28-02-2017 12:00 AM CET
This
briefing provides an overview of the main issues relating to the
restructuring of sovereign debt, and outlines the factors which impact
the decision as to whether or not to proceed with debt restructuring.
Restructuring is a complex issue – it involves positive and negative
aspects, which need to be analysed in order to be able to determine
whether it can deliver any added value. ‘A sovereign debt restructuring
can be defined as an exchange of outstanding sovereign debt instruments,
such as loans or bonds, for new debt instruments or cash through a
legal process’. The current situation in the euro area, characterised by
high levels of debt and the continuing trend of many Member States to
run budget deficits, combined with a low growth environment, raises the
issue of debt sustainability. In addition, the low level of inflation
recorded in recent years (and deflation in some cases) has played an
important role in the increase of debt burdens. The lack of an EU -
level transparent framework for sovereign debt restructuring could
potentially entail higher additional costs. As part of the EU’s
financial stability management instruments, sovereign debt restructuring
could form a part of the EU toolbox.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
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28-02-2017 12:00 AM CET
The
IA appears to provide a thorough analysis of the current situation and
of the likely impacts of the proposed options, based on sound and
comprehensive research. The Commission explains the models used for the
analysis and is open about the key assumptions. The IA relies largely on
the wide stakeholder consultation activities carried out for the ex
post evaluation of the EPBD (published on the same day as the IA).
However, generally speaking, the information on stakeholders' views in
the IA could have been more precise; the stakeholder support for each
option is not readily apparent from the IA.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
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28-02-2017 12:00 AM CET
The
IA appears to provide a well-researched explanation of the evidence
base for the legislative proposal; it clearly explains the scale of the
problem, illustrated by facts and figures giving a clear view of the
international situation. However, a better, more coherent organisation
of the data related to the problem definition, and a broader range of
options, would have strengthened the IA. Option 3 is the only viable one
to address all the objectives, although – as also indicated by
stakeholders – its elements are only vaguely presented. The IA would
have been more persuasive had it been clearer about the modification of
the standard methodology. In particular, it would have benefited from a
better explanation as to how it would work in practice, in order to
allow the EU to continue to disregard domestic costs and prices of China
and other NME countries, as this appears to be the most crucial element
of the preferred option. The IA does not look at the impact on the
economic performance of the EU sectors concerned, and remains unclear as
to how EU SMEs would be affected. The stakeholder consultation covered a
broad range of stakeholders and the collected views are presented
systematically throughout the IA. However, it seems that stakeholders
were not given the opportunity to comment in detail on the preferred
option 3. The consultation seems to have happened at an early stage in
the drafting process of the IA, which could explain the vague questions
asked and the shortened period of consultation of 10 weeks instead of
12.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
28-02-2017 12:00 AM CET
Overall,
the IA presents a comprehensive description and explanation of the
problem, and options to resolve it by means of an EU-wide legislative
action integrating planning, reporting and monitoring requirements of a
range of existing legislation into a single regulation. The lack of
quantitative evidence, and the fact that the economic, social and
environmental impacts are not assessed to an equal degree, is perhaps
understandable, given the nature of the action proposed, which is
focused strictly on governance aspects of the energy union, i.e. the
obligations of Member States and the monitoring activities of the
Commission.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
27-02-2017 12:00 AM CET
The
European Parliament Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality of
the European Parliament Legal Affairs requested this briefing paper in
the framework of its own-initiative legislative report on Women’s
Economic Empowerment in the Private and Public Sectors in the EU.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
27-02-2017 12:00 AM CET
This
study evaluates the reactivity of the ESF 2007-2013 in the face of the
crisis, including a comparison with the changed modalities for the
2014–2020 funding period. It concludes that the most ‘in need’
target-groups have been covered by ESF interventions, without however
reaching all potential recipients, due to limitations of scope and
resources. Recommendations to Member States and European Commission are
also provided.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
27-02-2017 12:00 AM CET
A
forward-looking and comprehensive European immigration policy, based on
solidarity, is a key objective for the European Union. Immigration
policy is intended to establish a balanced approach to dealing with both
regular and irregular immigration.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
27-02-2017 12:00 AM CET
Border
management policy has witnessed considerable developments, with the
creation of instruments and agencies such as the Schengen Information
System, the Visa Information System and the European Border and Coast
Guard Agency. The challenges linked to the increase in mixed migration
flows into the EU, as well as heightened security concerns, have
triggered a new period of activity, with a shift towards more direct
operational support and the Europeanisation of border management policy.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
27-02-2017 12:00 AM CET
The
European Union’s action in the field of culture supplements Member
States’ cultural policy in various areas: for example, the preservation
of the European cultural heritage, cooperation between various
countries’ cultural institutions, and the promotion of mobility among
those working creatively. The cultural sector is also affected by
provisions of the Treaties which do not explicitly pertain to culture.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
27-02-2017 12:00 AM CET
In
education and vocational training policies, decision-making takes place
under the ordinary legislative procedure. In accordance with the
subsidiarity principle, education and training policies are as such
decided by each European Union (EU) Member State. The role of the EU is
therefore a supporting one. However, some challenges are common to all
Member States — ageing societies, skills deficits in the workforce, and
global competition — and thus need joint responses with countries
working together and learning from each other[1].
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
27-02-2017 12:00 AM CET
Youth
is a national policy area. Harmonisation of Member States’ legislation
is therefore excluded. At European level, youth policy is decided under
the ordinary legislative procedure. The youth strand of the Erasmus+
programme encourages exchanges of young people within the EU and with
third countries.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
27-02-2017 12:00 AM CET
As
part of its efforts to promote mobility and intercultural
understanding, the EU has designated language learning as an important
priority, and funds numerous programmes and projects in this area.
Multilingualism, in the EU’s view, is an important element in Europe’s
competitiveness. One of the objectives of the EU’s language policy is
therefore that every European citizen should master two other languages
in addition to their mother tongue.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
15-02-2017 12:00 AM CET
The
European Parliament Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality of
the European Parliament Legal Affairs requested this briefing paper in
the framework of its own-initiative legislative report on Women’s
Economic Empowerment in the Private and Public Sectors in the EU.
Study EN
Annexes EN
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
15-02-2017 12:00 AM CET
This
report reviews and discusses the implications for the agriculture
sector of the COP21 UN Paris climate change conference and the recent EU
climate policy proposals for 2030. It looks specifically at the role
that the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) plays in supporting climate
action within the agriculture sector and considers how the CAP might
evolve post 2020 to support the agricultural sector in reducing GHG
emissions and adapting to climate change.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
information has recently been updated, and is now available.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
01-03-2017 12:55 PM CET
REPORT
on fundamental rights implications of big data: privacy, data
protection, non-discrimination, security and law-enforcement Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Ana Gomes
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
01-03-2017 12:55 PM CET
REPORT
on constitutional, legal and institutional implications of a common
security and defence policy: possibilities offered by the Lisbon Treaty
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Committee on Constitutional Affairs
Michael Gahler, Esteban González Pons
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Committee on Constitutional Affairs
Michael Gahler, Esteban González Pons
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
01-03-2017 04:33 PM CET
This
document was prepared by Policy Department A at the request of the IMCO
committee on the proposed cadmium regulation for phosphate fertilisers.
Cadmium is a metal that can have adverse health effects on the general
population. The use of mineral phosphate fertilisers contributes to
about 60% of current cadmium emissions to soil. The proposed regulation
aims to reduce soil and crop cadmium concentrations on the long term in
most European regions.
Further information
study: scientific aspects underlying the regulatory framework in the area of fertilisers – state of play and future reforms
study: scientific aspects underlying the regulatory framework in the area of fertilisers – state of play and future reforms
---
01-03-2017 04:09 PM CET
This
paper provides an overview of the empirical evidence concerning the
potential gains from collaborative economy and the economic impact some
of its business models on. It discusses how we can distinguish
professional and non-professional services and provides a list of 9
tentative recommendations for the better protection of the users of the
collaborative platforms. It also summarises the main regulatory concerns
that emerge from the operation of such platforms.
This document was prepared by Policy Department A at the request of the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection.
Further information
Study: an economic review on the Collaborative Economy
Study: an economic review on the Collaborative Economy
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
General
: Money alone does not make you happy. It can, however, give you
financial independence, and the freedom to determine your future or to
quit a violent relationship. Yet women still receive lower wages and
pensions, have limited access to top positions, are less represented in
politics and devote more of their time to family and the home than men.
This year, Parliament is dedicating International Women’s Day to the
economic empowerment of women. Read about what is planned and check our
infographic.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
01-03-2017 03:33 PM CET
This
report analyses the proposed reform of the e-communications regulatory
framework presented by the European Commission in September 2016. While
many of the proposed changes appear meaningful, the report argues that
overall the proposal does not entirely reflect the lessons learned from
the past two decades of
e-communications regulation in Europe, and ends up being at once too
conservative...
(i.e. incremental with respect to legacy
rules); fragile, since its effectiveness crucially depends on governance
reform; and "retro", since it does not incorporate principles of
flexible, adaptive regulation in its overarching framework. The report
argues that the merits of a lighter, ex post approach to
e-communications were not sufficiently gauged by the European Commission
in its impact assessment.
The report was prepared at the request of Policy Department A and the IMCO Committee.
The report was prepared at the request of Policy Department A and the IMCO Committee.
Further information
Study: reforming e-communications services: a critical assessment
Study: reforming e-communications services: a critical assessment
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
01-03-2017 12:55 PM CET
REPORT
on the application of Council Directive 2004/113/EC implementing the
principle of equal treatment between men and women in the access to and
supply of goods and services
Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality
Agnieszka Kozłowska-Rajewicz
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality
Agnieszka Kozłowska-Rajewicz
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
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01-03-2017 05:06 PM CET
Social
enterprises (SE) are subject to ad hoc legislation in an increasing
number of EU jurisdictions and legislative initiatives in this field are
under consideration by EU institutions. This paper explains why
tailor-made legislation on SE is essential for the development of this
unconventional form of business organization. It describes and compares
existing models of SE regulation and discusses the core elements of an
SE’s legal identity,
with the aim of providing recommendations on the potential forms and contents of an EU legal statute on this subject.
This study was requested by the European Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs and commissioned, overseen and published by the Policy Department for Citizens' Rights and Constitutional Affairs.
This study was requested by the European Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs and commissioned, overseen and published by the Policy Department for Citizens' Rights and Constitutional Affairs.
Further information
A European Statute for Social and Solidarity-Based Enterprise
A European Statute for Social and Solidarity-Based Enterprise
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
01-03-2017 05:13 PM CET
This
study identifies (counter-) terrorism trends, threats and policies in
the EU, focussing particularly on seven themes, including database
access and interoperability, measures on border security, criminal
justice and prevention of radicalisation. It also analyses the coherence
and effectiveness of the counter-terrorism policy (architecture), and
issues of cooperation, oversight and implementation, in particular of
seven focus Member States: Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, the
Netherlands, Slovakia and Spain. Moreover, this study addresses future
scenarios and formulates concrete policy options and recommendations.
Further information
The European Union’s Policies on Counter-Terrorism: Relevance, Coherence and Effectiveness
The European Union’s Policies on Counter-Terrorism: Relevance, Coherence and Effectiveness
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
01-03-2017 10:06 PM CET
Plenary
sessions : Until the UK leaves the EU, it must obey EU laws on free
movement, said a majority of MEPs in a plenary debate with the EU
Commission on Wednesday. The EU Commission must ensure that the free
movement rights of EU citizens living in the UK are respected, they
added. Many speakers also underlined that EU citizens should not be used
as ”bargaining chips” in the Brexit negotiations.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
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01-03-2017 12:00 AM CET
The
16+1 sub-regional cooperation format brings together China and 16
central and eastern European countries (CEECs), consisting of 11 EU
Member States and five EU candidate countries. The format is
controversial, given the concerns expressed about arrangements made
under its umbrella being in conflict with EU law and about a perceived
erosion of EU norms, values and unity. Nearly five years on from its
creation, mutually satisfactory results still lag behind expectations.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
01-03-2017 12:00 AM CET
Country
Specific Recommendations provide guidance to EU Member States on
macro-economic, budgetary and structural policies in accordance with
Articles 121 and 148 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
Union (TFEU). These recommendations, issued within the framework of the
European Semester since 2011, are aimed at boosting economic growth and
job creation, while maintaining sound public finances and preventing
excessive macroeconomic imbalances. As to the process, they are proposed
by the Commission and approved by the Council.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
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01-03-2017 12:00 AM CET
In
November 2016 the co-rapporteurs delivered their draft report on the
Commission's proposal for a directive on contracts for supply of digital
content. They propose to expand the directive's scope to include
digital content supplied against data that consumers provide passively,
while also strengthening the position of consumers as regards criteria
of conformity. Objective criteria would become the default rule, with a
possibility to depart from them only if the consumer's attention were
explicitly drawn to the shortcomings of the digital content. The Digital
Content Directive was proposed as part of a legislative package,
alongside the Online Sales Directive. The Council has favoured a
fast-track for the digital content proposal, while seeking to reflect
for longer on the proposed Online Sales Directive. Nonetheless, the
Commission is keen not to dismantle the legislative package, and
likewise the Parliament has been working on the two texts in parallel,
seeking to coordinate amendments to the two proposals. Second edition.
The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages
throughout the legislative procedure. To view the previous edition of
this briefing, please see: PE 581.980, April 2016.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
01-03-2017 12:00 AM CET
In
the joint communication “Towards an EU strategy for international
cultural relations” from 8 June 2016, the Commission and the High
Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy have drawn up a
strategy for the EU’s international cultural relations, departing from
“showcasing” and working towards a cooperative peer-to-peer learning
approach. The Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) and the
Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) have decided to draw up an
own-initiative report on the strategy.
CULT strongly advocated the development of this strategy throughout the
last few years, as evidenced by a relevant EP resolution and a
preparatory action. This briefing gives an overview of the policy
developments that led to the new strategy, summarises the strategy
itself and points out crucial elements and challenges that could be
addressed in the own-initiative report.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
| 03-03-2017 |
02-03-2017 12:00 AM CET
Equal
access to the labour market is recognised as a cornerstone of women’s
economic independence and participation in public life. The EU and its
Member States have obligations to integrate those excluded from the
labour market (Article 151 TFEU), advance gender equality in employment
(Article 153 TFEU; Directive 2006/54/ EC), and ensure equal pay for work
of equal value (Article 157 TFEU). All EU Member States have ratified
the 1979 UN Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination
against Women, which upholds women’s rights to work, equal
opportunities and social benefits (Article 11).
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP |
| 03-03-2017 |
02-03-2017 12:00 AM CET
In
the EU, gender equality in education and several other policy areas is
protected by law. In practice, however, full gender equality has still
not been achieved. Beyond the EU, the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has found that millions of
girls are still being denied an education. Therefore, the United
Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN
Women) is calling for all countries to repeal discriminatory laws that
create barriers for women and girls not only in education, but also in
access to healthcare, decent jobs and equal pay. The right to sexual and
reproductive health (SRH) is not only an integral part of the general
right to health but is also fundamentally linked to the enjoyment of
many other human rights, according to UN experts.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP |
| 03-03-2017 |
02-03-2017 12:00 AM CET
Experts
agree that much depends on women being involved on an equal footing in
political leadership, as well as corporate governance, conflict
prevention, conflict resolution, and post-conflict power structures. In
most societies around the world, women hold only a minority of
decision-making positions in public and private institutions. Yet for
the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of
Women (UN Women), women’s political participation is a fundamental
prerequisite for gender equality and genuine democracy. Furthermore, the
European Union has increasingly recognised that conflict and crisis
management are not gender-neutral and has introduced numerous gender
policies and initiatives to forward the aims of landmark United Nations
Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1325 (2000).
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP |
| 03-03-2017 |
02-03-2017 12:00 AM CET
Ensuring
that women have equal access to economic and financial resources and
benefit equally from economic opportunities and growth has been
recognised as a vital contribution towards gender equality, poverty
eradication and sustainable development. This principle is embedded in
numerous international instruments, including the current UN Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) which are binding on the EU and its Member
States. The first report from a new United Nation (UN) high-level panel,
created to find concrete ways of implementing the SDGs related to
women’s economic empowerment, has identified a number of interconnected
areas where action is needed. One priority is to ensure that women have
access to and control over finances and assets, both for their economic
security and for building wealth. Other priorities include: securing
decent jobs and equal pay and creating an enabling environment by
investing in public services and infrastructure (including child and
elderly care); changing business practices and discriminatory laws; and
developing gender-sensitive (macro)economic and social policies. Women’s
participation in economic decision-making through leadership and
collective action is also vital to allow equal opportunities to shape
economic structures. Measures must therefore address factors linked to
women’s experiences and to the wider structural conditions that
determine them, particularly the value given to women’s unpaid work.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP |
02-03-2017 12:00 AM CET
Interest
rates are at historically low levels, both in the European Union and
worldwide. For the euro area, a reason for low market interest rate
levels is the accommodative monetary policy of the European Central Bank
(ECB), which endeavours to increase inflation levels. Most of the time,
central banks have to fight inflationary tendencies, but recently
inflation was almost non-existent in the euro area, even leading to
occasional dips into deflation. For some time, inflation was very far
from the ECB’s 'below but close to 2 %' aim. With clear indication that
inflation is picking up, an end to the accommodative monetary policy may
be in sight. Should this impact long-term interest rates for government
bonds, then it might lead to detrimental effects for governments. An
increase in interest rates is generally thought to harm public finances,
as the servicing of debt becomes more onerous. This briefing shows that
the increase in interest rates does not immediately and fully translate
into higher costs for the state, as debt management strategies were put
into place that will effectively reduce the short- and medium-term
impact on the state’s coffers. However, in the long term, governments
cannot escape the effects of market interest rate increases. It could
lead to an increase in overall debt, and in certain cases might result
in the neutralisation of past fiscal consolidation efforts. Please click
here for the full publication in PDF format
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
03-03-2017 12:51 PM CET
General
: Money alone does not make you happy. It can, however, give you
financial independence, and the freedom to determine your future or to
quit a violent relationship. Yet women still receive lower wages and
pensions, have limited access to top positions, are less represented in
politics and devote more of their time to family and the home than men.
This year, Parliament is dedicating International Women’s Day to the
economic empowerment of women. Read about what is planned and check our
infographic. Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
03-03-2017 12:00 AM CET
The
Infographic "Women in parliaments" provides information on the
proportion of women in national parliaments, compares representation of
women in national parliaments with their numbers in the European
Parliament and shows the number of women in the EP by political group.
It also gives an overview of female representatives in the EP by Member
State and outlines the gender quotas applicable to the EP elections in
the current legislature. This is an updated version of an infographic by
Evarts Anosovs, Eva-Maria Poptcheva, Giulio Sabbati published in
January 2015.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
03-03-2017 12:00 AM CET
Following
a relevant request by the Committee for Constitutional Affairs, the
Policy Department on Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs has
been compiling, on a regular basis, a number of academic and scholarly
materials related to the process of, and the negotiations on, the
withdrawal of the UK from the EU. Since the June 2016 referendum in the
UK, Brexit-related literature has grown significantly and it is probably
going to expand further in the future. Thus, this compilation is far
from exhaustive; rather, it identifies some of the more useful articles,
taking into account, in particular, the following elements:
• Scholarly rather than a journalistic publication
• Originality and interest
• Recent publication
• Be of interest for the EU
• Constitutional or institutional relevance.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
---
03-03-2017 12:00 AM CET
The
EU-Turkey customs union (CU), established more than two decades ago,
together with a set of preferential trade agreements, has brought many
benefits to both sides, enhancing trade and economic integration.
However, this bilateral preferential trade framework (BPTF) has to be
aligned to both the changing global trade environment and current EU
trade policy, which prioritises the conclusion of bilateral agreements
with more comprehensive coverage. After exploratory discussions, both
sides reached a consensus, at the EU-Turkey high level meeting of May
2015, to start preparations for future talks to update the EU-Turkey
BPTF. In December 2016, the Commission asked the Council for
authorisation to launch talks to modernise the CU. The EU’s main
objective is to enhance the BPTF by widening the scope of trade
preferences and modernising the functioning of the CU, within a
comprehensive negotiation process. As a result of the implementation of
the CU, Turkey’s alignment with the EU acquis and EU-Turkey trade
integration already began before the launch of accession negotiations.
The bilateral trade framework will be upgraded in parallel, in
complementarity with the accession negotiations.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP
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