs, intellectual property
and its period of exclusivity, Orphan and paediatric medicines, the
urgency of the threats of antimicrobial resistance, national and
regional health technology assessment (HTA) and harmonised criteria to
assess the added therapeutic value compared with the best available
alternatives as well as the measures to reinforce the competitiveness of
generics and biosimilar medicines.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
01-02-2017 09:41 AM CET
The
draft opinion by Mr Pimenta Lopes (GUE/NGL, PT) detects the reasons
why women are particularly discriminated with regard to access to the
labour market, subject to lower wages and more uncertain and precarious
employment ties. The improvement of labour legislation, the increase of
salaries, the promotion of collective bargaining, and the protection of
maternity, are amongst some of the most needed measures to achieve those
goals. 96 amendments and 8 compromises have been tabled.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
01-02-2017 12:00 AM CET
The
complex system of EU rules on social security coordination needs to
comply with various challenges and national circumstances. These
challenges include uneven and inadequate application, the lack of
transparency and lack of understanding of the existing rules, and an
uncertainty about the position of cross-border workers and the benefits
applicable to them. Another outstanding challenge is the most recent
jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union that
clarifies several important rules applicable to the relation between
Member States and provision of benefits to the EU citizens. The European
Parliament has called on the European Commission on several occasions
to update the existing legislation on the coordination of social
security systems so that it would react to these challenges. Similarly,
the European Economic and Social Committee has recommended that the
existing legislation be updated. Furthermore, the representatives of
various stakeholder groups have voiced similar requests. In December
2016, the European Commission submitted a long awaited proposal amending
Regulation 883/2004 and Regulation 987/2009 dealing with the
coordination of social security systems. The proposal concentrates on
changes linked to a broad spectrum of issues and benefits, mainly
long-term care benefits, unemployment benefits, social benefits and
family benefits. This proposal provides the opportunity for improvements
to be made to the currently applicable rules.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
01-02-2017 12:00 AM CET
On
30 November 2016, the European Commission presented a proposal for a
revised Energy Efficiency Directive, as part of a package of legislation
entitled 'Clean Energy for All Europeans'. The package aims to better
align EU energy legislation with the 2030 energy and climate goals and
contribute to delivering the Energy union strategy. In the revised
directive, the Commission proposes a 30 % binding energy efficiency
target at the EU level for 2030, to be achieved through indicative
national targets. This is more ambitious than the 27 % efficiency target
approved by the European Council in 2014, but less ambitious than the
40 % target repeatedly called for by the European Parliament. The
revised directive also proposes to extend beyond 2020 the application of
the energy savings obligation schemes, which require utility companies
to help their consumers use 1.5 % less energy each year. It also aims to
make the rules on energy metering and billing clearer. The Commission's
impact assessment showed that a revision of the directive was
necessary, as the current policies would lead the EU to achieve only a
23.9 % reduction of energy consumption by 2030. The adequacy of the EU
energy efficiency target was also a focus of a wide range of stakeholder
reactions.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Post
Nessun commento:
Posta un commento