List of publications from the EP Think Tankhttps://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank

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Creation date : 14-01-2022

Partial renewal of members of the European Court of AuditorsPublication type At a Glance

Date 14-01-2022Author KOWALD KAROLINE

Policy area Budgetary ControlSummary On 10 January 2022, Parliament's Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) held a hearing on the partial renewal of

members of the European Court of Auditors (ECA). Subsequently, CONT gave a favourable opinion on threecandidates: Czech nominee Jan Gregor (renewal), Latvian nominee Mihails Kozlovs (renewal) and Slovenian nomineeKristijan Petrovič (new candidate). CONT gave an unfavourable opinion, however, on the renewal of Polish nomineeMarek Opioła's mandate. A plenary vote is scheduled for the January session.

At a Glance EN

Spain's National Recovery and Resilience Plan: Latest state of playPublication type Briefing

Date 14-01-2022Author KARABOYTCHEVA Miroslava Kostova

Policy area Budget | Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary Spain’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) is one of the biggest financed by the Next Generation EU

(NGEU) recovery instrument. It contains the largest amount, in terms of grants, under the unprecedented EU responseto the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. For the time being, Spain has decided to use its national allocationfor grants under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The proposed and approved amount (€69.5 billion)represents 9.6 % of the entire RRF, equal to 5.6 % of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019 (the RRFbeing 5.2 % of EU-27 GDP in 2019). In addition, Spain’s general state budgets plan investment of €27 billion, alignedwith the NRRP. The RRF funding will be supplemented by €12.4 billion from the REACT-EU funds, mainly forinvestment in health and education, and by the structural funds set out in the 2021-2027 Multiannual FinancialFramework. Measures under the plan are to be completed by 2026. Following the Council’s approval of the plan on 17August 2021, the European Commission disbursed €9 billion to Spain in pre-financing, equivalent to 13 % of thecountry’s financial allocation under the RRF. The next payments, in eight instalments, will depend on progress inimplementing the plan. The European Parliament, which was a major advocate for the creation of a common EUrecovery instrument and was co-legislator for the adoption of the RRF, participates in the interinstitutional fora forcooperation and discussion on its implementation and in scrutinising the work of the European Commission.

Briefing EN

What if xenotransplantation was the answer to the donor organ shortage?Publication type At a Glance

Date 13-01-2022Author QUAGLIO Gianluca

Policy area Consumer Protection | Public HealthSummary Xenotransplantation, defined as the transplantation of animal derived organs and cells into humans, is currently a very

active focus of research as it overrides some of the obstacles encountered with tissue engineering, such asvascularization and innervation. The resurgence of interest in xenotransplantation is mainly attributed to theimprovement of gene editing techniques (such as CRISPR/Cas9), since genetically engineered animals have beengenerated to overcome organ rejection. However, xenotransplantation also raises multiple biological and ethicalquestions that should be taken into consideration.

At a Glance EN

Reinforced role for European Medicines AgencyPublication type At a Glance

Date 13-01-2022Author AMAND-EECKHOUT Laurence

Policy area Public HealthSummary As part of building a European Health Union, as well as in response to the Covid 19 pandemic, the European

Commission proposed in November 2020 to reinforce the European Medicines Agency's role in crisis preparednessand the management of medicines and medical devices. The proposed regulation seeks to better anticipate possibleshortages and to ensure timely development of high-quality medicinal solutions, to allow the EU to react to healthcrises more quickly, efficiently, and in a coordinated manner. The agreement on the proposal reached in triloguenegotiations now needs to be confirmed by the European Parliament.

At a Glance EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 1

Parliament's negotiating position on the digital services actPublication type At a Glance

Date 13-01-2022Author MADIEGA Tambiama André

Policy area Consumer ProtectionSummary In December 2020, the European Commission published a proposal for a digital services act (DSA) designed to define

clear responsibilities and accountability for digital service providers and promote a transparent and safer onlineenvironment. New rules are proposed to address emerging societal challenges such as the spread of counterfeitgoods, hate speech and disinformation online. The new rules, once adopted, will re-shape the rights and obligations ofdigital service providers, online users, customers and traders in the EU. Parliament is preparing to debate and vote onthe report of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO) during its January plenary session. Thiswould then set Parliament's position for trilogue negotiations with the Council on the proposal.

At a Glance EN

Chaos and crackdown in Kazakhstan: What next?Publication type At a Glance

Date 13-01-2022Author RUSSELL Martin

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary Protests erupted in Kazakhstan on 2 January 2022 and quickly span out of control, resulting in multiple deaths and

several days of chaos. Although initially triggered by a fuel price hike, the unrest points to deeper causes of discontent,including poverty, inequality and frustration at the lack of political change. A Russia-led peacekeeping mission hashelped to restore order, but could also compromise Kazakh independence.

At a Glance EN

ANIT inquiry committee concludes its workPublication type At a Glance

Date 13-01-2022Author VINCI CLAUDIA

Policy area Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentSummary Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 had a positive impact on animal welfare during transport after its entry into force;

however, its implementation is not yet harmonised across the European Union (EU). To investigate its applicationacross Member States and whether the European Commission is enforcing them properly, the European Parliamentset up a Committee of Inquiry on the Protection of Animals during Transport (ANIT) in June 2020, which led to thedrafting of a report and recommendations. A final debate on the report and vote on the draft recommendations arescheduled for the plenary session in January.

At a Glance EN

Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan: Latest state of playPublication type Briefing

Date 13-01-2022Author D'ALFONSO Alessandro

Policy area Budget | Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary In absolute figures, Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Plan is the largest national plan under the unprecedented EU

response to the crisis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. Italy has decided to use its entire national allocationunder the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), including its loan component. Totalling €191.5 billion, theseresources represent 26.5 % of the entire RRF, equal to 10.7 % of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019(the RRF being 5.2 % of EU-27 GDP in 2019). In addition, Italy has earmarked national resources worth €30.6 billion tofurther strengthen a vast programme of reforms and investments that aims to promote the recovery of the Italianeconomy, while addressing a number of structural weaknesses as well as pursuing major objectives such as the greentransition and the digital transformation. Measures under the plan are to be completed by 2026. Following the Council’sapproval of the plan, Italy received €24.9 billion pre-financing in August 2021. Further payments, in 10 instalmentseach for grants and loans, will depend on progress in implementing the plan. In December 2021, Italy submitted a firstpayment request worth €21 billion in grant and loan instalments. The European Parliament, which was a majoradvocate for the creation of a common EU recovery instrument, participates in interinstitutional fora for cooperationand discussion on its implementation and scrutinises the work of the European Commission. This briefing is one in aseries covering all EU Member States. Second edition. The ‘NGEU delivery’ briefings are updated at key stagesthroughout the lifecycle of the plans.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 2

Labour rights in EU trade agreements: Towards stronger enforcementPublication type Briefing

Date 12-01-2022Author ZAMFIR Ionel

Policy area International TradeSummary Since 2008, when the European Union introduced elaborate sustainable development provisions into its agreement

with the Cariforum group of states, provisions on labour rights and the environment have become a central part of mostof the EU's subsequent trade agreements, the one with South Korea (2011) being the first to contain a dedicatedchapter. These provisions continue to evolve: for instance, recent agreements with some of the EU's developedpartners, such as Canada and the United Kingdom, now include additional obligations on safety and health at work.The enforcement of these provisions has, however, numerous weak points, as exposed through the extensiveinvolvement of civil society in the monitoring of trade agreements. There have been isolated cases of weakened socialprotection, despite the provisions on sustainable development that seek to prevent this from happening. A moresystematic and broader problem is that some countries have not ratified the relevant International Labour Organization(ILO) conventions and have failed to apply the ILO fundamental principles in their national legislation and practice.Whether the lack of recourse to withdrawal of trade preferences in cases of breaches contributes to the persistence ofthis problem, remains however disputed. The recently concluded dispute settlement procedure with South Korea helpsclarify the legal implications of the relevant provisions contained in this agreement, and possibly in others. The reportdrawn up by the panel handling the dispute highlights the obligations of the parties to apply the ILO fundamentalprinciples irrespective of their impact on trade, but takes a soft approach towards the obligation to ratify outstandingILO conventions. Proposals by Member States and various stakeholders include more precise and effectivemechanisms such as phased tariff reduction linked to compliance with sustainable development objectives. Thepossibility of trade sanctions has not gained traction, as it does not fit well with the EU's emphasis on consultations anddialogue with its trade partners.

Briefing EN

Right to repairPublication type Briefing

Date 12-01-2022Author SAJN Nikolina

Policy area Consumer ProtectionSummary The European Commission has announced the establishment of a 'right to repair', with a view of saving costs for

consumers and facilitating the development of a circular economy. The right to repair may refer to different issues andsituations: repair during the legal guarantee, the right to repair after the legal guarantee has expired, and the right forconsumers to repair products themselves. Rates of repair depend on the type of a product, with the cost of repair beingthe most important reason consumers avoid repair. Research shows that consumers favour products that are easilyrepaired, but their willingness to pay for such products depends on the type of product and the way information on thereparability is presented to them. Currently, EU contract laws give consumers a right to have faulty products repairedduring the legal guarantee, while the new generation of ecodesign rules require the availability of spare parts for acertain time, at least for some products. Repair-related requirements are also present in the rules on the EU Ecolabel.The Commission is now planning a number of initiatives to improve reparability of products, including legislation on theright to repair, on empowering consumers for the green transition, a sustainable products initiative, designrequirements for electronics, and measures making the broader economic context more favourable to repair. TheEuropean Parliament has been in favour of improving consumers' right to repair for over a decade, and has in thisparliamentary term adopted two resolutions that contain a number of concrete proposals to make repairs systematic,cost-efficient and attractive. Consumer organisations and associations advocating for easier repair have called forrules to facilitate repair for non-professionals, and to guarantee consumers access to spare parts and repair manuals.Business organisations favour professional repairs, and have warned that any information requirements should notinfringe on companies' intellectual property.

Briefing EN

European green bonds: A standard for Europe, open to the worldPublication type Briefing

Date 12-01-2022Author SPINACI STEFANO

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary Green bonds are committed to financing or re-financing investments, projects, expenditure or assets helping to

address climate and environmental issues. Both governments and companies use them to finance the transition to amore sustainable and low-carbon economy. Since the EIB inaugurated the green bond market in 2007 with its ClimateAwareness Bond, the market has grown very fast, but it still represents only about 3 to 3.5 % of overall bond issuance.The green bond market needs to grow more quickly to achieve the targets in the Paris Agreement. The Commission'sproposal aims to establish an official EU standard for green bonds aligned with the EU taxonomy for sustainableactivities, based on a registration system and supervisory framework for external reviewers of European green bonds.The proposal is currently being examined by the co-legislators. Within the European Parliament, the file has beenassigned to the ECON committee. In the Council, the working party on financial services is meeting to discuss thedossier. First edition. The ‘EU Legislation in Progress’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislativeprocedure.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 3

New EU scheme of generalised preferencesPublication type Briefing

Date 11-01-2022Author ZAMFIR Ionel

Policy area International TradeSummary On 21 September 2021, the Commission published its proposal for a new EU scheme of generalised preferences. Two

of the current scheme’s three components are due to expire at the end of 2023, which would deprive developingcountries of a vital opportunity to trade under preferential terms with the EU. Therefore, renewing the scheme appearsto be both a necessity and an opportunity to strengthen its conditionality in the light of lessons learned and theincreased urgency for dealing with the climate. The Commission considers that the scheme has delivered on itsobjectives, and proposes some ‘fine-tuning’. To ensure that its benefits remain broadly shared, it proposes changes tothe economic vulnerability criteria for GSP+ and to the product graduation threshold for Standard GSP. Taking onboard proposals from civil society, but also from the Parliament, the Commission proposes to extend negativeconditionality to environmental and good governance conventions, and to improve monitoring and stakeholders’involvement overall. Civil society organisations and other stakeholders have put forward some more ambitiousproposals, such as making the monitoring fully transparent and rewarding countries that fulfil jointly agreedbenchmarks related to the conventions under the GSP with additional preferences. First edition. The ‘EU Legislation inProgress’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

Democracy and human rights in Latin America: Is democratic erosion gathering pace?Publication type Briefing

Date 11-01-2022Author GOMEZ RAMIREZ Enrique

Policy area Democracy | Foreign Affairs | Human RightsSummary Since the mid-1980s, Latin America has enjoyed long and broad democratic expansion, and has made considerable

progress with regard to free and fair elections and respect for human rights. As the 'most democratic emerging-marketregion in the world', over 80 % of the Latin American population enjoy democracy, a proportion surpassed only inwestern Europe and North America. Standards vary widely however: while Costa Rica, Uruguay and Chile stand out inall classifications as the most free and democratic, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Cuba remain at the bottom of the table.However, the tide may be turning for this successful 'third democratic wave' in Latin America, as many countries sufferdemocratic erosion or even backsliding. The progressive decline of democratic indicators in the region has beenexacerbated by factors such as the self-interest of the ruling elites or rampant corruption in some countries, and mayhave been accelerated by the Covid 19 pandemic, which has justified the implementation of freedom-restrictingmeasures and has facilitated human rights abuses. The human rights situation in Latin America and the Caribbean hasindeed deteriorated more generally, with an increase in poverty, inequality, violence, and rising migration from theworst affected countries. The EU has contributed to democracy and human rights in the region by sending electionobservation missions, participating in initiatives such as the Colombia peace process and its implementation or in thecreation of the International Contact Group on Venezuela, and financing projects. The European Parliament hasmeanwhile accompanied democratic developments and crises closely through its resolutions, the Sakharov Prize andother initiatives.

Briefing EN

Electing the European Parliament's PresidentPublication type At a Glance

Date 10-01-2022Author KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary At the January 2022 plenary sitting, the European Parliament (EP) is due to elect its 31st President, to hold office for

the second half of the current term, up to the next European elections, following which the new Parliament will elect itsPresident in July 2024. The President has an important and increasingly visible function in the EU institutional andinternational setting, mirroring the influential role of the Parliament as shaper of EU policies and as co-legislator. This isa further update of an ‘at a glance’ note, the most recent edition of which was published in June 2019.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Haiti's political and humanitarian crisisPublication type At a Glance

Date 10-01-2022Author GOMEZ RAMIREZ Enrique

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary Haiti is currently experiencing one of the most difficult periods in its recent history. Just one month after the

assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on 7 July 2021, a devastating 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit the south-westof the country, affecting over 800 000 people and killing over 2 200. As a result, the national and regional elections(scheduled for 26 September 2021) were postponed indefinitely. At the same time, kidnappings and gang violencehave increased insecurity; and the repatriation of thousands of Haitian citizens who had migrated to neighbouringcountries has complicated the already critical situation. The EU is committed to helping the country through itshumanitarian aid and development cooperation.

At a Glance EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 4

Ten issues to watch in 2022Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 10-01-2022Author BASSOT Etienne

Policy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Budget | Economics and Monetary Issues | Environment | EU Democracy,Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Financial and Banking Issues | Foreign Affairs | Gender Issues, Equality andDiversity | Industry | Research Policy | Security and Defence

Summary This is the sixth edition of an annual EPRS publication aimed at identifying and framing some of the key issues andpolicy areas that have the potential to feature prominently in public debate and on the political agenda of the EuropeanUnion over the coming year. The topics analysed encompass achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions whilemaintaining economic growth, securing supply chains of semiconductors, moving towards sustainable agriculture,ensuring nuclear non proliferation, shaping the economic recovery, striking the right balance in European monetarypolicy, promoting the uptake of connected devices in the EU, harnessing the momentum of the Conference on theFuture of Europe, encouraging a continent where people in all their diversity are equal, and strengthening a Europeandefence union.

In-Depth Analysis DE, EN, FR

The French Parliament and EU affairsPublication type Briefing

Date 04-01-2022Author RITTELMEYER Yann-Sven

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary The role of the French Parliament has varied under successive French Republics. The Constitution of the Fifth

Republic, adopted in 1958, was amended by referendum in 1962 to establish the direct election of the President byuniversal suffrage. This created a hybrid political regime with some presidential and some parliamentarycharacteristics, sometimes described as a 'semi-presidential regime' or a 'hyper-presidential' regime. The governmentis responsible to Parliament, but contrary to classical parliamentary regimes, the President plays an important role. ThePresident has the power to dissolve the National Assembly (Assemblée nationale). He or she appoints the PrimeMinister, as well as – on the recommendation of the Prime Minister – the other members of the government.Traditionally, the Prime Minister makes the government's programme or a general policy statement an issue of a voteof confidence before the National Assembly. The latter can overthrow the government, but is largely subordinate to theexecutive – consisting of the President and the government placed under the authority of the Prime Minister. In periodsof 'cohabitation', the National Assembly plays a greater role in supporting the Prime Minister, who in this specificconfiguration acts as leader of the majority. Legislative powers are exercised by the two houses, who vote on laws,monitor government action and assess public policy. The National Assembly (Assemblée nationale) is elected for fiveyears by direct universal suffrage. The indirectly elected Senate (Sénat) represents the 'territorial communities of theRepublic' (Article 24 of the Constitution) and shares legislative power with the National Assembly. It embodiescontinuity, as it cannot be dissolved and half of its Members are renewed every three years. However, in cases ofdisagreement, the National Assembly has the final say. This briefing is part of an EPRS series on national parliaments(NPs) and EU affairs. It aims to provide an overview of the way the NPs of EU Member States are structured and howthey process, scrutinise and engage with EU legislation. It also provides information on relevant NP publications.

Briefing EN

Priority dossiers under the French EU Council PresidencyPublication type Briefing

Date 04-01-2022Author ATTARD LUCIENNE

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary France will hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2022. It will initiate the work of the Trio

Presidency composed of France, Czechia and Sweden. Executive power is exercised by the President of the Republic,who is elected by direct, popular vote, and the Government. The Prime Minister, appointed by the President, togetherwith the Ministers, is answerable to the National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament, and they can be removedby a vote of censure. Parliament consists of the National Assembly and the Senate. The National Assembly is theprincipal parliamentary body, composed of 577 members, who are elected directly for five-year terms. The Presidentialelection will coincide with the French Presidency, in April 2022. France is a founding Member State of the EuropeanUnion, and has already held the rotating Presidency of the Council 13 times. The French President, EmmanuelMacron, will present the political priorities of the Presidency to the European Parliament during the January plenarysession in Strasbourg. While the last French Presidency, in 2008, was characterised by the global financial crisis, theforthcoming one is expected to be dominated by the ongoing Covid pandemic, the cost of energy crisis and theaftermath of Brexit. The French Presidency will very likely give special impetus to the conclusion of the Conference onthe Future of Europe, which should take place in the first half of 2022. The plan is for the Trio Presidency, in its role asmember/observer in the Executive Board of the Conference, to draw on the outcomes of the various activities andcitizens’ recommendations, outline how they define the future of the Union, and start the implementation process.

Briefing EN, FR

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 5

Handbook on the incompatibilities and immunity of the Members of the European ParliamentPublication type Study

Date 31-12-2021Author PAVY Eeva

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy inPractice

Summary Upon request by the Committee on Legal Affairs, this handbook, provided by the Policy Department for Citizens’ Rightsand Constitutional Affairs, summarises, in its first part, the EU legal framework on the incompatibilities and immunity ofMembers of the European Parliament. Based on national reports, the second part of the handbook gives an overview,for each EU Member State, of the relevant national provisions on the composition of national governments andparliaments as well as those on national parliamentary immunities. This handbook will be updated regularly based oninformation received; please hold as reference the date of edition.

Study EN

CAP horizontal regulation: Financing, management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy for2023-2027

Publication type BriefingDate 21-12-2021

Author ROSSI RachelePolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Agriculture and Rural Development

Keyword agricultural expenditure | agricultural production | aid to agriculture | common agricultural policy | EAFRD | EAGF |EAGGF | financial aid | management audit | proposal (EU) | report | rural development

Summary As part of the preparation of the EU budget for 2021-2027, the European Commission put forward a new set ofregulations to shape the future EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) on 1 June 2018. The proposal for a regulationon the financing, management and monitoring of the CAP provides the legislative framework for adapting the financing,management and monitoring rules to a new CAP delivery model. This seeks to achieve more subsidiarity andsimplification, with greater responsibility given to Member States, a shift from ensuring single transaction compliance tomonitoring system performance in each Member State, and reduced 'red tape', among other things. Following theiradoption in December 2021, the new CAP regulations will apply from 1 January 2023.

Briefing EN

CAP strategic plansPublication type Briefing

Date 21-12-2021Author ROSSI Rachele

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentKeyword agricultural trade | aid to agriculture | climate change policy | common agricultural policy | environmental protection |

farmer | farming sector | financial aid | proposal (EU) | rural development | simplification of formalities | single paymentscheme | sustainable agriculture

Summary The Commission's legislative proposals on the future of the common agricultural policy (CAP) were published on 1June 2018. They comprise three proposals: a regulation setting out rules on support for CAP strategic plans; aregulation on the single common market organisation (CMO) and a horizontal regulation on financing, managing andmonitoring the CAP. The proposal for a regulation on CAP strategic plans introduces a new delivery model, describedby the Commission as a fundamental shift in the CAP, involving a move from compliance towards results andperformance. It includes a new distribution of responsibilities between the EU and Member States. A new planningprocess is proposed that will cover all the CAP measures, previously covered by different regulations and policydesigns. Following its adoption in December 2021, the CAP strategic plans regulation will apply as of 1 January 2023.Fourth edition of a briefing originally drafted by James McEldowney and Patrick Kelly. The 'EU Legislation in Progress'briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

CAP Amending Regulation (CMO): Amending regulations on the CMO for agricultural products, qualityschemes and measures for remote regions

Publication type BriefingDate 21-12-2021

Author ROJEK BeataPolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Agriculture and Rural Development | Internal Market and Customs Union

Keyword agricultural product | common organisation of markets | designation of origin | labelling | product designation | wineSummary As part of the work on the EU's 2021-2027 budget, the European Commission proposed a set of regulations with the

aim of reshaping and modernising the EU's common agricultural policy (CAP). Put forward on 1 June 2018, the 'CAPreform package' was finally adopted in December 2021. One of these regulations, the Amending Regulation,introduces changes to rules governing the common market organisation (CMO) in agricultural products (including therules on wine), the EU quality schemes (geographical indications) and the support measures for remote regions. Theaim is to equip agricultural markets and support measures to face new challenges, update provisions, simplifyprocedures and ensure consistency with other regulations on the future CAP. Fourth edition. The 'EU Legislation inProgress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 6

European pharmaceutical research and development: Could public infrastructure overcome marketfailures?

Publication type StudyDate 21-12-2021

Policy area Consumer Protection | Forward Planning | Industry | Internal Market and Customs Union | Public Health | ResearchPolicy

Summary With a focus on research and development in the area of innovative medicines, this study discusses a new Europeanapproach to pharmaceutical policy. After examining the European pharmaceutical sector's features, and the strengthsand weaknesses of the current research and business model, the study explores the need for and the concept of aEuropean infrastructure with a long-term transboundary mission. Any such European medicines infrastructure shouldfocus on threats and areas of research and development that are underinvested under the current business model.More specifically, the study uses an extensive literature review and a targeted survey of international experts fromscience, industry, public health and government institutions, to investigate the feasibility of different options in terms ofthe scope of the mission, and legal, organisational and financial arrangements for establishing such a Europeaninfrastructure. On the basis of their research, the authors present a range of policy options. The most ambitious ofthese considers a Europe-wide public infrastructure equipped with budgetary autonomy and home-grown research anddevelopment capacity. This organisation would be tasked with building a portfolio of new medicines and relatedbiomedical technologies up to the delivery stage, over the course of 30 years, in partnership with third-party researchcentres at national or European level and with companies. It would be the most important global player in biomedicalinnovation in the world.

Study EN

SPACE MARKETPublication type Study

Date 21-12-2021Author GOUARDERES Frederic

External author Mark WHITTLE, Andrew SIKORSKI, James EAGER and Elias NACERPolicy area Industry

Summary This study provides an analysis of the European space market. The market size and structure of the European spaceindustry is considered, alongside the dynamics of the new space economy. The contribution of the EU spaceprogrammes to fostering the uptake of space data, and the challenges and drivers of maximising synergies betweenthe EU upstream and downstream space sectors are examined. The new Space-based Connectivity Initiative is alsoconsidered. In addition, recommendations by the Court of Auditors to strengthen the efficacy of the newly-integratedEU Space Programme, and to maximise their economic and societal impacts are considered.

Study EN

Summit for DemocracyPublication type At a Glance

Date 20-12-2021Author ZAMFIR Ionel

Policy area DemocracySummary The Summit for Democracy, a pledge of US President Joe Biden's 2020 electoral campaign, came to fruition on 9 10

December 2021. The first-ever global summit dedicated to harnessing international support for democratic renewallaunched the 2022 'year of action', aimed at fostering resilient democracies worldwide.

At a Glance EN

Mental health and well-being in the digital world of work post COVIDPublication type At a Glance

Date 20-12-2021External author Paul VROONHOF and Thomas DE WINTER

Policy area Coronavirus | Employment | Social PolicySummary The proceedings summarise the presentations and discussions that took place during the EMPL workshop held on 2

December 2021 on Mental health and well-being in the digital world of work post COVID. The workshop had fourpresentations, each followed by a Q&A session. The presentations touched upon the cost of poor mental health andthe cost of inaction, digitalisation in the world of work, innovative and practical ways to create a resilient workplace andthe role of legislation at national and EU level. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic,Scientific and Quality of Life Policies for the committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL).

At a Glance EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 7

Proposal for a regulation to fight money laundering and counter terrorist financingPublication type Briefing

Date 20-12-2021Author BAKOWSKI Piotr

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and JusticeSummary On 20 July 2021, the European Commission presented a package of legislative proposals in the area of anti-money-

laundering efforts and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). The package includes a proposal for aregulation on preventing the use of the financial system for money laundering or terrorist financing. The proposedregulation would be the central element of what is commonly referred to as an EU 'single rulebook' on AML/CFT. Itsdetailed and directly applicable provisions would replace the minimum rules of the EU AML directives currently in force.The package has been adopted in response to repeated calls by the European Parliament and the Council of theEuropean Union to enhance the EU's regulatory framework on AML/CFT. The aim is for the framework to becomemore coherent, keeping in step with technological innovations and related new forms of crime, as well as remaining inline with international standards in the field. In Parliament, the Committees on Economic and Monetary Affairs and onCivil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs are jointly responsible for the file. First edition. The 'EU Legislation inProgress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

Outcome of the meetings of EU leaders of 16 December 2021Publication type Briefing

Date 20-12-2021Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area DemocracySummary 'The European Council will revert to the issue' or 'reiterates' its view, were probably the most used sentences in the

conclusions issued following the 16 December 2021 meeting of the Heads of State or Government. For many of theissues on the agenda, such as energy, where the geopolitical stakes are high, differences in position remain in theEuropean Council; achieving consensus is therefore part of a longer process. On security and defence, no bigdecisions, but specific guidelines and targeted requests, defined this summit. As regards the discussions on bothCovid-19 and migration, the conclusions mainly include reiterations of previous commitments. Within the broadbouquet of external relations topics, EU leaders warned Russia of 'massive consequences' in case of further militaryescalation in Ukraine. They also denounced the instrumentalisation of migrants and refugees by the Belarusian regimefor political purposes, and called for 'the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners'. EU leaders alsoreaffirmed the Union's commitment to cooperation with the Southern Neighbourhood, calling to speed up work on thenew Agenda for the Mediterranean, praised the mediation efforts of the African Union (AU) in Ethiopia, calling for 'anunconditional ceasefire' and dialogue, and prepared for the 17-18 February 2022 EU-AU Summit. President CharlesMichel recalled EU Member States' solidarity when mentioning the unacceptable pressure exerted by China onLithuania. As for the Euro Summit, it called again for the completion of Banking Union and the Capital Markets Union.

Briefing EN

Anti-money-laundering packagePublication type Briefing

Date 20-12-2021Author GIRARD VERONIQUE

Policy area Ex-ante Impact AssessmentSummary The IA covers four Commission proposals on anti-money laundering and countering financing of terrorism. This

legislative package includes major changes designed to strengthen and tackle shortcomings in the current regulatoryframework, such as the creation of a new AML authority. This briefing analyses the strengths and weaknesses of theimpact assessment accompanying the proposed revisions. The Commission consulted a wide range of stakeholders tosupport the initiative. The IA clearly defines the problem and the objectives that are directly linked to the problemdrivers. However, the IA does not identify any operational objectives that would have facilitated the monitoring of thepreferred options. Moreover, some options could have been refined to be more specific, such as for example on theexact criteria for selecting 'risky entities' subject to direct supervision at EU level. Finally, improvements requested bythe RSB appear to be only partially addressed in the final IA.

Briefing EN

Libya: Political situation ahead of electionsPublication type At a Glance

Date 17-12-2021Author STANICEK BRANISLAV

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary Since the overthrow of Muammar al-Qaddafi in a 2011 uprising, Libya has been mired in a civil war that has divided the

international community and set several internal factions against one another. The ceasefire proclaimed on 23 October2020 opened a path for a political process wherein an interim government led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibahwas able to lead the country to agreed presidential and parliamentary elections, to be held on 24 December 2021.These elections will be the first since the civil war between the forces of the Government of National Accord and theLibyan National Army began in 2015. The challenge is the growing risks linked to legal processes, security, and thelegitimacy of some leading candidates, among them Dbeibah, Khalifa Haftar and Saif al Islam Muammar al-Qaddafi.

At a Glance EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 8

Plenary round-up – December 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 17-12-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary Due to the deteriorating Covid 19 situation, Members were again able to choose to vote remotely during the December

plenary session in Strasbourg. Parliament nevertheless held a joint debate on the preparation of the European Councilmeeting of 16 17 December 2021 and the EU's response to the global resurgence of Covid 19 and new emergingvariants. Members debated statements by High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and SecurityPolicy/Vice-President of the Commission, Josep Borrell, on the situation in Nicaragua, at the Ukrainian border, and inthe Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. Members also debated a number of Council and European Commissionstatements, including on: the proposed Council decision on provisional emergency measures on the external borderwith Belarus; the state of play of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, plans to further undermine fundamental rights inPoland; on the EU response to transport poverty; taking stock of the European Year of Rail; the outcome of the GlobalSummit on Nutrition for Growth and increased food insecurity in developing countries; and on an EU ban on the use ofwild animals in circuses. In a formal sitting, Parliament heard an address by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,President of Ghana.

At a Glance EN

Carbon farming | Making agriculture fit for 2030Publication type At a Glance

Date 16-12-2021External author Hugh McDonald, Ana Frelih-Larsen, Clunie Keenleyside, Anna Lóránt, Laurens Duin, Sarah Pyndt Andersen, Giulia

Costa, Gabrielle Aubert, Nora HillerPolicy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Environment

Summary Carbon farming refers to sequestering and storing carbon and/or reducing greenhouse gas emissions at farm level. Itoffers significant but uncertain mitigation potential in the EU, can deliver co-benefits to farmers and society, but alsocarries risks that need to be managed. The report identifies opportunities and constraints for carbon farming, optionsfor financing, and open questions that need to be resolved to scale up carbon farming in a way that delivers robustclimate mitigation and European Union Green Deal objectives.

At a Glance EN

The EU and Russia: A fragile neighbourhood [What Think Tanks are thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 16-12-2021Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary Russia’s military build-up along its border with Ukraine, and its masterminding – alleged by many politicians and

analysts – of the refugee crisis on the borders of Belarus with Poland and Lithuania, have sparked concerns over theimplications of Moscow’s aggressive foreign policy. Russia has amassed nearly 100 000 troops near the Ukrainianborder, provoking renewed fears that Moscow is about to invade, seven years after it annexed the Crimean peninsulaand destabilised the eastern regions of Ukraine. In Belarus, President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of RussianPresident Vladimir Putin, has allowed migrants to take flights into the country to purposely transfer them on toBelarus’s borders with neighbouring EU Member States. This note gathers links to recent publications andcommentaries from many international think tanks on Russia’s foreign and security policy and its implications forneighbouring countries, the European Union and global geopolitics.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 9

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar: Turning the spotlight on workers’ rightsPublication type Briefing

Date 16-12-2021Author IMMENKAMP Beatrix

Policy area Human RightsSummary Enormous natural gas resources have turned Qatar into one of the world's richest countries. The 11 610 km2 nation

currently has the fourth highest GDP per capita in the world. The absolute monarchy's estimated 340 000-350 000citizens benefit from free education, free healthcare, virtually guaranteed – and well paid – employment, and payalmost no taxes. However, the great majority of the emirate’s nearly 3 million inhabitants live in very differentconditions. Qatar has the highest ratio of migrants in the world: 85 % of its population are migrants and 94 % of itsworkforce comes from abroad, mostly from south Asia and Africa. In contrast to the small percentage of expatriatesfrom the West and other Gulf States, Asian and African migrants live and work in harsh conditions. Around 1 millionare employed in construction, and 100 000 are domestic workers. In December 2010, FIFA, world football's governingbody, granted Qatar the right to host the 2022 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place from 21 November to 18December. Expanding on an existing development programme enshrined in the Qatar National Vision 2030, thecountry embarked on an extensive building programme to prepare for the World Cup, involving an estimated 1 millionmigrant workers. However, these preparations placed the spotlight on Qatar’s poor treatment of migrant workers. Inresponse to international pressure, Qatar has introduced important legal changes to improve the situation of theseworkers, which the EU has welcomed. However, according to human rights organisations, the country needs to takefurther steps to stop abuses. Of particular concern is the kafala sponsorship system, which is widely used throughoutthe six Gulf Cooperation Council States and gives disproportionate power to employers, leading to widespread abuseof migrant workers’ rights. Even though Qatar has started to dismantle the kafala system, important elements remain inplace. Moreover, ensuring compliance with more favourable labour laws remains a challenge. Since 2008, theEuropean Parliament has adopted four resolutions addressing the situation of migrant workers in Qatar; it has calledon Qatar to end the 'deplorable situation' of migrant workers and prevent preparations for the 2022 World Cup frombeing 'overshadowed by allegations of forced labour'.

Briefing EN

Towards a new Generalised Scheme of Preferences regulation for developing countriesPublication type Briefing

Date 16-12-2021Author IOANNIDES Isabelle

Policy area Development and Humanitarian Aid | Ex-ante Impact Assessment | Foreign Affairs | Human Rights | InternationalTrade

Summary The European Commission is proposing a new General Scheme of Preferences regulation to replace the current onethat expires at the end of 2023. This initial appraisal of the Commission’s impact assessment (IA) on the proposal findsthat the IA logically links the problems, their drivers, the objectives and the policy interventions under consideration.However, the IA remains evasive on the impacts of crucial aims of the regulation -- poverty eradication and advancingsustainable development and good governance. Additionally, when presenting pro and con arguments, it is not alwaysapparent where the IA stands on the issues. Moreover, only some of the operational objectives are specific andmeasurable, raising questions as to the feasibility of those that are not. It is also important to note that on productcoverage, a key issue raised in the EP’s 2019 resolution, there seems to be a discrepancy between therecommendations analysed in the external study and their interpretation in the IA.

Briefing EN

Nominations for Members ofthe European Court of AuditorsPublication type Briefing

Date 16-12-2021Author FRANKE Michaela

Policy area Budget | Budgetary ControlSummary The Policy Department for Budgetary Affairs in the European Parliament (EP) is about to draw up an in-house briefing

on national nomination procedures for Members of the European Court of Auditors (ECA). The purpose of the briefingis to provide relevant information to the Members of the Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) ahead of hearings ofMembers-designate of the ECA (of which there will be 8 in the course of 2022). In order to develop a betterunderstanding of the national procedures, we are interested to see if and how national chambers are involved in thenomination process.

Briefing EN

Eastern Partnership post-2020 agendaPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 16-12-2021Author PRZETACZNIK Jakub | RUSSELL Martin

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary The geopolitical, economic and security situation in Europe has evolved significantly in the past 12 years since the

Eastern Partnership (EaP) was launched in 2009. Taking into account the pandemic context and the growing pressureon democracies and multilateralism worldwide, an assertive Russia under Vladimir Putin and an increasingly influentialChina, the role and responsibility of the European Union – a major global champion of democracy and multilateralism –in the EaP region are growing. Against this backdrop, the European Commission and the EU High Representativehave put forward a proposal for EaP policy beyond 2020, focused on 'recovery, resilience and reform'. This newagenda was endorsed at the EaP summit, held in Brussels on 15 December 2021.

In-Depth Analysis EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 10

Mental health and well-being in the digital world of work post COVID - EMPL Workshop ProceedingsPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 16-12-2021External author Paul VROONHOF and Thomas DE WINTER

Policy area Coronavirus | Employment | Social PolicySummary These proceedings summarise the presentations and discussions that took place during the EMPL workshop held on 2

December 2021 on Mental health and well-being in the digital world of work post COVID. The workshop had fourpresentations, each followed by a Q&A session. The presentations touched upon the cost of poor mental health andthe cost of inaction, digitalisation in the world of work, innovative and practical ways to create a resilient workplace andthe role of legislation at national and EU level. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic,Scientific and Quality of Life Policies for the committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL).

In-Depth Analysis EN

Key issues in the European Council: State of play in December 2021Publication type Study

Date 16-12-2021Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | DRACHENBERG Ralf | KROZSER Anna | TORPEY REBECCA MARY

Policy area DemocracySummary The role of the European Council is to 'provide the Union with the necessary impetus for its development' and to define

its 'general political directions and priorities'. Since its creation in 1975, the European Council has exercisedconsiderable influence over the development of the European Union, a process enhanced by its designation as aformal institution of the Union under the Lisbon Treaty in 2009. The European Council Oversight Unit within theEuropean Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) monitors and analyses the activities, commitments and impact ofthe European Council, so as to maximise parliamentary understanding of the political dynamics of this importantinstitution. This EPRS publication, 'Key issues in the European Council', which is updated every quarter to coincidewith European Council meetings, aims to provide an overview of the institution's activities on major EU issues. Itanalyses twelve broad policy areas, explaining the legal and political background, the main priorities and orientationsdefined by the European Council and the results of its involvement to date, as well as some of the future challenges ineach policy field.

Study EN

Key enabling technologies for Europe's technological sovereigntyPublication type Study

Date 16-12-2021External author DG, EPRS

Policy area Foreign Affairs | Industry | Research PolicySummary Technological sovereignty has been at the heart of recent political debate in the EU. Interest has only been

strengthened by the Covid-19 pandemic crisis, due to its impact on many value chains. Key enabling technologies(KETs) – advanced manufacturing and materials, life-science technologies, micro/nano-electronics and photonics,artificial intelligence, and security and connectivity technologies – are crucial for an interconnected, digitalised, resilientand healthier European society, as well as being important for the EU's competitiveness and position in the globaleconomy. This STOA study analyses how the EU is performing in developing and protecting ownership and know-howin these critical technologies, especially in comparison with strong global players such as China and the USA. Basedon the challenges identified in the analysis, it discusses policy options for strengthening the EU's technologicalsovereignty in KETs.

Study EN

Annex 1 EN

Person identification, human rights and ethical principles: Rethinking biometrics in the era of artificialintelligence

Publication type StudyDate 16-12-2021

External author DG, EPRSPolicy area Research Policy

Summary As the use of biometrics becomes commonplace in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), this study aims to identify theimpact on fundamental rights of current and upcoming developments, and to put forward relevant policy options atEuropean Union (EU) level. Taking as a starting point the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and ofthe Council laying down harmonised rules on AI, presented by the European Commission in April 2021, the studyreviews key controversies surrounding what the proposal addresses through the notions of 'remote biometricidentification' (which most notably includes live facial recognition), 'biometric categorisation' and so-called 'emotionrecognition'. Identifying gaps in the proposed approaches to all these issues, the study puts them in the context ofbroader regulatory discussions. More generally, the study stresses that the scope of the current legal approach tobiometric data in EU law, centred on the use of such data for identification purposes, leaves out numerous current andexpected developments that are not centred on the identification of individuals, but nevertheless have a serious impacton their fundamental rights and democracy.

Study EN

Annex EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 11

Moving towards Zero-Emission SteelPublication type Study

Date 16-12-2021Author CIUCCI MATTEO | GOUARDERES Frederic

External author Liliana GUEVARA OPINSKA, Trinomics Marwa MAHMOUD, Trinomics Csinszka BENE, Trinomics KoenRADEMAEKERS, Trinomics

Policy area EnergySummary This study is assessing the European steel industry’s possible decarbonisation pathways in light of the European

Commission’s “Fit for 55” package, by evaluating available technology options and the adequacy of available fundingstreams. The paper shows that options based solely on existing production processes have limited potential to achievethe required emission reductions. Full decarbonisation options will require the widespread availability of greenelectricity, hydrogen and/or CCS/CCUS infrastructure. It is important that flexibility in the choice of technologydecarbonisation options is maintained to account for differences in regional characteristics including natural resourcesand infrastructure.

Study EN

Women and transportPublication type Study

Date 16-12-2021External author Silvia SANSONETTI, FGB SRL SB Eamonn DAVERN, Independent Expert

Policy area Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | TransportSummary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional

Affairs at the request of the FEMM Committee, summarises achievements in gender and transport in the EU in regardto knowledge and policies considering women as transport users and as workers in the transport sector. It introducesthe most recent data and concepts, presents promising practices and provides EU policy indications in the context ofthe European Green Deal to effectively support the enhancement of gender equality in transport.

Study EN

Cross Border Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in EUPublication type Study

Date 16-12-2021External author Oleksandr BULAYENKO Giancarlo FROSIO Anna LAWRYNOWICZ-DREWEK Natasha MANGAL

Policy area Intellectual Property LawSummary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional

Affairs at the request of the JURI Committee, aims to provide an overview of cross-border enforcement of intellectualproperty rights in the EU with a particular emphasis on copyright and related rights in the online environment. Thestudy provides a detailed analysis of the current situation of cross-border IPR enforcement and formulates variouspolicy recommendations to improve current IPR enforcement options among MS.

Study EN

Current membership of the European Council December 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 15-12-2021Author DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area DemocracyKeyword Bulgaria | EU Member State | European Council | European party | head of government | head of State | Hungary |

organisation chart | political affiliation | President of the Commission | SlovakiaSummary The European Council consists of the 27 Heads of State or Government of the EU Member States, who are voting

members, together with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission, whohave no vote (Article 15(2) TEU). The chart shows the current members, the national office they hold and their politicalaffiliation, as well as the year their membership of the institution began. This publication is updated periodically toreflect changes in the European Council's membership.

At a Glance EN

Is Russia planning a new conflict in Ukraine?Publication type At a Glance

Date 15-12-2021Author RUSSELL Martin

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary For the second time in 2021, a massive Russian military build-up and increasingly hostile rhetoric point to a planned

attack on Ukraine. Whereas the previous build-up ended in April with the withdrawal of most troops, this time the signsare more worrying. Russia is demanding a halt to NATO activity in and around Ukraine. The US and the EU arethreatening harsh new sanctions against Russia if the attack goes ahead.

At a Glance EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 12

International Migrants’ Day – 18 DecemberPublication type At a Glance

Date 15-12-2021Author ORAV Anita

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and JusticeSummary Each year, 18 December is observed as International Migrants' Day. So designated by the United Nations General

Assembly on 4 December 2000, in response to increasing migration in the world, the day aims to draw attention to thehuman rights of migrants and highlight their contribution to our societies.

At a Glance EN

Participatory foresight: Preventing an impact gap in the EU's approach to sustainability and resiliencePublication type Briefing

Date 15-12-2021Author KONONENKO Vadim

Policy area Forward Planning | Research PolicySummary The concepts of 'sustainability' and 'resilience' have been steadily gaining prominence in the EU's political discourse.

Most recently in 2019, the von der Leyen Commission placed the goal of increased sustainability – environmental,social and economic – at the heart of its European Green Deal set of policy initiatives. As the EU achieves higherlevels of sustainability, it will be more resilient, that is, capable of better withstanding a future crisis or shock, whether inthe form of another pandemic, an economic downturn or a climate emergency. By putting sustainability and resilienceat the centre of its strategic foresight framework, the EU can anchor specific policy objectives in broader narrativesabout its future. However, this may also carry a risk of creating an 'impact gap' – a mismatch between citizens' andstakeholders' expectations, on the one hand, and actual outcomes of policies, on the other. This briefing examines howparticipatory foresight can help to address a potential impact gap in the EU's endeavours related to sustainableresilience and strategic autonomy.

Briefing EN

Désarmement, démobilisation, réintégration : Émergence du concept dans la communauté internationalePublication type Briefing

Date 15-12-2021External author Bilquin, Bruno

Policy area Foreign Affairs | Security and DefenceSummary La Commission européenne et le Haut représentant de l'Union européenne (UE) devraient adopter le 22 décembre

2021 une communication conjointe sur une approche stratégique de l’UE pour soutenir, dans les pays tiers, ledésarmement, la démobilisation et la réintégration (DDR) des ex-combattants issus de groupes armés rebelles. Il s'agitd'aligner le concept et les programmes DDR sur les défis sécuritaires, géopolitiques et de politique de développementdes pays partenaires, en tenant compte des approches évolutives des autres acteurs majeurs du secteur dans lacommunauté internationale. Parmi ces acteurs, l'ONU paraît incontournable, qui a développé depuis longtemps desapproches DDR et soutient ou pourrait soutenir de nombreux programmes DDR dans le monde. Le concept DDRstratégique de l'UE remontant à 2006, son actualisation s'impose. La nouvelle stratégie DDR devrait aussi permettre àl'UE de renforcer sa crédibilité comme pourvoyeuse de sécurité sur le plan mondial. Dans ses relations avec ses payspartenaires les plus fragiles, dans son voisinage comme au-delà, l'UE se mobilise pour une nouvelle stratégie DDRdes groupes armés qui soit à la hauteur du rôle qu'elle entend assurer, aux côtés de la communauté internationale etde ses alliés comme acteur majeur de pacification et de stabilisation au plan mondial. Le Parlement européen soutientles projets DDR de l'Union et demande que la future stratégie DDR soit cohérente avec les instruments de la politiquede sécurité et de défense commune ainsi qu'avec son aide au développement.

Briefing FR

Emergency measures on migration: Article 78(3) TFEUPublication type Briefing

Date 15-12-2021Author DEL MONTE Micaela | LUYTEN KATRIEN

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and JusticeSummary On 1 December 2021, the Commission proposed a Council decision on emergency measures to help Latvia, Lithuania

and Poland face the complex migratory situation at their respective borders with Belarus. The measures provide for anextension of the registration period for asylum applications; the application of the border asylum procedure to processall asylum claims; reception conditions covering only basic needs; and simplified and quicker national returnprocedures for rejected asylum-seekers. The proposal is based on Article 78(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of theEU (TFEU), which provides for the adoption of provisional measures in the event of a 'sudden increase of arrivals ofthird-country nationals'. Article 78(3) TFEU was first used during the 2015 migration crisis to help Greece and Italy. Onthe basis of this article and in line with Article 80 TFEU, the Council of the EU at the time adopted binding decisionsproviding for the relocation from these two countries of 160 000 people so as to ensure a fair and balanced distributionof, and sharing of responsibility for, asylum-seekers who were already present in the EU. Despite most Member States'willingness to relocate asylum-seekers, some challenged the Council decision before the Court of Justice of the EU(the Court) or refused to implement the decision. As a result, the Court's jurisprudence helped to clarify the conceptand scope of 'provisional measures' within the meaning of Article 78(3) TFEU. Greece was the first EU Member Stateto unilaterally invoke Article 78(3) TFEU, in response to a sudden increase of arrivals of third-country nationals fromTurkey in March 2020. The Greek emergency legislative act was heavily criticised because Article 78(3) TFEU is notintended to enable Member States to take emergency measures unilaterally. It requires the Council to take a decisionon a Commission proposal and after consulting Parliament. This Briefing expands on and updates an 'at a glance' notefrom March 2020, written by Anja Radjenovic.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 13

'Fit for 55' package: Revision of the Effort-Sharing RegulationPublication type Briefing

Date 15-12-2021Author KARAMFILOVA Ekaterina

Policy area Ex-ante Impact AssessmentSummary The IA analyses the nature and scale of the problem, which triggers the revision of the Effort Sharing Regulation. While

subsidiarity is suffiicently addressed, the proportionality aspects of the revision are not addressed by the IA. Onegeneral and three specific objectives, clearly deriving from the problem, were set up. Three policy options wereidentified and analysed in detail. The options (and their sub-options) were compared in terms of their potential toachieve the specific objectives, in particular, regarding their scope, environmental integrity, distribution of efforts (interms of fairness and cost-efficiency) and flexibility offered. The options have been analysed mostly for theirenvironmental, economic and administrative impacts. Stakeholder views are abundently used and transparentlyreferenced throughout the analysis of impact. The IA is based on a solid knowledge base combining the use ofqualitative and quantitiave methods.

Briefing EN

The EP’s response to the COVID-19 crisis: budgetary impactPublication type Briefing

Date 15-12-2021Author FRANKE Michaela

Policy area Budget | Budgetary ControlSummary The EP’s budget is drawn up during the year n-1, with the preparations in its Directorates General already starting in

the last quarter of the year n-2. The budgetary procedure - first inside the EP for the institution’s own budget, then forthe budget of the EU as a whole in the interinstitutional part of the procedure - lasts throughout the year n-1, with anagreement usually reached during the last quarter of year n-1. For example, the preparations for the 2020 budget inthe Directorates General started towards the end of 2018, with the main budgetary process taking place in 2019.

Briefing EN

Workshop on impacts of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement on fisheries and aquaculture inthe EU - Part I: Legal aspects

Publication type StudyDate 15-12-2021

External author University of Hamburg: Dr. Valentin SCHATZ, Post-Doctoral Researcher in Public Law, EU Law and PublicInternational Law, Dr. Alexander PROELSS, Professor of International Law of the Sea and International EnvironmentalLaw, Public International Law and Public Law.

Policy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | FisheriesSummary This study is the first research paper in a series of three, commissioned for a PECH Committee Workshop. It provides

an analysis of the legal aspects of the EU-UK TCA relating to fisheries. The analysis covers, inter alia, the scope of thefisheries provisions, conservation and management, fishing opportunities, arrangements on access to waters,arrangements on governance (including provisions on remedial measures, dispute settlement, institutionalarrangements, termination, review and relationship with other agreements), and trade-related provisions with relevancefor fisheries. It concludes with recommendations for the implementation of the fisheries provisions of the EU-UK TCA

Study EN

Executive summary ES, DE, EN, FR, IT

A universal right to a healthy environmentPublication type At a Glance

Date 14-12-2021Author ZAMFIR Ionel

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary A landmark UNHRC resolution has recognised the human right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment,

endorsing the broad recognition of the link between human rights and the environment. The right to a healthyenvironment is already enshrined in numerous national and regional instruments. Although non-binding, the resolutioncan spur change, with the Council of Europe already taking the first steps in this regard.

At a Glance EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 14

Bronisław Geremek: In search of a united EuropePublication type Briefing

Date 14-12-2021Author PASIKOWSKA-SCHNASS Magdalena

Policy area Culture | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary From his childhood in the Warsaw Ghetto to his tragic death in a road accident while working at the European

Parliament in 2008, Bronisław Geremek faced many personal, professional and political challenges during a period ofconstant turbulence. A world-renowned historian, he was interested in the poor, the excluded and the marginalisedduring the Middle Ages, mainly working as a researcher at the Sorbonne and Warsaw University. The Soviet army’sinvasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 marked the start of his political involvement with those opposing the communistregime. He secretly gave history lectures, spoke in defence of workers persecuted following the cost-of-living riots in1976, and went to Gdańsk in August 1980 to support the strike led by Lech Wałęsa. Geremek subsequently becamean adviser to the founder of the Solidarność trade union. His involvement led to his imprisonment following the militarycoup in December 1981 and the loss of his position as a professor, but guaranteed his place in negotiations betweenthe communist regime and the democratic opposition in 1989. As a member of the first semi-democratic parliament inthe Soviet bloc, he subsequently became Foreign Minister and started the negotiations for Poland’s accession to theEuropean Union. He was elected as a Member of the European Parliament in 2004. His research as a historianfocused on Europe as a civilisation, on questions of European identity and integration, and on civil society. Due to hishistorical research, he had a capacity for in-depth analysis that he used in his European political work and involvement.He concluded that a European public space was essential in order to encourage European civic engagement andawareness.

Briefing DE, EN, FR, PL

Climate action in the European Union: Latest state of playPublication type Briefing

Date 14-12-2021Author JENSEN LISELOTTE

Policy area EnvironmentSummary At a time when the European Union (EU) is preparing a major revision of its climate and energy framework in line with

the objectives of the European Green Deal and the targets set in the European Climate Law, this briefing looks atoverall progress on climate action. Although the EU met its 2020 targets for reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) andincreasing renewable energy use and energy efficiency in the extraordinary context of the coronavirus crisis, pandemicrecovery led energy consumption and emissions to rebound in 2021. Member States are required to invest 37 % of EURecovery and Resilience Facility Funds on climate objectives. The European Climate Law sets the targets of reducingnet GHG emissions by 'at least' 55 % by 2030, compared with 1990, and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.However, current climate and energy legislation for the 2021-2030 period is still based on a lower 2030 target of 40 %emission reduction, as are Member States' national energy and climate plans (NECPs) for the 2021-2030 period,required by the Governance Regulation. With the 'fit for 55' package presented in July 2021, the Commission is aimingto bring EU climate and energy legislation in line with the new targets. Member States need to update their NECPs byJune 2024.

Briefing EN

Ireland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan: Latest state of playPublication type Briefing

Date 14-12-2021Author LILYANOVA Velina

Policy area BudgetSummary Ireland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) is relatively small compared to the plans of most Member

States. In absolute terms and per capita, Ireland has the second smallest allocation (after Luxembourg) under theRecovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) €989 million entirely in grants. So far, it has not requested any loans (themaximum available loan amount is estimated at €18.7 billion). Most of the funds (€914.4 million) are expected to belegally committed by December 2022. A further set of grants (the remaining amount) will be allocated in 2023,depending on economic developments. Ireland has not requested pre-financing; its grants are planned to be disbursedin five instalments. Relative to the size of the Irish economy, its RRF grants are not large: these are equivalent toaround 0.3 % of the country's 2019 GDP, while the total RRF amounts to 5.2 % of 2019 EU-27 GDP. Given also thatspending will be spread over the years up to 2026, the RRF is not expected to have a significant direct impact onIreland's key macroeconomic indicators. The European Commission estimates that it could increase Ireland's GDP by0.3-0.5 % by 2026. А more significant indirect impact is expected from the overall boost to the EU economy and theassociated cross-border spillover effects. The plan's overall objective is to contribute to a sustainable, equitable, greenand digital recovery. It complements the government's broader domestic recovery efforts under the economic recoveryplan, underpinned by the national development plan (NDP) of €165 billion, for 2021-2030. Although the RRF allocationamounts to less than 1 % of the total NDP investment, it will contribute to key reforms and investments. With 41.9 % offunding allocated for climate and 31.5 % for digital measures, the NRRP's16 investment and 9 reform projects will alsofocus on strategic EU priorities. The European Parliament participates in interinstitutional fora for cooperation anddiscussion on the implementation of the RRF, and scrutinises the work of the European Commission.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 15

Germany's National Recovery and Resilience Plan: Latest state of playPublication type Briefing

Date 14-12-2021Author JOCHHEIM Ulrich | MILDEBRATH Hendrik Alexander

Policy area Budget | Foreign AffairsSummary Germany is set to receive €25.6 billion in non-repayable support from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the

unprecedented EU response to the crisis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. This amount corresponds to 3.7 % ofthe entire RRF and to 0.7 % of Germany's 2019 gross domestic product (GDP). The National Recovery and ResiliencePlan (NRRP) for Germany amounts to €27.9 billion (0.81 % of 2019 GDP) and does not include requests for loans.Excluding value-added tax, this corresponds to a net amount of at least €26.5 billion, slightly above the maximumfinancial contribution of €25.6 billion (0.74 % of 2019 GDP) that Germany can expect. For most of the measures,additional funding will also come from national sources. There is a strong focus on the green transition. Measuresrelating to climate protection –including key actions on mobility and housing – reach at least 42 % of the allocation. TheGerman RRP shows an even stronger digital ambition, reaching at least 52 % of the allocation and ranging fromindustry, to education, social policy and healthcare, to public administration. Following Council approval of the plan, theEuropean Commission, on 26 August 2021, disbursed €2.25 billion to Germany in pre-financing, equivalent to 9 % ofthe country's financial allocation under the RRF. (Germany did not ask for a higher share of pre-financing because the€2.25 billion was already reflected in budgetary acts adopted earlier). The remaining 91 % will be paid in fiveinstalments once Germany has satisfactorily fulfilled the milestones and targets identified in relation to RRFimplementation. An amount of €16.3 billion will be available to be legally committed by 31 December 2022. TheEuropean Parliament strongly advocated the establishment of a common EU recovery instrument. Parliamentparticipates in interinstitutional cooperation and discussions on its implementation and scrutinises the EuropeanCommission's work.

Briefing EN

Regulating genome editing: Societal hopes and fearsPublication type Study

Date 14-12-2021External author DG, EPRS

Policy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Consumer Protection | Environment | Forward PlanningSummary The purpose of this paper is to inform the committees of the European Parliament about the challenges of genome

editing in the 21st century, and the societal hopes and concerns surrounding its possible implementation to supportEuropean food production. The higher precision of new genetic techniques (NGTs) raises the question of whether theyshould be treated differently or even exempt from the current GMO Directive. NGTs (mainly CRISPR-cas9) are thesubject of controversy, as some believe they will bring improvements to crop production, while others worry aboutpotential problems associated with their use. These concerns were identified through a STOA foresight study, includingan online survey and workshop with stakeholders from diverse fields affected by NGTs. The online survey usedhypothetical policy options to guide stakeholders to identify arguments for and against several potential regulationscenarios, ranging from full regulation to full exemption.

Study EN

Revision of the LULUCF Regulation: Strengthening the role of the land use, land-use change and forestrysector in climate action

Publication type BriefingDate 13-12-2021

Author JENSEN LISELOTTEPolicy area Environment

Summary To align regulations and policies with the legally binding goals – delivering, by 2030, a 55 % net greenhouse gasemissions reduction compared to 1990, and reaching climate neutrality in Europe by 2050 – on 14 July the EuropeanCommission presented its first proposals under the 'fit for 55' package. One of these proposals involves amendingRegulation (EU) 2018/841 on emissions and removals from land use, land-use change and forestry (the LULUCFRegulation). Among the main changes envisaged are to merge, as of 2030, the LULUCF sector with the non-CO2agricultural sector in a new climate pillar, which would have to achieve climate neutrality by 2035. Moreover, by 2030,LULUCF carbon removals would have to increase to 310 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e). For the post-2025period, the Commission would set individual targets for each Member State. The proposal has been referred to theEuropean Parliament's Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), which appointed VilleNiinistö (Greens/EFA, Finland) as rapporteur. First edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated atkey stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 16

Fit for 55 package: Recasting the Energy Efficiency DirectivePublication type Briefing

Date 13-12-2021Author EISELE Katharina

Policy area Energy | Environment | Ex-ante Impact AssessmentSummary This briefing provides an initial analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the Commission’s impact assessment (IA)

accompanying the above-mentioned proposal, submitted on 14 July 2021 and referred to the European Parliament’sCommittee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE). The proposal for a recast Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) ispart of the Commission’s ‘Fit for 55’ package that aims to adapt EU law to the new EU objective of a minimum 55 %reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. This objective was laid down in the new European ClimateLaw, adopted in June 2021, which puts the EU on the path to achieving climate neutrality (net zero GHG emissions) by2050. As originally enacted, the EED (Directive 2012/27/EU) established a common framework for promoting energyefficiency to reach the EU’s 20 % energy efficiency target by 2020 (the target was set in the directive itself). The EEDwas amended by Directive (EU) 2018/2002, which set the more ambitious EU goal of improving energy efficiency by atleast 32.5 % by 2030 and extended its validity beyond 2020 to help achieve the new goal.

Briefing EN

Revision of the third energy package for gas: Decarbonising the gas market. Regulation 715/2009/EU andDirective 2009/73/EU

Publication type BriefingDate 13-12-2021

Author TENHUNEN SusannaPolicy area Energy

Summary Decarbonisation of the internal gas market is necessary for attaining the EU's climate target of reducing greenhousegas emission by 55 % by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions by 2050. The revision of the current Gas Regulationand Gas Directive, adopted in 2009 for the natural gas market, is underpinned by the strategies on energy systemintegration and on a hydrogen economy. Introduction of renewable and low-carbon gases to the energy systemrequires a profound transformation of the gas market, as announced in the 2021 Commission work programme and the'fit for 55' package. Different alliances and common projects bringing together regulators, civil society and stakeholdershave quickly emerged to tackle various aspects of this transformation and to open new partnerships. The EuropeanParliament supports the creation of a competitive decarbonised internal energy market. It supports energy efficiencyand encourages decarbonisation primarily through direct electrification using renewable sources. However, it also seesa role for renewable-based fuels for hard-to-abate sectors, such as heavy vehicle transport, aviation, steel and thefertiliser industry. In line with other EU institutions, it considers low-carbon gases as an intermediate solution, andunderlines the importance of taking into account the diversity of national energy systems.

Briefing EN

Key social media risks to democracy: Risks from surveillance, personalisation, disinformation, moderationand microtargeting

Publication type In-Depth AnalysisDate 13-12-2021

Author DUMBRAVA CosticaPolicy area Democracy

Summary Whereas social media provide individuals with new opportunities to access information, express opinions, andparticipate in democratic processes, they can also undermine democracy by distorting information, promoting falsestories and facilitating political manipulation. This EPRS paper provides an overview of the key risks social media poseto democracy related to surveillance, personalisation, disinformation, moderation and microtargeting. It also discusseskey approaches to tackling social media risks to democracy in the context of EU policy.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Outlook for the meeting of EU leaders on 16 December 2021Publication type Briefing

Date 10-12-2021Author DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Coronavirus | Democracy | Economics and Monetary Issues | Energy | ForeignAffairs | Security and Defence

Summary The last regular European Council meeting of 2021, on 16 December, will discuss a broad range of topics, notably thecoronavirus pandemic, crisis management and resilience, energy prices, security and defence, migration, and externalrelations. In the context of the worsening epidemiological situation and the emergence of the Omicron variant, EUleaders will address progress in vaccination across the EU and the impact of new restrictions on the single market.They will also discuss international solidarity and ways of ensuring global vaccine coverage. Their debate on securityand defence will probably focus on two intertwined outstanding issues, the Strategic Compass and the forthcomingcooperation declaration with NATO. On migration, EU leaders are expected to review the follow-up to their previouscommitments and address the migration situation in the English Channel. In the external relations field, they will mostlikely discuss the situation in Ukraine and at the Belarus border, the developments in Ethiopia as well as preparationsfor the EU-African Union summit. As the European Council meeting will take place back to back with the EasternPartnership Summit, EU leaders could take stock of the outcome of the latter. The Euro Summit directly after theEuropean Council meeting will focus on the Covid recovery and review progress on the Banking and Capital MarketsUnions

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 17

'Fit for 55' legislative package: ReFuel EU AviationPublication type Briefing

Date 10-12-2021Author TUOMINEN ULLA-MARI

Policy area Ex-ante Impact AssessmentSummary The impact assessment (IA) accompanying Commission's ReFuelEU Aviation proposal provides a qualitative and

quantitative analysis, which is based on sound and recent data. The IA presents clearly described policy options andopenly explains uncertainties in the analysis. However, contrary to the Better Regulation Guidelines, the IA does notassess the impacts on SMEs. In addition, the assessment would have benefited of further clarification in thecomparison of options, the scale of the defined problems, and monitoring and evaluation plans. Moreover, thedescription of stakeholder consultation lacks some transparency.

Briefing EN

Recovery and Resilience Plans: stakeholders’ involvementPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 10-12-2021Author LEHOFER WOLFGANG | PACHECO DIAS CRISTINA SOFIA | TEIXEIRA DA CUNHA INES

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesKeyword coronavirus disease | distribution of EU funding | economic recovery | epidemic | EU loan | EU Member State | public

consultation | reportSummary This paper aims to support the scrutiny of the national Recovery and Resilience Plans and its implementation by

providing an overview of EU stakeholders, other relevant institutions and bodies’ assessments/opinions related tothese plans, including specific monitoring activities by think tanks and civil society organisations. Furthermore, itincludes a summary of the Commission assessments of the overall involvement of stakeholders in the recovery andresilience plans. The paper will be regularly updated.

In-Depth Analysis EN

The road to energy efficiencyPublication type Study

Date 10-12-2021External author Marwa MAHMOUD, Trinomics Nora CHEIKH, Trinomics Ondrej CERNY, Trinomics Frank GERARD, Trinomics

Peter LEMOINE, TrinomicsPolicy area Energy

Summary This study provides an analysis of the gaps in EU policies aimed at increasing industrial energy efficiency, anassessment of the ability of the electricity grid to absorb large increases in renewables, and an evaluation of theenergy efficiency potential of the Renovation Wave. Links to the proposed Fit for 55 package are also made for allthree topics.

Study EN

O futuro do setor automóvel da UEPublication type Study

Date 10-12-2021Author CIUCCI MATTEO | GOUARDERES Frederic

External author David BROWN, Michael FLICKENSCHILD, Caio MAZZIPolicy area Environment | Industry | Social Policy

Summary O presente estudo fornece uma perspetiva geral independente do panorama da indústria automóvel na UE. Maisespecificamente, o estudo avalia as tendências ecológica e digital que estão atualmente a reformular o setorautomóvel e fornece recomendações atendendo à adequação e à coerência das medidas atuais e futuras da UE. Opresente documento foi elaborado pelo Departamento Temático das Políticas Económicas e Científicas e daQualidade de Vida, a pedido da Comissão da Indústria, da Investigação e da Energia (ITRE).

Study PT

European Year of Youth 2022Publication type At a Glance

Date 09-12-2021Author JOURDE PERNILLA

Policy area Culture | EducationSummary In her State of the Union address to the Parliament on 15 September 2021, the President of the European

Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, outlined the idea to make 2022 the 'European Year of Youth'. The aim would be tohighlight and mitigate the pandemic's impact on young people's education, employment, social inclusion and mentalhealth. Within a month, the Commission had adopted a formal proposal for a decision. During the December plenarysession, Parliament is expected to vote on adopting the decision establishing the Year.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 18

Policy Departments’ Monthly Highlights - December 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 09-12-2021Policy area Budget | Budgetary Control | Democracy | Employment | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Foreign Affairs | Gender

Issues, Equality and Diversity | Global Governance | Private international law and judicial cooperation in civil matters |Public Health | Public international law | Regional Development | Social Policy | Transport

Summary The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments,including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

At a Glance EN

Boosting cooperation on health technology assessmentPublication type Briefing

Date 09-12-2021Author AMAND-EECKHOUT Laurence

Policy area Public HealthKeyword cross-border cooperation | exchange of information | health care | innovation | medical device | medical science |

patient's rights | proposal (EU) | public health | scientific cooperation | technology assessmentSummary The European Commission has proposed a regulation on health technology assessment (HTA). HTA is a research-

based tool that supports decision-making in healthcare by assessing the added value of a given health technologycompared to others. The proposal would provide the basis for permanent EU-level cooperation in four areas. MemberStates would still be responsible for assessing the non-clinical (economic, ethical, social, etc.) aspects of healthtechnology, and for pricing and reimbursement. While Member States could choose to delay participation in the jointwork until three years after the rules enter into force, it would become mandatory after six years. The EuropeanParliament adopted its final position at first reading on 14 February 2019. In the Council, work was carried out underseven consecutive presidencies. On 22 June 2021, the co-legislators reached a provisional agreement ininterinstitutional trilogue negotiations. The Council's Permanent Representatives Committee endorsed the provisionalagreement on 30 June 2021. Parliament's ENVI committee voted in favour of the text on 13 July 2021. The Councilformally adopted its first-reading position on 9 November 2021. On 30 November 2021, ENVI adopted itsrecommendation for second reading, which is to be debated and voted during the December plenary session. Theregulation, once adopted, will start to apply three years after its entry into force. Fifth edition of a briefing originallydrafted by Nicole Scholz. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout thelegislative procedure.

Briefing EN

Migration: Latest challenges [What Think Tanks are Thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 09-12-2021Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and JusticeSummary The current crisis on the Poland–Belarus border and renewed attempts by migrants to cross the Channel from France

to the United Kingdom have put a new spotlight on the dilemma of how the European Union should deal with refugeesescaping repression and poverty in countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, and some parts of Africa. InBelarus, authorities have allowed migrants to take flights into the country to purposely transfer them to their borderswith the neighbouring EU Member States of Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Meanwhile, London and Paris arediscussing ways to clamp down on migrants’ attempts to cross the Channel. The Turkish and Mediterranean migrationroutes from Africa to Italy and Spain also remain active. This note gathers links to the recent publications andcommentaries from many international think tanks on migration in Europe and on debates on how to reform its rules.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 19

WTO negotiations on fishery subsidiesPublication type Briefing

Date 09-12-2021Author SCHOLAERT FREDERIK

Policy area FisheriesSummary Accounting for 17 % of the global average per capita intake of animal protein, fisheries products support many people's

livelihoods and make a significant contribution to food security. However, more than a third of world stocks are fishedat biologically unsustainable levels. Economic losses from the depletion of fish stocks are estimated at US$83 billion. Areduction in fishing capacity and effort would contribute to the recovery of stocks, yet many governments of fishingcountries continue to support the sector with harmful fishery subsidies. Subsidies that directly increase fishing capacityand may lead to overfishing are estimated at about US$22 billion worldwide. Although there are no specific global ruleson fisheries subsidies, they are currently governed by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Subsidiesand Countervailing Measures. However, subsidy rules in this agreement are geared towards trade distortion asopposed to the adverse effects on the environment. While new fisheries subsidies disciplines have been part of WTO-level negotiations since 2001, the negotiating mandate was rewritten in 2005 with the aim of eliminating subsidies thatcontribute to overcapacity and overfishing, while also taking into account special and differential treatment fordeveloping countries. Negotiations stalled in 2011, but were revived thanks to the 2015 UN sustainable developmentgoals, whereby government leaders committed to ban harmful fisheries subsidies by 2020, including those thatcontribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The negotiations have been very difficult because they bringtogether two very different worlds, namely fisheries management and the WTO rules system. More specifically, not allmembers consider certain subsidies to be equally harmful, as views and practices in fisheries management varywidely. On 24 November 2021, a draft agreement was submitted to ministers ahead of the upcoming 12th MinisterialConference (MC12). The text includes a ban on subsidies contributing to overcapacity and overfishing, such assupport for the construction of vessels and for operational costs. A number of exemptions would apply, e.g. for certaindeveloping countries and, important for the EU, where fish stocks are exploited at biologically sustainable levels.MC12, which was set to start on 30 November 2021 and had already been postponed from 2020, was put off againbecause of renewed travel restrictions. New dates have yet to be set.

Briefing EN

Recovery and Resilience Plans - public documents and overview of processPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 09-12-2021Author HAGELSTAM Kajus | PACHECO DIAS CRISTINA SOFIA | TURCU OVIDIU IONUT

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary This document provides summarised and tabular information on the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the

Recovery and Resilience Plans. It will be regularly updated.In-Depth Analysis EN

Recovery and Resilience Plans - Thematic overview on cross-border projectsPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 09-12-2021Author GRIGAITE KRISTINA | PACHECO DIAS CRISTINA SOFIA | TEIXEIRA DA CUNHA INES

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary This paper compiles and presents available information on cross-border or multi-country projects included in Member

States Recovery and Resilience Plans (RRPs). The paper will be updated once new relevant information is available.In-Depth Analysis EN

Recovery and Resilience Dialogue with the European CommissionPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 09-12-2021Author ANGERER Jost | GRIGAITE KRISTINA | PACHECO DIAS CRISTINA SOFIA | TEIXEIRA DA CUNHA INES | TURCU

OVIDIU IONUT | ZOPPÉ AlicePolicy area Economics and Monetary Issues

Summary BUDG-ECON Committee meeting on 13 December 2021 Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis and CommissionerGentiloni have been invited to the fourth Recovery and Resilience Dialogue under the Recovery and Resilience FacilityRegulation. This briefing first provides an overview of the Recovery and Resilience Plans, presenting observations andfigures based on publicly available information. Further sections deal with the pending assessment of some Recoveryand Resilience Plans; the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, with a presentation of the financialand loan agreements and of operational arrangements; the assessment of milestones and targets; the provisions ondisbursements and Commission’s delegated acts. The briefing also presents the state of play of disbursements underthe Facility. Furthermore, the briefing provides some information on the regional and euro area dimensions andhighlights the relationship between the Facility and the European Semester going forward. It also refers to other EGOVpapers.

In-Depth Analysis EN

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Pollution and the spread of Covid-19Publication type Study

Date 09-12-2021External author DG, EPRS

Policy area Coronavirus | Environment | Forward Planning | Public HealthSummary Epidemiological studies of Covid-19 have, in most cases, provided inconclusive results to date regarding the role of air

pollution in the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the geographical spread of the disease, both regionally andglobally. The present review analysed just under 6 000 articles published up to 31 May 2021, looking at the role ofpollution and air quality factors in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and in the geographical differences in Covid-19propagation. A body of evidence shows that chronic and short-term exposure to different fractions of aerosols andtypes of air pollution exacerbates symptoms, affects co-morbidities and increases mortality rates for respiratorydiseases similar to Covid 19, as well as for Covid-19. Although other pathways can contribute, the airborne route islikely to be the dominant mode. There is consistent and increasing evidence that SARS-CoV-2 spreads by airbornetransmission, and it is possible that different variants have different environmental sensitivities. Safer indoorenvironments are required, not only to protect unvaccinated people and those for whom vaccines fail, but also to detervaccine-resistant variants or novel airborne threats that may appear at any time. The public health community,governments and health agencies should act accordingly, referring to this mode as the principal mode of transmissionin their recommendations and statements, enhancing associated research and improving monitoring networks.

Study EN

The potential of hydrogen for decarbonising EU industryPublication type Study

Date 09-12-2021External author DG, EPRS

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Energy | Environment | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | ForwardPlanning | Research Policy

Summary Given the vast potential for renewable electricity generation, the production of renewable hydrogen is a promisingoption for the hard-to-decarbonise energy-intensive industry sectors. A growing hydrogen sector will also result in jobcreation and economic growth while fostering innovation and reducing pollution. The European Commission publishedits Hydrogen Strategy in 2020 with the aim of boosting hydrogen use in the EU while promoting the uptake ofrenewable hydrogen production. Recent activities, such as the launch of the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance andthe EU Innovation Fund, the formation of Hydrogen Valleys and the promotion of Important Projects of CommonEuropean Interest (IPCEIs), provide promising first steps to foster a European hydrogen economy. Nevertheless,important policy gaps still need to be addressed. This study takes stock of the current situation with respect to therealisation of the EU Hydrogen Strategy and identifies policy options to address gaps in the current landscape.

Study EN

Annex 1 EN

2021 Sakharov Prize laureate: Alexey NavalnyPublication type At a Glance

Date 08-12-2021Author RUSSELL Martin

Policy area Foreign Affairs | Human RightsSummary Respect for fundamental freedoms is a core value of the EU, which it promotes through its external policy. The

European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize honours the work of human rights defenders. With human rights under attack inmany parts of the world, the Prize remains as relevant as ever. This year it is awarded to Russian opposition activistAlexey Navalny, whose brave refusal to be silenced recalls the work of Soviet-era dissidents such as AndreySakharov. The Sakharov Prize will be presented at a ceremony during the European Parliament's December plenarysession, although Navalny himself will be unable to attend due to his being in jail.

At a Glance XL, ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

EU cooperation on health technology assessmentPublication type At a Glance

Date 08-12-2021Author AMAND-EECKHOUT Laurence

Policy area Public HealthSummary During the December plenary session, the European Parliament is expected to vote at second reading on a European

Commission proposal to strengthen EU-level cooperation among Member States on assessing health technologies.Improved cooperation would profit national health systems and producers of medicines and medical devices, asapproval procedures would be simplified, while also benefiting patients thanks to innovative, safe and effective healthtechnologies becoming available more quickly.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 21

Combating gender-based cyber-violencePublication type At a Glance

Date 08-12-2021Author SHREEVES Rosamund

Policy area Gender Issues, Equality and DiversitySummary As the world moves online, forms of violence that already affect women and girls disproportionately are following suit,

and digital technologies are enabling them to take on new guises. The EU does not have a legislative framework toaddress this gender-based violence, despite its harmful impacts on individuals, society and democracy. A legislative-initiative report calling for EU legislation to fight gender-based cyber-violence, and provide its victims across the Unionwith equal protection is expected to be put to the vote during Parliament's December 2021 plenary session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Parliament's negotiating position on the digital markets actPublication type At a Glance

Date 08-12-2021Author MADIEGA Tambiama André

Policy area Consumer Protection | Internal Market and Customs UnionSummary In December 2020, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a digital markets act (DMA) designed to ensure

a level playing-field in online markets and regulate the behaviour of digital platforms that act as gatekeepers. TheParliament is now preparing to debate and vote on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO)report on the proposed act, during the December 2021 plenary session. The approved text will then becomeParliament's mandate for negotiations with European Union (EU) governments.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

New guidelines for EU humanitarian actionPublication type At a Glance

Date 08-12-2021Author PICHON Eric

Policy area Development and Humanitarian AidSummary The number of people worldwide needing humanitarian assistance is set to rise to 274 million in 2022, nearly two thirds

more than in 2020. Nowadays, humanitarian crises last on average more than nine years; aid is often insufficient, andhumanitarian law violated more frequently. The European Commission has proposed new ways of working withpartners and other donors around the world to react faster to emergencies and deliver humanitarian aid moreeffectively. An own-initiative report on new guidelines for EU humanitarian action, tabled by the European Parliament'sCommittee on Development, is scheduled for a plenary vote in December.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

A European framework for employee participation rightsPublication type At a Glance

Date 08-12-2021Author KISS Monika

Policy area EmploymentSummary Several European Union (EU) legal instruments support Member States' efforts to ensure employees are informed of

and participate in decision-making processes at work. While European Works Councils (EWCs) provide importantfacilitation of industrial relations, EU-level rules on workers' representation have proven difficult to understand, with asometimes contradictory structure. The European Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) Committee hasdrafted an own-initiative report that seeks to create clarity through proposing a new EU framework in this field.Parliament is expected to consider this report during the December 2021 plenary session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Cooperation in the fight against organised crime in the Western BalkansPublication type At a Glance

Date 08-12-2021Author STANICEK BRANISLAV

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary Unequivocal support for the European perspective of Western Balkan countries was reiterated by participants at the

EU-Western Balkans summit in Brdo on 6 October 2021, as well as in the European Commission's October 2021enlargement package reports. Nevertheless, the Commission insists that all countries in the region need to continue toaccelerate and deepen reforms on independence of the judiciary, the fight against corruption, and the fight againsttransnational organised crime. Progress on the rule of law is part of the ‘fundamentals’, that remain open throughoutaccession negotiations, as it is considered essential and will determine the overall pace of the negotiations.International cooperation, such as agreements and joint actions with Europol, Eurojust, and Frontex are crucial as well.The European Parliament is set to vote during the December 2021 plenary session on an own-initiative report oncooperation in the fight against organised crime in the Western Balkans.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 22

Building up resilience to cross-border health threats: Moving towards a European health unionPublication type Briefing

Date 08-12-2021Author AMAND-EECKHOUT Laurence

Policy area Coronavirus | Public HealthKeyword coronavirus disease | crisis management | cross-border cooperation | disease prevention | emergency aid | epidemic |

epidemiology | exchange of information | proposal (EU) | public healthSummary On 11 November 2020, the European Commission put forward a proposal for a regulation on serious cross-border

threats to health. In the light of lessons learned from the coronavirus crisis, it aims to strengthen the EU's healthsecurity by revising Decision 1082/2013/EU (the 'Cross-Border Health Threats Decision'). The proposal was presentedin a package that also includes proposals to strengthen the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control(ECDC) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as first steps towards a European health union. Stakeholderswidely welcomed the proposal and the package. The European Parliament has repeatedly called for strongercooperation on health. Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety is responsible forthe file. The Council agreed its position on 23 July 2021. Parliament voted the committee report in plenary on 14September 2021, thereby setting its negotiating mandate and opening the way for interinstitutional negotiations. On 11November 2021, Parliament voted again on the proposal, to update its negotiation mandate to ensure coherencebetween the EU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and the proposed regulation oncross-border health threats. Third edition of a briefing originally drafted by Nicole Scholz. The 'EU Legislation inProgress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

Japan's global vision: Tokyo's evolving foresight practices, Indo-Pacific strategy and EU-partnershipPublication type Briefing

Date 08-12-2021Author NOONAN EAMONN

Policy area Foreign Affairs | Forward PlanningSummary Since 1970, Japan has developed a world-leading capacity for foresight. At the outset, the focus was on technology

and socio-economic development. Broader geopolitical and security aspects have become more pronounced in thepast decade. Concerns about global political changes have given rise to an enhanced strategic partnership betweenJapan and the European Union. Common challenges include shifts in global economic power, the emergence ofChina, and uncertainties around the United States' international engagement. While Japan and the European Unionhave differing security policy perspectives and capabilities, joint efforts can have a positive impact in areas such asinfrastructure, digital connectivity, overseas development assistance and energy sustainability. A shared vision oncommon challenges and responses is at the heart of the partnership between the European Union and Japan. Jointstrategic foresight activities, building on existing foresight capabilities on each side, could be considered as a means ofupdating and strengthening this shared vision.

Briefing EN

Improving the working conditions of platform workers: Pre-legislative synthesis of national, regional andlocal positions on the European Commission's initiative

Publication type BriefingDate 08-12-2021

Author KISS Monika | RITTELMEYER Yann-SvenPolicy area Employment | Social Policy | Transport

Summary This Briefing forms part of an EPRS series which offers a synthesis of the pre-legislative state-of-play and advanceconsultation on a range of key European Commission priorities during the latter’s five-year term in office. It seeks tosummarise the state of affairs in the relevant policy field, examine how existing policy is working on the ground, andidentify best practice and ideas for the future on the part of governmental organisations at all levels of Europeansystem of multilevel governance. An EPRS analysis of the positions of partner governmental organisations at EU,national, regional and local levels suggests that they would like the following main considerations to be reflected in thediscussion on the working conditions of platform workers: The employment status of platform workers has to beclarified. The binary system (employed or self-employed) is challenged by the specific characteristics of platform workand bogus self-employment. To give some examples, Ireland classifies workers on the basis of a series of tests, whilePortugal enacts a legal presumption that transport sector platform workers are employees. Platform workers have theright to be correctly informed. This can be facilitated by transparency, designated advisory services, informationcampaigns and communication channels among workers. Platforms must protect privacy, share information and datawith relevant (local) authorities, while artificial intelligence-based algorithms should be controlled by a humanapproach. Local and regional authorities are witnessing the negative social consequences of the limited rights ofplatform workers. Social measures should cover the specific needs of these workers in relation to sickness, accident,unemployment, protection at work and pension benefits. More investment should be made in skills development andrelevant training for platform workers. Transferability and certification of competences would, for example, supportcareer development. The asymmetry between national legislation and issues faced locally and regionally can bemitigated by complementary EU action and strong cooperation between the levels of governance. The role of cities inparticular should be acknowledged. Negotiation frameworks and charters, for example, can help all levels share goodpractices and learn about the impact of the measures taken.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 23

Implementation of the Stability and Growth Pact under pandemic timesPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 08-12-2021Author ANGERER Jost

Policy area Coronavirus | Economics and Monetary IssuesKeyword coronavirus disease | economic forecasting | epidemic | report | stability pact

Summary This document provides an overview of key developments under the preventive and corrective arms of the Stabilityand Growth Pact on the basis of the latest Commission and Council decisions and recommendations in the frameworkof the Stability and Growth Pact and the latest European Commission economic forecasts. This document is regularlyupdated.

In-Depth Analysis EN

What if hydrogen could help decarbonise European industry?Publication type At a Glance

Date 07-12-2021Author GARCIA HIGUERA ANDRES

Policy area Energy | Environment | Forward Planning | Regional DevelopmentSummary The European Union has an ambitious climate strategy and is looking for ways to boost technologies that will make it

possible. Could hydrogen and the deployment of related technology and infrastructure become a decisive factor indecarbonising specific industry sectors?

At a Glance EN

Women on Board Policies in Member States and the Effects on Corporate GovernancePublication type Study

Date 07-12-2021External author Anja KIRSCH

Policy area Gender Issues, Equality and DiversitySummary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional

Affairs at the request of the JURI Committee, provides an overview of women on board policies in the EU MemberStates. analyses, in more detail, policies and practices as well as their impact on women’s board presentation in Spain,France, Italy, the Netherlands and Germany. The study concludes by recommending a timely adoption of the adoptionof the proposed Directive COM(2012) 614 final of the European Parliament and of the Council on improving the genderbalance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges and related measures.

Study EN

Il diritto alla salute, una prospettiva di diritto comparato - Unione europeaPublication type Study

Date 06-12-2021External author Prof. Dr. Vincenzo SALVATORE, Università degli Studi dell’Insubria, Varese

Policy area EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Public HealthSummary Questo studio fa parte di un progetto più ampio, il cui scopo è quello di analizzare, nella prospettiva del diritto

comparato, il diritto alla salute in diversi Stati ed organizzazioni internazionali. Il presente studio è dedicato all’Unioneeuropea. Nella parte introduttiva dello studio verranno illustrate le disposizioni contenute nelle fonti di diritto primario ederivato in materia di tutela della salute, analizzate anche attraverso la giurisprudenza interpretativa della Corte digiustizia. Si sottolineerà in particolare la natura ancillare della competenza attribuita all’Unione europea rispetto aquella degli Stati membri, nonché come la tutela della salute sia stata, fino ad epoca recente, prevalentementeinvocata come limite alla libertà di circolazione delle persone e delle merci. Tuttavia, si evidenzierà come, al verificarsidi situazioni di emergenza sanitaria, come quella generata dalla recente pandemia, l’Unione europea assuma un ruolopiù incisivo, coordinando le iniziative assunte dagli Stati, maggiormente propensi a tollerare limitazioni di sovranità inambiti tradizionalmente considerati di riservato dominio.

Study IT

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 24

Revision of Annexes IV and V to the EU Regulation on Persistent Organic PollutantsPublication type Briefing

Date 03-12-2021Author KARAMFILOVA Ekaterina

Policy area EnvironmentSummary At the end of October 2021, the European Commission submitted a proposal for the revision of Regulation (EU)

2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and in particular its Annexes IV and V, which determine how wastecontaining POPs must be treated, i.e. whether waste could be recycled or must be destroyed or irreversiblytransformed. The proposal updates the concentration limits of certain (groups of) POP substances already regulated inAnnexes IV and V of the regulation, and also establishes concentration limits for substances that have not yet beenregulated by these annexes. The proposal thus ensures, on the one hand, implementation of the EU's commitments atinternational level (alignment of the EU legislation with developments at international level in the field of POPs, e.g.under the Stockholm Convention on POPs), and, on the other, alignment of the EU legislation with scientific andtechnical progress. It also aims to achieve an optimal balance between the ambitions of the European Green Deal notably, to ensure that human health and the environment are protected from the adverse effects caused by POPs,while also achieving toxic-free material cycles, more recycling and circularity, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.The recast of the regulation in 2019 envisaged that Annexes IV and V would be revised following the ordinarylegislative procedure. This briefing presents the findings of publicly accessible sources on the implementation of theEU legislation in terms of its scope and subject to revision.

Briefing EN

Central bank digital currencies: Evolution or revolution?Publication type Briefing

Date 02-12-2021Author DELIVORIAS Angelos

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary Payment systems are of vital importance for today's economies and are the core activity of central banks. To adapt to

recent trends – including the decline in cash usage, the surge in online commerce and contactless forms of payment,and the creation of cryptocurrencies – central banks have, in recent years, explored the possibility of issuing digitalcurrencies themselves. Proponents of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) note that, among other things, they can:alleviate the problem of concentration of the payments infrastructure; facilitate instantaneous and cheaper execution ofpayments; discourage illicit activity and rein in the shadow economy; spur competition in the payment industry; reducethe problem of banks being ‘too big to fail’; promote financial inclusion; contribute to financial stability; preserve theEU’s sovereignty over transactions; help facilitate monetary policy; and support the international role of the euro.Critics of CBDCs range from those who question the need for such currencies altogether, to those who point out therisks, including the possibility that CBDCs could: amplify the international spillover effects of shocks; curtail theautonomy of less powerful economies in their monetary policy, and even substitute their domestic currency; facilitatetax avoidance or a loss of domestic oversight capabilities; put at risk the variety of payment instruments available tohouseholds; create undesired volatility in exchange rates; and put banks’ deposit bases under threat, with negativeimplications for credit provision and output. The European Central Bank (ECB) is involved in the general discussionabout the design and launch of CBDCs. In October 2020, it published a report on a digital euro, identifying anddiscussing features of and options for a euro-area CBDC. In July 2021, the ECB launched an investigation phase,which should last 2 years and aims to address key issues of design and distribution. The European Parliament, as wellas other stakeholders, is expected to participate actively in this phase.

Briefing EN

Including the costs of owner-occupied housing in inflation measurementPublication type Briefing

Date 02-12-2021Author HOFLMAYR MARTIN

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary Housing costs make up a significant part of households' final consumption expenditures. However, these costs are

only partially captured by the inflation indicator on which the European Central Bank (ECB) bases its monetary policydecisions. While the costs of paying rent feed into the harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP) – the indicatorused to assess the achievement of the ECB's price stability objective – the costs of living in a home owned by theoccupier do not. Instead, only expenditure for maintenance and minor repairs is currently included. More than twothirds of the EU population live in a home owned by their household. At the same time, house prices surged by 19 %between 2010 and 2019, with particularly large increases in the last 4 years. In its monetary policy strategy review, theECB outlined a roadmap to take owner-occupied housing into account in its inflation target. However, severalconceptual and methodological questions need to be answered, from the measuring approach to the collection ofreliable data at an adequate frequency. Academic research suggests that the inclusion of costs of owner-occupiedhousing in the inflation index would only lead to a marginal deviation in the price measure. However, owing to the oftenprocyclical and volatile nature of such costs, their inclusion does not always drive inflation. Moreover, because of theasynchrony of housing-market cycles, inflation levels would likely be more dispersed across EU Member States onceowner-occupied housing costs are included in the HICP. As a first step, the European Parliament stressed in itsresolution on the ECB's 2020 annual report that the HICP is a 'very narrow concept of inflation measurement' thatunderestimates inflation in the euro area. While stronger methodological harmonisation efforts are needed to establishan augmented HICP, the inclusion of owner-occupied housing costs in the inflation measure would better reflect actualand perceived price dynamics, even though the overall effects are likely to be marginal.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 25

Single Resolution Board: Accountability arrangements (9th parliamentary term)Publication type Briefing

Date 02-12-2021Author MAGNUS Marcel

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesKeyword appointment of members | company in difficulties | Economic and Monetary Union | European Parliament | financial

control | financial solvency | institutional activity | interinstitutional cooperation (EU) | public hearing | summarisingSummary This document provides an overview of public hearings and exchange of views with the Chair of the Single Resolution

Board (SRB) in the ECON Committee since July 2019. It also provides an overview of all external papers requested bythe ECON Committee by a standing panel of banking experts. Lastly, the annex contains an overview of the respectivelegal bases for these hearings as part of the accountability framework of the SRB. For an overview of public hearingsduring the 8th parliamentary term, please see here.

Briefing EN

Single Supervisory Mechanism: Accountability arrangements (9th parliamentary term)Publication type Briefing

Date 02-12-2021Author MAGNUS Marcel

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesKeyword EU banking union | European Central Bank | financial institution | financial intervention | financial stability | financial

supervision | market intervention | powers of the institutions (EU) | public hearing | summarisingSummary This document provides an overview of public hearings and exchange of views with the Chair of the European Central

Bank (ECB) Supervisory Board in the ECON Committee since July 2019. It also provides an overview of all externalpapers requested by the ECON Committee by a standing panel of banking experts. Lastly, the annex contains anoverview of the respective legal bases for these hearings as part of the accountability framework of the SingleSupervisory Mechanism (SSM). For an overview of public hearings during the 8th parliamentary term, please see here.

Briefing EN

Public finances in Euro Area Member States: Selected indicators - November 2021Publication type Briefing

Date 02-12-2021Author TEIXEIRA DA CUNHA INES | ZOPPÉ Alice

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary This document presents selected indicators on public finance for the Euro Area Member States and the Euro Area as a

whole. For each indicator, it provides a short explanation and the data sources. The final section presents a shortoverview of the main indicators used by the European and other international institutions to assess debt sustainability.

Briefing EN

Breaking cycles of disadvantage through education: An EU perspectivePublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 02-12-2021Author CHIRCOP Denise

Policy area EducationSummary This analysis looks at statistics on perpetuated disadvantage in education and training, and studies a number of

contributing factors by looking at evidence from case studies and other research that investigates the development ofeducational systems. It also analyses the extent to which reforms have been possible and the complex reasons behindthem. Finally, it looks at the role of support and cooperation provided at EU level and the position of the EuropeanParliament favouring a lifelong learning approach that is both inclusive and forward looking.

In-Depth Analysis EN

The implementation of the 2015 Concluding Observations of the CRPD Committee by the EUPublication type Study

Date 02-12-2021External author SMITS J.C.

Policy area Education | Employment | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | Petitions tothe European Parliament | Social Policy | Transport

Summary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the Committee on Petitions, examines the level of implementation of the 2015 ConcludingObservations of the CRPD Committee by the EU, in the view of the next monitoring and reporting cycle. It reveals thatwhile some recommendations have been followed up by the EU through its Disability strategies and legislative andpolicy action, important gaps remain, notably in those areas where the EU has limited competences, or politicalsupport is lacking.

Study EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 26

ASEAN: Economic indicators and trade with EUPublication type At a Glance

Date 01-12-2021Author MACSAI GYORGYI | SABBATI Giulio

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | International TradeSummary The economies of most ASEAN countries contracted due to the turmoil caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

Three of them, however, (Brunei, Myanmar/Burma and Vietnam) still managed to grow in terms of GDP, although at amuch slower rate than in previous years. Despite the fact that the value of trade in goods declined by 10 % to €189billion, the ASEAN countries remain an important partner for the EU, collectively representing 5 % of the EU’s overalltrade in 2020, ranking in sixth place after China, USA, APEC members (other than ASEAN), the UK and Switzerland.At the same time the EU is the fourth biggest trade partner of the ASEAN group after China, other APEC members andthe USA. Mechanical appliances, electrical equipment and agri-food make up half of the trade in goods between thetwo blocs, both for exports and on the import side.

At a Glance EN

The NIS2 Directive: A high common level of cybersecurity in the EUPublication type Briefing

Date 01-12-2021Author NEGREIRO ACHIAGA Maria Del Mar

Policy area IndustryKeyword computer crime | critical infrastructure security | data protection | directive (EU) | European security | European Union

Agency for Cybersecurity | impact study | information security | information warfare | proposal (EU) | public consultationSummary The Network and Information Security (NIS) Directive is the first piece of EU-wide legislation on cybersecurity, and its

specific aim was to achieve a high common level of cybersecurity across the Member States. While it increased theMember States' cybersecurity capabilities, its implementation proved difficult, resulting in fragmentation at differentlevels across the internal market. To respond to the growing threats posed with digitalisation and the surge in cyber-attacks, the Commission has submitted a proposal to replace the NIS Directive and thereby strengthen the securityrequirements, address the security of supply chains, streamline reporting obligations, and introduce more stringentsupervisory measures and stricter enforcement requirements, including harmonised sanctions across the EU. Theproposed expansion of the scope covered by the NIS2, by effectively obliging more entities and sectors to takemeasures, would assist in increasing the level of cybersecurity in Europe in the longer term. Within the EuropeanParliament, the file has been assigned to the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. The committee adoptedits report on 28 October 2021, as well as a mandate to enter into interinstitutional negotiations.

Briefing EN

Towards a joint Western alternative to the Belt and Road Initiative?Publication type Briefing

Date 01-12-2021Author GRIEGER Gisela

Policy area Foreign Affairs | Global GovernanceSummary Since the People's Republic of China (PRC) launched its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013, President Xi Jinping's

signature foreign policy project has drawn widespread criticism, including for challenging the traditional model ofmultilateral infrastructure financing. Western-led bilateral and plurilateral infrastructure and connectivity initiativesdesigned as alternatives have remained fragmented and have been dwarfed in scope and scale by a geographicallyand thematically rapidly expanding BRI, which has thrived on an attractive brand and a streamlined authoritarian one-stop-shop project management system. In contrast to Japan, it has taken the EU and the US years to respond withseparate regional strategies reflecting their distinct geopolitical outlook and economic relations with the PRC. Themanifold implications of the PRC's use of physical and digital infrastructure projects as a foreign policy tool to expandits sphere of influence both across the world and within international organisations have been widely under-estimated.At their 2021 G7 Summit, however, leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US agreedon a global 'values-driven, high-standard and transparent infrastructure partnership', known as the 'Build Back BetterWorld' (B3W) initiative, which echoes US President Joe Biden's 2020 'Build Back Better' campaign trail slogan. It is thefirst collective attempt of major democracies to craft a sustainable and targeted alternative to the BRI and to addressthe challenges it poses to the rules-based international order. It seeks to help fill, by 2035, an infrastructure gap in lowand medium-income countries estimated at US$40+ trillion, by leveraging public development finance to mobiliseuntapped private-sector funds. Trends in the flows of global private infrastructure investment suggest that the initiativewill face opportunities and challenges. The European Parliament's 2021 resolution on connectivity and EU-Asiarelations calls for an EU global connectivity strategy as an extension of the 2018 Europe-Asia connectivity strategy, inorder to strengthen the EU's role as a geopolitical and geo-economic actor with a single narrative, and to broadenpartnerships with democracies across the world that share the EU's fundamental values.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 27

EU action plan for the social economy: Pre-legislative synthesis of national, regional and local positionson the European Commission's initiative

Publication type BriefingDate 01-12-2021

Author COLLOVA Claudio | MILOTAY NoraPolicy area Social Policy

Summary This Briefing forms part of an EPRS series which offers a synthesis of the pre-legislative state-of-play and advanceconsultation on a range of key European Commission priorities during the latter's five-year term in office. It seeks tosummarise the state of affairs in the relevant policy field, examine how existing policy is working on the ground, andidentify best practice and ideas for the future on the part of governmental organisations at all levels of Europeansystem of multilevel governance. An EPRS analysis of the positions of partner organisations at European Union (EU),national, regional and local levels suggests that they would like the following main considerations to be reflected in thediscussion on the forthcoming European action plan for the social economy. There is broad consensus that access tofinance requires diversified funding options and that synergies should be established between regional, national andEU funds. Funding under Next Generation EU has the potential to be a positive game-changer for the social economyin Europe. When it comes to framework conditions, the need to increase the visibility of the social economy is widelyrecognised. Public authorities particularly suggest visualising the impact of social economy enterprises and setting upan online platform where social actors can interact. Access to markets could benefit from strengthening the business-to-government channel. Regional governmental organisations advocate stronger inter-regional cooperation within theEU. As an example of good practice, the European Committee of the Regions identifies the social economy thematicplatform under the smart specialisation strategy, which comprises seven regions in six Member States. According topublic authorities, some tools, the European social economy regions (ESER) scheme for example, could be furtherpromoted to strengthen the global dimension of the EU's neighbourhood policy. There is also further potential to link upwith the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations (UN). Somegovernmental organisations signalled their intention to invest in new technologies, such as cloud computing, big data,blockchain and robotisation. Finally, new business models could be created by paying attention to cross-cutting issuessuch as gender equality and the ability of the social economy to find solutions adapted to rural areas. Overall, thesocial economy is seen as a way to solve local problems, including employment, inclusion, care and education, with abottom-up approach.

Briefing EN

The misuse of social media platforms and other communication channels by authoritarian regimes:Lessons learned

Publication type In-Depth AnalysisDate 01-12-2021

External author Lukas ANDRIUKAITIS, Jakub KALENSKY, Simin KARGAR, Elene PANCHULIDZE, Joanna SMĘTEK, AnastasVANGELI

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Coronavirus | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and ParliamentaryLaw | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | Human Rights

Summary Disinformation has continued to spread in recent years, receiving a significant boost during the COVID-19 pandemicand constituting one of the most pressing threats for democratic countries. Authoritarian regimes have played their partin the proliferation of manipulated content, particularly disinformation. This paper analyses recent instances of themisuse of social media platforms and other communication channels perpetrated by authoritarian regimes in Iran,China, and Russia to influence the public opinion and democratic processes in Yemen and Syria, Taiwan, andGeorgia, respectively, focusing on disinformation in particular. The authors draw lessons for the EU in relation to theactors involved, highlighting the impact of disinformation, the disparity of resources between perpetrators andresponders, and the importance of independent media and a whole-of-society approach. By juxtaposing localexperiences with analysis of EU instruments, the authors arrive at a set of recommendations, which highlight the needto: focus on various disinformation perpetrators beyond Russia; support independent media and civil society initiatives;collect comparable data within the EU; develop mechanisms targeting perpetrators and increasing the cost of engagingin disinformation; develop proactive and pre-emptive campaigns against disinformation; and increase coordination andcooperation within the EU around the issue of disinformation.

In-Depth Analysis EN

World AIDS Day 2021: 1 DecemberPublication type At a Glance

Date 30-11-2021Author AMAND-EECKHOUT Laurence

Policy area Public HealthSummary World AIDS Day, proclaimed by the United Nations in 1988, takes place each year on 1 December. The aim is to raise

awareness, fight prejudice, encourage progress in prevention, and improve treatment around the world. Althoughinfection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is preventable, significant HIV transmission remains achallenge to EU Member States' health systems. This year's theme 'End inequalities. End AIDS.' underlines the urgentneed to tackle economic, social and cultural inequalities in order to end AIDS by 2030.

At a Glance DE, EN, FR

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 28

Valéry Giscard d'Estaing: The optimist of the European integration processPublication type Briefing

Date 30-11-2021Author PERCHOC Philippe

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary Valéry Giscard d'Estaing was one of Europe's leading figures in the generation which came after that of the founding

fathers. He was close to Jean Monnet, but he himself said that his main source of inspiration was Robert Schuman.For both Schuman and Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, their relationship with Germany was a thread running through theirlives. Valéry Giscard d'Estaing was born in Koblenz, Germany, where his father had been posted in the Frenchadministration after the First World War. Giscard d'Estaing was involved in the liberation of Paris at a very young ageand then in military operations at the end of the Second World War. After studying engineering, he chose a career inpublic administration, going on to be an economic adviser in various post-war French governments. He was laterelected as an MP in Auvergne, where his family had roots, and was then appointed Secretary of State for Finance atthe very young age of 32. He held various ministerial positions in this field, moving in European circles and spendingtime with colleagues from other European Community Member States. Elected French President in 1974, he favoureda policy of economic and social liberalism. His main accomplishments came in the areas of women's, young people'sand disabled persons' rights. At international level, he drew on the support of the German Chancellor, Helmut Schmidt,to develop political and monetary initiatives. Defeated in the 1981 elections, he continued his political career atregional, national and European level. He carried on working to bring about monetary union and develop the Franco-German partnership, before chairing the Convention on the Future of Europe, which culminated in the drafting of theConstitutional Treaty. Despite his disappointment at the rejection of that treaty, he continued to serve Europe until theend of his life.

Briefing DE, EN, FR

Prospects for EU economic recovery [What Think Tanks are thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 30-11-2021Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Public HealthSummary Uncertainty is growing over the recovery of the European economy from the recession generated by the Covid-19

pandemic. The European Commission has painted an optimistic growth scenario in its most recent forecast, with theeconomy expected to expand by 5 per cent and 4.3 per cent in 2021 and 2022 respectively. However, an increasingnumber of analysts see the potential for growth dampened by new restrictions in the run-up to Christmas this yeargiven a fourth/fifth wave of the pandemic currently gripping Europe, compounded by the discovery of a new variant ofthe coronavirus. Higher inflation, partly resulting from high energy prices and disrupted supply chains, is also seen as athreat to the economy of the euro area and the wider EU, as are high public debt levels in many countries. This notegathers links to recent publications and commentaries from many international think tanks on the state of the Europeaneconomy and on debates on how to reform it.

Briefing EN

The European Council in 2019Publication type Study

Date 30-11-2021Author WORUM ASTRID

External author Dinan, DesmondPolicy area Democracy

Summary The year 2019 provided a respite for the European Council from crisis management, but was not without majorchallenges. Three stood out: the Spitzenkandidaten process for selecting the next President of the EuropeanCommission; Brexit, which unexpectedly remained on the agenda of the European Council throughout the year; andpolicy towards climate change. The European Council had mixed feelings about the Spitzenkandidaten process, withone of its leading members being adamantly opposed. That set the stage for a bruising battle, which culminated in anepic special summit, lasting from 30 June to 2 July. None of the transnational parties’ lead candidates received theEuropean Council’s nomination. Instead, the European Council nominated a relative outsider, Ursula von der Leyen,as part of a package of appointments to leading EU positions, the cleverness of which managed to overcomedifferences among national leaders. Meanwhile, the inability of the UK government to win parliamentary support for theWithdrawal Agreement obliged the UK to request extensions of the deadline. Much to its surprise, the EuropeanCouncil met in the Article 50 format on four occasions in 2019, the last one being on 13 December, to discusspreparations for the negotiations on future EU-UK relations after the UK’s eventual departure, which happened on 31January 2020. Climate was another issue to the fore in 2019, as the European Council sought to reach unanimity on acommitment by the EU to cut net carbon emissions to zero by 2050. Failure to reach unanimity, during difficultnegotiations at the December summit, was seen as a setback for the new President of the European Council, CharlesMichel, who was attending his first meeting of the institution in that capacity.

Study EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 29

Trade aspects of the EU-Mercosur Association AgreementPublication type Study

Date 30-11-2021External author Jan Hagemejer, Andreas Maurer, Bettina Rudloff, Peter-Tobias Stoll, Stephen Woolcock, Andréia Costa Vieira,

Kristina Mensah, Katarzyna SidłoPolicy area International Trade

Summary In this study we analyse the provisions of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement (EUMETA) in its form presented by theEuropean Commission. Our analysis covers the potential macroeconomic effects of the agreement that are based onthe analysis of the extent of trade liberalisation through the lens of a computable general simulation model, as well asmore detailed analysis of trade structure, tariff structure, non-tariff protection and the trade-related provisions of theagreement including trade in services and government procurement. Moreover, we analyse the institutional provisionsof the EU-Mercosur Association agreement (EUMEAA) in relation to the positioning of the European Parliament andcivil society. We place a special focus on the agri-food sector and some selected sensitive subsectors. The quantitativeassessments are amended by qualitative analysis, in particular with regard to the trade and sustainable developmentchapter of the agreement, issues related to food security and an overview of existing approaches on sustainabledevelopment in the Mercosur countries.

Study EN

Envisioning International Justice: what role for the ICC?Publication type Study

Date 30-11-2021External author Olympia BEKOU, Triestino MARINIELLO, Yvonne MCDERMOTT

Policy area Foreign Affairs | Global Governance | Human Rights | Public international lawSummary The workshop discussed future scenarios for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the EU’s engagement with the

court. Against the background of an ongoing review of the Court and the Rome Statute system, the workshop wasorganised upon the request of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee for Human Rights, and followed theappointment of a new ICC Prosecutor. Speakers identified key challenges for the Court, including: the unstable andfragmented political support by states; the mismatch between resources and growing demands for legal action,requiring difficult and well justified choices by the Prosecutor; allegations of bias and of politicisation; and the need foreffective communication with victims and affected communities. The workshop underscored the central role of the EUin upholding the ICC as a central pillar of the multilateral system, but drew also attention to complementary avenues foraccountability, such as the use of universal jurisdiction. This report brings together the background briefings preparedby law experts for the workshop and a summary of the debate with Members, academics, civil society experts and EUrepresentatives.

Study EN

Carbon farming | Making agriculture fit for 2030Publication type Study

Date 30-11-2021External author Hugh McDonald, Ana Frelih-Larsen, Clunie Keenleyside, Anna Lóránt, Laurens Duin, Sarah Pyndt Andersen, Giulia

Costa, Gabrielle Aubert, Nora HillerPolicy area Environment

Summary Carbon farming refers to sequestering and storing carbon and/or reducing greenhouse gas emissions at farm level. Itoffers significant but uncertain mitigation potential in the EU, can deliver co-benefits to farmers and society, but alsocarries risks that need to be managed. The report identifies opportunities and constraints for carbon farming, optionsfor financing, and open questions that need to be resolved to scale up carbon farming in a way that delivers robustclimate mitigation and European Union Green Deal objectives.

Study EN

EU and US clean energy innovation policy: EU-US ExplainerPublication type At a Glance

Date 29-11-2021Author JENSEN LISELOTTE

External author European Parliament Liaison Office in Washington DCPolicy area Energy

Summary Achieving climate neutrality may depend on a few technologies: The International Energy Agency scenario for net zeroby 2070 predicts that half of the emissions reductions depend on low-carbon hydrogen, carbon capture, utilisation andstorage (CCUS), bioenergy, and electrification of end-use sectors such as heating and transport. Further investment inresearch and development (R&D) is essential for helping commercialise these technologies. Yet energy sector R&Dspending is stymied by high capital costs, long development timelines, and scarce opportunities for demonstration andde-risking. This drives away venture capital funds, which invested US$1 billion in US energy companies in 2019,compared to US$20 billion in healthcare and US$70 billion in information technology (IT) companies. Moreover, only asmall share of private clean energy investment supports innovative companies, with the majority financing maturetechnologies like wind and solar. In fact, solar is mature today largely thanks to R&D, which was the most importantdriver of cost reductions from 1980 to 2012, more decisive than economies of scale or 'learning by doing'. As the EUand USA increasingly recognise the potential locked in breakthrough, clean-energy technologies, they are upgradingtheir innovation journey with a focus on market deployment.

At a Glance EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 30

'Fit for 55' legislative package: Strengthening the CO2 emission performance standards for newpassenger cars and new light commercial vehicles

Publication type BriefingDate 29-11-2021

Author VIKOLAINEN VeraPolicy area Ex-ante Impact Assessment

Summary The IA undertakes a quantitative assessment of the economic, social and environmental impacts of strengthening theCO2 targets for cars and vans, using modelling tools with proven track record in supporting EU policy-making. Itidentifies and quantifies the costs and benefits of the combination of preferred options and qualitatively describesindirect costs and benefits. Despite the related considerable effort, the IA seems to define the problem at a ratheraggregated level and does not provide further details as to which consumers, which parts of the value chain in whichMember States are affected and at what scale. Furthermore, the IA does not explain how the CTP scenarios - whichdefine the level of ambition increase for light- and heavy duty vehicles broadly as 'low', 'medium' or 'high' - resulted inthe CO2 emission target levels for 2035 and 2040.

Briefing EN

A common charger for electronic devices: Revision of the Radio Equipment DirectivePublication type Briefing

Date 29-11-2021Author SAJN Nikolina

Policy area Consumer Protection | Internal Market and Customs UnionSummary On 23 September 2021, the European Commission adopted a legislative proposal to amend the 2014 Radio

Equipment Directive, as a first step towards mandating a common charger for mobile phones and other small portabledevices. Under the proposal, these devices would have to be equipped with a USB Type-C receptacle that can becharged with cables compatible with USB Type C, and to incorporate the USB Power Delivery communication protocol.The proposal would go hand in hand with an initiative on the eco-design of external power supplies, so that thereceptacle and the communication protocol for both ends of charger cables would be harmonised. The EuropeanParliament has long been in favour of harmonising chargers for mobile phones and other small portable devices, andhas in recent years called on the Commission to act urgently. Associations representing consumers have welcomedthe Commission proposal and called for the final act to also include wireless charging, while organisations representingbusinesses are more likely to favour a voluntary approach, warning that harmonisation would stifle innovation. Firstedition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

Public hearing with Elke König, Chair of the Single Resolution Board ECON on 1 December 2021Publication type Briefing

Date 29-11-2021Author DIAS BORGES FARRAJOTA CATARINA | GRIGAITE KRISTINA | MAGNUS Marcel | SLOCOCK OLIVER | TEIXEIRA

DA CUNHA INESPolicy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking Issues

Summary This note is prepared in view of an ordinary public hearing with the Chair of the Single Resolution Board (SRB), ElkeKönig, which will take place on 1 December 2021. This briefing addresses the following topics: (i) cooperation withother authorities, (ii) home/host authorities and the issue of internal MREL, (iii) evolution of MREL stock and shortfalls,(iv) contributions to the Single Resolution Fund, and (v) summaries of external papers on the status quo ofimpediments to resolvability.

Briefing EN

Impediments to resolvability – what is the status quoPublication type Study

Date 29-11-2021External author Christos V. GORTSOS

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary This study develops on the status quo in relation to the assessment of resolvability of credit institutions and banking

groups in the Banking Union and the removal of substantive impediments to their resolvability under the EU legalframework governing banking resolution, as in force, taking due account of the policies developed in that respect bythe Single Resolution Board within the Single Resolution Mechanism.

Study EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 31

Plenary round-up – November II 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 26-11-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary Due to the deteriorating Covid 19 situation, the November II plenary session in Strasbourg was again organised with

the possibility for Members to vote remotely. Parliament debated a number of Council and European Commissionstatements, including on: coordination of Member States' coronavirus measures; police violence against Roma people;preparation of the 12th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference; state of the Energy Union; a European actionplan against rare diseases; and on international port congestion and increased transport costs. Members also debatedthe conclusions of the European Council meeting of 21 22 October 2021, and heard Council and Commissionstatements on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Parliament adopted several resolutions and legislative acts,inter alia on a European strategy for critical raw materials, EU sports policy, and on a pharmaceutical strategy forEurope.

At a Glance EN

Strategic Compass: Towards adoptionPublication type At a Glance

Date 26-11-2021Author LAZAROU Eleni

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary On 15 November 2021, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the

Commission (HR/VP) Josep Borrell presented the draft European Union (EU) 'Strategic Compass'. Amidst geopoliticalcompetition, rising threats, accelerated technological development, climate crisis and global instability, the compassaims to facilitate a 'common sense of purpose' in Union security and defence, strengthen action, deepen partnerships,and stimulate innovation. On 30 November 2021, Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) willhold an exchange of views on the state of play of the Strategic Compass.

At a Glance EN

European Commission Work Programme for 2022Publication type Briefing

Date 25-11-2021Author HAHNKAMPER-VANDENBULCKE Nora | VETTORAZZI STEFANO

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary On 19 October 2021, the European Commission presented its work programme for 2022 (CWP 2022), setting out its

legislative and non-legislative intentions for 2022. The CWP 2022 perpetuates the CWP 2021's twofold ambition (i.e. torecover from the pandemic and to boost the Commission's transformative agenda). A special emphasis is put onhelping the Union emerge stronger and more resilient. This should be achieved by implementing the measures agreedover the last year, and through additional investments and reforms in order to 'accelerate the twin green and digitaltransitions, and build a fairer, more resilient and more cohesive society'. The briefing is intended as a backgroundoverview for parliamentary committees, explaining the CWP 2022’s structure and key aspects, and providinginformation on two types of EPRS publications of interest with a view to the upcoming legislative proposals: initialappraisals of Commission impact assessments and implementation appraisals.

Briefing EN

Resilience of global supply chains: Challenges and solutionsPublication type Briefing

Date 25-11-2021Author SZCZEPANSKI Marcin

Policy area International TradeSummary The growing importance of global supply chains has fundamentally changed the way the global economy and goods

manufacturing are organised. While trade conducted through global supply chains has fallen somewhat as a share oftotal trade since the 2008-2010 global financial and economic crisis, more than two-thirds of international trade stillinvolves transactions made possible by such chains. The EU is profoundly involved in these production chains, moreso than most other countries, and significantly more than both the United States and China. The pandemic disruptedmany supply chains at its outbreak, and the subsequent economic recovery, the strongest on record, led to enormousfurther strain on the global supply system; surging demand, coupled with shortages of workers, ships, containers, aircargo space and clogged ports, created a 'perfect storm'. Supply chain bottlenecks are starting to weigh on theeconomic recovery, slowing growth and leading to delays, holding back the manufacturing sector and fuelling inflation.The EU had recognised its strategic dependence on some foreign inputs even before the pandemic, and had started toseek ways to increase its autonomy – a quest which has been accelerated by the impact of the coronavirus. Toimprove the resilience of supply chains, the EU is applying a policy mix that aims to increase domestic capacity,diversify suppliers and support the multilateral rules-based trade environment; it has also enhanced its cooperationwith the US on supply chains. Other like-minded countries apply a similar policy mix, focusing on supporting reshoringor nearshoring. While this situation is not ideal, global supply chains are hard to reconfigure, and increasing theirresilience is a time-consuming and costly process. Moreover, most experts predict that reshoring or nearshoring will beof limited importance. With time, though, resilience may improve through international cooperation, diversification andthe accelerated uptake of digital technologies.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 32

European Parliament scrutiny of FrontexPublication type Briefing

Date 25-11-2021Author DEL MONTE Micaela | LUYTEN KATRIEN

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 transformed Frontex into the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, and gave the

European Parliament a range of tools affording it oversight of the agency's activities. In addition to budgetarydischarge, these include an obligation for the agency to provide information to the Parliament, a key role for theParliament in appointing the agency's executive director, and attendance on invitation by a Parliament expert atFrontex management board meetings. These tools effectively make the Parliament the key player in terms ofdemocratic oversight of the agency. In 2020, amidst allegations of Frontex's possible involvement in pushbacks andviolations of fundamental rights by Member States' authorities at the EU's external borders, the Parliament'sCommittee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) decided to investigate the allegations. The Parliamentused both ex-ante and ex-post accountability instruments, as part of which it asked questions demanding oral andwritten answers, requested the Frontex executive director to appear before the LIBE committee to answer Members'questions, and decided to postpone the discharge of Frontex' accounts in respect of the financial year 2019 (dischargewas subsequently given in October 2021). In January 2021, LIBE decided to step up its action and established theFrontex Scrutiny Working Group (FSWG) to monitor all aspects of the functioning of the agency, including compliancewith fundamental rights, and transparency and accountability towards Parliament. The FSWG conducted a fact-findinginvestigation, collected evidence and presented its final report in July 2021. While the report 'did not find evidence onthe direct performance of pushbacks and/or collective expulsions by Frontex in the serious incident cases that could beexamined', it found 'serious shortcomings'. This briefing looks at the accountability mechanisms at Parliament'sdisposal and how they have been used to ensure that migrants' fundamental rights are respected and upheld at theEU's external borders.

Briefing EN

A framework for foresight intelligence - Part 2: Online stakeholder engagementPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 25-11-2021Author GARCIA HIGUERA ANDRES

Policy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Consumer Protection | Education | Research Policy | Social PolicySummary The second part of the STOA study, 'A framework for technology foresight intelligence', this report deals with horizon

stakeholder engagement for the strategic and practical purposes of the STOA Panel's activities. It analyses onlineengagement methods and tools and their suitability for brainstorming meetings, and for technology assessment andforesight projects. To gain insight and experience in the use of online methods and tools for engagement, these wereimplemented in one ongoing STOA project. For this purpose, STOA selected a typical foresight study, investigating acomplex issue that is the subject of controversy: gene-editing techniques for the future of farming in Europe. Expertsfrom the Danish Board of Technology Foundation guided the STOA team in setting up and running the procedure forthis project. This paper assesses the efficiency of online alternatives for foresight brainstorming meetings withcolleagues, MEPs, experts and selected stakeholders. These alternatives include traditional surveys (to ascertainsocietal concerns about possible future technological developments) and simple variants of Delphi-type surveys.

In-Depth Analysis EN

A framework for foresight intelligence - Part 1: Horizon scanning tailored to STOA's needsPublication type Study

Date 25-11-2021Author VAN WOENSEL Lieve

Policy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Consumer Protection | Education | Energy | Environment | Food Safety |Research Policy | Transport

Summary The first part of the STOA study 'A framework for technology foresight intelligence', this report includes a set of fivehorizon-scanning reports or 'radars', built with the resources of Futures Platform and covering several areas, includingthe world after Covid-19, disruptive futures, the Green Deal, food, and geoengineering. Horizon scanning is a disciplinethat could be harnessed to inform the future activities of the Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) atboth strategic and practical levels. However, as STOA does not have the working structure, human resources orexpertise necessary for continuous scanning, for the horizon scans in this study it used Futures Platform. FuturesPlatform is a professional trends knowledge platform that collects and analyses information on phenomena such astechnology, trends and signals, using AI-based tools and a team of foresight experts to anticipate future developments.These trends and signals were used to build a set of trend radars with a view to testing the feasibility of adding horizonscanning activities to STOA's methodological toolbox.

Study EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 33

El derecho a la salud, una perspectiva de Derecho Comparado: ArgentinaPublication type Study

Date 25-11-2021Policy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Public Health

Summary Este documento se integra en una serie de estudios que, desde una perspectiva de Derecho Comparado, tienen comoobjeto analizar el derecho a la salud en diferentes ordenamientos jurídicos. Tras la explicación de la normativa y lajurisprudencia de aplicación, se examinan el contenido, los límites y la posible evolución de dicho derecho. El presenteestudio tiene por objeto el caso de Argentina. El Derecho a la Salud en Argentina es un derecho humano inserto en laconciencia colectiva como un valor social, sin embargo, la dimensión normativa contrasta con la realidad de unsistema de salud fragmentario e inequitativo, originado por la organización federal del Estado (el Estado nacional juntoa 24 entidades federadas) y la multiplicidad de sujetos al servicio de salud en tensión entre una matriz prestacionalprivada-mercantilista, financiada por intermediarios, y otra pública-estatal solidaria, universal y gratuita.

Study ES

Research for TRAN Committee: Relaunching transport and tourism in the EU after COVID-19 - Tourismsector

Publication type At a GlanceDate 24-11-2021

Author DEBYSER Ariane | LECARTE Jacques | PERNICE DavidePolicy area Coronavirus | Tourism | Transport

Summary This At a glance note summarises the study on Relaunching transport and tourism in the EU after COVID-19: Tourismsector

At a Glance EN

Research for TRAN Committee - Alternative fuels infrastructure for heavy-duty vehicles - final studyPublication type At a Glance

Date 24-11-2021Author DEBYSER Ariane | LECARTE Jacques | PERNICE Davide

Policy area Environment | TransportSummary This At a glance note summarises the study on Alternative fuels infrastructure for heavy-duty vehicles.

At a Glance EN

Violence against women in the EU: State of playPublication type Briefing

Date 24-11-2021Author SHREEVES Rosamund

Policy area Gender Issues, Equality and DiversitySummary Violence against women is a violation of human rights and a form of gender-based discrimination. Rooted in

inequalities between men and women, it takes many forms. Estimates of the scale of the problem are alarming. Suchviolence has a major impact on victims and imposes a significant cost burden on society. The instruments put in placeby the United Nations and Council of Europe, including the latter's 'Istanbul Convention', to which the EU plans toaccede, are benchmarks in efforts to combat violence against women. The EU is tackling the problem in various ways,but has no binding instrument designed specifically to protect women from violence. Although there are similaritiesbetween national policies to combat violence against women, the Member States have adopted different approachesto the problem. Parliament's efforts have focused on strengthening EU policy in the area. Parliament has repeatedlycalled for a European Union strategy to counter violence against women, including a legally binding instrument.Stakeholders have expressed a range of concerns, including regarding the impact of the coronavirus pandemic andthe related need to expand and adapt support for victims, and have highlighted the need for a comprehensive EUpolitical framework on eliminating violence against women. They have also launched new initiatives of their own. Thisis a further update of an earlier briefing by Anna Dimitrova-Stull, of February 2014. The most recent previous editionwas from November 2020.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 34

Understanding EU policies for persons with disabilitiesPublication type Briefing

Date 24-11-2021Author LECERF Marie

Policy area Gender Issues, Equality and DiversitySummary Both the EU and its Member States have signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and use

its definition of disability as a common reference at EU level. Bearing in mind that there is no other harmoniseddefinition of disability in the EU, and that there is a wide variety of statistical surveys in terms of questions asked andpopulation surveyed, a complete statistical assessment of disability in the EU does not yet exist. However, the annualEurostat statistics on income and living conditions survey reveals that, in Europe, the prevalence of disability is higheramong female, older and less educated respondents. Furthermore, studies show that the coronavirus pandemic hasaffected people with disabilities disproportionately more than others. The EU combats all forms of discriminationalongside and in support of its Member States. To improve the situation of disabled people, it has introduced a seriesof initiatives, programmes and strategies over a number of decades. The European Parliament has been highly activein the bid to end all forms of discrimination against disabled people since the start of the 1980s. In 1997, Article 13 ofthe European Community Treaty, introduced by the Treaty of Amsterdam, (now Article 19 of the Treaty on theFunctioning of the EU) on the human right not to suffer from discrimination on the grounds, in particular, of disability,paved the way for a genuine disability policy. The first step in this regard was the adoption of a 2001-2006 actionprogramme to combat discrimination. Later, the 2010-2020 European disability strategy sought to enable disabledpeople to exercise their rights and participate fully in society and the economy. A new 2021-2030 strategy,incorporating the lessons learned from its predecessor, seeks to ensure that all persons with disabilities in the EU,regardless of their sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, age or sexual orientation enjoy their human rights; haveequal access to participation in society and the economy; are able to decide where, how and with whom they live;move freely in the EU regardless of their support needs and, no longer experience discrimination.

Briefing EN

Revising the Effort-Sharing Regulation for 2021-2030: 'Fit for 55' packagePublication type Briefing

Date 24-11-2021Author YOUGOVA Dessislava

Policy area EnvironmentSummary The EU's effort-sharing legislation covers greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in sectors not included in the EU

emissions trading system. A wide range of sources account for these emissions, such as petrol and diesel used forroad transport, energy used for heating and cooling in buildings, animal digestion and fertilisers used in agriculture,waste treatment, and small industries. To cut the emissions in these sectors, the EU effort-sharing legislationestablishes binding targets and sets up annual emissions allocations for each Member State for the 2013-2020 and2021-2030 periods. On 14 July 2021, the European Commission submitted a proposal on a regulation amending thebinding annual emissions reductions by Member States from 2021 to 2030. It reviews the collective and nationaltargets set up in the Effort-Sharing Regulation (ESR). The proposal is part of the 'fit for 55' package, which aims toadapt EU climate and energy legislation to the new EU objective of an at least 55 % reduction in net GHG emissionsby 2030 compared to 1990, in accordance with the recent European Climate Law. In order to contribute to the newclimate ambition, sectors covered by the ESR should achieve a collective reduction of 40 % in their emissions by 2030compared to 2005. The file has been referred to the European Parliament's Committee on Environment, Public Healthand Food Safety (ENVI). Initial debates have been held and a draft report is being prepared. First edition. The 'EULegislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

El derecho a la salud, una perspectiva de Derecho Comparado: EspañaPublication type Study

Date 24-11-2021Policy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Public Health

Summary Este documento se integra en una serie de estudios que, desde una perspectiva de Derecho Comparado, tienen comoobjeto analizar el derecho a la salud en diferentes ordenamientos jurídicos. Tras la explicación de la normativa y lajurisprudencia de aplicación, se examinan el contenido, los límites y la posible evolución de dicho derecho. El presentetrabajo examina la naturaleza y evolución del derecho a la salud en el ordenamiento jurídico español, consagrado enel artículo 43 de la Constitución española. A tal fin, el trabajo examina en primer lugar su origen histórico en Derechoespañol, así como su desarrollo en el ordenamiento jurídico positivo y en la doctrina jurisprudencial del TC.Posteriormente, se propone un concepto del derecho en el ordenamiento español, se analiza su relación de conflictocon otros derechos fundamentales y, en fin, se abordan las posibles “áreas grises” cohonestadas con el mismo. Eltrabajo concluye analizando el estatus de protección del derecho en nuestro ordenamiento, así como los principalesretos de futuro a que se enfrenta en las próximas décadas.

Study ES

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EU-Belarus relations: State of play - Human rights situationPublication type Briefing

Date 23-11-2021Author PRZETACZNIK Jakub | RUSSELL Martin

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary Over the summer and autumn of 2021, in what is increasingly viewed as a hybrid warfare tactic aimed at destabilising

Europe, Aliaksandr Lukashenka's Belarussian regime has instrumentalised migrants, manipulating the organisation offlights from the Middle East to Minsk and deliberately orchestrating migrants' onward travel to the EU-Belarus border.With weather conditions endangering migrants' lives, the situation has also led to serious humanitarian consequences.This activity – which many argue also aims at distracting attention from the worsening situation of freedom in thecountry, with attacks against independent society, journalists and electronic media users – is only the latest in a stringof events underlining deteriorating EU relations with Belarus. The Lukashenka regime has been isolated since thefalsified presidential elections of August 2020, and the brutal crackdown against peacefully protesting Belarusians.Instead of embracing dialogue with the democratic opposition and wider Belarusian society, Lukashenka choseanother path, involving continued brutal repression of the country's citizens. The worsening human rights situation andhijacking of Ryanair flight FR 4978, in June 2021, provoked a response from the EU. This includes a ban on Belarusianair carriers landing in or overflying the EU, a major extension of the list of people and entities already subject tosanctions, and the introduction of sanctions on key sectors of the Belarusian economy. The European Parliament playsan active part in shaping this EU response. Parliament does not recognise Lukashenka's presidency and has spokenout on human rights abuses in Belarus. Awarded Parliament's 2020 Sakharov Prize, the Belarusian democraticopposition is frequently invited to speak for the Belarusian people in the European Parliament. Following the recentdevelopments, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya will make a formal address to the European Parliament in plenary session,on 24 November 2021. This Briefing updates a previous edition, published in July 2021.

Briefing EN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): The EU's strategic partner in AsiaPublication type Briefing

Date 23-11-2021Author RUSSELL Martin

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary Founded in 1967, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is often compared with the EU. Both

organisations brought together former adversaries and successfully resolved tensions through cooperation, helping tobring peace and prosperity to their regions. However, the EU and ASEAN operate in very different ways. ASEAN is astrictly intergovernmental organisation in which decisions are based on consensus. While this approach has made itdifficult for south-east Asian countries to achieve the same level of integration as the EU, it has also enabled ASEAN toaccommodate huge disparities among its 10 member states. In 2003, south-east Asian leaders decided to takecooperation to another level by setting up an ASEAN Community. To this end, they adopted a charter in 2007, thoughwithout fundamentally changing the nature of the organisation's decision-making or giving it stronger institutions. Thecommunity has three pillars: political-security, economic, and socio-cultural. ASEAN's impact has been uneven. Theorganisation is an effective platform for cooperation between its member states and the wider Indo-Pacific region, butits goal of promoting peaceful cooperation is undermined by growing geopolitical tensions, especially in the SouthChina Sea. There has been significant economic integration, even if the goal of an EU-style single market is a longway off. On the other hand, south-east Asians still perceive ASEAN as an elite project with little impact on their dailylives. EU-ASEAN relations span four decades and have steadily deepened, building on common values as well asbooming trade and investment. In 2020, the two sides upgraded to a strategic partnership. This Briefing updates aprevious one, published in November 2020.

Briefing EN

Sustainable maritime fuels - 'Fit for 55' package: the FuelEU Maritime proposalPublication type Briefing

Date 23-11-2021Author PAPE Marketa

Policy area Energy | Environment | TransportSummary In July 2021, the European Commission put forward the 'fit for 55' package of legislative proposals, aimed at ensuring

the success of the European Green Deal. The FuelEU Maritime regulation is one of these proposals and, together withfour other proposals, it seeks to steer the EU maritime sector towards decarbonisation. To support the uptake ofsustainable maritime fuels, the Commission proposes to limit the carbon intensity of the energy used on board ships.Accordingly, the proposal sets up a fuel standard for ships and introduces a requirement for the most polluting shiptypes to use onshore electricity when at berth. It puts the responsibility for compliance on the shipping company. Thelegislative outcome of this proposal will be closely linked to the simultaneously proposed rules on including themaritime sector in the EU emissions trading system, as well as those on alternative fuels infrastructure, energy taxationand renewable energy. Moreover, some of the proposed rules do not concern EU shipping only but have widerimplications for international maritime shipping, which is regulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).First edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 36

COP26 climate change conference: OutcomesPublication type At a Glance

Date 22-11-2021Author JENSEN LISELOTTE

Policy area Energy | Environment | Industry | TransportSummary Following prolonged talks, the 26th Conference of the Parties ended late on 13 November 2021. With countries'

nationally determined contributions (NDC) ahead of the event leading to an estimated 2.7°C warming towards the endof the century, the host, the United Kingdom, set the goal to keep a limit of 1.5°C warming within reach.

At a Glance EN

The public sector loan facility under the Just Transition MechanismPublication type Briefing

Date 22-11-2021Author MAZUR Sidonia

Policy area Budget | Economics and Monetary IssuesKeyword circular economy | climate change | EU aid | EU environmental policy | EU loan | green economy | proposal (EU) |

public sector | regional aid | regional developmentSummary The public sector loan facility (PSLF) is the third pillar of the Just Transition Mechanism (JTM), along with the Just

Transition Fund and just transition scheme under Invest EU. The facility consists of a grant and a loan component.With the contribution of €1.525 billion for the grant component from the Union budget (including assigned revenues)and EIB lending of €10 billion from its own resources, the aim is for the public sector loan facility to mobilise between€25 and 30 billion in public investment over the 2021-2027 period. Funding will be available to all Member States,while focusing on the regions with the biggest transition challenges. In the European Parliament, the Committee onBudgets (BUDG) and the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) had joint responsibility for this file.Their report was adopted at a joint sitting of the two committees on 16 October 2020. The provisional agreement onthe proposal reached after trilogue negotiations with the Council was confirmed in plenary session of the Parliament on24 June 2021. The Council adoption followed on 13 July, the Regulation was then signed on 14 July and published inthe Official Journal on 30 July 2021. Second edition of a Briefing originally drafted by Christiaan Van Lierop andSidonia Mazur. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislativeprocedure.

Briefing EN

Multimedia The public sector loan facility under the Just Transition Mechanism

Stablecoins: Private-sector quest for cryptostabilityPublication type Briefing

Date 22-11-2021Author DELIVORIAS Angelos

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary In just over a decade, the payment industry has seen the launch of cryptocurrencies and their explosive growth, driven

by progress in digital technology applications. However, owing to a range of factors, not least their significant volatility,cryptocurrencies have not been adopted on a massive scale, but instead are used largely for speculative purposes.Both national authorities and the private sector have attempted to tackle volatility. The private sector's answer wasstablecoins, that is, cryptocurrencies that aim to keep a stable value relative to a specified asset, or a pool of assets.There are currently three means by which stablecoins achieve this: legal assets, crypto-assets and algorithms. Theuse of stablecoins may enhance financial inclusion, both in developed and developing markets, and might boostoverseas payments in general and remittances in particular. Stablecoins may also have a positive impact oninternational trade, and may contribute to the development of global payment arrangements. There are potentialeconomic risks, however, stemming either from stablecoins' legal characterisation or from governance matters or thecoins' operational resilience. Further concerns are that stablecoins may be used for money laundering or terroristfinancing activities, that consumers may not be adequately protected, and that stablecoins may impede monetarypolicy or propagate financial shocks and generate financial contagion. To tackle these issues, national authorities inmajor economies are taking two complementary approaches: having central banks establish central bank digitalcurrencies ('public stablecoins') and regulating stablecoin use. In the EU, the centrepiece is the European Commissionproposal for a regulation on markets in crypto-assets, adopted in September 2020 and currently under review by theco-legislators – the European Parliament and the Council.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 37

Femicide, its causes and recent trends: What do we know?Publication type Briefing

Date 22-11-2021External author Consuelo, CORRADI

Policy area Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | Human RightsSummary Femicide is a violation of the basic human rights to life, liberty and personal security, as well as an obstacle to social

and economic development. The term indicates the act of intentionally killing a female person, either woman or girl,because of her gender, and it is the end-result of combined risk factors existing at the level of the individual,interpersonal relations, community and society. This crime displays three prominent characteristics: women aredisproportionately killed by men; victims have previously experienced non-lethal violence; the rate at which women arekilled tends to remain steady over time. Estimates indicate that 87 000 women were intentionally killed in 2017, but theexact number is unknown and suspected to be higher. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the situation andreduced access to services. Femicide’s classification differs according to context, but most significantly includes:killing by an intimate partner or family member; honour, dowry and witch-hunting deaths; femicide-suicide; pre- andpost-natal excess female mortality; infanticide; and deliberate neglect, rooted in a preference for sons over daughters.Collecting accurate data is a strategic goal and necessary to facilitate the design of effective policies.

Briefing EN

Preventing, protecting, providing access to justice: How can states respond to femicide?Publication type Briefing

Date 22-11-2021External author Tamsin BRADLEY

Policy area Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | Human RightsSummary Growing awareness of femicide has not universally translated into effective policy and programming. Though

legislation relating to gender-based violence and/or femicide exists in many countries, both persist. A combined social,cultural, political and economic approach situates femicide prevention and responses at various levels, includingchanges in individual behaviour. Using the term ‘femicide’ more frequently at international forums is crucial not only tofocus attention on the gendered nature of violence but also to act as a call for action. Situational studies reveal thatpolitical will to end femicide differs from country to country. Femicide together with the patriarchal norms and misogynythat precipitate it are not just extra-EU problems. Rather, they are of global concern, demanding a global response; innon-EU countries this response is often dependent on donor funding. We now know more than ever what works toreverse patterns of violence. These patterns can be broken by developing the capacity of women’s organisations andstrengthening global feminist movements that work with national and local activist networks. Additionally, engagingmen and boys in this process of transformation is vital if we are to address violence against women and girls andultimately end femicide.

Briefing EN

Adoption of the European Union's 2022 BudgetPublication type At a Glance

Date 19-11-2021Author MAZUR Sidonia

Policy area BudgetSummary During the November II plenary session, the European Parliament is due to adopt the European Union's general

budget for 2022. In practice, Parliament will vote on the provisional agreement reached on 15 November 2021 duringthe budgetary conciliation between Parliament and the Council. If agreed, commitment appropriations for 2022 willamount to €169.5 billion and payments to €170.6 billion. The negotiations also reached agreement on Amending LetterNo 1 to the 2022 budget (AL 1/2022) and draft amending budgets 5 and 6 to the 2021 budget (DAB 5/2021 and DAB6/2021). The annual budgetary negotiations this year took place in the dynamic context of the Covid 19 pandemic,climate debates and humanitarian crises.

At a Glance EN

The Istanbul Convention: A tool for combating violence against women and girlsPublication type At a Glance

Date 19-11-2021Author JURVISTE Ulla | SHREEVES Rosamund

Policy area Gender Issues, Equality and DiversitySummary The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence

(Istanbul Convention) is the first instrument in Europe to set legally binding standards specifically to prevent gender-based violence, protect victims of violence and punish perpetrators. EU accession to the Istanbul Convention is one ofthe priorities in the EU 2020-2025 gender equality strategy. The EU signed the Convention in June 2017. Accessionnow requires a Council Decision and prior consent by the European Parliament. Parliament adopted an interimresolution in September 2017 and continues to review progress.

At a Glance EN

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Revision of Regulation (EU) 913/2010 concerning a European rail network for competitive freightPublication type Briefing

Date 19-11-2021Author BACIAN Izabela Cristina

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | TransportSummary Boosting rail freight transport is an essential pillar of the European Union's long-term policy to make transport more

sustainable by cutting greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonising the sector. However, rail freight transport hasfaced numerous barriers in its development, and its growth is held back by its lack of competitiveness with othermodes of transport such as road transport. Regulation (EU) 913/2010 was designed to facilitate rail freight transportacross the EU rail network, through the creation of rail freight corridors, but the potential of those corridors has notbeen fully exploited. While the regulation was conducive to enhanced cooperation across borders, its implementationdid not lead to an increase in rail freight transport along the corridors, with insufficient coordination on trafficmanagement and infrastructure works. Against this backdrop, the Commission has launched a two-step revisionprocess for Regulation (EU) 913/2010. The first step consists of a limited revision, in conjunction with a revision of theTrans-European Transport Network Regulation, focused on aspects of geographical alignment, governance andinvestment planning. The second step will be a wider revision leading to a recast proposal scheduled for the lastquarter of 2022.

Briefing EN

Fit for 55 package: Energy from renewable sourcesPublication type Briefing

Date 19-11-2021Author DALLI HUBERT

Policy area Energy | Environment | Ex-ante Impact Assessment | IndustrySummary The Commission is proposing a new directive to amend the 2018 directive on the promotion of energy from renewable

sources. This initial appraisal of the Commission’s impact assessment on the proposal finds that the impactassessment draws a clear logic between the problems, their drivers, the objectives and the policy interventions underconsideration. However, the the vast amount of work which must have gone into such an assessment is to someextent impaired by the inconsistent, unclear presentation of options and the equivocal identification of preferredoptions. Also, the IA is not clear as to how it ultimately settles on the specific target of 40%. While the IA was clearly anextremely complex exercise and appears to be based on reliable data, analysis and modelling, different choices as toits organisation and presentation would have likely considerably improved the IA’s clarity and readability and its abilityto support the policy choices made in the proposal.

Briefing EN

Alternative fuel vehicle infrastructure and fleets: State of playPublication type Briefing

Date 19-11-2021Author SOONE Jaan

Policy area TransportSummary In December 2019 the European Commission published a communication on the Green Deal, in which it outlined its

priorities to transform the EU into a resource-efficient and competitive economy and to meet the EU's climatecommitments. Subsequently, in line with the Green Deal, the European Climate Law was adopted in July 2021, settingin law the EU target for 2030 of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % compared with 1990 levels. Todeliver the targets agreed in the European Climate Law, the Commission adopted a set of legislative proposals knownas the 'Fit for 55' package on 14 July 2021. To speed up emissions reductions in transport, the package includesproposals to tighten the emissions trading scheme and widen its scope, proposals to increase the use of alternativefuels in aviation and shipping, stricter CO2 emissions standards for road vehicles, and a proposal to amend theAlternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive (AFID) and transform it into a regulation. This briefing provides a snapshot ofthe current state of play in alternative fuels recharging and refuelling points, and in the number of alternative fuelvehicles in circulation in EU countries. Since the adoption of the AFID in 2014, infrastructure deployment for thevarious alternative fuels in road transport has grown, however differences persist between Member States. Similarly,the uptake of alternatively fuelled vehicles differs between Member States, and petrol and diesel engines continue todominate vehicle fleets. Nonetheless, the market for electric vehicles has strongly matured, and the market forhydrogen fuel cell vehicles has also developed. The market for natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehiclesis mature and has seen slow growth, but vehicles have remained concentrated in a few Member States. The briefingalso summarises recent projections for future take-up of these vehicles. See also the EPRS 'EU Legislation inprogress' briefing on the revision of the Directive on the Deployment of Alternative Fuels Infrastructure (AFID).

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 39

Deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure: Fit for 55 packagePublication type Briefing

Date 19-11-2021Author SOONE Jaan

Policy area TransportSummary On 14 July 2021, the European Commission presented a package of proposals to equip the EU's climate, energy, land

use, transport and taxation policies to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030, compared with1990 levels – the 'fit for 55' package. The package includes a proposal to revise the 2014 directive on alternative fuelsinfrastructure and turn it into a regulation. In the draft regulation the Commission proposes binding targets for electricvehicle charging points and hydrogen refuelling points, electric charging for stationary aircraft at airports and on shorepower supply for ships at ports. It also contains provisions for EU Member States to ensure coverage of refuellingpoints for liquefied natural gas (LNG) dedicated to heavy-duty vehicles and LNG refuelling points in maritime ports. Inthe European Parliament, the file has been referred to the Transport and Tourism Committee. First edition. The 'EULegislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

Sustainability provisions in EU free trade agreements: Review of the European Commission action planPublication type Briefing

Date 19-11-2021Author TITIEVSKAIA Jana

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary Sustainability-related provisions are a key part of international trade negotiations. Since the free trade agreement

(FTA) signed with South Korea in 2009, EU trade deals each include dedicated trade and sustainable development(TSD) chapters encompassing issues such as environment, labour rights, climate change and responsible businessconduct. In an effort to step up implementation and enforcement of these chapters, in 2018 the Commission publisheda non-paper setting out a 15-point action plan. In the new trade strategy, the 2021 Trade Policy Review, theCommission signalled the early launch of a review of the action plan and held an exchange of views with the EuropeanParliament in July 2021. Parliament has long been an advocate for stronger enforcement and implementation of TSDcommitments. In the three years since the action plan's launch, the Commission – in cooperation with Member States,EU institutions, stakeholders and international organisations – has advanced on many of the proposed actions. Forinstance, EU funding was mobilised to support civil society engagement and responsible business conduct. Assertiveenforcement of TSD commitments materialised in the form of a concluded dispute with South Korea on labour issues.The establishment of the EU chief trade enforcement officer has strengthened the Commission's enforcementcapabilities. Provisions on climate change, including a reference to the Paris Agreement, and widened labourprovisions are all part of recent trade negotiations. However, the action suggesting extending the scope of civil societyinput beyond the TSD chapters to trade agreements as a whole has so far mainly only been reflected in the Trade andCooperation Agreement between the EU und the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, the objective of early ratification of thefundamental International Labour Organization conventions continues to be challenging with many partner countries.

Briefing EN

Research for TRAN Committee: Relaunching transport and tourism in the EU after COVID-19 - Tourismsector

Publication type StudyDate 19-11-2021

External author Ljubica KNEZEVIC CVELBAR, Maria RODRIGUES, Tharsis TEOH, Barbara ANTONUCCI, Nicole CUTRUFO, LidiaMARONGIU

Policy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Coronavirus | Tourism | TransportSummary This thematic briefing provides the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) with an

overview of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism sector, as well as policy recommendations toaddress the challenges emerging from the crisis.

Study EN

Executive summary ES, DE, EN, FR, IT

Kyrgyz political landscape ahead of electionsPublication type At a Glance

Date 18-11-2021Author RUSSELL Martin

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary Kyrgyzstan is the most democratic but also the least stable of the former Soviet Central Asian republics. The most

recent upheaval resulted in the cancellation of the October 2020 parliamentary elections. New elections scheduled forNovember 2021 are likely to consolidate the position of Sadyr Japarov, the country's new president. A controversialnew constitution raises concerns over the future of Kyrgyz democracy.

At a Glance EN

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Revision of the TEN-E Regulation: EU guidelines for new energy infrastructurePublication type Briefing

Date 18-11-2021Author WILSON Alex Benjamin

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | EnergyKeyword amendment of a law | carbon neutrality | electricity supply | energy cooperation | energy grid | gas supply | project of

common interest | regulation (EU) | renewable energy | trans-European networkSummary On 15 December 2020, the European Commission adopted a proposal to revise the 2013 regulation on trans-

European networks in energy (TEN-E). This proposal is currently the subject of interinstitutional 'trilogue' negotiations,which started after both the European Parliament (October 2021) and the Council of the EU (June 2021) had adoptedformal negotiating positions. The 2013 TEN-E Regulation sets out EU guidelines for cross-border energy infrastructure,and outlines the process for selecting projects of common interest (PCI). PCIs are infrastructure projects consideredessential for delivering on EU objectives in the energy field, including improved interconnection between nationalmarkets, greater competitiveness, security of supply, and promotion of renewable energy sources. The list of PCIs isupdated every two years. Certain PCI projects are eligible for EU financing from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).The revised TEN-E Regulation would align closely with the climate neutrality objectives of the European Green Deal:supporting energy infrastructure that consolidates new and existing clean energy technologies, and ending policy andfinancial support for fossil fuel projects. The latter would no longer be included on PCI lists and therefore unable toreceive CEF funding.

Briefing EN

United Nations Food Systems Summit 2021: Process, challenges and the way forwardPublication type Briefing

Date 18-11-2021Author CAPRILE ANNA

Policy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Development and Humanitarian Aid | Food SafetySummary The culmination of two years' preparatory work and worldwide mobilisation events, the United Nations Food Systems

Summit took place on 23 September 2021. The idea behind the summit, initiated by United Nations Secretary-GeneralAntónio Guterres, was to start a process of transforming the way the world produces, consumes and thinks about food– as a crucial step in progressing on all 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). The summit was announced inOctober 2019 – before the Covid 19 pandemic became a hunger crisis in many parts of the world – and the stakeshave since risen acutely, bringing a new sense of urgency and creating an opportunity to boost the level of reformambition for global food systems. More than 150 countries took part in the event, which took place entirely on line,wrapping up a process that has generated a remarkable level of mobilisation and public debate through multipleplatforms. Although the summit revealed ample consensus on the need for a radical reform of food systems, it alsoevidenced profound divergences as to how to approach the daunting tasks ahead. A follow-up mechanism has beendesigned to advance the national and global transformative actions announced at the summit, and the United NationsSecretary-General will convene a global stock-taking meeting every two years to measure progress. This briefingupdates an earlier edition, published in September 2021 ahead of the Summit.

Briefing EN

The United Kingdom's possible re-joining of the 2007 Lugano ConventionPublication type Briefing

Date 18-11-2021Author MAŃKO Rafał

Policy area EU Law: Legal System and ActsSummary The 2007 Lugano Convention is an international treaty that regulates the free movement of court judgments in civil

cases between the Member States of the EU, on one hand, and the three EFTA states (Switzerland, Norway andIceland), on the other. The convention effectively extends the regime of quasi-automatic recognition and enforcementof judgments that was applicable between EU Member States at the time under the Brussels I Regulation (No44/2001). Whereas the EU rules currently in force regulating the free movement of judgments in civil cases betweenthe EU Member States – the 2012 Brussels I-bis Regulation (1215/2012) – bring about an even higher level ofintegration and presume, therefore, a very high level of mutual trust between the national judiciaries of the MemberStates, relations between the EU and EFTA Member States remain at the level of integration prescribed in 2001 by theBrussels I Regulation. Following the expiry of the transition period provided for by the Withdrawal Agreement betweenthe United Kingdom (UK) and the EU, the UK is no longer bound by either the Brussels I-bis Regulation or the 2007Lugano Convention. Given the fact that the latter is open not only to EU and EFTA Member States, but also explicitlyto third countries, the UK has made a bid to re-join the Lugano Convention. For a third country to become part of thislegal regime, all parties to the convention must give their explicit consent. Whereas this has been the case withSwitzerland, Norway and Iceland, the European Commission, acting on behalf of the EU as a party to the 2007 LuganoConvention, has indicated that it is not prepared to grant such consent, effectively blocking – for the moment – theUK's reintegration within the Lugano regime of mutual recognition of civil judgments. For the Commission, accession tothe Lugano regime is bound up with the notion of close economic integration with the EU, presupposing a high level ofmutual trust. Participation in the Lugano system should not therefore be offered to any third country that is not part ofthe internal market.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 41

Research for REGI Committee: Cohesion Policy Calendar (2021-2027 and 2014-2020 ProgrammingPeriods)

Publication type BriefingDate 18-11-2021

Author HAASE DianaPolicy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Regional Development

Keyword drafting of EU law | economic and social cohesion | EP Committee | EU regional policy | interinstitutional relations (EU)Summary The implementation timetable for cohesion policy is defined largely by its legislative framework. In order to be able to

plan parliamentary work and exercise systematic scrutiny of policy implementation and of the Commission’s work, it isessential to have an overview of the timing of different steps in policy implementation in the coming years. This type ofbriefing was first published (and subsequently updated) in 2014 covering the 2014-2020 programming period. Thecurrent version is the first in the row that includes the policy actions of the 2021-27 period, while still indicating the laststeps of the 2014-20 period. It includes a detailed (but non-exhaustive) timetable of policy actions in the second half of2021 and in 2022, together with an overview of major actions for the remainder of the programming period, from 2023.

Briefing EN

Decarbonisation of EnergyPublication type Study

Date 18-11-2021Author CIUCCI MATTEO | GOUARDERES Frederic

External author Georg ZACHMANN et al., BruegelPolicy area Energy | Industry

Summary Decarbonising the energy system requires a fundamental transformation in the way societies provide, transport andconsume energy. Disagreement exists over how this system should look in 2050. The large-scale expansion of low-carbon electricity, phase-out of unabated fossil fuels, and widespread direct electrification are uncontroversial. In morecontroversial areas, like the deployment of hydrogen and synthetic methane, policy should forcefully explore optionsand be willing to accept and learn from failures. This report discusses concrete policy options for doing so. Thisdocument was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request ofthe committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE).

Study EN

Digitalisation to streamline reporting, monitoring and auditing of EU spendingPublication type At a Glance

Date 17-11-2021Author DOBREVA Alina

Policy area Budgetary ControlSummary Spending the EU budget efficiently and transparently is key to ensuring the sound implementation of EU policies and

citizen support for the Union. However, the fragmentation of reporting systems used across the EU hampers thescrutiny of how spending is done. To address this situation, the European Parliament's Budgetary Control (CONT)Committee has drafted a legislative-initiative report asking the Commission to submit, before the end of 2021, thelegislative proposals needed for the introduction of an integrated and interoperable electronic information andmonitoring system to collect, monitor and analyse information about final beneficiaries in all Member States. TheParliament is expected to vote on this report during its November II plenary session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Legal migration policy and lawPublication type At a Glance

Date 17-11-2021Author DE GROOT DAVID ARMAND JACQUES GERA

Policy area Gender Issues, Equality and DiversitySummary During the November II plenary session, Parliament is expected to debate a Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

(LIBE) Committee legislative-initiative report on legal migration policy and law. The report makes multiplerecommendations to amend current directives, calling on the European Commission to present a legislative proposal.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Financing, management and monitoring of the post-2022 EU agricultural policyPublication type At a Glance

Date 17-11-2021Author ROSSI Rachele

Policy area Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentSummary The European Commission proposed a reform package incorporating rules on the financial aspects of European Union

(EU) farm policy in June 2018. Following lengthy talks on the reform, the text finally agreed by European Parliamentand Council negotiators in June 2021 is scheduled for vote during the November II plenary session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 42

Amending rules on the common market organisation (CMO) in agriculturePublication type At a Glance

Date 17-11-2021Author ROJEK Beata

Policy area Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentSummary In June 2018, the European Commission presented a legislative package aimed at reforming the common agricultural

policy (CAP), including some of the rules on the common market organisation (CMO) in agricultural products.Following long negotiations, the text finally agreed by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU in June 2021is scheduled for a vote during the November II plenary session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Revision of the Financial RegulationPublication type At a Glance

Date 17-11-2021Author PARI MARIANNA

Policy area Budget | Budgetary ControlSummary In March 2021, the European Commission announced a legislative proposal to revise the EU Financial Regulation to

align it with the 2021 2027 multiannual financial framework and Next Generation EU. In anticipation of theCommission's proposals, an own-initiative report by the relevant European Parliament committees clearly expressesexpectations of a stronger Parliamentary role in the budgetary scrutiny of Next Generation EU funds, and theintegration of the rule-of-law conditionality in the Financial Regulation. The report is on the agenda for debate duringthe November II plenary session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Strategic planning in the EU's post-2022 agricultural policyPublication type At a Glance

Date 17-11-2021Author ROSSI Rachele

Policy area Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentSummary On 1 June 2018, the European Commission put forward three legislative proposals on the EU's common agricultural

policy (CAP). These include a proposal on the CAP strategic plans with which each Member State will define the CAPmeasures for achieving set objectives. Following lengthy negotiations, the final text agreed by European Parliamentand Council negotiators in June 2021 is scheduled for a plenary vote in November.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

New political dialogue and 2021 elections in VenezuelaPublication type At a Glance

Date 17-11-2021Author GOMEZ RAMIREZ Enrique

Policy area Democracy | Foreign AffairsSummary The Mexico dialogue between the Venezuelan government and opposition, as well as the latter's decision to run in the

21 November 2021 local and regional elections, have revived hopes for a peaceful and negotiated solution to thecountry's political conflict. Nevertheless, the Maduro government has suspended the third round of negotiations,dimming prospects for a successful outcome of the dialogue. The EU is observing the elections.

At a Glance EN

Policy Departments’ Monthly Highlights - November 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 17-11-2021Policy area Budget | Budgetary Control | Coronavirus | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Financial

and Banking Issues | Fisheries | International Trade | TaxationSummary The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments,

including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.At a Glance EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 43

Artificial intelligence actPublication type Briefing

Date 17-11-2021Author MADIEGA Tambiama André

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Internal Market and Customs UnionSummary The European Commission unveiled a new proposal for an EU regulatory framework on artificial intelligence (AI) in

April 2021. The draft AI act is the first ever attempt to enact a horizontal regulation of AI. The proposed legalframework focuses on the specific utilisation of AI systems and associated risks. The Commission proposes toestablish a technology-neutral definition of AI systems in EU law and to lay down a classification for AI systems withdifferent requirements and obligations tailored on a 'risk-based approach'. Some AI systems presenting 'unacceptable'risks would be prohibited. A wide range of 'high-risk' AI systems would be authorised, but subject to a set ofrequirements and obligations to gain access to the EU market. Those AI systems presenting only 'limited risk' would besubject to very light transparency obligations. While generally supporting the Commission's proposal, stakeholders andexperts call for a number of amendments, including revising the definition of AI systems, broadening the list ofprohibited AI systems, strengthening enforcement and redress mechanisms and ensuring proper democratic oversightof the design and implementation of EU AI regulation. First edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings areupdated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual AbusePublication type At a Glance

Date 16-11-2021Author VORONOVA Sofija

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and JusticeSummary Child sexual exploitation and sexual abuse are among the worst forms of violence against children, and constitute

serious crimes that know no borders. The continuous increase in child sexual exploitation and abuse, not least due tothe Covid 19 pandemic, underscores the importance of harmonised national legislation and international cooperation toprevent these offences, protect the victims and prosecute the perpetrators. The European Day contributes to raisingawareness on the need for prevention and protection of children.

At a Glance EN

Intelligent transport systems and multimodal ticketing - Pre-legislative synthesis of national, regional andlocal positions on the European Commission's initiative

Publication type BriefingDate 16-11-2021

Author PAPE Marketa | RITTELMEYER Yann-SvenPolicy area Environment | Transport

Summary This Briefing forms part of an EPRS series which offers a synthesis of the pre-legislative state-of-play and advanceconsultation on a range of key European Commission priorities during the latter's five-year term in office. It seeks tosummarise the state of affairs in the relevant policy field, examine how existing policy is working on the ground, andidentify best practice and ideas for the future on the part of governmental organisations at all levels of Europeansystem of multilevel governance. An EPRS analysis of the positions of partner governmental organisations at EU,national, regional and local levels suggests that they would like the following main considerations to be reflected in thediscussion on the revision of the Directive on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), including a multimodal ticketinginitiative: * The current ITS framework, developed through delegated regulations, has to be evaluated and gapscorrected. The new rules' coherence with existing European Union legislation (e.g. competition law, public serviceobligations, data sharing, passenger rights) should be ensured. Future ITS developments should take better account ofregional and local authorities' experience, as exemplified here. * ITS services' interoperability, based on common EU-wide standards and cooperation, should be ensured, given that current ITS standards differ greatly between and withinEU Member States. Best-practice solutions from the local level should be replicable and systems better shared. Cross-border continuity must be guaranteed. * The role of public authorities in the provision of multimodal transport servicesthrough digital platforms needs to be clarified (legal framework, involvement in privately driven initiatives, etc.). The ITSframework should propose an attractive environment for investment and innovation to all stakeholders, especiallythose operating at local and regional levels. * Governmental organisations favour open data and digitalisation, but warnof related costs. Rules are needed on data management, opening access to data and sharing the costs that arise fromthe production of transport-related public sector data. Security and privacy must be preserved. * Before expanding datacollection obligations, the extent to which the (often locally) collected data is actually reused and how ITS services helpimprove mobility should be evaluated. Any new obligations placed on the local and regional levels should beaccompanied by financial support.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 44

Climate change [What Think Tanks are thinking]Publication type Briefing

Date 16-11-2021Author CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI Marcin

Policy area EnvironmentSummary The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties, also known as COP26, held in Glasgow, made

limited progress on measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Leaders and government officials did agreeon plans to limit deforestation and emissions of methane, one of the gases responsible for global warming, but theymade little headway on curbing CO2 discharges. Notably, the leaders of China and Russia did not attend. Before theconference, scientists, analysts and many politicians had urged swift and radical action on climate change, pointing tothis year’s weather anomalies - severe floods in Europe and China, fires in the United States, Australia and many othercountries, and more frequent hurricanes. This note offers links to recent commentaries, studies and reports frominternational think tanks on climate issues, notably the European Green Deal, a set of policy initiatives by the EuropeanCommission with the overarching aim of making Europe climate neutral by mid-century. Links to more studies onCOP26 will be published in a forthcoming item in this series in the next few weeks.

Briefing EN

Global human rights sanctions - Mapping Magnitsky laws: The US, Canadian, UK and EU approachPublication type Briefing

Date 16-11-2021Author RUSSELL Martin

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary Human rights sanctions are nothing new, but the death in 2009 of Russian whistle-blower Sergei Magnitsky in

detention resulted in calls for more vigorous action to counter continuing abuses in many countries. Adopted by the USin 2016, the Global Magnitsky Act was the first of a new generation of human rights sanctions programmes, which, incontrast to traditional sanctions targeted at individual countries, can be flexibly applied to perpetrators from all over theworld, regardless of their geographical location. This briefing compares four such programmes: the US GlobalMagnitsky Act, Canada's Sergei Magnitsky Law, the UK's Global Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Regulations, andthe EU's restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses, the most recent of the four to beadopted. All of these are inspired by the ambition to tackle serious human rights crimes from around the world, butthere are also significant differences, for example, in terms of the threshold for human rights offences, the inclusion ornot of corruption-related offences, and the role played by parliaments and civil society. In terms of practical application,Global Magnitsky is by far the most active of the four programmes for the time being, targeting over 300 individualsand entities from 40 countries. Traditional geographical sanctions still predominate in all four jurisdictions;nevertheless, restrictive measures applied under global programmes to Chinese, Russian and Saudi officials highlightthe role that such sanctions can play in furthering Western cooperation on human rights. This briefing has been writtenas part of a collaborative project between the European Parliament's Research Service and Directorate-General forExternal Policies on mapping best practices in global human rights sanctions regimes.

Briefing EN

Key figures of 2022 Draft Budgetary PlansPublication type Briefing

Date 16-11-2021Author ANGERER Jost | TEIXEIRA DA CUNHA INES

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary This document compares key figures included in the 2022 Draft Budgetary Plans (DBPs), as submitted to the

European Commission (EC) by the Euro Area Member States by mid of October 2021, with those of the autumn 2021forecasts by the EC and the key figures included in the 2021 Stability Programmes (SPs), as submitted by the EuroArea Member States by end of April 2021, with the those of the 2021 spring forecasts by the EC. The EC is expectedto adopt its opinions on the 2022 DBPs by end of November and the Eurogroup is expected to discuss these opinionson 6 December 2021.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 45

The level playing-field for labour and environment in EU-UK relationsPublication type Briefing

Date 15-11-2021Author HALLAK ISSAM

Policy area Foreign Affairs | International TradeKeyword climate change | common commercial policy | cooperation agreement (EU) | environmental protection | environmental

standard | free-trade agreement | labour standard | sustainable development | trade agreement (EU) | United Kingdom| withdrawal from the EU

Summary The level playing-field (LPF) provisions of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) between the European Union(EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) constitute a key part of the agreement, and are the product of some of the morechallenging issues in the negotiations. The LPF provisions seek to safeguard fair competition between the parties. Anotable component are the rules on social provisions, labour, environment and climate change, often referred to as the'trade and sustainable development' (TSD) chapters in other free trade agreements. The trading relationship betweenthe EU and the UK is fundamentally different from that between the EU and other countries. Indeed, not only was theUK a Member State of the EU until 31 January 2021 and (almost all) EU laws applied to the UK until the end of thetransition period on 31 December 2020, but the two economies are also close and strongly-interconnected neighbours.The TCA was therefore designed to ensure that a LPF continues post-Brexit. This could be achieved by maintaininglevels of protection at the end of the transition period, as well as by either avoiding significant divergences in the futureor by taking appropriate (rebalancing) measures. To this end, the TCA requires that parties do not weaken or reducetheir levels of social, labour and environmental protection below those in place at the end of 2020 (non-regression).Existing commitments and ambitions on climate change, in particular on climate neutrality by 2050, remain in place forboth parties. In addition, the TCA introduces a mechanism whereby a party can take appropriate rebalancingmeasures to offset any (adverse) 'material impacts on trade or investment' arising from 'significant divergences'between parties. It also allows either party to request a review with a view to amending the agreement, and either partycan opt to terminate the trade chapters if the envisaged amendment is not satisfactory. The TCA LPF provisions onlabour and environment, in view of the LPF focus, strengthen the enforcement of non-regression provisions by allowingfor remedial measures in the event of non-compliance, and also reinforce the precautionary approach. The TCA alsorepresents a notable innovation with its rebalancing and review provisions. This Briefing updates an earlier one,published in April 2021.

Briefing EN

Promoting gender equality through parliamentary diplomacyPublication type Study

Date 15-11-2021External author Davor JANCIC; Małgorzata DRUCIAREK, Aleksandra NIZYNSKA; Veronika KUBEKOVÁ, Roland BLOMEYER

Policy area Democracy | Foreign Affairs | Gender Issues, Equality and DiversitySummary The purpose of this study is to support the European Parliament (EP), in particular its standing delegations, in

implementing the commitment made in the EP resolution of 23 October 2020 on gender equality in EU foreign andsecurity policy. Based on desk research as well as quantitative and qualitative empirical analysis, the study describesthe existing EP practices of gender equality promotion, analyses whether the current practices deliver on thecommitment, and presents what can be learned both from the bottlenecks identified in the EP’s existing institutionalarrangements and from the practices of other national parliaments and international parliamentary institutions. Thestudy concludes that while the EP is highly advanced when it comes to gender mainstreaming in external relations,there are a number of aspects that need improvement or fine-tuning. To facilitate the implementation of theoverarching EP gender action plan, the study provides a set of policy recommendations aimed at increasing theeffectiveness of gender equality promotion through parliamentary diplomacy. The recommendations compriseproposals to strengthen the institutional framework, clarify the roles of gender focal points, increase access to gender-specific information and training, maximise the use of interparliamentary meetings and DEG activities for gendermainstreaming abroad, streamline the links with civil society and other external stakeholders, and improve the genderdimension of oversight over EP external relations.

Study EN

Plenary round-up – November I 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 12-11-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary The November I 2021 plenary session in Brussels was the first to be held without the use of remote voting since March

2020. During this mini-session, Parliament debated, in particular, a statement from the High Representative of theUnion for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, Josep Borrell, on the escalatinghumanitarian crisis on the EU/Belarusian border, in particular in Poland. Members also heard an address by FilippoGrandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Another debate covered the outcome of the first meeting of the new EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC). Several resolutions and legislative acts were adopted, inter alia onstrengthening democracy, media freedom and pluralism in the EU, the statute and funding of European political partiesand foundations, the European Education Area, disclosure of income tax information by certain undertakings andbranches, the European Partnership on Metrology, the European Union Agency for Asylum, and on serious cross-border threats to health.

At a Glance EN

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Review of the Intelligent Transport Systems DirectivePublication type Briefing

Date 12-11-2021Author HAHNKAMPER-VANDENBULCKE Nora

Policy area TransportSummary Free movement of people and goods is a fundamental freedom of the EU and its single market. While a well-

functioning EU transport system is critical for the EU economy and growth, the negative externalities associated withtransport in the EU today (emissions, noise, road crashes and congestion) need to be tackled as a matter of urgency.Intelligent transport systems (such as, journey planners, travel information services, intelligent message signs andtraffic lights, safety applications and traffic management) can help to make transport safer, more efficient and moresustainable. A 2019 ex-post evaluation of Directive 2010/40/EU on the framework for the deployment of IntelligentTransport Systems in the field of road transport and for interfaces with other modes of transport (the 'ITS Directive')identified a clear need for further action on interoperability, cooperation mechanisms and data sharing. In view of therevision of the ITS Directive, expected at the end of 2021, the briefing looks at the implementation and functioning ofthis Directive in the past.

Briefing EN

Revision of the Renewable Energy Directive: Fit for 55 packagePublication type Briefing

Date 12-11-2021Author WILSON Alex Benjamin

Policy area Energy | EnvironmentSummary On 14 July 2021 the European Commission adopted the 'fit for 55' package, adapting existing climate and energy

legislation to meet the new EU objective of a minimum 55 % reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030.The fit for 55 package is part of the European Green Deal, a flagship of the von der Leyen Commission that aims to putthe EU firmly on the path towards climate neutrality by 2050, as set out in the recently agreed European Climate Law(July 2021). One element in the fit for 55 package is the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), to helpthe EU deliver the new 55 % GHG target. Under RED II, the EU is currently obliged to ensure at least 32 % of itsenergy consumption comes from renewable energy sources (RES) by 2030. The revised RED II strengthens theseprovisions and sets a new EU target of a minimum 40 % share of RES in final energy consumption by 2030, togetherwith new sectoral targets. In the European Parliament, the file has been referred to the Committee for Industry,Research and Energy, with the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety as associatedcommittee under Rule 57. Discussions on the file have also begun in the Council of the EU.

Briefing EN

Research for CULT Committee - The role of culture, education, media and sport in the fight againstracism – policy recommendations

Publication type BriefingDate 12-11-2021

External author Bert-Jan Buiskool and Andrea Giannetto (Ockham IPS)Policy area Culture | Education

Summary This document includes recommendations developed based on a study on ‘The role of culture, education, media andsport in the fight against racism': to provide the Members of the European Parliament's Committee on Culture andEducation (CULT) with expertise for an own-initiative report (INI) on “The role of culture, education, media and sport inthe fight against racism” (concomitant expertise).

Briefing EN

What if ecolabels could nudge us to choose greener food?Publication type At a Glance

Date 11-11-2021Author KULJANIC Nera

Policy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Consumer Protection | EnvironmentSummary The way most food is produced is harming the planet. A profound change is needed, involving all agri-food actors. As

consumers, we sit at the end of the agri-food chain. Our daily dietary choices implicitly support certain food systems,production methods and types of food. What could help us make better choices?

At a Glance EN

World Diabetes Day 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 10-11-2021Author AMAND-EECKHOUT Laurence

Policy area Public HealthSummary World Diabetes Day – marked every year on 14 November – was proclaimed by the United Nations in 2007 to raise

awareness of diabetes and related complications, and to promote prevention and care, including through education.World Diabetes Day also offers an opportunity to evaluate progress in the EU.

At a Glance EN, FR

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 47

Research for REGI Committee - Cross-border cooperation in healthcarePublication type At a Glance

Date 10-11-2021Author DIETZEN Stephan Klaus | LECARTE Jacques

Policy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Regional DevelopmentSummary This At a glance note summarises the study that analyses the role of Cohesion Policy as regards cross-border

cooperation in healthcare, with a particular focus on the 2014-2020 Interreg V-A programmes. The study also reviewsthe issue of governance related to such projects and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, it identifiespossible solutions and puts forward policy recommendations to facilitate patient and healthcare staff flows, to improvethe cross-border supply of healthcare and to support cross-border mutual development.

At a Glance EN

Revision of Directive 2008/99/EC on the protection of environment through criminal lawPublication type Briefing

Date 10-11-2021Author HUEMER MARIE-ASTRID

Policy area Environment | EU Law: Legal System and ActsSummary Directive 2008/99/EC on the protection of the environment through criminal law – the Environmental Crime Directive

(ECD) – was aimed primarily at improving environmental protection by means of harmonised criminal legislation.Despite noticeable progress on setting up a common legal framework and the undisputed relevance of the directive,there are shortcomings with regard to the uncertain scope of application of the directive, the uneven system forsanctions and the fact that implementation is still lagging behind. In addition, the increasing involvement of organisedcriminal networks calls for a wider recognition of the problem, enhanced tools, specialisation and engagement from allrelevant stakeholders. This implementation appraisal looks at the practical implementation of the ECD in light of theexpected Commission proposal for its revision.

Briefing EN

Rules of origin in EU trade agreementsPublication type Briefing

Date 10-11-2021Author HALLAK ISSAM

Policy area Internal Market and Customs Union | International Trade | TaxationSummary The European Commission is currently in the process of simplifying and harmonising the rules of origin for EU trade

agreements, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of the latter. Indeed, there is a general perception that thecomplexity of the rules and their lack of harmonisation across EU trade agreements, together with burdensomecertification procedures, may be deterring some business managers from making use of the preferential trade tariffsallowed by the agreements. Rules of origin govern the conditions under which an imported good is recognised as'originating' in a preference-given country and eligible for preferential trade tariffs. Provisions on rules of origin covertwo major areas. First, the conditions for conferring origin are designed on a product-by-product basis, followingprinciples typically based on processing operations and/or share of input. An essential part of this process alsoconsists of determining to what extent origin rules may 'cumulate' materials and operations, not only in the parties totrade agreements, but also in third countries (under specific conditions). A second aspect is the certification procedurefor origin, including product consignment conditions. The EU's reform process touches on all of these areas. It startedwith the reform of the generalised scheme of preferences in 2011, a unilateral trade arrangement designed by the EUfor developing countries that inspired the EU's subsequent trade agreement negotiations. In some cases, the EU alsopromotes a more advanced cumulation system, particularly within the pan-Euro-Mediterranean system, to promoteeconomic integration with neighbouring trading partners. Finally, the EU supports the use of flexible consignment rulesthat take into account increasingly globalised inventory management. It also encourages the use of self-certification byexporters as opposed to exporting authorities. Rules of origin are complex and rely on negotiations with partnercountries, and their harmonisation poses a genuine challenge for the EU. In its latest trade policy review published inFebruary 2021, the Commission announced that policy actions on rules of origin are still needed. The modernisation ofthe rules of origin is supported by the European Parliament, which has argued that they determine the 'true extent oftrade liberalisation'.

Briefing EN

The European Parliament's investigative powers: Committees of inquiry in contextPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 10-11-2021Author DIAZ CREGO Maria

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary The European Parliament has been trying to strengthen its powers to conduct in-depth investigations into

contraventions or maladministration in the implementation of Union law since 2012, but has so far failed to gain theconsent of the Commission or Council for the modification of the legal framework applicable to its committees ofinquiry. These powers may also be discussed as part of the Conference on the future of Europe. Analysing the scopeand functioning of Parliament's committees of inquiry, this publication offers an insight into the controversy surroundingthe negotiations concerning Parliament's proposal for a new regulation on the right of inquiry.

In-Depth Analysis EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 48

Research for TRAN Committee - Alternative fuel infrastructures for heavy-duty vehiclesPublication type Study

Date 10-11-2021External author CE Delft: Anouk VAN GRINSVEN, Matthijs OTTEN, Emiel VAN DEN TOORN, Reinier VAN DER VEEN, Julius

KIRÁLY, Roy VAN DEN BERGPolicy area Transport

Summary This study presents the opportunities and challenges for the use and deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure inthe EU for heavy-duty vehicles, in particular trucks. The current state of play and future needs are presented in thecontext of the ambitions of the Green Deal, the proposal for an Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation publishedmid-July 2021 and the upcoming review of the TEN-T Regulation.

Study EN

Executive summary ES, DE, EN, FR, IT

Mechanism to resolve legal and administrative obstacles in a cross-border contextPublication type Briefing

Date 09-11-2021Author VAN LIEROP Christiaan

Policy area Regional DevelopmentKeyword administrative cooperation | cross-border cooperation | economic and social cohesion | EP Committee | EU Member

State | EU regional policy | frontier region | legal cooperation | proposal (EU) | regional cooperation | regionaldevelopment | regional disparity

Summary Often isolated, and with generally poorer access to public services, the EU's border regions face a unique set ofchallenges. This has been recognised under Article 174 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, whichprovides that particular attention should be paid to cross-border regions when developing action to strengthen the EU'seconomic, social and territorial cohesion. Yet while the EU has provided significant support over the years, particularlywithin the framework of European territorial cooperation, helping to strengthen connectivity and create new growth andjobs, numerous obstacles continue to hamper cross-border cooperation. The Commission's 2015 cross-border reviewrevealed legal and administrative barriers to be the main obstacle to cross-border cooperation while, in parallel, the2015 Luxembourg Presidency put forward plans for an EU cross-border mechanism, with both processes feeding intodiscussions on a mechanism for cross-border areas, culminating in the present proposal. The EP adopted its first-reading position on the proposal in February 2019, yet progress has been slow, with the Council's Working Party onStructural Measures deciding to cease work on the proposal in May 2021.

Briefing EN

Brexit Adjustment ReservePublication type Briefing

Date 09-11-2021Author VAN LIEROP Christiaan

Policy area Budget | Fisheries | Regional DevelopmentSummary As part of the preparations for the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union, the European Council

agreed in July 2020 to create a Brexit adjustment reserve within the special instruments outside the budget ceilings ofthe European Union's multiannual financial framework, with a budget of €5 billion to counter unforeseen and adverseconsequences in Member States and sectors that are most affected. The Commission adopted a proposal for aregulation on the Brexit adjustment reserve on 25 December 2020. The reserve will support public expenditureincurred by Member States from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2023 for eligible measures, which include support foraffected sectors, training, and new border facilities. Funding will be available for all Member States, distributed inseveral allocation tranches, with 80 % of the resources due to be allocated to Member States in the form of pre-financing, to be disbursed in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and the remainder to be made available in 2025, where applicable.Each country's allocation is calculated based on the importance of its trade with the UK and, where applicable, itsdependence on fisheries in UK waters and the size of the population of maritime border regions with the UK. Followingthe agreement on the final text between Council and Parliament on 17 June 2021, Parliament adopted its first-readingposition on 15 September 2021, with the act adopted by Council on 28 September. The regulation was published in theOfficial Journal on 8 October 2021. Third edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stagesthroughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 49

Social climate fund: Fit for 55 packagePublication type Briefing

Date 09-11-2021Author WILSON Alex Benjamin

Policy area Energy | Environment | Social PolicySummary On 14 July 2021 the European Commission adopted the 'fit for 55' package, a set of legislative proposals to meet the

new EU objective of a minimum 55 % reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. The fit for 55 package ispart of the Commission's European Green Deal, which aims to set the EU firmly on the path towards net zero GHGemissions (climate neutrality) by 2050. The fit for 55 package includes a regulation establishing a new social climatefund (SCF). The aim of the SCF is to help vulnerable households, micro-businesses and transport users meet thecosts of the green energy transition in the buildings and road transport sector. The SCF is designed to counter theadditional costs that vulnerable consumers may face when the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) Directive isrevised to cover these two sectors, as proposed in the fit for 55 package. The SCF aims to provide over €72 billion inEU funding over the 2025-2032 period, to be paid for mainly by ETS credits in the buildings and road transport sectors.The SCF funds will need to be matched by equivalent social climate funding from Member States, which must preparesocial climate plans. As a new budget line to be financed from EU 'own resources', the SCF will require amendmentsto the Own Resources Decision and the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework. The file has been referred to theCommittee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) and to the Committee for Employment and SocialAffairs, which will be producing a joint report. First edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated atkey stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

European political parties: Statute and fundingPublication type At a Glance

Date 08-11-2021Author DIAZ CREGO Maria

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary During the November I plenary session, Parliament is due to vote on an implementation report concerning the

Regulation on the statute and funding of European political parties and foundations. Parliament has to report on theapplication of the Regulation, and propose modifications where appropriate, by 31 December 2021, and every fiveyears thereafter. The Commission is also required to present a parallel implementation report and a legislativeproposal to amend the current regulation, if appropriate, and is expected to do so in November 2021.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Addressing abusive legal actions aimed at silencing journalistsPublication type At a Glance

Date 08-11-2021Author DEL MONTE Micaela

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | DemocracySummary During the November I plenary session, Parliament is due to vote a resolution aimed at strengthening democracy,

media freedom and pluralism in the European Union. The resolution calls for immediate action, both legislative andnon-legislative, to address the issue of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs).

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Disclosure of income tax information by certain undertakings and branchesPublication type At a Glance

Date 08-11-2021Author KARABOYTCHEVA Miroslava Kostova

Policy area TaxationSummary Tax transparency has become an important tool in the fight against tax avoidance and tax evasion. Country-by-country

reporting (CBCR) aims at requiring multinational enterprises (MNEs) to provide sufficient data to be able to distinguishwhat part of their activity is related to a specific country. The European Commission's proposed directive on CBCR wasfirst tabled in 2016. Interinstitutional negotiations led to a provisional agreement in June 2021. The EuropeanParliament is expected to vote on it at second reading during the November I part-session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 50

Evacuation of Afghan nationals to EU Member StatesPublication type Briefing

Date 08-11-2021Author MENTZELOPOULOU Maria-Margarita

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and JusticeSummary At the end of August 2021, the United States and coalition forces completed their withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the

Taliban took control of the country after 20 years of conflict. The crisis in Afghanistan has prompted a global responsebased on humanitarian support on the ground, evacuations and resettlement of those in need of internationalprotection, and support for neighbouring countries hosting refugees. Afghanistan has long been a priority for the EU,even before the most recent developments regarding migration and forced displacement. Afghan nationals have beenamong the largest groups of asylum-seekers and refugees hosted on European territory since 2014. Both the EUinstitutions and the EU Member States have been following the recent situation in Afghanistan closely. The EU'sresponse has prioritised completing the evacuation of EU citizens, local staff and Afghan citizens. More specifically, theEU institutions have called for extended cooperation on the evacuations from Afghanistan and the setting up of legalpathways for Afghans at risk, while examining the future engagement with Afghanistan and regional partners. At thesame time, the European Commission has presented a new 'Afghan support package' and held two high-level EUforums focusing on Afghans at risk and stressing the need for increased resettlement pledges from EU MemberStates. In a September 2021 resolution, the European Parliament called for a coordinated response to protect thosemost vulnerable, reiterating its call to the Commission for a legislative proposal on humanitarian visas, and to MemberStates to share responsibility for offering protection.

Briefing EN

Locations of the EU Decentralised AgenciesPublication type Study

Date 05-11-2021External author Jorge NUNEZ FERRER, CEPS Daina BELICKA, CSE COE Alfredo DE FEO, EUI Dace KRUPENKO, CSE COE

Policy area Budget | Budgetary ControlSummary The European Union has decentralised a number of functions, locating agencies across the European Union. The are

many factors influencing the choice of the seat(s) of an agency, including the political aim to evenly distribute theagencies. However, the location of an agency has an impact on its capacity to perform its duties effectively andefficiently. This report analyses whether the agency locations fulfil the necessary criteria.

Study EN

The ECB's New Definition of Price Stability: Better but Short of SpecificsPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 03-11-2021External author Charles WYPLOSZ

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary The new definition of price stability is a step in the right direction, even though the ECB could have gone further toward

the Fed's average inflation targeting. This definition can become most helpful as the central bank navigates newuncertainties. Yet, the review does not deal with some daunting challenges that are already visible. It will need morethan a few principles about price stability to deal with such issues as high and rising public debts, financial stability, orclimate change. This paper was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of LifePolicies at the request of the committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialoguewith the ECB President on 15 November 2021.

In-Depth Analysis EN

The Implementation and Rationale of the ECB's New Inflation TargetPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 03-11-2021External author Pierpaolo BENIGNO, Paolo CANOFARI, Giovanni DI BARTOLOMEO and Marcello MESSORI

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary In July 2021, the ECB's target was revised, specifying that the 2 % inflation rate threshold should be applied

symmetrically and with a medium-term orientation. We argue that a symmetric inflation target can significantlycontribute to anchoring inflation expectations and to limiting the risks due to the zero- and/or effective-lower boundconstraints. The monetary policy strategy revision will play a key role in the policy mix between fiscal and monetarypolicies for the post-pandemic recovery. This paper was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientificand Quality of Life Policies at the request of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of theMonetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 15 November 2021.

In-Depth Analysis EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 51

A Welcome Revision Rather Than a RevolutionPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 03-11-2021External author Christophe BLOT, Caroline BOZOU and Jérôme CREEL

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary This contribution is a preliminary analysis of the effect of the ECB's new strategy, notably the revised inflation target,

on inflation expectations. We show that the announcement of the new strategy, although necessary for severalreasons, had a minor effect on inflation expectations. This reveals that the reform was either already partiallyanticipated by the market or too timid. Therefore, we present alternative outcomes of the strategy review. This paperwas provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of thecommittee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 15November 2021.

In-Depth Analysis EN

The New Euro Area Inflation Indicator and Target: The Right Reset?Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 03-11-2021External author Zsolt DARVAS and Catarina MARTINS

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary This paper clarifies the main features of the European Central Bank's revised inflation target in light of international

practices, discusses the role of financial stability in the medium-term orientation of monetary policy decisions, andquantifies the possible impacts of the inclusion of the costs related to owner-occupied housing on the inflation indicatorwhich is subject to the inflation target. This paper was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientificand Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of theMonetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 15 November 2021.

In-Depth Analysis EN

The ECB's Revised Inflation TargetPublication type Study

Date 03-11-2021External author Pierpaolo BENIGNO, Paolo CANOFARI, Giovanni DI BARTOLOMEO, Marcello MESSORI, Zsolt DARVAS, Catarina

MARTINS, Charles WYPLOSZ, Christophe BLOT, Caroline BOZOU, Jérôme CREELPolicy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking Issues

Summary In July 2021, the European Central Bank (ECB)’s Governing Council concluded the review of its monetary policystrategy. One of the main outcomes of the review was the revised price stability target. The ECB is now committed to“an inflation rate of 2% over the medium term”. The new target is symmetric, which means that negative and positivedeviations from the target are considered as equally undesirable. Four papers were prepared by the ECONCommittee’s Monetary Expert Panel, explaining the main features and implications of the ECB’s revised inflationtarget. This publication is provided by Policy Department A for the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs(ECON), ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with ECB President Lagarde on 15 November 2021.

Study EN

Internal and external dimension of illegal logging: legal issues and solutionsPublication type Study

Date 03-11-2021External author Dr. Kévine KINDJI

Policy area Environment | Human RightsSummary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional

Affairs at the request of the PETI Committee, aims at gaining deeper insights into the legal aspects of illegal loggingand related trade in illegally harvested timber and timber products. It analyses the legal requirements and theirimplications for various actors in the EU and in third countries. The study examines the disparities in enforcement andpenalties regimes in Member States and analyses their role in trade diversion. The study further explores thepossibility for strengthening the timber regime by broadening its scope and tackling underlying issues such ascorruption and human rights violations. The study also assesses the external dimension, specifically focusing on theVoluntary Partnership Agreements with major producers’ countries. The study formulates various recommendations toimprove the regime taking into account both the internal and external dimension of illegal logging.

Study EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 52

Electronic technologies for fisheries: Transmitted positional data systemsPublication type At a Glance

Date 31-10-2021Author BREUER Marcus Ernst Gerhard | LECARTE Jacques

Policy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | FisheriesSummary This At-a-glance note is the first in a series of three, prepared for a PECH Committee Workshop. It reviews the state

of the art of transmitted positional data systems, high resolution and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for satellite imagedata used in fisheries control and fisheries research. It identifies the strengths and weaknesses of such systems andprovides policy recommendations for a more effective fisheries control system based on currently applied electronictechnologies (ET).

At a Glance EN

European Banks’ Response to COVID-19 “Quick Fix” Regulation and Other MeasuresPublication type At a Glance

Date 31-10-2021Author SCHEINERT CHRISTIAN

External author Brunella BRUNO, Filippo DE MARCOPolicy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Financial and Banking Issues

Summary The original full study presents data from 27 banking groups in 10 EU Member States, where it is found that bankshave used COVID-19 relief measures extensively, with some cross-country differences as for the intensity of use.Flexibility in risk classification does not seem to have impaired banks’ ability to report and recognise risk properly, evenfor loans under moratoria. The findings suggest that the impact of the measures on banks’ credit supply has beenoverall positive and mainly driven by capital-enhancing measures such as the “Quick fix”.

At a Glance EN

Policies for long-term carersPublication type At a Glance

Date 31-10-2021External author Mikkel BARSLUND, Frederic DEWISPELAERE et al.

Policy area Coronavirus | Employment | Forward Planning | Social PolicySummary This study provides an in-depth analysis of the formal and informal long-term care workforce in the EU building on an

extensive literature survey and data analysis. It looks at workforce characteristics, types and forms of (non-standard)employment, and working conditions. The study covers challenges in Member States related to the long-term careworkforce and measures taken to address these. It ends with a discussion of policy options at national and EU level.

At a Glance EN

Resarch for CULT Committee - The role of culture, education, media and sport in the fight against racism- Background Analysis

Publication type StudyDate 31-10-2021

External author Ockham IPS: Bert-Jan BUISKOOL, Andrea GIANNETTO, Bastiaan VERBERNEPolicy area Culture | Education

Summary The study concludes that the EU Anti-racism Action Plan 2020-2025 reflects the diversity of remedy measuresidentified in the specialist literature. Despite of the limited steering and monitoring within EU programmes of theircontribution to the fight against racism, except for the CERV programme, there is a significant share of projects thatare addressing racism related topics, also reflecting a diversity of remedy measures. There is a need for furtherbuilding on existing good practices / incentives developed by programmes and implementing institutions.

Study EN

Policies for long-term carersPublication type Study

Date 31-10-2021External author Mikkel BARSLUND, Frederic DE WISPELAERE, Karolien LENAERTS, Wouter SCHEPERS, and Elena FRIES-

TERSCHPolicy area Coronavirus | Employment | Forward Planning | Social Policy

Summary This study provides an in-depth analysis of the formal and informal long-term care workforce in the EU building on anextensive literature survey and data analysis. It looks at workforce characteristics, types and forms of (non-standard)employment, and working conditions. The study covers challenges in Member States related to the long-term careworkforce and measures taken to address these. It ends with a discussion of policy options at national and EU level.

Study EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 53

Cost of Non-EU Agencies Focusing on the Health and Safety Cluster of the EU Decentralised AgenciesPublication type Study

Date 31-10-2021External author Jack Malan, Giorgio Cacciaguerra, Sandra Ruiz, Cara Burillo Feduchi and Ivan Bosch-Chen, Centre for Strategy &

Evaluation Services (CSES)Policy area Budget | Budgetary Control

Summary The Analytical Study suggests that the seven EU agencies in the health and safety field demonstrate strong Europeanadded value and that this is widely recognised by Member States and other stakeholders including business. Theagencies have played an important role in the COVID-19 pandemic. More generally. the study concludes that the costof ‘non-agencies’, i.e. a situation where the agencies ceased to exist, would be higher to the European Commission,national authorities and business than the current cost of the seven agencies to the EU budget.

Study EN

The Management Boards of the Decentralised AgenciesPublication type Study

Date 31-10-2021External author Jack Malan, Marta Dimauro Centre for Strategy & Evaluation Services (CSES)

Policy area Budget | Budgetary ControlSummary The Management Boards of the EU decentralised agencies have a key role in ensuring the agencies’ good

governance. This study examines the established practices of the Management Boards. In particular, it assesses howeffective and efficient the Boards’ working methods are and the main factors affecting their performance. The studyinvestigates key governance issues including the size and composition of the Boards, the representation of differentinterests, the decision-making rules, the effectiveness of the Boards in fulfilling their tasks. Last but not least, the studyprovides recommendations on how to improve the functioning of the Management Boards.

Study EN

Voting and candidacy rights of mobile EU citizens in municipal elections under Directive 94/80/ECPublication type Briefing

Date 29-10-2021Author ANGLMAYER Irmgard

Policy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Transposition and Implementation of LawSummary An estimated 13.3 million European Union (EU) citizens live in an EU Member State that is not their country of origin.

Of these, over 11 million are of voting age. Under Council Directives 93/109/EC and 94/80/EC, these 'mobile'Europeans are entitled to participate in European and municipal elections in their country of residence. While MemberStates have successfully transposed both directives, voter turnout among mobile citizens remains low compared tonationals. In its 2020 citizenship report, the European Commission announced a strengthening of electoral rights inEuropean and municipal elections. According to the Commission's 2021 work programme (Annex II), amendingproposals are envisaged for the fourth quarter of 2021, as part of the 'Transparency and democracy package'. Thisbriefing explores the operation of Council Directive 94/80/EC on the right to vote and to stand as a candidate inmunicipal elections and discusses obstacles to citizens' effective exercise of their rights. It also analyses theimplications of Brexit on local election rights for both United Kingdom (UK) citizens residing in the EU 27 and EUcitizens living in the UK. The resulting post-Brexit status quo is a complex patchwork governed by national law andbilateral agreements. A separate briefing examines the implementation of Directive 93/109/EC regarding Europeanelections.

Briefing EN

Voting and candidacy rights of mobile EU citizens in European elections under Council Directive93/109/EC

Publication type BriefingDate 29-10-2021

Author ANGLMAYER IrmgardPolicy area Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Transposition and Implementation of Law

Summary Under the arrangements set out in Council Directives 93/109/EC and 94/80/EC, EU nationals who live in a MemberState other than their own are entitled to participate in European and municipal elections, respectively, in their countryof residence. This concerns an estimated 11 million EU citizens of voting age (post-Brexit data). Even if MemberStates have successfully transposed both directives, voter turnout among mobile citizens remains low compared tonationals. Similarly, only a fraction of candidates standing for European elections is made up of non-nationals (slightlyover 1 % in the 2019 elections). The European Commission has announced its intention to update both directives;according to its 2021 work programme (Annex II), amending proposals are envisaged for the fourth quarter of 2021,forming part of the 'transparency and democracy package'. This briefing looks into the operation of Council Directive93/109/EC on the right to vote and stand as candidate in European elections. It discusses obstacles that hinder mobileEU citizens from effectively exercising their electoral rights, such as registration and communication issues, and looksinto the problem of double voting. The implementation of Directive 94/80/EC regarding municipal elections is examinedin a separate briefing.

Briefing EN

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Establishing a framework for a European digital identityPublication type Briefing

Date 29-10-2021Author TUOMINEN ULLA-MARI

Policy area Ex-ante Impact AssessmentSummary This briefing provides an initial analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the European Commission’s impact

assessment (IA) accompanying the above-mentioned proposal, submitted on 3 June 2021 and referred to theEuropean Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE). The proposal seeks to amendRegulation (EU) No 910/2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internalmarket (the eIDAS Regulation) in order to better meet the new market and societal demands for trusted governmenteID linked solutions and for attributes and credentials provided by the public and private sector, which would berecognised across the EU for accessing both public and private services. This proposal would also address users’expectations to have more control over their personal data. This initiative, which European Commission PresidentUrsula von der Leyen announced in her State of the Union speech of 16 September 2020, is included in theCommission’s 2021 work programme and is part of the strategy on shaping Europe’s digital future. In its conclusions of1-2 October 2020, the European Council invited the Commission to come forward with a proposal for a Europeandigital identity framework by mid-2021.

Briefing EN

Security situation in Afghanistan: Implications for EuropePublication type Briefing

Date 29-10-2021Author IMMENKAMP Beatrix | LATICI Tania

Policy area Security and DefenceSummary Just over two months after the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan on 15 August 2021, the movement remains

politically isolated. So far, no country has recognised the caretaker government that the new leaders announced on 7September 2021. The humanitarian situation in a country that largely depended on foreign aid to survive isdeteriorating rapidly, so much so that international aid organisations describe the situation as a 'humanitarianmeltdown'. Aware that the collapse of the economic and financial system in Afghanistan would impact heavily on thestability of the country, the region and beyond, the international community has mobilised large amounts of funds,including €1 billion in humanitarian aid from the EU budget. While no major population movements out of Afghanistanhave been detected so far, the EU is determined to avoid a crisis reminiscent of the 2015 refugee crisis prompted bythe Syrian civil war. EU assistance is partly destined for countries in the region hosting Afghan refugees. In the longerterm, the EU is concerned that Afghanistan could revert to being a safe haven for international terrorists who mighttarget EU countries. The EU's preparedness to deal with the threat from terrorism has evolved significantly over thepast decade. In response to events in Afghanistan, the Council published a counter-terrorism action plan onAfghanistan in September, setting out four clear objectives, and making 22 recommendations for action. The UnitedStates government's determination to leave Afghanistan according to a set timetable, irrespective of allies'reservations, has reignited the debate over the need for greater EU strategic autonomy. The EU's 'strategic compass'process provides a framework for these discussions, including negotiations over a potential future rapid reaction or'initial entry' force, able to provide a European capability to react to events such as those that unfolded in Afghanistan.Members of the European Parliament have called on the EU to reinforce significantly its capacity to act autonomouslyand for the strategic compass to address the terrorist threat from Afghanistan.

Briefing EN

Updating the European digital identity frameworkPublication type Briefing

Date 29-10-2021Author NEGREIRO ACHIAGA Maria Del Mar

Policy area IndustrySummary The 2014 Regulation on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market

(eIDAS Regulation or eIDAS) was the first digital identity legislation to provide the basis for cross-border electronicidentification, authentication and website certification throughout the EU. Application of eIDAS has been mixed.However, the pandemic increased the need for such solutions to be put in place to access public and private services.On 3 June 2021, the Commission put forward a proposal building on the eIDAS framework, with the aim of giving atleast 80 % of citizens the possibility to use a digital identity to access key public services by 2030 and to do so acrossEU borders. The updated European digital identity framework would also allow citizens to identify and authenticatethemselves online without having to resort to commercial providers, a practice that raises trust, security and privacyconcerns. In parallel, the Commission adopted a recommendation to design a toolbox supporting the framework so asto avoid fragmentation and barriers due to diverging standards. Within the European Parliament, the file has beenassigned to the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE).

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 55

Housing and the Cost of LivingPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 29-10-2021External author Daniel GROS and Farzaneh SHAMSFAKHR

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary The Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), which constitutes the sole official measure of inflation in the euro

area, leaves out an important part of household expenditure, namely the cost of owner-occupied housing (OOH). Mostother developed economies include estimates of OOH in their consumer price index. The existing, even if imperfect,indicator available today from Eurostat should be included immediately in the HICP. It is unacceptable that Eurostatand the Commission have not been able to produce a better OOH indicator in the 18 years since the ECB first flaggedthe importance of housing costs in 2003. This paper was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientificand Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of theMonetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 15 November 2021.

In-Depth Analysis EN

How should housing be treated in the HICP?Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 29-10-2021External author Karl WHELAN

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary The ECB has approved a plan to include a measure of the cost of owner-occupied housing in the HICP. This paper

reviews the various methodologies that are used to incorporate this element into consumer price indices. Itrecommends the use of a rental equivalence approach rather than the net acquisitions approach currently used inEurostat’s experimental price index of owner-occupied housing. This paper was provided by the Policy Departmentfor Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs(ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 15 November 2021.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Owner-Occupied Housing Costs and Monetary Policy: Goals and Challenges for the Euro AreaPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 29-10-2021External author Geraldine DANY-KNEDLIK and Andrea PAPADIA

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary Owner-occupied housing costs represent an important expenditure for households and should be included in the

Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices. Conceptual and practical challenges must be resolved before this can beimplemented. Estimates suggest that these costs would have a small impact on monetary policy. At the same time,different degrees of home ownership in the euro area mean that their inclusion may affect countries differently.Significant complementarity with other EU policies, like financial stability, are unlikely to materialise. This paper wasprovided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committeeon Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 15 November2021.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Including Owner-Occupied Housing Costs in the HICP: Some Technical and Policy RemarksPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 29-10-2021External author Luigi BONATTI and Andrea FRACASSO

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary We discuss the full inclusion of the owner-occupied housing costs (OOHCs) in the EU's harmonised index of consumer

prices (HICP). We briefly review the main methods used for including these costs into consumer price indices, and inparticular the reasons why the EU authorities prefer to adopt the net acquisitions approach rather than the rentequivalence approach, as other major countries did. We also argue that in the current scenario an acceleration of theEU's roadmap towards a full inclusion of OOHCs in the HICP would be desirable. This paper was provided by thePolicy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on Economicand Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 15 November 2021.

In-Depth Analysis EN

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Next Generation EU Borrowing: a first assessmentPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 29-10-2021Author DELASNERIE Alix

External author Rebecca Christie, Grégory Claeys, Pauline Weil (BruegelPolicy area Budget | Budgetary Control | Forward Planning

Summary The Next Generation EU programme is radically changing the way the EU finances itself and interacts with financialmarkets, due to its ambitious and groundbreaking new public debt programme. The European Commission has thusadopted a totally new, diversified borrowing strategy, similar to that of other major issuers, to raise money safely,reliably and in a cost-effective manner. EU debt therefore has to be attractive to financial markets and maintain astrong credit rating.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Das Recht auf Gesundheit, eine rechtsvergleichende Perspektive: DeutschlandPublication type Study

Date 29-10-2021External author Prof. Dr. Franz REIMER, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen

Policy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Public HealthSummary Dieses Dokument ist Teil einer Reihe von Studien, mit denen das Recht auf Gesundheit in verschiedenen Staaten aus

rechtsvergleichender Sicht dargestellt werden soll. Nach einer Erklärung der einschlägigen Rechtsvorschriften undRechtsprechung werden der Inhalt, die Grenzen und die mögliche Entwicklung dieses Rechts analysiert. Dievorliegende Studie hat den Fall Deutschland zum Gegenstand. Ein „Recht auf Gesundheit“ ist dem deutschenVerfassungsrecht fremd. Das „Recht auf Leben und körperliche Unversehrtheit“ nach Art. 2 Abs. 2 Satz 1 Grundgesetzschützt nicht die Gesundheit als solche. Allerdings ist dieses Grundrecht, das zunächst ein Abwehrrecht gegenstaatliche Eingriffe darstellte, durch das Bundesverfassungsgericht auch in seiner Schutzpflichtdimension entfaltetworden. Danach gebietet das Grundrecht dem Staat, sich schützend und fördernd vor das menschliche Leben zustellen. Unabhängig von den verfassungsrechtlichen Determinanten hat sich seit der BismarckschenSozialgesetzgebung mit dem Sozialgesetzbuch, ferner durch das Infektionsschutzgesetz und zahlreiche weitereKodifikationen ein umfangreiches einfachgesetzliches Gesundheitsrecht gebildet.

Study DE

Strengthening the role and impact of petitions as an instrument of participatory democracy - Lessonslearnt from a citizens’ perspective 10 years after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty

Publication type StudyDate 29-10-2021

External author ALEMANNO AlbertoPolicy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Petitions to the European Parliament

Summary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the PETI Committee, evaluates the state of play of the right of petition ten years after theinclusion of the principle of participatory democracy in the EU treaties. After contextualising the right of petition withinthe broader EU participatory infrastructure, its ultimate objective is to provide a set of recommendations aimed atunleashing its democratic potential while overcoming its major structural limitations.

Study EN

Inflation Measurement: Role of Owner-Occupied Housing CostsPublication type Study

Date 29-10-2021External author Karl WHELAN, Daniel GROS, Farzaneh SHAMSFAKHR, Luigi BONATTI, Andrea FRACASSO, Geraldine DANY-

KNEDLIK, Andrea PAPADIAPolicy area Economics and Monetary Issues

Summary The harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP) is the measure used by the European Central Bank (ECB) to defineits price stability target and guide policy. As such, it needs to relate closely to the actual inflation that households in theeuro area are experiencing. Housing costs, an important part of household expenditures, are currently included in theHICP index through rental costs and only some minor elements of owner-occupied housing (OOH) costs. In July 2021,the ECB Governing Council recommended a multi-year roadmap to include OOH costs in the HICP. Four paperswere prepared by the ECON Committee’s Monetary Expert Panel, discussing the conceptual, technical and policyaspects of integrating OOH costs into the HICP. This publication is provided by Policy Department A for theCommittee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON), ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with ECB President Lagardeon 15 November 2021.

Study EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 57

Revision of the EU legislation on geographical indications of agricultural and food productsPublication type Briefing

Date 28-10-2021Author KARAMFILOVA Ekaterina

Policy area Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentSummary The EU implements a quality policy (quality schemes) aimed at protecting the names of certain agricultural and food

products. The objective is to promote the unique features of these products linked to their geographical origin(geographical indication) as well as the traditional know-how behind their production (traditional speciality guaranteed).The EU rules on quality schemes have been established by a number of regulations adopted by the EuropeanParliament and the Council of the EU. Recently published studies show that, although the implementation of the EUlegislative framework is assessed positively, certain shortages need to be addressed so that the quality schemes candeliver to their full potential and support the achievement of the objectives of the 'farm to fork' strategy adopted by theEuropean Commission in May 2020 as a cornerstone of the European Green Deal. The Commission work programmefor 2021 therefore envisages the submission of a proposal for a revision of the legislative framework in the fourthquarter of the year. This briefing presents the findings of publicly accessible sources on the implementation of the EUlegislative framework that will be revised.

Briefing EN

The aviation and maritime sectors and the EU Emission Trading System (EU ETS): challenges andimpacts

Publication type At a GlanceDate 27-10-2021

Author DEBYSER Ariane | LECARTE Jacques | PERNICE DavideExternal author Dagmar NELISSEN, Jasper FABER; DLR: Sven MAERTENS, David ENNEN, Wolfgang GRIMME

Policy area TransportAt a Glance EN

Revision of Directive 96/9/EC on the legal protection of databasesPublication type Briefing

Date 27-10-2021Author HUEMER MARIE-ASTRID

Policy area Intellectual Property Law | Internal Market and Customs UnionSummary Following the adoption of the 2015 strategy for a digital single market in Europe and the 2020 communication on a

European strategy for data, both of which sought to establish the right conditions for developing the EU data economy,several additional policy and legislative initiatives were undertaken. Their common goal was to provide the necessarylegal, technological and economic conditions so data access, data-sharing and data re-use could foster innovation,business competitiveness and public interest. One of these initiatives resulted in the adoption of Directive 96/9/EC onthe Legal Protection of Databases (the Database Directive), which is among the legal instruments to be revised as partof the development of an EU data act. As the Database Directive provides rules on intellectual property rights attachedto databases, its revision is also part of the Commission’s intellectual property action plan, adopted in 2020 Thisimplementation appraisal looks at the practical implementation of the directive in light of the expected Commissionproposal for its revision. According to the 2021 Commission work programme, the proposal will be submitted in thethird quarter of 2021, after having initially been part of the 2020 Refit programme.

Briefing EN

The 2021 G20 Summit: Bridging global rifts for a greener and more sustainable futurePublication type Briefing

Date 27-10-2021Author ZAMFIR Ionel

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary The 2021 G20 Summit, to be held in Rome on 30 and 31 October, was expected to bring together the major

economies' leaders in a physical meeting for the first time since the pandemic began. However, several leaders (ofRussia, Japan, Mexico and China) have announced that they will not attend in person, limiting opportunities to holdinformal bilateral meetings in the margins of the summit. Important decisions designed to put the global economy andsociety on course towards a greener and more sustainable future have already been sketched out at ministerial levelmeetings. These now need to be endorsed by the heads of state or government. With its informal nature, the G20 is avital global platform, bringing together the leaders of all the major developed and emerging economies, regardless oftheir political systems. In a global context characterised by growing rifts between the major geopolitical powers, the USand China in particular, the 2021 summit will be an opportunity to show how committed countries still are to multilateralrules and cooperation, but also how much trust remains to sustain the G20's customary voluntary commitments. Theleaders at the summit are expected to reaffirm their commitments to boosting economic recovery, while mainstreaminggreen and digital objectives. They may also discuss more ambitious climate objectives than their ministers havemanaged to agree. The summit should take the final decision on the historic reform of global taxation, agreeing on aglobal minimum tax rate for firms operating multinationally. Vaccine equity and other health challenges relating to thepandemic will also figure on the agenda. For the EU, the summit is an opportunity to reaffirm its unabatedly strongsupport for multilateralism. The European Parliament has expressed support for the tax reform debated at G20/OECDlevel.

Briefing EN

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Climate action in Sweden: Latest state of playPublication type Briefing

Date 27-10-2021Author MORGADO SIMOES HENRIQUE ANDRE

Policy area EnvironmentSummary The EU's binding climate and energy legislation for 2030 requires Member States to adopt national energy and climate

plans (NECPs) covering the period 2021 to 2030. In October 2020, the European Commission published anassessment for each NECP. Sweden submitted its NECP in January 2020. A high proportion of Swedes (76%) expectnational governments to tackle climate change. Sweden accounts for 1.4 % of total EU greenhouse gas (GHG)emissions and has reduced its emissions at a slightly faster pace than the EU average since 2005. The carbonintensity of Sweden's economy is the lowest in the Union and continues to decrease faster than the EU-wide average.Sweden's transport sector has the highest share of total emissions, but reduced its levels by over 23 % from 2005 to2019. The sector with the greatest percentage reduction in emissions between 2005 and 2019 – 56.4 % – was wastemanagement. Under the Effort-sharing Decision (2013 2020) Sweden needs to reduce its emissions in sectors notincluded in the EU emissions trading system by 17 % compared with 2005 levels. The 2030 target under the Effort-sharing Regulation (2021-2030) is a 40 % reduction. The country is well placed to achieve both the 2020 and 2030targets. The country's share of renewable energy sources was 56.4 % in 2019 and is predicted to reach 65 % by 2030,mainly through wind farms and solar power.

Briefing EN

Transport trends in national recovery and resilience plansPublication type Briefing

Date 27-10-2021Author PAPE Marketa

Policy area TransportSummary To address the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, the EU has put in place an unprecedented temporary

recovery instrument, Next Generation EU (NGEU). Its main spending tool is the Recovery and Resilience Facility,worth €723.8 billion (in current prices). While EU countries differ both in terms of their pre-Covid situations and Covid-related impacts, they can all seize the opportunity to kick-start their economies with this financial injection. To accessfunding under the facility, EU countries have had to prepare their recovery and resilience plans in line with a number ofrequirements, such as earmarking a certain minimum share for investment in the green and digital transitions. Theplans have to be endorsed by the European Commission and approved by the Council. By 20 October 2021, 70 % ofthe plans had been approved. While governments are receiving their first allocations of funding and a full analysis isstill out of reach, it has been possible to get an initial glimpse of the plans' contents. This briefing aims to give a flavourof the elements that EU countries want to take up to revive their transport and mobility systems. As all the projectsfinanced have to be implemented by 2026, careful consideration has been needed to determine what is feasible andhow it can fit in with long-term national greening efforts. Most governments want to invest in modern trains, cleanvehicles and recharging infrastructure as well as improving public transport. While digitalisation is already significantlypresent across all transport modes, strategies for reducing car use and promoting active mobility are taking hold onlygradually. While the planned reforms and investments combine many elements and vary considerably, their collectivecompletion could bring a step change towards a clean and modern European transport.

Briefing EN

Climate action in Poland: Latest state of playPublication type Briefing

Date 27-10-2021Author ERBACH Gregor

Policy area EnvironmentSummary The EU's binding climate and energy legislation for 2030 requires Member States to adopt national energy and climate

plans (NECPs) for the 2021-2030 period. In October 2020, the European Commission published an assessment ofeach NECP. Poland's final NECP is from December 2019. A high proportion of Poles (62 %) expect nationalgovernments to tackle climate change. The country generates 10.5 % of the EU's total greenhouse gas (GHG)emissions. Emissions were stable over the 2005-2019 period, with only small annual variations. The carbon intensity ofthe Polish economy fell by 44 % over the same period, but remains the second highest in the Union. The energyindustries sector, heavily reliant on coal, is the country's largest GHG emitter, with 38 % of total emissions. Whileenergy industry emissions fell by 17 % in the 2005-2019 period, the transport sector emissions increased by 84 %,reaching a 17 % share in 2019. Under EU effort-sharing legislation, Poland was permitted to increase its emissions by14 % compared with 2005 levels by 2020 and now needs to achieve a 7 % reduction by 2030. Poland reached a 12.2% share of renewable energy sources in 2019, and aims to reach a renewables share of at least 23 % by 2030, byfocusing on biomass, offshore wind and biofuels. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States.

Briefing EN

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Climate action in Slovakia: Latest state of playPublication type Briefing

Date 27-10-2021Author ERBACH Gregor

Policy area EnvironmentSummary The EU's binding climate and energy legislation for 2030 requires Member States to adopt national energy and climate

plans (NECPs) covering the period 2021 to 2030. In October 2020, the European Commission published anassessment for each NECP. Slovakia's final NECP is from December 2019. A high proportion of Slovaks (63 %)expect national governments to tackle climate change. Slovakia accounts for 1.1 % of the EU's total greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions and reduced emissions at a similar pace as the EU average between 2005 and 2019. The carbonintensity of Slovakia's economy is significantly above the EU average, but has fallen faster than the EU average.Industry is responsible for the largest part of Slovakia's GHG emissions, with a 37 % share of total emissions. Energyindustry emissions fell by 41 % between 2005 and 2019, and accounted for 16 % of Slovakia's emissions in 2019.Emissions from transport and from waste management increased over the same period while emissions fromagriculture remained stable. Under EU effort-sharing legislation, Slovakia was allowed to increase its emissions by 13% by 2020, compared with 2005, and will have to reduce them by 12 % by 2030, but is aiming for 20 %. Slovakiaachieved a 16.9 % share of renewable energy sources (RES) in 2019, exceeding its 14 % target for 2020. The countryaims to reach its 2030 target of a 19.2 % share with onshore wind, photovoltaics and bioenergy. Energy efficiencymeasures focus on buildings, public sector, industry and transport.

Briefing EN

Gender equality in the Recovery and Resilience FacilityPublication type Briefing

Date 26-10-2021Author SAPALA Magdalena

Policy area Budget | Economics and Monetary Issues | Gender Issues, Equality and DiversitySummary The extent of the negative impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the social and economic situation of women has triggered a

debate on the urgent need to take a gender-sensitive approach to the policy response to the pandemic. In this context,the establishment of the EU's biggest financial instrument supporting recovery in the Member States – the Recoveryand Resilience Facility (RRF) – is an opportunity to channel the extraordinary resources to the measures that take intoaccount the principles of gender equality. It is also a chance to put in practice the EU's long-standing commitmentsregarding the need to mainstream gender across different policies and apply gender budgeting principles to EUspending. Offering an overview of how gender equality has been built into the RRF Regulation, this briefing explainswhat was expected from the Member States when they were preparing their national recovery and resilience plans(NRRPs) as regards gender equality. It also provides practical examples of reforms and investments where genderequality has been taken into account, from the approved NRRPs of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Spain,France, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Austria, Portugal and Slovakia. In keeping with the RRF Regulation, all the NRRPsanalysed declare gender equality to be a horizontal objective, to be given consideration in all measures. However, notall Member States have included dedicated reforms or investments addressing gender-related challenges explicitly, orindicating women as the main beneficiaries.

Briefing EN

Taxing the digital economy: New developments and the way forwardPublication type Briefing

Date 26-10-2021Author SZCZEPANSKI Marcin

Policy area TaxationSummary On 8 October 2021, the OECD announced that, following years of intense negotiations, 136 countries had finally

reached an agreement on how to tackle the tax policy challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy. Agrowing realisation that these challenges cannot be addressed by the existing tax system – over a century old – helpedachieve the breakthrough. With this, one of the main questions pertinent to the digital economy – how to fairly taxbusinesses that rely on intangible assets and have no or only an insignificant physical presence in the tax jurisdictionswhere they operate – seems to have been answered. The EU and other international bodies have been discussingthese issues for some time. In March 2018, the EU introduced a legislative package on the fair taxation of the digitaleconomy. It contained proposals for an interim and a long-term digital tax. However, there was no immediate politicalagreement in the Council. As finding a global solution at the OECD level or a coordinated EU approach was not yetfeasible at the time, some Member States started designing or implementing their own digital taxes, which gave rise totrade tensions. The two-pillar solution agreed under the auspices of the OECD will put an end to this fragmentation.Pillar One would reallocate taxation rights concerning the largest and most profitable multinationals, and Pillar Twowould introduce a global minimal corporate tax rate. While the consensus has been broadly welcomed, the new ruleshave also sparked controversy, particularly regarding their impact on developing countries, their complexity and theirresilience to possible circumvention. The agreement will be presented for endorsement during the G20 Leaders'Summit scheduled for 30-31 October 2021 in Rome. This Briefing updates a previous one from March 2020.

Briefing EN

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Domestic use of EU Digital Covid CertificatesPublication type Briefing

Date 26-10-2021Author CLAROS GIMENO Eulalia | Niestadt Maria

Policy area Public Health | TourismSummary Just before summer 2021, the EU adopted in record time (see timeline below) two regulations on the EU Digital Covid

Certificate. The certificate with a QR code shows if a person has been vaccinated, tested negative or recovered fromCovid-19. It is free of charge, available on paper or on a smartphone, and valid in all EU Member States. In total, 43countries in the world are connected to the EU Digital Covid Certificate system. Its aim is to facilitate safe cross-bordermovement during the Covid-19 pandemic, but Member States are also free to use it for other purposes. This overviewshows which Member States are using Covid-19 certificates for other purposes than cross-border travel (data as of 25October 2021). It indicates where and from whom it is required, as well as which proofs are accepted. Some countriesuse a different name for the certificate: e.g. CovidCheck, SafePass, Corona/health pass(port). In all Member States,the EU Digital Covid Certificate is accepted as proof of vaccination, test or recovery. Some (like Austria) also acceptother proofs, such as proof of neutralising antibodies.

Briefing EN

Recovery and Resilience Plans - state of play (October 2021)Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 26-10-2021Author GRIGAITE KRISTINA | PACHECO DIAS CRISTINA SOFIA | TURCU OVIDIU IONUT | ZOPPÉ Alice

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary This document provides a state of play of the Recovery and Resilience Plans (RRPs) under the Recovery and

Resilience Facility (RRF) covering, notably, Commission assessment and Council adoption procedures. It is based onan earlier EGOV paper, dated June 2021. The document will be regularly updated.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Research for REGI Committee - Cross-border cooperation in healthcarePublication type Study

Date 26-10-2021External author prof. Fabienne Leloup

Policy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Regional DevelopmentSummary This study analyses the role of Cohesion Policy as regards cross-border cooperation in healthcare, with a particular

focus on the 2014-2020 Interreg V-A programmes. It also reviews the issue of governance related to such projects andthe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, it identifies possible solutions and puts forward policy recommendationsto facilitate patient and healthcare staff flows, to improve the cross-border supply of healthcare and to support cross-border mutual development.

Study EN

Executive summary ES, DE, EN, FR, IT

Europe’s Digital Decade and AutonomyPublication type Study

Date 26-10-2021Author CIUCCI MATTEO | GOUARDERES Frederic

External author Cristiano CODAGNONE, Open Evidence Giovanni LIVA, Open Evidence Laura GUNDERSON, Open EvidenceGianluca MISURACA, Inspiring Futures Emanuele REBESCO, Open Evidence

Summary This study on “Europe's digital decade and autonomy” aims to deliver an independent expert opinion and anassessment of the 2030 targets set by the Digital Compass and the overall Commission’s Digital Strategy. Thisdocument was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request ofthe committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) to establish an objective view on the progress made in recentyears, ongoing actions, and the adequacy of future measures to be taken.

Study EN

The social and employment situation of Roma communities in SlovakiaPublication type Study

Date 26-10-2021External author Barbora HOLUBOVÁ, Martin KAHANEC, Lucia KOVÁČOVÁ, Zuzana POLÁČKOVÁ, Maria SEDLÁKOVÁ

Policy area Employment | Social PolicySummary This paper first presents key indicators on employment and poverty for Roma communities in Slovakia and reviews

existing social and employment policies. Second, it discusses the situation of Roma children in education. Third, thepaper presents achievements and lessons learned from the use of EU funds for marginalised communities and, finally,it reviews the work of other organisations in assessing the situation of Roma people in Slovakia.

Study EN

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Urban farming: A gateway to greater food security?Publication type At a Glance

Date 25-10-2021Author NOONAN EAMONN

Policy area Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentSummary This foresight analysis identifies trends, uncertainties and potential disruptions around urban farming. Access to

investment funding, careful risk management and a supportive regulatory and policy environment are critical to futuredevelopment, especially at local or sub-national level.

At a Glance EN

Roaming Regulation reviewPublication type Briefing

Date 25-10-2021Author NEGREIRO ACHIAGA Maria Del Mar

Policy area IndustrySummary The Roaming Regulation established the 'roam like at home' (RLAH) rule that mandated the end of retail mobile

roaming charges as of 15 June 2017 in all EU Member States and EEA countries. The regulation is currently in forceuntil 30 June 2022. The application of the RLAH rule has been a success, boosting the use of mobile devices whiletravelling to other EU/EEA countries. For instance, the use of data roaming increased 17 times in the summer of 2019compared with the summer preceding the abolition of roaming surcharges. However, in 2020, owing to the pandemic,the number of travellers across the EU decreased along with the need for roaming. Nevertheless, five years after itsimplementation, the Commission needs to review the Roaming Regulation, with a view to extending the roamingmarket rules by 10 years. The Commission is also seeking to continue lowering wholesale roaming charges, improvethe quality of roaming services offered to travellers, and provide access to all available network generations andtechnologies and improved transparency, including free access to emergency services and information on any costincurred accessing value added services, among other things. Within the European Parliament the file has beenallocated to the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE). The committee report was adopted on 14October 2021, and the mandate for trilogue negotiations approved in plenary the following week.

Briefing EN

Outcome of the European Council meeting of 21-22 October 2021Publication type Briefing

Date 25-10-2021Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | DRACHENBERG Ralf

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Coronavirus | Democracy | Energy | Foreign Affairs | Public HealthSummary The regular European Council meeting of 21-22 October 2021 dedicated significant time to discussing the rule of law

and the rise in energy prices – which have become particularly salient topics at national and European level – as wellas to migration. On the rule of law, EU leaders had a political discussion, underlining the importance of the rule of lawfor the EU, but did not adopt concrete conclusions. Regarding the recent spike in energy prices, they agreed onpursuing short-term, tailored and targeted national measures, and will continue to look for a consensus on long-termmeasures at the next European Council meeting. Leaders also took stock of the coronavirus pandemic, reviewedprogress on the digital agenda and related key legislative files, and held a strategic debate on trade.

Briefing EN

United States Congress: Facts and FiguresPublication type Briefing

Date 25-10-2021Author BENTZEN Naja | SABBATI Giulio

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary The Congress is the legislative branch of the US system of government. It is divided into two chambers: the House of

Representatives (lower chamber) and the Senate (upper chamber). The formal powers of Congress are set out inArticle 1 of the US Constitution, and include making laws, collecting revenue, borrowing and spending money,declaring war, making treaties with foreign nations, and overseeing the executive branch. Elections to the USCongress occur in November every second year, with the Congress convening the following January. The current,117th, Congress was elected in November 2020 and was convened in January 2021. The US has a long-standing two-party system, which means that nearly all members of Congress belong to either the Republican or Democratic parties,while independent members (if any) generally align or sit with one of the two main parties. At the most recent,simultaneous US Presidential and Congressional elections, in November 2020, the Democratic party won the WhiteHouse. The Democrats retained a reduced majority in the House of Representatives, whilst both parties got the samenumber of seats in the Senate (including two Independent Senators who sit with the Democrats), where the Democratsnow enjoy a de facto majority because of the casting vote of the US Vice-President, Kamala Harris. This EPRSBriefing is designed to provide key facts and figures about the US Congress as an institution, including relevantcomparisons with the European Parliament (EP). The back page contains a map showing the location of the variousCongressional buildings on Capitol Hill, home to the Congress in Washington DC. This updates previous EPRSBriefings on the 115th Congress and 116th Congress, which are available online.

Briefing EN

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Introducing the European Union agency for asylumPublication type Briefing

Date 25-10-2021Author ORAV Anita

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and JusticeSummary The European Asylum Support Office (EASO) is a European Union agency that provides tools to help the EU Member

States prepare for an influx of asylum applicants and implement EU legislation on the ground. The Malta-based agencywas established in 2010 as an impartial centre of expertise, with the objective of developing practical cooperationbetween the Member States, offering support in the event of particular asylum-related pressures and providingevidence for EU policy-making. In 2016, EASO played a major role in implementing the immediate actions outlined inthe European agenda on migration, which focused on strengthening the EU's emergency response to the migrationcrisis. The European Commission has also called for a strengthened role for EASO in other related areas. To enablethe agency to fulfil its new tasks, build up staff, and deliver operational and technical support to Member States,EASO's budget has seen a nearly tenfold increase over the past seven years, from €14.6 million in 2014 to close to€140 million in 2021. However, concerns have been voiced regarding the way EASO's mandate has expanded inpractice, without the necessary legal basis, and regarding the lack of transparency or appropriate monitoringmechanisms vis à vis its activities. In 2016, as a response to the shortcomings revealed in the EU's migrationmanagement, the Commission presented a proposal to amend and expand EASO's mandate, also changing its nameto the European Union agency for asylum to reflect its stronger powers. As part of the asylum reform package, theproposal was put on hold, but was then relaunched as part of the new pact on asylum and migration in September2020. On 29 June 2021, the European Parliament and the Council reached a political agreement on the agency. Toenter into force, the agreement now needs to be endorsed formally by the co-legislators. The text agreed was debatedin plenary session on 7 October 2021, and the Parliament is expected to vote on it during November 2021.

Briefing EN

New genomic techniques: European Commission study and first reactionsPublication type Briefing

Date 25-10-2021Author LAANINEN Tarja

Policy area Food SafetySummary On 29 April 2021, the European Commission presented a study on the status of new genomic techniques (NGTs)

under EU law. The Council had asked for this study in the context of a 2018 European Court of Justice judgment andthe practical questions raised by it. The Commission study examines the implementation of EU legislation on NGTs,based on consultations with the Member States and stakeholders. It provides information on the status and use ofNGTs in plants, animals and micro-organisms for agri-food and for industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Thestudy defines NGTs as ‘techniques capable of changing the genetic material of an organism and that have emerged orhave been developed since 2001’, that is, after the existing EU legislation on genetically modified organisms wasadopted. The main conclusions of the study point to ‘limitations as to the capacity of the legislation to keep pace withscientific developments’, stating that this causes implementation challenges and legal uncertainties. According to thestudy, there are strong indications that the legislation is not fit for purpose for some NGTs and their products, and thatit needs to be adapted to scientific and technological progress. According to the Commission, the study confirms thatNGT products have the potential to contribute to sustainable agri-food systems in line with the objectives of theEuropean Green Deal and the ‘farm to fork’ strategy. Stakeholders have mixed reactions to the study: while someindustry associations and researchers welcome its content and conclusions, others appear more cautious, and someenvironmental NGOs strongly oppose it. In the European Parliament, the Environment and Agriculture Committees(ENVI/AGRI) have organised public hearings, and the initial views of the Parliament are taking shape in the context ofthe ‘farm to fork’ strategy.

Briefing EN

Country Specific Recommendations and Recovery and Resilience Plans - Thematic overview on gender-related issues

Publication type In-Depth AnalysisDate 25-10-2021

Author GRIGAITE KRISTINA | PACHECO DIAS CRISTINA SOFIAPolicy area Economics and Monetary Issues

Summary Based on Commission’s assessments of national Recovery and Resilience Plans, this paper outlines how 2019 and2020 Country Specific Recommendations covering gender related issues are being addressed in national plans. It alsocompiles the Member States’ explanations on how their plans contribute to gender equality, as required by theRecovery and resilience Facility Regulation. The paper will be updated once new relevant information is available.

In-Depth Analysis EN

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Research for TRAN Committee - The aviation and maritime sectors and the EU ETS: challenges andimpacts

Publication type StudyDate 25-10-2021

External author Dagmar NELISSEN, Jasper FABER, Sven MAERTENS, David ENNEN, Wolfgang GRIMMEPolicy area Transport

Summary Based on the EU Commission’s Fit for 55 proposals published in July 2021, this report discusses the challenges andimpacts resulting from the integration of the maritime sector in the EU ETS, and a more stringent EU ETS for aviation.It considers implementation challenges and consequences for the competitiveness of European stakeholders, e.g.caused by carbon leakage, and impacts on sectoral employment. Based on the initial analysis and the results ofstakeholder consultations, recommendations on how to overcome implementation issues and adverse competitive andsocietal effects are provided.

Study EN

Executive summary ES, DE, EN, FR, IT

Plenary round-up – October II 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 22-10-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary During the October II 2021 plenary session in Strasbourg, Parliament held a number of important debates, in particular

on: the primacy of EU law, the rule of law crisis and de facto abortion ban in Poland; increased efforts to fight moneylaundering; regarding pushbacks at the EU's external border; the right to a healthy environment and on climate, energyand environmental State aid guidelines (CEEAG). Members debated the rise of right-wing extremism and racism inEurope, the humanitarian situation in Haiti and the proposal to build a 'single market for philanthropy'. Membersdebated a statement from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-Presidentof the Commission, Josep Borrell, on the situation in Tunisia. Parliament also discussed matters in preparation for theEuropean Council meeting of 21-22 October 2021, and debated the global tax agreements to be endorsed at the G20Summit in Rome on 30-31 October 2021, as well as the outcome of the Western Balkans summit. Parliamentannounced that its 2021 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought will be awarded to Russian anti-corruption activistAlexei Navalny, with the formal ceremony to be held on 20 December 2021.

At a Glance EN

Ageing policies - access to services in different Member StatesPublication type At a Glance

Date 22-10-2021External author Agnieszka SOWA-KOFTA, Izabela MARCINKOWSKA, Anna RUZIK-SIERDZIŃSKA and Raimonda MACKEVIČIŪTĖ

Policy area Coronavirus | Employment | Social PolicySummary The study focuses on active ageing policies and access to services for the ageing population in the EU-27 in five

areas: economic activity, social participation, health and well-being, long-term care, and supportive environmentsincluding housing, transportation, and securing financial independence. It presents the challenges and trends inachieving active ageing policy goals in those areas, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight countrystudies for selected Member States provide a comparative assessment as well as examples of policies and goodpractices undertaken in recent years. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientificand Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL).

At a Glance EN

PRIIPs: Revised DA/RTS on improved disclosure rules for retail investment productsPublication type Briefing

Date 22-10-2021Author CHAILLET GAELLE CHARLOTTE | HONNEFELDER Stephanie | SLOCOCK OLIVER

Policy area Financial and Banking Issues | Transposition and Implementation of LawSummary This briefing has been prepared to support ECON’s work on scrutiny of the Delegated Regulation amending the RTS

laid down in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/653 on Key Information Documents (KIDs) as foreseen byRegulation (EU) No 1286/2014 on Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products (PRIIPs Regulation) .The Delegated Regulation was adopted by the Commission on 7 September 2021 together with two quick fixamendments of the PRIIPs Regulation and the Directive 2009/65/EC on Undertakings for Collective Investments inTransferable Securities (UCITS Directive).

Briefing EN

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Exploring gender equality across policy areasPublication type At a Glance

Date 21-10-2021Author SHREEVES Rosamund

Policy area Gender Issues, Equality and DiversitySummary The European Union has adopted gender mainstreaming as its official approach to gender equality, alongside targeted

action to eliminate discrimination and advance women's empowerment. From 25 to 28 October 2021, the EuropeanParliament's committees and delegations are holding a series of events aimed at highlighting the importance of genderequality and gender mainstreaming across different policy domains.

At a Glance EN

European Parliament: Facts and FiguresPublication type Briefing

Date 21-10-2021Author SABBATI Giulio

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary This Briefing, published by the European Parliamentary Research Service, is designed to provide key facts and figures

about the European Parliament. It looks at both the current parliamentary term (July 2019 to June 2024) and the eightprevious five-year terms since direct elections were introduced in June 1979. It includes graphics of various kindswhich: * detail the composition of the European Parliament now and in the past; * trace the increase in the number ofparties represented in the EP and the evolution of political groups; * show the age of Members and chart the rise in thenumber of women sitting in the Parliament; * explain the electoral systems used in elections to the Parliament acrossthe Member States; * show how turnout in European elections has changed over time and varied between MemberStates; * summarise the work of the Parliament in the current and previous five-year terms; * outline the composition ofthe Parliament's committees, delegations and governing bodies; * explain the legislative role of the Parliament and itsinteraction with the European Commission. The Briefing is being updated regularly over the 2019-24 term to takeaccount of latest developments.

Briefing BG, ES, CS, DA, DE, ET, EL, EN, FR, GA, HR, IT, LV, LT, HU, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SK, SL, FI, SV

European green bond standardPublication type Briefing

Date 21-10-2021Author KRAMER Esther

Policy area Ex-ante Impact AssessmentSummary The IA assesses elements to be added to the 2019 TEG report on a European Green Bond Standard (EU-GBS). The

range of options is therefore limited to these additional aspects and does not cover the entire set of rules for greenbonds. The IA is based on reliable internal and external research, international data and several stakeholderconsultations. While the definition of the objectives could have been more specific, the problem analysis and theassessment of options are overall logical and thorough, even if their structure could have been more straightforward.Some valuable information - and explanation - featured in the annexes could have made the main text of the IA moreaccessible, especially relating to the technical aspects and current market practices. Despite some weaknesses, the IAmakes a convincing case for a voluntary EU-GBS, with some flexibility for sovereigns, taking into account theirinstitutional specificities, but respecting the screening criteria of the EU-taxonomy.

Briefing EN

Avenues for EU action on citizenship and residence by investment schemes - European Added ValueAssessment

Publication type StudyDate 21-10-2021

Author DE GROOT DAVID ARMAND JACQUES GERA | FERNANDES MEENAKSHI | NAVARRA CeciliaPolicy area European Added Value

Summary Citizenship and residence by investment schemes allow third-country nationals to obtain residence or citizenship in ahost country in exchange for a financial contribution. In the European Union (EU), at least 130 000 persons have takenadvantage of such schemes, which have generated over €21.8 billion in revenue for the countries concerned. ThisEuropean added value assessment (EAVA) reviews the key issues raised by investment schemes and the possiblelegal bases on which the EU could act to address them. Several policy options are put forward that could beimplemented through amendments to existing EU legislation or by introducing new legislation. The policy optionsinclude: (1) Phasing out investment schemes in the EU; (2) Applying an EU-level tax on investment schemes; and (3)Regulating investment schemes. In addition, the assessment considers the introduction of minimum physical presencerequirements on residence by investment schemes and regulating access to the EU for investor migrants from thirdcountries. The policy options are assessed in terms of their potential consequences and impacts, subsidiarity,proportionality and the overall added value the EU might gain.

Study EN

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Le droit à la santé, une perspective de droit comparé : FrancePublication type Study

Date 21-10-2021External author Ce document a été rédigé par Prof. Dr Marie-Claire PONTHOREAU, Professeur de droit public à l’Université de

Bordeaux, à la demande de l’Unité « Bibliothèque de droit comparé », Direction générale des services de rechercheparlementaire (DG EPRS), Secrétariat général du Parlement européen.

Policy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Public HealthSummary Ce document s’intègre dans une série d’études qui, avec une perspective de droit comparé, vise à faire une

présentation du droit à la santé dans différents ordres juridiques. Après avoir expliqué la réglementation et lajurisprudence d’application, le contenu, les limites et les évolutions possibles de ce droit sont examinés. La présenteétude a pour objet le cas de la France. Reconnu en 1946, le statut juridique du « droit à la santé » est difficile à cerner: l’aspect collectif semble l’emporter et c’est donc avant tout la santé publique qui bénéficie d’une protectionconstitutionnelle. C’est pourquoi la doctrine française préfère discuter d’un droit à la protection de la santé. La crisesanitaire liée à la Covid-19 a largement confirmé la protection avant tout accordée à la santé publique parfois audétriment des autres libertés même si les plus hautes juridictions (Conseil constitutionnel et Conseil d’Etat) ontpresque toujours relevé que les mesures prises étaient proportionnées.

Study FR

Ageing policies - access to services in different Member StatesPublication type Study

Date 21-10-2021External author Agnieszka SOWA-KOFTA, Izabela MARCINKOWSKA, Anna RUZIK-SIERDZIŃSKA and Raimonda MACKEVIČIŪTĖ

Policy area Coronavirus | Employment | Social PolicySummary The study focuses on active ageing policies and access to services for the ageing population in the EU-27 in five

areas: economic activity, social participation, health and well-being, long-term care, and supportive environmentsincluding housing, transportation, and securing financial independence. It presents the challenges and trends inachieving active ageing policy goals in those areas, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight countrystudies for selected Member States provide a comparative assessment as well as examples of policies and goodpractices undertaken in recent years. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientificand Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL).

Study EN

Annex 1 EN

Annex 2 EN

Annex 3 EN

Annex 4 EN

Annex 5 EN

Annex 6 EN

Annex 7 EN

Annex 8 EN

Exploring the opportunities and challenges of new technologies for EU tax administration and policyPublication type Study

Date 21-10-2021Author VERBEKEN Dirk

External author Jeffrey OWENS, Ivan LAZAROV and Nathalia OLIVEIRA COSTASummary This research paper explores the opportunities and challenges faced by the EU from the rapid emergence of new

technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Analytics and Blockchain in the area of taxation.These technologies enable a transformation of the way that tax administration interact with taxpayers and can movetax compliance into real time. At the same time they raise practical and legal challenges for both the Member Statesand the European Union. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Qualityof Life Policies at the request of the Subcommittee on Tax Matters (FISC).

Study EN

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EU international procurement instrumentPublication type Briefing

Date 20-10-2021Author TITIEVSKAIA Jana

Policy area International TradeSummary Government procurement forms an important part of national economies. The EU has opened up its public

procurement markets to third countries to a large degree, while many other economies have had limited appetite toliberalise market access. In 2012, the European Commission tabled a proposal for an international procurementinstrument (IPI). The IPI would give the EU leverage in negotiating the reciprocal opening of public procurementmarkets in third countries. The Commission revised the proposal in 2016, taking on board some recommendationsfrom Council and Parliament. However, the revised proposal did not advance owing to differences in Member States'positions. In 2019, discussions in Council gathered new momentum in the context of a growing recognition of the needto level the playing field in international trade. In June 2021, Council adopted a negotiating mandate that added thethreat of market exclusion to the price adjustment mechanism. Once Parliament's position on the revised IPI proposalhas been finalised, the three institutions will launch trilogue negotiations. These are likely to centre on the scope andtype of measures necessary to encourage reciprocity. Second edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings areupdated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

The SURE: ImplementationPublication type Briefing

Date 20-10-2021Author PACHECO DIAS CRISTINA SOFIA | TEIXEIRA DA CUNHA INES

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesKeyword application of EU law | budget financing | coronavirus disease | epidemic | EU aid | EU expenditure | EU financial

instrument | fight against unemployment | regulation (EU) | unemploymentSummary Council Regulation 2020/672 established SURE, the European instrument for temporary support to mitigate

unemployment risks in an emergency, which has been in force since 20 May 2020. This note provides an overview intabular format of the SURE implementing decisions as adopted by Council, of Commission issuances under SURE andof disbursements. It will be regularly updated.

Briefing EN

EU energy system transformation - Cost of Non-EuropePublication type Study

Date 20-10-2021Author HEFLICH ALEKSANDRA | SAULNIER JEROME LEON

Policy area EnergySummary The European Union's energy system is on a path of transformation that should allow it to achieve a net-zero

emissions target by 2050. However, there are many challenges ahead and achieving this target requires makingprofound structural changes. In this context, the present report, drafted at the request of the European Parliament'sCommittee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), looks at what the consequences would be if the EU does nottake further ambitious and united action in the transformation of its energy system. The cost of non-Europe in this areais estimated at up to 5.6 % of EU GDP in 2050, and avoiding this will require EU budgetary, regulatory andcoordination action. The benefits would be many, including averted environmental costs and damage, and moresustainable and prosperous societies emerging as a result of a just and fair transition.

Study EN

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Lobbying and foreign influencePublication type Briefing

Date 19-10-2021Author BAUER Elisabeth | THIEL Marie

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | Foreign AffairsSummary Lobbying and foreign influence are normal, integrated activities in modern public policy-making and geopolitics. When

these influencing activities are covert or illicit in nature, however, they can be damaging to public image and levels ofpublic trust in our democratic societies and their institutions, including those of the EU. Although not a modern concept,the frequency and extent of covert influence activities by third countries have been increasing since the mid-2010s. Inthe EU, this has taken the form of disinformation attacks on the EU, hidden agendas pushed by foreign fundedacademic think-tanks and funding of Member State political parties by authoritarian regimes, all with the aim ofundermining the legitimate decision-making processes and political structures in and of the EU. The term foreigninterference is often utilised to differentiate between legitimate influencing activities, such as diplomatic relations, andactivities with the intention to disrupt. As this is not an exact science, however, it is also often difficult to distinguishbetween foreign influence and foreign interference activities. While interference tactics are often coercive, covert,deceptive, and clandestine in nature, influence activities can be made more transparent, thereby making it easier todifferentiate between interference and the more legitimate influence activities. In light of the aforementioned growingforeign interference efforts, the EU considers foreign interference tactics as a serious threat and is taking steps tomonitor and mitigate them, by, for example, setting up specific bodies or committees, especially in the context of EUelections. In parallel, the EU is also trying to improve the transparency of foreign influence activities. One suchmeasure is broadening the scope of the Transparency Register, a public database of the European Parliament, theCouncil of the European Union and the European Commission, for the registration of transparent and ethical interestrepresentation activities. According to the latest OECD report on lobbying, only three OECD nations (the USA,Australia and Canada) have rules in place that cover foreign influence. On the back of a new InterinstitutionalAgreement (IIA) on a mandatory Transparency Register, however, the EU looks set to join those three nations.

Briefing EN

The Recovery and Resilience Plans: governance at national levelPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 19-10-2021Author PACHECO DIAS CRISTINA SOFIA

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary Based on the Commission assessments of national Recovery and Resilience Plans, this paper provides an overview of

two specific dimensions of such analysis - the governance and control structures set up at national level forimplementation of the national plans. The briefing summarises in an annex the relevant references in the Commissiondocuments. It also presents, in the introduction, a high level analysis of some related elements of the national plans, asassessed by the Commission and related reports and initiatives. It also refers to the relevant legal framework in theRecovery and Resilience Facility Regulation. This paper will be updated once additional plans are assessed by theCommission.

In-Depth Analysis EN

The concept of 'climate refugee': Towards a possible definitionPublication type Briefing

Date 18-10-2021Author APAP Joanna

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Environment | Human RightsSummary According to statistics published by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, since 2008 over 318 million people

around the world have been forcibly displaced by floods, windstorms, earthquakes or droughts, 30.7 million in 2020alone. This is equivalent to one person being displaced every second. Depending on the frequency and scale of themajor natural disasters occurring, there are significant fluctuations in the total number of displaced people from oneyear to the next, yet the trend over recent decades has been a growing one. Many find refuge within their own country,but some are forced to go abroad. In the summer of 2021, Europe witnessed heavy and unprecedented flooding,particularly in Belgium and Germany, and heat domes in the Mediterranean region. Scientists relate this directly toclimate change. All things considered, the number of 'climate refugees' looks set to rise. So far, the national andinternational response to this challenge has been limited, and protection for the people affected remains inadequate.What adds further to the gap in protection of such people – who are often described as 'climate refugees' – is thatthere is neither a clear definition of this category of people, nor are they covered by the 1951 Refugee Convention. Thelatter extends only to people who have a well-founded fear of being persecuted because of their race, religion,nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, and who are unable or unwilling to seekprotection from their home countries. While the EU has not so far recognised climate refugees formally, it hasexpressed growing concern and has taken action to support the countries potentially affected by climate-related stressand help them develop resilience. This briefing is an update of an earlier one from January 2019.

Briefing EN

Multimedia Climate refugees

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Don't let up - The EU needs to maintain high standards for its banking sector as the European economyemerges from the Covid-19 pandemic

Publication type In-Depth AnalysisDate 18-10-2021

External author Rebecca CHRISTIE, Monika GRZEGORCZYKPolicy area Coronavirus | Economics and Monetary Issues

Summary The European banking system has weathered the pandemic reasonably well with the help of government interventionand economic support. Going forward, the EU should ensure the financial sector remains resilient by implementing theBasel III capital requirements in full, monitoring effects of the digital transition, and continuing to hold banks to highstandards.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Impediments to resolvability – what is the status quo?Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 18-10-2021External author M. Bodellini, W.P. De Groen

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary To efficiently resolve a bank that is failing or likely to fail, and for which resolution is deemed in the public interest, it is

important that impediments that hamper its resolvability are removed. Noting the limited public disclosure of banks andthe Single Resolution Board (SRB), this paper assesses improvements in resolvability of a sample of 72 eurozonebanks based on some key indicators. The main findings suggest that resolvability has marginally improved since theSRB resumed its full legal mandate in 2016, which is in line with earlier statements of the SRB characterising theprocess to make banks resolvable as a ‘marathon’.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Country Specific Recommendations and Recovery and Resilience Plans - Thematic overview on taxavoidance, money laundering and corruption issues

Publication type In-Depth AnalysisDate 18-10-2021

Author GRIGAITE KRISTINA | PACHECO DIAS CRISTINA SOFIAPolicy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking Issues

Summary This paper outlines how 2019 and 2020 Country Specific Recommendations covering the fight against corruption,aggressive tax planning, tax evasion or tax avoidance or ineffective anti-money laundering measures are beingaddressed in national Recovery and Resilience Plans, based on Commission’s assessments. The paper will beupdated once new relevant information is available.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Reporting Obligations Regarding Gender Equality and Equal Pay State of play among Member Statesand avenues for upgrading and implementing legal sanctions towards companies

Publication type StudyDate 18-10-2021

External author Paola PROFETA, Maria Lucia PASSADO, Ximena CALÓPolicy area Contract Law, Commercial Law and Company Law | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Gender Issues, Equality

and DiversitySummary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional

Affairs at the request of the JURI Committee, provides an in-depth analysis of the policy and legal state-of-the-artconcerning gender pay discrimination in the European Union. To this end, it builds on a comprehensive comparativestudy covering European countries (i.e., Italy, France, Germany, Denmark, Iceland, and Spain), in order to conclusivelydesign and develop specific policy recommendations to move towards a shared and well-informed solution to wagediscrimination in the EU, especially in light of the European Commission's recently adopted proposal for a CorporateSustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Study EN

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Updating the framework for the safety of non-food consumer products on the internal marketPublication type Briefing

Date 15-10-2021Author VETTORAZZI STEFANO

Policy area Ex-ante Impact AssessmentSummary This briefing provides an initial analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the impact assessment (IA) accompanying

the Commission proposal for a regulation on general product safety aimed at ensuring that EU consumers areprotected from dangerous non-food products. The IA defines clearly the problems to be addressed and their analysisappears to be satisfactory but the description of how they would evolve without any EU intervention is limited. The IAdoes not compare the retained options in terms of efficiency, and proportionality. The IA appears to have done aconvincing analysis of the economic and social impacts of the options retained for assessment. The IA includes a verycomprehensive reports of the consultations held, specifically referring to the received feedback in several parts of thereport. Overall, the analysis carried out in the IA appears to be well grounded. The IA appears to have addressed theRSB's comments. The proposal appears to be largely consistent with the analysis provided in the IA.

Briefing EN

Outlook for the European Council meeting of 21-22 October 2021Publication type Briefing

Date 15-10-2021Author DRACHENBERG Ralf | TORPEY REBECCA MARY

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Energy | Foreign Affairs | Internal Market and Customs Union | Public HealthSummary The regular European Council meeting of 21-22 October 2021 will discuss the coronavirus pandemic, digital policy,

migration, energy prices and external relations. Regarding the coronavirus pandemic, EU Heads of State orGovernment will focus on EU coordination, resilience and readiness in terms of health crises and the EU's futurepreparedness for the short and medium terms. The discussions at the meeting on both digital policy and on migrationare expected to be stock-taking exercises, assessing the implementation of previous European Council decisions andpossibly adding further specifications to them. If the update of the Schengen Borders Code were to be addressed inthe context of migration, this could generate a strong debate, since despite overall support for strong external EUborders, Member States have diverging views on how border protection should be assured. EU leaders could alsodebate energy prices at length, as the issue has become high profile in many Member States. Regarding externalrelations, discussions in the European Council will focus on preparations for forthcoming international events, notablythe ASEM and the Eastern Partnership summits, and the COP26 climate conference. In addition, the Presidents of theEuropean Council, Charles Michel, and the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, may brief EU Heads ofState or Government on the recent EU-Ukraine Summit, held on 12 October 2021.

Briefing EN

European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA): Pre-legislative synthesis ofnational, regional and local positions on the European Commission's initiative

Publication type BriefingDate 15-10-2021

Author COLLOVA Claudio | QUAGLIO GianlucaPolicy area Public Health

Summary This Briefing forms part of an EPRS series which offers a synthesis of the pre-legislative state-of-play and advanceconsultation on a range of key European Commission priorities during the latter’s five-year term in office. It seeks tosummarise the state of affairs in the relevant policy field, examine how existing policy is working on the ground, andidentify best practice and ideas for the future on the part of governmental organisations at all levels of Europeansystem of multilevel governance. This analysis of the positions of partner organisations at EU, national, regional andlocal levels suggests that they would like the following main considerations to be reflected in discussion of thelegislative proposal to establish an emergency framework for a European Health Emergency Preparedness andResponse Authority (HERA): * Governmental organisations at all levels advocate a robust operational andinfrastructural framework, with a long-term vision, a coherent legal structure and efficient decision-making procedures.They generally favour a comprehensive impact assessment in advance of the establishment of HERA. * Publicauthorities at national, regional and local levels suggest that the HERA should develop a strong relationship with theWorld Health Organization (WHO). Some governmental organisations especially stress the need for robust links withdeveloping countries. * Public authorities agree on the need for a clear interface between HERA, the European Centrefor Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). A further issue is therelationship between HERA and existing EU operational crisis management mechanisms, where national authoritiesrecommend avoiding duplication of work. They also suggest taking into account regional and local circumstances in acoordinated crisis response. * Many governmental organisations hold a rather positive view of the interaction betweenthe EU and the national levels, where HERA could have a beneficial coordinating role, although some publicauthorities have expressed concern about possible conflicts of competence between national and EU levels in thehealth sector.

Briefing EN

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Looking to Glasgow: A scene-setter ahead of COP26Publication type Briefing

Date 15-10-2021Author JENSEN LISELOTTE

Policy area EnvironmentSummary Adopted in 1992, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has gathered the nations

of the world with the common goal to limit dangerous global warming. In December 2021, after having been postponedfor a year due to the coronavirus crisis, world leaders will meet in Glasgow for the 26th Conference of the Parties to theUNFCCC (COP26) to continue negotiations on the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The latest assessmentreport of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) underscores the of role human activities in causingglobal warming. The UNFCCC-commissioned IPCC special report on impacts of global warming of 1.5°C (SR1.5) alsooutlines the risks of current trajectories. There is therefore strong pressure on world leaders to deliver progress inGlasgow. Parties to the Paris Agreement were required to update their nationally determined contributions to fightclimate change and its impacts before COP26. Some Parties are yet to do so, while analysis of submitted contributionsas of July 2021, shows action to reach the agreed targets remains insufficient. Most key emitting nations continue torate poorly on their climate action performance. While COP24 and COP25 both failed to finalise the Paris Agreementrulebook, and developed nations so far fall short of fulfilling their climate finance promises, expectations are mountingfor Glasgow to finish the job. At the same time, Covid 19 restrictions and impacts continue to create challenges toparticipate in person, especially for developing countries' delegations. Recent Eurobarometer surveys show citizenshave a clear expectation that their governments should handle the climate change challenge, with research alsopointing to a growing acceptance of the need to change personal habits in view of transitioning to more sustainableeconomies. The European Parliament will vote on a motion for a resolution on COP26 at the October II plenarysession in Strasbourg. The draft highlights the urgency of action and calls upon leaders to ensure a just transition andadequate support for areas and states vulnerable to climate change impacts.

Briefing EN

Parliament's reading of the 2022 EU budgetPublication type At a Glance

Date 14-10-2021Author MAZUR Sidonia

Policy area BudgetSummary During the October II plenary session, the Parliament is due to vote on amendments to the Council's position on the

draft EU budget for 2022. The 2022 budget is the second under the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework(MFF). It is also the second year of the EU Recovery Instrument, Next Generation EU (NGEU), planned to run for theyears 2021 to 2023. The report of the Committee on Budgets reverses all the reductions proposed by the Council tothe Commission’s budget. Furthermore, it proposes a considerable increase in contributions of the 2022 budget toParliament's priorities, in particular the recovery from the Covid 19 crisis. The BUDG report sets the 2022 EU budget at€171.8 billion in commitments. For payments, it proposes almost €172.47 billion.

At a Glance EN

EU-China relations in challenging timesPublication type Briefing

Date 14-10-2021Author JOCHHEIM Ulrich

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary Following the 1975 establishment of diplomatic relations with China, the European Economic Community (EEC)

focused its strategic approach – in line with its competences at the time – on support for China's economic opening,launched in 1978 by Deng Xiaoping. While this approach resulted in a swiftly expanding trade and investmentrelationship, results in other areas are rather mixed. By most accounts, the strategy also failed to contribute to makingsignificant progress on the rule of law in China and there were no visible results of the EU's human rights engagement.Given that, at the beginning of Deng's reforms, China was very poor, the EEC/European Union (EU) de facto agreed toan arrangement for special and differential treatment, linked to China's status as a developing country. However, withChina having become an upper-middle income country and the bilateral trade relationship still characterised byconsiderable asymmetries, the existing lack of reciprocity in market access and of a level playing field in general haveattracted increasing attention. At the same time, China has been regressing in terms of human rights. Furthermore, thecountry has become much more assertive in the regional context, is fast improving its (offensive) military capabilitiesand has started to engage in global disinformation campaigns and cyber-attacks. As a consequence, the EU haschanged its strategic approach considerably, as exemplified by the 2019 Joint Communication, which proposeddifferent legal instruments to ensure a level playing field in trade, and to fend off Chinese attempts to gain access tocritical infrastructures. Relations with the European Parliament have deteriorated, pushing Parliament to put thecomprehensive agreement on investment (CAI) – which had been agreed on 30 December 2020 – on ice.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 71

Stepping up EU cooperation with TaiwanPublication type At a Glance

Date 13-10-2021Author JOCHHEIM Ulrich

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary Since its political transition began in the 1980s, Taiwan has become a vibrant democracy and has also joined the ranks

of high-income countries. Economic relations between the EU and Taiwan are flourishing, as illustrated by the fact thatthe EU is Taiwan's most important source of foreign direct investment. The European Parliament has repeatedly calledfor the EU to take the first steps towards a bilateral investment agreement. During its October II plenary session,Parliament is expected to debate EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation and vote on a draft recommendation tothe High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

What if new drug delivery methods revolutionised medicine?Publication type At a Glance

Date 13-10-2021Author QUAGLIO Gianluca

Policy area Research PolicySummary Nanoparticles lie at the heart of a new method for delivering medicines inside the body – and they were crucial to the

success of the Covid-19 mRNA vaccines. This new drug delivery method and others could transform the way we treatdisease, potentially boosting the treatment of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and HIV, among others. Insulin and Covid-19vaccines might even become available as pills. Can the European Union stay on top of this trend? And whatchallenges lie ahead?

At a Glance EN

Amending budget No 4/2021: Revenue updatePublication type At a Glance

Date 13-10-2021Author MAZUR Sidonia

Policy area BudgetSummary Draft amending budget No 4/2021 (DAB 4/2021) to the EU's 2021 general budget updates the calculations for revenue

following the entry into force on 1 June 2021 of Council Decision (EU, Euratom) 2020/2053 on the system of ownresources of the European Union. DAB 4/2021 also incorporates the revised forecast of own resources and otherrevenue into the 2021 Union budget. The European Parliament is expected to vote on the Council position on DAB4/2021 during its October II plenary session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

The EU 'farm to fork' strategyPublication type At a Glance

Date 13-10-2021Author ROSSI Rachele

Policy area Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentSummary On 20 May 2020, the European Commission adopted a communication on 'A farm to fork strategy for a fair, healthy

and environmentally friendly food system'. Following lively parliamentary debate, informed by Members' different viewson how to build sustainable food systems, a joint committee own-initiative report on the strategy is scheduled for aplenary vote during the October II session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Discharge for the 2019 budget: European Council and CouncilPublication type At a Glance

Date 13-10-2021Author PARI MARIANNA

Policy area Budgetary ControlSummary In April 2021, the European Parliament decided to postpone the decision on granting discharge to the European

Council and Council for the 2019 budget, and presented a number of observations. Parliament’s Committee onBudgetary Control has examined the situation again, and, in its second report, recommends not granting discharge tothese two institutions. The vote on the second discharge report is scheduled for the October II plenary session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 72

Discharge for the 2019 budget: European Border and Coast Guard AgencyPublication type At a Glance

Date 13-10-2021Author PARI MARIANNA

Policy area Budgetary ControlSummary In April 2021, the European Parliament decided to postpone the decision on granting discharge to the European

Border and Coast Guard Agency for the 2019 budget, and presented a number of observations. Parliament'sCommittee on Budgetary Control has examined the situation again and now, in its second report, recommendsgranting discharge. The Committee nevertheless recommends 'freezing' part of the Agency's budget, insisting on theneed to move swiftly to address the issues that remain concerning the Agency's management and operationalactivities. The vote on the second discharge report is scheduled for the October II plenary session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

COP26 climate change conference in GlasgowPublication type At a Glance

Date 13-10-2021Author JENSEN LISELOTTE

Policy area EnvironmentSummary From 31 October to 12 November 2021, the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the UN Framework Convention

on Climate Change will meet in Glasgow, UK, with a view to finalising the rulebook on the implementation of the 2015Paris Agreement and raising global commitment to climate action. In the European Parliament, the Committee onEnvironment, Public Health and Food Safety has tabled a motion for a resolution on COP26, to be voted during theOctober II plenary session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Insurance of motor vehiclesPublication type At a Glance

Date 13-10-2021Author DELIVORIAS Angelos

Policy area IndustrySummary In 2018, the Commission proposed to amend the Motor Insurance Directive, an important legislative tool underpinning

the functioning of the single market. The Commission's proposal focused on four areas: insurer insolvency, claimhistory, risks due to uninsured drivers, and minimum coverage amounts. Following agreement reached with theCouncil in trilogue, Parliament is expected to discuss and vote on the compromise text in plenary on 21 October 2021.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Protecting workers from asbestosPublication type At a Glance

Date 13-10-2021Author AMAND-EECKHOUT Laurence

Policy area Public HealthSummary Asbestos is the one of the main causes of work-related cancers, despite its EU-wide ban in 2005. Asbestos-related

risks persist and will be a health-risk factor in the context of the European Green Deal 'renovation wave', aimed athelping make buildings fit for a climate-neutral Europe. A legislative-initiative report setting out proposals for a'European strategy for the removal of all asbestos' (ESRAA) is expected to be put to the vote during the October IIplenary session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Credit servicers directivePublication type At a Glance

Date 13-10-2021Author STAMEGNA CARLA

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary In March 2018, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a directive on credit servicers and credit purchasers

as part of its overall strategy to tackle high volumes of non-performing loans (NPLs) accumulated on EU banks’balance sheets. The proposal aims to foster the development of secondary markets for NPLs by removing undueobstacles to credit servicing and to the transfer of bank loans to third parties across the EU. The European Parliamentis expected to vote during the October II plenary session on the text agreed in trilogue.

At a Glance EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 73

Policy Departments’ Monthly Highlights - October 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 13-10-2021Policy area Budget | Budgetary Control | Development and Humanitarian Aid | Employment | Environment | Food Safety | Foreign

Affairs | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | Human Rights | Social Policy | TransportSummary The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments,

including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.At a Glance EN

Outcome of the meetings of EU leaders in Brdo pri Kranju on 5-6 October 2021Publication type Briefing

Date 13-10-2021Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena

Policy area Foreign Affairs | Security and DefenceSummary The EU leaders met on 5 October 2021 in Brdo pri Kranju, Slovenia, to discuss informally the Union's role in the world

over a working dinner. The meeting was coupled with an EU-Western Balkan Summit the next day. The focus at thedinner was on security and defence in the context of the 'Strategic Compass' process, to be finalised by March 2022,with EU leaders agreeing to continue deepening defence cooperation, not least by strengthening the alliance withNATO. The leaders also confirmed their 2019-2024 strategic agenda commitment to strengthen the EU's capacity to'act autonomously', albeit without agreeing on the modalities. Building unity was central to this preparatory summit.Migration and energy were also raised briefly, but will be addressed in greater detail at future meetings. The EU-Western Balkans Summit on 6 October highlighted the strategic importance of the region for the Union. The focus wason the common commitment to socio-economic recovery and the development of the Western Balkans in the post-pandemic phase, with €30 billion mobilised for investment as part of the economic and investment plan for the WesternBalkans. EU leaders also focused on ways to strengthen political dialogue and security cooperation. The 'BrdoDeclaration' reaffirmed the region's European perspective and the EU's commitment to enlargement, with the caveatsof 'credible reforms', 'rigorous conditionality' and that the assessment of individual countries' progress on the basis ofthe 'principle of own merits'.

Briefing EN

Research for REGI Committee - Cohesion Policy and support to healthPublication type Briefing

Date 13-10-2021Author DIETZEN Stephan Klaus

Policy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Regional DevelopmentSummary As the EU’s main investment policy, Cohesion Policy can play a key role in promoting health and in reducing health

inequalities. This briefing reviews the role of Cohesion Policy with regard to health in the 2014-2020 period andexplores the prospects and challenges that lie ahead. Particular attention is paid to the impact of the COVID-19pandemic.

Briefing EN

Tailoring prudential policy to bank size. The application of proportionality in the US and euro areaPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 13-10-2021External author A. Lehmann, N. Véron- Bruegel

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary All jurisdictions tailor their prudential policies to bank size, with generally more complex – though not necessarily more

stringent – requirements for larger banks. This paper compares such policies in the euro area and United States, in thecontext of the differences in banking system structures and legal frameworks. There are vastly more stand-alonesmaller banks and credit unions in the US than in the euro area. The US approach to prudential requirements isgenerally more differentiated by bank size than the euro area’s, but the US has a more uniform framework for bankcrisis management and resolution. Given the permanence of cross-border fragmentation and overbanking in the euroarea, further size-based policy differentiation would be ill-advised.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Youth in Europe: Effects of COVID-19 on their economic and social situationPublication type At a Glance

Date 12-10-2021Author KONLE-SEIDL REGINA ANNA | PICARELLA FRANCESCA

Policy area Employment | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Social PolicySummary The full study analyses the effects of COVID-19 on youth unemployment, inactivity, work-based learning and mental

health. The analysis is based on quantitative indicators and qualitative information from surveys and policy documents.It discusses the probability of long-term 'scarring effects', comparing the impact of the current crisis to that of the2008/2009 global financial crisis and its aftermath

At a Glance EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 74

Climate action in Hungary: Latest state of playPublication type Briefing

Date 11-10-2021Author MORGADO SIMOES HENRIQUE ANDRE

Policy area EnvironmentSummary The EU's binding climate and energy legislation for 2030 requires Member States to adopt national energy and climate

plans (NECPs) covering the period 2021 to 2030. In October 2020, the European Commission published anassessment for each NECP. Hungary submitted its NECP in December 2019. A high proportion of Hungarians (60 %)expect national governments to tackle climate change. Hungary accounts for 1.7 % of total EU greenhouse gas (GHG)emissions and has reduced its emissions at a slower pace than the EU average since 2005. The carbon intensity ofthe Hungarian economy decreased by 35 % between 2005 and 2019, at a faster rate than the EU-27 average.Transport emissions increased by just over 19 % in the 2005-2019 period in Hungary, bringing their share of totalemissions up to over 22 %. Reductions are expected as the country proceeds with its electromobility measures. Thegreatest percentage reduction in emissions between 2005 and 2019 – 37.5 % – was made by the energy industriessector. Under the Effort-sharing Decision for the 2013 2020 period, Hungary was allowed to increase its emissions insectors not included in the EU's emissions trading system by 10 %, compared with 2005 levels, and is on track toachieving that target. Under the Effort-sharing Regulation (2021-2030) Hungary must reduce its emissions by 7 %compared with 2005. The share of renewable energy sources in Hungary reached 12.6 % in 2019. The country's 2030target of a 21 % share is focused mainly on changes to the transport and heating and cooling sectors, where changesto the existing district heating networks are expected.

Briefing EN

Climate action in Slovenia: Latest state of playPublication type Briefing

Date 11-10-2021Author MORGADO SIMOES HENRIQUE ANDRE

Policy area EnvironmentSummary The EU binding climate and energy legislation for 2030 requires Member States to adopt national energy and climate

plans (NECPs) covering the period 2021 to 2030. In October 2020, the European Commission published anassessment for each NECP. Slovenia submitted its NECP in February 2020. More than half (52 %) of Sloveniansexpect national governments to tackle climate change. Slovenia accounts for 0.5 % of total EU greenhouse gas (GHG)emissions and has reduced its emissions at a slower pace than the EU average since 2005. The carbon intensity ofthe Slovenian economy decreased by 36 % between 2005 and 2019, a higher rate than the EU average. Energyindustry emissions fell by 29.5 % in the 2005-2019 period in the country. Measures, such as coal phase-out, areexpected to further decrease these emissions. The sector with the greatest percentage reduction in emissions between2005 and 2019 – 45.2 % – was 'other emissions' (buildings and tertiary sector). Under the Effort-sharing Decision(2013 2020), Slovenia was allowed to increase emissions in sectors not included in the EU emissions trading systemby 4 %, compared with 2005 levels, and is on track to achieve this target. The Effort-sharing Regulation (2021-2030)requires Slovenia to reduce these emissions by 15 %. The share of renewable energy sources in the country reached22 % in 2019. For 2030 the target is 27 %, to be reached mainly through solar and hydro power, and through the useof wood biomass.

Briefing EN

Egypt's foreign policy within a challenging regional contextPublication type Briefing

Date 11-10-2021Author STANICEK BRANISLAV

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary In the post-Arab Spring period, Egypt's foreign policy has largely been shaped by the state of affairs in the Middle East

and the eastern Mediterranean. Civil wars and unrest have proliferated in the region, creating a knock-on effect felt firstby Iraq and then by Syria, Lebanon and Libya. Conflicts in neighbouring countries, often fought by proxies, haveaffected Cairo's internal political and security interests and influenced Egyptian foreign policy. One such conflict has todo with the persistence of Islamic terrorist networks, such as Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis (ABM), in northern Sinai. Another isbetween the Palestinian factions and between Hamas and Israel, in both of which Egypt has been a mediator. Fightingagainst groups such as the Egyptian Islamic Jihad and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)-Sinai Provincehas been a key reason for Egypt's interest in reinforcing alliances with Israel, the Arab Gulf countries, the UnitedStates, Russia and the European Union. Following Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's re-election for a secondterm in 2018, competition with regional players, such as Turkey, and the role of political Islam, have become moredominant and intertwined with Egypt's geopolitical and economic interests. In 2020-2021, Egypt successfully mitigatedthe impact of the coronavirus pandemic on its economy and was the only Middle East and North Africa (MENA)country with a positive GDP growth (3.6 %). Despite declining revenues in some sectors, such as tourism, ratingsagencies predict that the country will continue to score the highest levels of GDP growth in the MENA region in 2021-2024. Reinvigorated, Egypt seems to be looking for greater strategic influence and power. The country aims tocontinue partnering with the EU in areas of strategic importance and is likely to play a decisive role in Libya and theeastern Mediterranean. Some initiatives, such as its mediation in the Libyan civil war, participation in the EastMediterranean Gas Forum, and joint military naval exercises with EU Member States, speak of the main prerogativesof Egyptian foreign policy and its incremental alignment with EU interests. The European Parliament supportsenhanced EU-Egypt cooperation but has raised red flags with regard to the situation of human rights in the country.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 75

Climate action in Malta: Latest state of playPublication type Briefing

Date 11-10-2021Author ERBACH Gregor

Policy area EnvironmentSummary The EU's binding climate and energy legislation for 2030 requires Member States to adopt national energy and climate

plans (NECPs) covering the period 2021 to 2030. In October 2020, the European Commission published anassessment for each NECP. Malta's final NECP is from December 2019. A high proportion of Maltese people (75 %)expect national governments to tackle climate change. Malta, which generates less than 0.1 % of the EU-27's totalgreenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, has reduced its emissions at a faster pace than the EU average since 2012.However, according to Malta's NECP, the country's geography and demographics, combined with rising grossdomestic product (GDP), will make it difficult to continue this trend. Energy industries account for 28 % of Malta's totalemissions. While energy industry emissions dropped by 63 % between 2005 and 2019, emissions in the transportsector grew by 22 % over the same period. Malta's NECP outlines policies and measures to increase the share ofrenewable energy and reduce transport emissions. However, Malta does not expect to meet its emissions reductiontargets under the Effort-sharing Regulation domestically, but intends to make use of flexibilities, including the transferof annual emissions allocations from other Member States. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU MemberStates.

Briefing EN

Working towards a macro-regional strategy for the MediterraneanPublication type Briefing

Date 11-10-2021Author VAN LIEROP Christiaan

Policy area Regional DevelopmentSummary A rich tapestry of nations and cultures, the Mediterranean has always been a strategic area for the European Union

(EU) and there is much mutual benefit to be garnered from closer cooperation with the countries of the southern andeastern Mediterranean. As a geographical region whose countries face many shared challenges given their jointproximity to a common sea, the idea of establishing a macro-regional strategy for the Mediterranean region has beenpresent in EU discourse from the very beginning, drawing support from institutions such as the European Committee ofthe Regions (CoR) and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), with Parliament also contributing.Discussions on the development of a macro-regional strategy in the Mediterranean have explored a variety of differentscenarios, from an overarching strategy encompassing the whole region, to three separate macro-regional strategiesor a combination of both approaches. Progress towards greater macro-regional cooperation in the region has,however, been slow. This situation has arguably been compounded by the challenges facing the region in general,which include issues such as digital transformation, climate change, migration and mobility, and environmentalprotection. Whereas a large number of territorial cooperation initiatives have developed over the years to helpcountries work together to address these issues, the developmental differences between the countries of theMediterranean are such that the priorities of the countries of the southern Mediterranean differ significantly from thoseof their northern neighbours, making it difficult to agree on a set of common priorities for a possible macro-regionalstrategy in the Mediterranean. This lack of consensus could ultimately prove to be the most difficult challenge of all.For while the European Council remains open to new macro-regional strategies, the lack of any agreement among thecountries concerned regarding priorities or indeed geographical scope raises serious questions as to the prospects forthe implementation of a macro-regional strategy for the Mediterranean.

Briefing EN

Review of the crisis management and deposit insurance framework -Summary of some related issuesPublication type Briefing

Date 11-10-2021Author GRIGAITE KRISTINA | MAGNUS Marcel

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary In February 2021, the Commission launched a consultation that sought to gather stakeholders’ experience with the

current crisis management and deposit insurance framework as well as their views on the revision of the framework.The results of that consultation were published in a summary report. As the experience with the application of thecurrent framework indicates that some adjustments may be warranted, this briefing summarises some of theunderlying issues.

Briefing EN

Public hearing with A. Enria, Chair of the ECB Supervisory Board ECON on 14 October 2021Publication type Briefing

Date 11-10-2021Author GRIGAITE KRISTINA | MAGNUS Marcel

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary This note is prepared in view of a regular public hearing with the Chair of the Supervisory Board of the European

Central Bank (ECB), Andrea Enria, which will take place on 14 October 2021. The briefing addresses: 1) Emergingrisks in the banking group, as presented to the Eurogroup, 2) results of EBA’s and ECB’s 2021 stress test exercises, 3)the Basel Committee report on early lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic on the Basel reforms, 4) the ECB report onsanctioning activities, 5) the ECB Supervisory Banking Statistics for the first quarter 2021, and 6) summaries ofexternal papers on long-term effects of the pandemic on the banking sector.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 76

Did the pandemic lead to structural changes in the banking sector?Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 11-10-2021External author Andrea RESTI

Policy area Coronavirus | Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary We discuss the main structural changes triggered by Covid19 in banking. Direct consequences include: the impact of

the lockdown on remote shopping and telework, lower cash usage and a further shift towards innovative paymentmethods, the downturn suffered by the economy and bank borrowers. Indirect consequences (partly reinforcing pre-existing trends) include: the further development of payment services provided by non-bank competitors, anacceleration in bank digitalisation, a rise in cyber-attacks, a drop in the value of real estate collateral.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Digitalisation of the European reporting, monitoring and auditPublication type Study

Date 11-10-2021Author JANCOVA LENKA | LOMBA NIOMBO | MULLER KLAUS

Policy area European Added ValueSummary The rules governing the monitoring and reporting obligations of EU funding programmes under shared management

have been developing progressively over time. Across the EU, there are over 290 different reporting systems.Fragmentation makes data incomparable, prevents the use of AI and big data sets and systems for monitoring andcontrol, and prevents stakeholders and society from getting a comprehensive overview of the way funds aredistributed. This European added value assessment accompanies the report of the European Parliament's Committeeon Budgetary Control (CONT) on the ‘Digitalisation of the European reporting, monitoring and audit’ (2021/2054(INL)),by making an evidence-based analysis, identifying gaps and barriers, laying out possible policy options and pointing totheir potential impacts. Action in the field could diminish fraud, abuse and weaknesses of EU funding programmes,which would lead to more efficiency and transparency. The three policy options identified in this study proposestrengthening the enforcement of existing measures, creating a single EU database, and introducing requirements forthe disclosure of relevant information on companies. A potential EU added value was identified, which couldpresumably lead to a lowering of the error rates by 0.7 percentage points and savings worth €1.11 billion. In the caseof high-risk expenditure the error rates could drop by up to 2.9 percentage points, yielding savings worth €1.94 billion.

Study EN

Plenary round-up – October I 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 08-10-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary During the first plenary session of October 2021 in Strasbourg, Parliament held a number of debates, in particular on

the proposed EU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, which should ensure a coordinated EUapproach for future health crises. Debate also took place on possible European solutions to the rise in energy pricesfor businesses and consumers and the role of energy efficiency and renewable energy, highlighting the need to tackleenergy poverty. Members discussed the release of the Pandora Papers and the implications for efforts to combatmoney laundering, tax evasion and avoidance. Debates were held on several human rights issues, including thehumanitarian situation in Tigray. Members heard a statement from the High Representative of the Union for ForeignAffairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, Josep Borrell, on the situation in Belarus following theviolent repression of protest in the country. A number of resolutions and legislative acts were adopted, inter alia onartificial intelligence in criminal law, the EU road safety policy framework 2021 2030, the Aarhus Regulation on accessto information and public participation in environmental matters, on the state of EU cyber-defence capabilities, and onthe Banking Union annual report 2020.

At a Glance EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 77

The European Green Deal and cohesion policyPublication type Briefing

Date 08-10-2021Author WIDUTO Agnieszka

Policy area Regional DevelopmentSummary In line with its commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate change, in 2019 the EU adopted an ambitious

strategy for reaching climate neutrality by 2050: the European Green Deal. The significant reduction of greenhousegas emissions needed to achieve it will require profound social and economic changes, while ensuring a socially fairand just transition. As climate change is linked to the greenhouse effect, the EU's actions for reducing emissionsinvolve greening high-emissions sectors such as fossil fuels-based energy, transport, agriculture, manufacturing andwaste management. Triggered by climate change, heatwaves, water stress, wildfires, coastal flooding and extremeweather events affect EU regions with varying degrees of severity and will require a tailored approach to mitigation.The transition towards climate neutrality cannot be achieved through environmental policies alone. Cohesion policy,which accounts for about one third of the EU budget, supports this process by earmarking funding for climate action,for 'climate proofing' investments and for implementing specific actions in EU regions. In addition to the traditionalcohesion policy funds (European Regional Development Fund, Cohesion Fund and European Social Fund Plus), anew Just Transition Fund will support the transition in regions relying on fossil fuels and high-emissions industries overthe period of 2021-2027. Moreover, one out of the five cohesion policy objectives in the current funding period isentirely dedicated to a greener Europe and fosters investment in clean energy, the circular economy, climate changemitigation and sustainable transport. As the main goal of cohesion policy is to prevent the widening of disparities, it canthus help support those regions that bear the heaviest burden of the transition and make sure that no region is leftbehind. Local and regional authorities across the EU are also working together to tackle climate challenges byparticipating in the European Climate Pact and in initiatives such as the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy,Mayors Alliance for the European Green Deal, and Green Deal Going Local.

Briefing EN

Where will the EU's Strategic Compass point?Publication type Briefing

Date 07-10-2021Author LATICI Tania | LAZAROU Eleni

Policy area Foreign Affairs | Security and DefenceSummary As Member States encounter increasingly complex security threats, momentum to push for EU initiatives to deliver on

the Union's level of ambition in defence has emerged. A process aimed at bringing clarity, guidance and incentives tocompleting the common security and defence policy, the Strategic Compass is a first for the European Union.Announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her 2021 State of the European Union speech, aEuropean Defence Summit is expected to take place in February 2022. It is envisaged that, following its much-anticipated presentation, EU leaders will endorse the Compass in March 2022. European Council President CharlesMichel branded 2022 'the year of European defence'. Launched in 2020, developing the Strategic Compass entails acomplex strategic reflection, threat analysis and strategic dialogue among Member States. It is structured around fourinterlinked thematic baskets: crisis management, defence capabilities, resilience, and partnerships. Unlike the 2016 EUGlobal Strategy, which saw the EU institutions take the lead, this process is Member State-led, with the institutionsplaying a supporting and coordinating role. The main challenge of the Strategic Compass appears to be, on the onehand, providing clarity in the EU's objectives (defining the ends, the ways and the means), and on the other, ensuringMember State 'buy-in'. The latter is essential for the follow-up to the process, the findings from which should ideally bereflected in national defence planning processes. The process provides opportunities to improve links between theoperational and capability dimensions of EU defence initiatives and external crisis management, to consolidate existingstrategic partnerships and rethink the configuration of new ones, and to provide a concrete vision for the commitmentsmade since 2016 to boost the EU as a defence actor. However, experts caution that the Compass risks remaining apaper exercise, should the political will to follow up not materialise.

Briefing EN

Cities in a globalised world: Exploring trends and the effect on urban resiliencePublication type Study

Date 07-10-2021Author BINDER ECKHARD | GARCIA HIGUERA ANDRES | IONESCU Sorina | KULJANIC Nera | MORGADO SIMOES

HENRIQUE ANDRE | PICHON Eric | RITTELMEYER Yann-Sven | SOONE Jaan | ZAMFIR IonelPolicy area Regional Development

Summary Cities are inevitably affected by shocks and disruptions, the pandemic being a case in point. The extent of the impacthowever depends on cities' preparedness and capacity to adapt. By thinking ahead, cities can explore emerging orplausible developments in order to anticipate them and contain potential disruption. Drawing on a report prepared bythe European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS), this EPRS paper explores the impact on and implicationsfor cities of current global trends, such as climate change, population growth, urbanisation, economic growth,increasing energy demand, higher connectivity and a changing world order, that will have direct consequences for thefuture of cities and their inhabitants.

Study EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 78

Tuna fisheries management in the Indian OceanPublication type At a Glance

Date 05-10-2021Author SCHOLAERT FREDERIK

Policy area FisheriesSummary The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) is an intergovernmental fisheries management organisation responsible

for tuna and tuna-like fish stocks in the Indian Ocean. As a contracting party, the European Union must transpose itsdecisions into EU law, insofar as they are not already covered by it. In March 2021, the European Commissionpresented a proposal for a new regulation dedicated to the transposition of IOTC rules.

At a Glance EN

Consumer Credit DirectivePublication type Briefing

Date 05-10-2021Author DELIVORIAS Angelos

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary Consumer credit is a type of loan allowing consumers to purchase consumer goods and services for which they do not

have the funds. It is regulated at national and EU level. The Consumer Credit Directive (CCD), in force since 2008, isthe relevant EU-level legislation. The CCD has undergone several revisions over the past decade, yet growingdigitalisation, insufficient harmonisation and issues affecting consumer protection, among other things, have promptedthe Commission to publish a proposal for a new directive. This proposal brings crowdfunding into the scope of theCCD, expands and clarifies the definitions, and adds new articles relative to, among other things, new obligations forcreditors, tying and bundling practices, ancillary services, advisory services, unsolicited credit sale, conduct ofbusiness obligations for creditors and requirements for their staff. The proposal is part of the Commission's NewConsumer Agenda aimed at updating the overall strategic framework of EU consumer policy. The proposal is currentlyexamined by the co-legislators. Within the European Parliament, the file has been assigned to the IMCO committee. Atthe moment, no date has been announced for the publication of a draft report. First edition. The 'EU Legislation inProgress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

Electronic technologies for fisheries: Electronic monitoring systemsPublication type At a Glance

Date 04-10-2021Author BREUER Marcus Ernst Gerhard | LECARTE Jacques

Policy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | FisheriesSummary This At-a-glance note is the second in a series of three, prepared for a PECH Committee Workshop. It provides a

global overview of the latest developments, as well as potential benefits and risks of Electronic Monitoring (EM).Worldwide experiences with EM are discussed in light of the European context. During the period 2008 to 2019,altogether 26 EM trials were conducted within the EU. Despite promising results, none of the trials evolved into a fullyintegrated EM programme. Still, lessons learnt from these trials are valuable and show potential for implementing EMon larger scale in the EU.

At a Glance EN

Improving the Schengen evaluation and monitoring mechanismPublication type Briefing

Date 04-10-2021Author VIKOLAINEN Vera

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Ex-ante Impact AssessmentSummary The European Commission proposed to improve the Schengen evaluation and monitoring mechanism established by

Regulation (EU) No 1053/2013. The accompanying impact assessment (IA) provides a well defined problem definition,substantiated with evidence. Furthermore, the stakeholder opinions are reported consistently throughout the IA and areused as input for the combination of measures under the preferred option. Moreover, the data sources underpinningthe IA are recent, reliable, consistently referenced and publicly available at the time of writing. However, the focus ofthe IA analysis is predominantly on the administrative costs and benefits, while the assessment of economic, socialand fundamental rights impacts of the Mechanism’s functioning remains very limited and their quantification was notpossible.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 79

Consumer CreditPublication type Briefing

Date 04-10-2021Author DALLI HUBERT

Policy area Ex-ante Impact AssessmentSummary The Commission is proposing a new directive on consumer credits to replace the Consumer Credit Directive of 2008.

This initial appraisal of the Commission’s impact assessment on the proposal finds that the impact assessmentestablishes a logical chain between the problems identified and the policy options considered, which are presented in aclear and balanced way. The options appear to be realistic and feasible, using the existing policy framework as adeparture point and offering a range of interventions with scaling levels of intensity. The impact assessment makes useof a number of visual aids, which are especially valuable in providing the reader with a clear overview of the problemsand their drivers, policy objectives and policy options, and help illustrate the complex links between them.

Briefing EN

Effective remedies for asylum-seekers at EU external borders: A new pact on migration and asylumPublication type Briefing

Date 04-10-2021Author RADJENOVIC Anja

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and JusticeSummary The European Union's objectives in the field of external border protection are to safeguard freedom of movement

within the Schengen area (an area without internal borders) and to ensure efficient monitoring of people who cross theEU's external borders. To strengthen its external borders and prevent irregular migrants from reaching EU territory, theEU has focused on extending its partnerships with third countries as well as on reinforcing and providing its borderagencies with stronger means and powers. Furthermore, a new pact on migration and asylum, presented in 2020 butstill the subject of negotiations between the Council of the EU and the European Parliament, introduces a new set ofborder procedures as a key 'migration management tool' in the event of the arrival of a large number of asylumapplicants from third countries. When conducting border management and immigration control, states' authorities needto respect international legal requirements that protect the human rights of non-nationals who are subjected to borderchecks, by providing effective remedies for human rights violations at borders, such as a possibility to lodge an appealagainst a decision before a competent, independent and impartial national authority. At the European and EU level, arange of human rights standards have been developed that regulate the powers of individual states when allowing orrefusing entry to irregular immigrants and asylum-seekers and when implementing their expulsion to countries fromwhich they have come or transited on their way.

Briefing EN

ECB monetary policy: Strategic reviewPublication type Briefing

Date 01-10-2021Author HOFLMAYR MARTIN

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary In July 2021, the European Central Bank (ECB), the central bank of the 19 European Union countries that have

adopted the euro, completed its first monetary policy strategic review for 18 years. The key change, after 18 months ofconsultation, was a new interpretation of price stability (the ECB's primary objective) as a symmetric inflation rate of 2% over the medium term. The aim of this year's review was to adapt monetary policy and central banking to broadermacroeconomic trends, such as digitalisation, globalisation and demographic change, while also giving considerationto the implications of climate change and the carbon transition, in line with the EU's climate goals and objectives. Theresult will have substantial implications for the primary objective (price stability), for the ECB's monetary policyassessment and for its monetary policy operational framework. In short, the revised monetary policy strategy brings theECB's overall strategic orientation closer to its central bank peers, shifting away from curbing high inflation towardsensuring it does not dip too low, while also building climate considerations into the policy framework.

Briefing EN

The Arctic: Opportunities, concerns and security challengesPublication type At a Glance

Date 30-09-2021Author RUSSELL Martin

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary Global warming and growing interest in the Arctic's economic potential are bringing changes for the region's 4 million

people. The EU's 2016 Arctic policy, prioritising sustainability, economic development and international cooperation, isbeing revised to reflect these developments. The Foreign Affairs Committee report, on the October I session agenda,notes some of the environmental and security concerns, including the risk of geopolitical tensions.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 80

EU cyber-defence capabilitiesPublication type At a Glance

Date 30-09-2021Author LATICI Tania

Policy area Foreign Affairs | Security and DefenceSummary Cyberspace has become the fifth domain of warfare alongside the traditional sea, land, air and space. As societies

digitalise and become more technologically connected, cyber risks and vulnerabilities increase. The European Union(EU) has been highly active in strengthening cyber capabilities and coordination frameworks through a collection ofinitiatives and proposals, notably since 2017. The European Parliament will debate recent as well as future measuresduring the October I 2021 plenary session, with a focus on cyber-defence capabilities, the subject of a report discussedand voted in the Foreign Affairs (AFET) Committee in July 2021.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

New EU fisheries agreement with GreenlandPublication type At a Glance

Date 30-09-2021Author POPESCU Irina

Policy area FisheriesSummary The EU-Greenland Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) is a key component of EU fisheries relations

in the North Atlantic. It allows EU vessels to fish in the waters of Greenland and has a pivotal role in the quota-exchange network in the region, as the EU swaps a significant part of its fishing opportunities in Greenlandic waterswith Norway and the Faroe Islands for fishing quotas in their waters. Parliament's vote on giving its consent to theconclusion of a new agreement and protocol is scheduled for the October I part-session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

European Union Agency for AsylumPublication type At a Glance

Date 30-09-2021Author ORAV Anita

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and JusticeSummary After years of stalemate, a provisional agreement was reached in June 2021 between negotiators of Parliament and

Council on a 2016 proposal for an amending regulation on the European Asylum Support Office (EASO). This EUagency provides tools and operational assistance to help Member States prepare for an influx of asylum applicantsand to implement EU asylum legislation on the ground. EASO also supports Member States that face particularasylum-related pressures. Following a vote in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) in July2021, the provisional agreement is due to be discussed during the October I plenary session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Artificial intelligence in criminal lawPublication type At a Glance

Date 30-09-2021Author VORONOVA Sofija

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and JusticeSummary The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in a broad range of areas is the subject of wide debate at EU level. Establishing an

EU approach to AI is one of the European Commission's digital priorities, as illustrated by the proposal on an artificialintelligence act. Despite the great opportunities they offer, AI applications can also entail significant risks to people'sfundamental rights. At the October I plenary session, the European Parliament is due to debate an own-initiative reporton the use of AI by the police and judicial authorities in criminal matters.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Reforming EU policy on harmful tax practicesPublication type At a Glance

Date 30-09-2021Author KARABOYTCHEVA Miroslava Kostova

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary The EU policy reform on harmful tax practices (HTP) has been pushed up the agenda for several reasons: the

significant loss of revenue due to tax evasion and tax avoidance while Member States are addressing the hugeeconomic impacts of the pandemic, public and parliamentary pressure, and several high-profile revelations ofquestionable tax-related practices. An own-initiative procedure was launched in autumn 2020 by the Subcommittee onTax Matters (FISC), and a vote on the report of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee (ECON) is expected inthe October I session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 81

The future of EU-US relationsPublication type At a Glance

Date 30-09-2021Author PARRY Matthew

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary In December 2020, the European Commission and the High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) published an

ambitious agenda for transatlantic cooperation with the incoming US administration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.This was followed by an EU-US Summit on 15 June 2021, which saw the launch of new formats for EU-UScollaboration. Yet unexpected foreign policy developments since then have raised questions about the partnership'sfuture. Parliament is expected to debate and vote on a report on the topic during the October I plenary session.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Afghan refugees in neighbouring countriesPublication type At a Glance

Date 30-09-2021Author ZAMFIR Ionel

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary Afghan refugees have, for decades, constituted one of the largest refugee populations in the world. With the return to

power of the Taliban, there is little to no expectation that Afghan refugees will return home any time soon. Intensefighting in Afghanistan over the past few months, a dire economic and humanitarian situation, and fear of Talibanreprisals and the harsh rule for which the group was known when it ruled Afghanistan in the late 1990s, have pushedmore people to leave the country. Others may follow. Neighbouring countries remain the most likely destination, buttheir treatment of refugees often complies only partly with international norms.

At a Glance EN

Electronic technologies for fisheries: Systems adapted for small-scale vesselsPublication type At a Glance

Date 30-09-2021Author BREUER Marcus Ernst Gerhard | LECARTE Jacques

Policy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | FisheriesSummary This At-a-glance note is the third in a series of three, prepared for a PECH Committee Workshop. It examines and

presents possibilities of electronic technologies (ET) that can be used to report, document and monitor fishery activitiesof the small-scale vessel fleet. The national fishing fleets in the EU are large where most of the vessels are less than12 metres in length. The information on this fleet segment’s fishing activities is limited and insufficient fordocumentation of the fleet’s impact on the environment and for fisheries management and governance in general. Thepresent research contains four case studies with current usages of such technologies developed for small-scalevessels.

At a Glance EN

Alcohol labellingPublication type Briefing

Date 30-09-2021Author LAANINEN Tarja

Policy area Food SafetyKeyword alcohol consumption | alcoholic beverage | cancer | consumer information | disease prevention | labelling | nutrition |

product designation | public health | quality label | regulation (EU)Summary In its Europe's Beating Cancer plan, published in February 2021, the European Commission suggests – among other

initiatives concerning cancer prevention – several actions concerning alcoholic beverages, such as limiting onlineadvertising and promotion, and reviewing European Union (EU) legislation on the taxation of alcohol. Also among theproposals is mandatory labelling of ingredients and nutrient content on alcoholic beverages by the end of 2022. Healthwarnings on labels should follow by the end of 2023. First attempts to label ingredients of alcoholic drinks were alreadymade in the late 1970s, however the Council was not able to agree on any of the proposed models. Furthermore,alcoholic drinks containing more than 1.2 % by volume of alcohol (ABV) are exempted from the obligation, set on otherdrinks and foodstuffs, to list the ingredients and make a nutritional declaration on the label. The European Commissionadopted a report in 2017, concluding that it had 'not found objective grounds that would justify' the absence ofinformation on ingredients and nutritional information on alcoholic beverages. Following on from the Commission'sreport, the European associations representing the alcoholic beverages sectors presented their self-regulationproposal in March 2018, suggesting that some sectors would list all ingredients on labels, while others could use onlinemeans of communication instead. Stakeholders have differing views on the desirability and feasibility of listings on-label; some would prefer this information to be allowed to be given off-label through QR-codes, apps or websites, whileothers absolutely insist that alcoholic drinks should be no different from other sectors of the food and drink industry.The European Parliament has called on the European Commission to consider a health warning and calorie content onalcoholic beverage labels. This is an update of a Briefing published in April 2021.

Briefing EN

Multimedia Alcohol labelling

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 82

Jihadist networks in sub-Saharan Africa: Origins, patterns and responsesPublication type Briefing

Date 30-09-2021Author STANICEK BRANISLAV

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary Sub-Saharan Africa has become a new global hotspot for jihadist activity. Armed groups have increasingly developed

strong Salafi jihadist ideologies and forged ties with jihadist movements predominantly active in the Middle East,namely Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known by its Arabic acronym, Da'esh. Therise of jihadist activity in the region of the Sahel, Lake Chad, the Great Lakes and the Horn of Africa, and more recentlyin northern Mozambique, cannot be attributed solely to the influence of jihadist ideology from the Middle East. Anumber of factors have contributed to the deterioration of security, among them poverty, corruption, various localgrievances, separatist movements, pre-existing intercommunal violence between herders and farmers over land rights(exacerbated by the consequences of climate change), weak state presence, and lack of prospects for young people.In Mali, jihadist groups emerged from the conflict triggered by the separatist Tuareg movement. More recently, inMozambique, grievances and poverty in one of the country's poorest provinces, Cabo Delgado, provided fertile groundfor jihadist ideology, nurtured further by foreign preachers and returning students. The spike in violence attributed tojihadist groups and their ties to foreign movements has prompted international stakeholders, including the EuropeanUnion, to launch counterterrorism operations, also involving local actors. The European Parliament has condemnedthese terrorist groups on several occasions and supported EU military and civilian missions in the region.Nevertheless, the military approach that the international community has preferred up to now has not succeeded inaddressing deeper community grievances and strengthening state presence.

Briefing EN

Foreign subsidies and public procurementPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 30-09-2021External author Michael BÖHEIM, Nazareno BRAITO, Davide CECCANTI, Davide FINA, Duy HUYNH-OLESEN, Cécile JACOB,

Katarína KUBOVICOVÁPolicy area International Trade

Summary The EU has helped shape an international economic system based on openness and fair competition. Over the pastfew years, the benefits of this approach have come under pressure from foreign trade practices which undermine theprinciple of recip¬rocal treatment. In particular, this is the case with subsidies granted by non-EU governments andprotected public procurement markets. This in-depth analysis reviews the state of play of EU policy action on foreignsubsidies and in public pro¬curement markets and identifies gaps in existing EU instruments. The analysis shows thatthe EU took the initiative with: (i) the completed FDI screening and trade defence reforms; (ii) the proposal for anInternational Procurement Instrument; and (iii) the proposal for a Regulation targeting the distortive effects of foreignsubsidies. In addi¬tion, the EU is taking the lead at the multilateral level, promoting coordinated action in the WTO, G7,G20, OECD, and GAMS fora.

In-Depth Analysis EN

The Human Right to Drinking Water: Impact of large-scale agriculture and industryPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 30-09-2021External author •Dr Naho MIRUMACHI •Dr Aleksandra DUDA •Jagoda GREGULSKA •Joanna SMĘTEK

Policy area Development and Humanitarian Aid | Environment | Food Safety | Foreign Affairs | Human Rights | International TradeSummary Access to safe drinking water is a human right. It is indispensable to a healthy, dignified and productive life. However,

a significant proportion of the global population is not able to enjoy this human right. The purpose of this in-depthanalysis is to consider the impacts of large-scale agricultural activity and industry on the progressive realisation of thehuman right to drinking water. In particular, it considers how the European Union and the European Parliament canbetter support non-EU countries to realise this human right. States and businesses have obligations andresponsibilities towards citizens to ensure safe drinking water. However, fulfilling these obligations and responsibilitiesis in contention with competing water uses and economic considerations and marred by poor enabling environmentsand power dynamics. Achieving the human right to drinking water needs to be considered in the context of trade-offsemerging from the water-food-energy nexus where water use in one sector can have impacts on others. Virtual waterembedded in the trade of agricultural goods demonstrates that demand for food can affect local water availability,posing challenges to ensuring the human right to drinking water in these places. Existing good practices focus onbetter recognition of obligations and responsibilities through a human rights-based approach, improved assessmentsof impacts, enhanced stakeholder engagement and mechanisms for due diligence. There are opportunities for the EUto extend the discussion on the human right to drinking water with other interlinked rights, noting the complex andintegrated impacts of water resources.

In-Depth Analysis EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 83

Preventing money laundering in the banking sector - reinforcing the supervisory and regulatory frameworkPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 30-09-2021Author GRIGAITE KRISTINA | MAGNUS Marcel | PACHECO DIAS CRISTINA SOFIA

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesKeyword banking supervision | EU banking union | European Banking Authority | European Central Bank | money laundering |

proposal (EU) | reportSummary This paper provides an overview of current initiatives and actions aiming at reinforcing the anti-money laundering

(AML) supervisory and regulatory framework in the EU, in particular from a Banking Union perspective. This briefingfirst outlines the EU framework for fighting money laundering, which includes legislation (most notably the 5th AMLDirective) and a number of Commission and Council Action Plans. Secondly, an overview of AML prevention relevantauthorities, at both the EU and national level, is provided. This section also explains the 2019 review of the foundingregulations of the European Supervisory Authorities, through which competences relating to preventing AML in thefinancial sector were consolidated within the European Banking Authority. Lastly, the paper highlights the latestproposed changes to the AML framework, as proposed by the Commission in their AML package published in July2021. It is relevant to note that this briefing focuses on AML concerns in the banking sector. While financial and non-financial intermediaries have an important role to play, these are not the focus of this briefing. Nevertheless, referenceis made to closely related areas (notably, to Financial Intelligence Units, the work of markets and insurancesupervisors on preventing AML and related matters) when relevant to a better understanding of its impacts on thebanking sector. This paper builds on and updates a previous EGOV briefing on the same topic.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Taxing professional football in the EU |A Comparative and EU analysis of a sector with tax gapsPublication type Study

Date 30-09-2021External author Prof.dr. Robby Houben, Prof.dr. Anne Van de Vijver, Prof.dr. Niels Appermont and Gertjan Verachtert

Policy area Competition law and regulation | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | TaxationSummary This study scrutinises the tax treatment of professional football players' remuneration throughout the European Union.

It does so on the basis of a comparative analysis of selected country schemes. It draws conclusions and formulatessuggestions for a future European Union approach.

Study EN

The relation between different zoonotic pandemics and the livestock sectorPublication type Study

Date 30-09-2021External author Jeremy Brice, Rossella Soldi, Pablo Alarcon-Lopez, Javier Guitian, Julian Drewe, Daniela Baeza Breinbauer,

Francisca Torres-Cortés, Katie WheelerPolicy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Consumer Protection | Coronavirus | Environment | Fisheries | Forward Planning |

Public Health | Research PolicySummary This study examines the zoonotic disease risks posed by the livestock sector (including fur production), reviews the

risks posed by different livestock species and production systems, and examines case studies of past zoonotic diseaseepidemics. Building on this evidence, it reviews EU zoonosis surveillance and control arrangements. It recommendsimprovements including integration of human and animal disease surveillance services, expanded use of syndromicsurveillance and changes to the funding of Member States’ zoonotic disease programmes under Regulation (EU)652/2014.

Study EN

The Future of the EU Automotive SectorPublication type Study

Date 30-09-2021Author CIUCCI MATTEO | GOUARDERES Frederic

External author David BROWN, Michael FLICKENSCHILD, Caio MAZZI, Alessandro GASPAROTTI, Zinovia PANAGIOTIDOU, JunaDINGEMANSE and Stefan BRATZEL

Policy area Industry | TransportSummary This study provides an independent overview of the automotive industrial landscape in the EU. Specifically, the study

assesses green and digital trends currently reshaping the automotive sector and provides recommendationsconsidering the adequacy and consistency of ongoing and future EU actions. This document was provided by thePolicy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on Industry,Research and Energy (ITRE).

Study EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 84

European Banks’ Response to COVID-19 “Quick Fix” Regulation and Other MeasuresPublication type Study

Date 30-09-2021Author SCHEINERT CHRISTIAN

External author Brunella BRUNO and Filippo DE MARCOPolicy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Financial and Banking Issues

Summary The original full study presents data from 27 banking groups in 10 EU Member States, where it is found that bankshave used COVID-19 relief measures extensively, with some cross-country differences as for the intensity of use.Flexibility in risk classification does not seem to have impaired banks’ ability to report and recognise risk properly, evenfor loans under moratoria. The findings suggest that the impact of the measures on banks’ credit supply has beenoverall positive and mainly driven by capital-enhancing measures such as the “Quick fix”.

Study EN

The Parliaments of Europe: full part actors or powerless spectators? – A state of play 2010–2020Publication type Study

Date 30-09-2021External author BRACK Nathalie

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Democracy | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EULaw: Legal System and Acts

Summary Since the Lisbon Treaty, EU national Parliaments have been recognized as relevant and legitimate players at thesupranational level and given tools to be involved beyond the scrutiny of their national government. However, the lastdecade brought new challenges to the Europeanisation of national Parliaments, with several crises boostingintergovernmentalism. This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rightsand Constitutional Affairs at the request of the AFCO Committee, examines how EU national Parliaments haveadapted to all these challenges and assesses their involvement in EU affairs over the past decade.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR, IT

Who does what in security and defence? EU-US ExplainerPublication type At a Glance

Date 29-09-2021Author LATICI Tania

Policy area Security and DefenceSummary Geopolitical competition between rival nations and a complex security environment are threatening some of the core

values of the transatlantic alliance. The institutions responsible for implementing EU and US security and defencepolicies aim to protect civilians and to promote rules-based conduct in external action. Against this backdrop, both theEU and US are undertaking significant strategic realignments, as the US shifts from counter-insurgency operations tocompeting with near-peer powers and the EU moves towards the objective of a defence union and strategic autonomy.Despite the historical transatlantic security and defence relationship, the institutional landscapes of the EU and the USare distinct and complex. This document seeks to give an overview of who does what in security and defenceinstitutions on both sides of the Atlantic.

At a Glance EN

Holocaust denial in criminal law: Legal frameworks in selected EU Member StatesPublication type Briefing

Date 29-09-2021Author BAKOWSKI Piotr

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and JusticeSummary The Holocaust ('Shoah' in Hebrew) – the mass murder of 6 million European Jews, Roma and other persecuted

groups, whom the Nazi regime and its collaborators sought to annihilate – took place in Europe. It is therefore notsurprising that a trend to address negationism – i.e. unfounded theories questioning certain historical events – bymeans of criminal law, originated in Europe. With time, the scope of criminalisation has been extended to cover notonly the Shoah, but also other internationally recognised crimes. Such prohibition is, however, not without controversyas it may interfere with fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression and academic freedom. The Council ofEurope has played a major role in addressing Holocaust denial, in particular through the case law of the EuropeanCourt of Human Rights pertaining to the limits of freedom of expression. The Court has consistently excludednegationism from the protection of the European Convention on Human Rights, pointing to the antisemitic nature of theprohibited statements and qualifying them as abuse of rights. In the European Union (EU), a 2008 Framework Decisionon racism and xenophobia sought to align national legislation on historical denialism. Yet, national laws still differ inmany respects, such as the definition of offences and the range of historical events, the memory of which they serve toprotect. This Briefing looks at criminal provisions in 17 selected EU Member States: Belgium, Czechia, Germany,Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania,Slovenia and Slovakia. It attempts to identify the main elements of the criminal conduct and of the correspondingpunishment. The following EPRS policy analysists have contributed to the country analyses: Piotr Bąkowski (Poland),Carmen-Cristina Cirlig (Romania), David De Groot (Netherlands), Micaela Del Monte (Luxembourg and Portugal),Angelos Delivorias (Greece), Fabiana Fracanzino (Spain and Italy), Fruzsina Fuzesi (Hungary), Vilma Karvelyte-Shetty(Lithuania), Karoline Kowald (Austria), Katrien Luyten (Belgium), Hendrik Mildebrath (Germany), Marketa Pape(Czechia), Anja Radjenovic (Slovenia), Branislav Stanicek (Slovakia), and Sofija Voronova (France).

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 85

Revising the Energy Efficiency Directive: Fit for 55 packagePublication type Briefing

Date 29-09-2021Author WILSON Alex Benjamin

Policy area EnergySummary On 14 July 2021 the European Commission adopted the 'fit for 55' package with a view to adapting existing EU climate

and energy legislation to the new EU objective of a minimum 55 % reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by2030, in accordance with the new European Climate Law. The fit for 55 package is part of the European Green Deal, aflagship of the von der Leyen Commission that will involve further climate-related legislation and other new initiatives toset the EU firmly on the path towards net zero GHG emissions (climate neutrality) by 2050. The fit for 55 packageincludes a recast of the energy efficiency directive (EED), aligning its provisions to the new -55 % GHG target. TheEED currently sets out the level of energy savings that the EU needs to make to meet the agreed goal of 32.5 %energy efficiency improvements by 2030. The recast EED would require Member States to almost double their annualenergy savings obligations, leading the way by means of action throughout the public sector, action to address energypoverty, and other measures to help to deliver 9 % more energy savings than envisaged by the existing EED and inthe 2021-2030 national energy and climate plans. The file has been referred to the ITRE committee, where therapporteur is still preparing his draft report. First edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at keystages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

Argentina's Parliament and other political institutionsPublication type Briefing

Date 29-09-2021Author GOMEZ RAMIREZ Enrique

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary Argentina is Latin America's second-largest country in terms of size, fourth-largest in terms of population, and third

most important in economic terms. It is a federal republic, composed of 23 autonomous provinces plus theautonomous (capital) City of Buenos Aires. It is an electoral democracy with universal adult suffrage, a presidentialsystem of government and separation of powers. Executive power is vested in the President of the Republic, legislativepower in the bicameral National Congress, and judicial power in the Nation's Judiciary, headed by the Supreme Courtof Justice. Provinces are headed by a governor and have their own legislatures and provincial courts. Argentina hasalways had a multilateral vocation, maintaining a wide presence in global and regional organisations. It has closehistorical and cultural ties with the EU, with which it shares fundamental values. Relations between the EuropeanParliament and the Argentinian National Congress are mainly maintained through the Delegation for Relations withMercosur and the Euro Latin America Parliamentary Assembly (EuroLat). In its resolution of 13 September 2017 on EUpolitical relations with Latin America, the Parliament called for 'Argentina to be granted EU strategic partner status asan outstanding player in the (Latin American) region, and a member of Mercosur and the G20'.

Briefing EN

Key issues in the European Council: State of play in September 2021Publication type Study

Date 29-09-2021Author ANGHEL Suzana Elena | DRACHENBERG Ralf | KROZSER Anna | TORPEY REBECCA MARY

Policy area DemocracySummary This EPRS publication, 'Key issues in the European Council', is updated quarterly to coincide with European Council

meetings. It aims to provide an overview of the institution’s activities on major EU issues, by analysing twelve broadpolicy areas, explaining the legal and political background and the main priorities and orientations defined by theEuropean Council in each field. It also assesses the results of European Council involvement in these policy areas todate, and identifies future challenges in the various policy fields.

Study EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 86

La ratificación de los tratados internacionales, una perspectiva de Derecho Comparado - EspañaPublication type Study

Date 29-09-2021External author Prof. Dr. Carlos FERNÁNDEZ DE CASADEVANTE ROMANI, Catedrático de Derecho Internacional Público y

Relaciones Internacionales de la Universidad Rey Juan CarlosPolicy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice

Summary El presente estudio forma parte de un proyecto más amplio, que tiene como objetivo analizar, desde una perspectivade Derecho comparado, la ratificación de tratados internacionales en distintos ordenamientos jurídicos. El propósitodel estudio es examinar la ratificación de los tratados internacionales en la legislación española, haciendo especialreferencia al marco jurídico aplicable, los procedimientos y el tiempo necesario probable para la ratificación. Para ello,después de una introducción general, se analizan las disposiciones de carácter constitucional, legislativo yreglamentario que rigen el proceso de elaboración y adopción de los tratados en España y el reparto deresponsabilidades entre los distintos actores, así como las fases principales del procedimiento a seguir para lacelebración de tratados. En España corresponde al Gobierno la celebración de tratados internacionales. En sucondición de Monarquía parlamentaria el Jefe del Estado, el Rey, ostenta la más alta representación del Estadoespañol en las relaciones internacionales, pero está supeditado al Gobierno, que es el que dirige la política exteriorcon el control del Parlamento. El hecho autonómico que la Constitución reconoce se concreta en la participación delas Comunidades Autónomas tanto en la fase inicial como en la fase final del proceso de celebración de tratados. Elpresente estudio pretende ser una herramienta útil para los diferentes órganos del Parlamento Europeo, exponiendouna visión global del proceso de ratificación aplicado por el Estado objeto de análisis (en este caso, España). Estopermitirá, por ejemplo, que los órganos del Parlamento definan sus calendarios de trabajo, teniendo en cuenta unaestimación del tiempo que puede resultar necesario para concluir la ratificación de un futuro tratado.

Study ES

Country-Specific Recommendations for 2019, 2020 and 2021Publication type Study

Date 29-09-2021Author ANGERER Jost | GRIGAITE KRISTINA

Policy area Coronavirus | Economics and Monetary IssuesKeyword budgetary equilibrium | economic recovery | EU Member State | European Semester | fiscal policy | proposal (EU) |

recommendation (EU) | regulation (EU) | research reportSummary This document presents: •The 2019 Country-Specific Recommendations (CSRs) adopted by the Council, in the

framework of the European Semester, on 9 July 2019 (on the basis of European Commission proposals of 5 June2019). •The European Commission’s assessments of the implementation of the 2019 CSRs based on its CountryReports published on 26 February 2020. •The 2020 CSRs adopted by the Council, in the framework of the EuropeanSemester, on 20 July 2020 (on the basis of European Commission proposals of 20 May 2020). •The 2021 fiscalrecommendations (recommendations for Council opinions on the 2021 Stability and Convergence Programmes)adopted by the Council on 18 June 2021. •During the 2021 Semester Cycle, exceptionally, due to the preparationsand adoptions of the Recovery and Resilience Plans under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, no further CountrySpecific Recommendations (CSRs) have been issued under the European Semester.

Study EN

Scrutiny dialogues and hearings in the European Parliament in the area of monetary, economic andfinancial affairs

Publication type At a GlanceDate 28-09-2021

Author HAGELSTAM KajusPolicy area Economics and Monetary Issues

Summary This document presents the organisation and legal bases of the scrutiny dialogues and hearings in the EuropeanParliament in the area of monetary, economic and financial affairs.

At a Glance EN

Research for TRAN Committee - Alternative fuels infrastructure for heavy-duty vehiclesPublication type At a Glance

Date 28-09-2021Author DEBYSER Ariane | LECARTE Jacques | PERNICE Davide

External author External authors of the study:CE Delft: Anouk VAN GRINSVEN, Matthijs OTTEN, Emiel VAN DEN TOORN, ReinierVAN DER VEEN, Julius KIRÁLY, Roy VAN DEN BERG

Policy area Environment | TransportSummary This briefing presents the opportunities and challenges for use and deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure in the

EU for heavy-duty vehicles, in particular for trucks. Details on the current state of play and future needs are presentedin the context of the ambitions of the Green Deal and current legislative developments, in particular the upcomingreviews of the Alternative Fuels Directive and TEN-T regulation.

At a Glance EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 87

Understanding the EU's response to illicit drugsPublication type Briefing

Date 28-09-2021Author LUYTEN KATRIEN

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and JusticeSummary The EU is an important market for illicit drugs, both in terms of consumption and production. An estimated 28.9 % of

European adults aged 15-65 have used illicit drugs at least once in their lifetime, a majority of them being men.Cannabis remains by far the most used drug, followed by cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy or molly) and amphetamines. Illicitdrugs have been claiming an increasing number of lives in the EU since 2012, but their impact goes far beyond theharm caused by their use. The illicit drugs market is the largest criminal market in the EU, with an estimated minimumretail value of €30 billion per year in the EU alone. Over a third of the organised crime groups active in the EU areinvolved in the trade in illicit drugs, which, besides generating massive criminal profits and inflicting substantial harm,incites associated violence. Drug markets furthermore have links with wider criminal activity, including terrorism; theyhave a negative impact on the legal economy and communities, cause environmental damage and can fuel corruptionand undermine governance. Illicit drugs have been trafficked into and through the EU for decades, but they are alsoproduced in the EU, for both local and global markets, as is the case of cannabis and synthetic drugs such asamphetamines. In fact, the trade in synthetic drugs in the EU is unique compared to other substances as theproduction of these drugs and new psychoactive substances in most cases takes place in the EU. In 2019, around 1.1million seizures of illicit drugs were reported in the EU-27 plus Norway, Turkey and the UK. The European drug markethas been remarkably resilient to disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Although the EU Member Statescarry the primary responsibility for developing their drug policy and legislation, cross-border cooperation is paramountin the fight against illicit drugs. With the problem constantly expanding in scale and complexity, the EU has beenincreasingly active since the early 1990s, in particular with respect to law enforcement, health-related issues and thedetection and risk assessment of new psychoactive substances.

Briefing EN

What if the internet failed?Publication type At a Glance

Date 27-09-2021Author VAN WOENSEL Lieve

Policy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Consumer Protection | Culture | Education | Employment | Energy | Financial andBanking Issues | Forward Planning | Industry | Public Health | Tourism | Transport

Summary What if the internet failed? Since the 1960s, when work on its development began, internet infrastructure has becomealmost as important as the electricity and transport infrastructure in modern societies. More and more key services,such as banking, food retail and health care, rely on internet connections. Despite the internet's original resilientdecentralised design, the increasing importance of a few central players and the shift towards greater centralisationhave made the internet more susceptible to failure. This would have severe repercussions: people would not be able towithdraw cash or pay by card, supermarkets and large retailers would not be able to bill and sell products, andmanaging digital certificates (such as the Covid-19 vaccination certificate) would no longer be possible.

At a Glance EN

Research for TRAN - Committee: Relaunching transport and tourism in the EU after COVID-19 - Part III:Aviation sector

Publication type At a GlanceDate 27-09-2021

Author DEBYSER Ariane | LECARTE Jacques | PERNICE DavideExternal author ORIGINAL STUDY PANTEIA: Maria RODRIGUES, Emilia SANDRI, Ljubica KNEZEVIC, Tharsis TEOH Università

degli Studi Roma Tre: Barbara ANTONUCCi, Nicole CUTRUFO, Lidia MARONGIUPolicy area Coronavirus | Tourism | Transport

Summary This thematic briefing provides the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) with anoverview of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation sector, as well as policy recommendations toaddress the challenges emerging from the crisis.

At a Glance EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 88

EU-US Trade and Technology Council: New forum for transatlantic cooperationPublication type Briefing

Date 27-09-2021Author SZCZEPANSKI Marcin

Policy area International TradeSummary In December 2020, the European Commission proposed the creation of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council

(TTC), to facilitate trade, expand investment, develop compatible standards, boost innovation and strengthen thepartners' technological and industrial leadership. The TTC also aims to 'lead values-based digital transformation'.Meanwhile, trade between the EU and US continues and is as important as ever, manifested in the fact that, together,they form the largest bilateral economic relationship in the world, with the largest global data flows across the Atlantic.However, in recent years, transatlantic trade and technology policy relations have been marked by low levels ofcooperation and a number of sources of tension. The 2021 change of administration in Washington neverthelessreinvigorated the relationship between the two. The TTC was formally launched during the EU-US Summit on 15 June2021. High-level politicians will guide the Council, while the groundwork will be carried out in ten working groups,comprised of experts from both partners. They will cover issues such as common standards, resilient supply chains,tech regulation, global trade challenges, climate and green tech as well as investment screening and export controls.The establishment of the TTC has been widely welcomed by stakeholders and the think-tank community as animportant step towards bridging existing gaps and moving on with a forward-looking agenda, focused on strategicareas and new ways of cooperation. While there is a genuine will to work together on common challenges, somedifficult issues such as unresolved issues from the past and different approaches to regulating digital markets persist,and it remains to be seen whether the TTC will lead to the creation of an ambitious joint policy that influences tradeand technology worldwide. The first meeting is due to take place on 29 September 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Briefing EN

European Day of Languages : Multilingualism as a cornerstone of better communicationPublication type At a Glance

Date 24-09-2021Author KATSAROVA Ivana

Policy area Culture | EducationSummary Some 7 000 languages are spoken globally today. However, half of the world's population shares just six native

languages, and some 90 % of all languages could be replaced by dominant ones by the end of the century. Followingthe success of the European Year of Languages (2001), the Council of Europe designated 26 September as theEuropean Day of Languages.

At a Glance EN

The role of non-financial performance indicators and integrated reporting in achieving sustainable valuecreation

Publication type At a GlanceDate 24-09-2021

Author BUX Udo | PARENTI RADOSTINAExternal author DINH, T., HUSMANN, A. and MELLONI G.,

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary The original full study is a structured analysis of the current scientific evidence on the effects of sustainability reporting

including non-financial performance indicators, stand-alone sustainability reporting as well as integrated reporting. Itdiscusses the benefits and challenges particularly related to internal decision-making, external transparency as well asfinancial and non-financial/environmental, social and governance effects. Further, it offers policy recommendations inview of the European Commission’s proposal on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.

At a Glance EN

Parliamentary Democracy in Action: Comparing the EP and five national parliamentsPublication type Study

Date 24-09-2021Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law

Summary This EPRS study compares and contrasts features of the work of the European Parliament with those of five nationalparliaments. It concentrates on some of the aspects discussed in the EP President’s Focus Group exercise, which has,throughout 2021, considered ways to modernise and improve the Parliament’s way of working on several fronts:notably the organisation of plenary sessions; the exercise and protection of parliaments’ prerogatives; parliamentarydiplomacy; and the communication capacity of parliaments. The present study seeks to address these areas, with theaim of identifying where best practice exists and where there might still be room for improvement.

Study EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 89

Youth in Europe: Effects of Covid-19 on their economic and social situationPublication type Study

Date 24-09-2021Author KONLE-SEIDL REGINA ANNA | PICARELLA FRANCESCA

Policy area Employment | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Social PolicySummary The aim of this study is to provide the Members of the committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) with an

analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on young people, providing updated information on their economic andsocial situation, with a focus on employment.

Study EN

European Regional Development Fund and Cohesion Fund 2021-2027Publication type Briefing

Date 23-09-2021Author WIDUTO Agnieszka

Policy area Regional DevelopmentKeyword Cohesion Fund | economic growth | eligibility criteria | employment aid | EU regional policy | European Regional

Development Fund | less-favoured region | proposal (EU) | regional aid | regional development | regional disparitySummary In the context of the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027, the European Commission published a proposal

for a regulation on the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund (CF) on 29 May 2018.The new single regulation on the ERDF and CF (previously covered by two separate regulations) identifies the specificobjectives and scope of support for both funds, including non-eligible activities. The majority of ERDF funding will focuson smart growth and the green economy, while the fund will also support other activities such as connectivity, socialissues and local development. The CF will continue to focus predominantly on environmental and transportinfrastructure. Special provisions were proposed for territories such as urban areas and outermost regions. Theindicator framework for monitoring progress will include new common results indicators. On 28 May 2020, theCommission amended the proposal to better support recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. A final political triloguemeeting took place on 9 February 2021, sealing agreement between the Council and the European Parliament. TheParliament voted on the draft regulation at its June II plenary session. The final act was signed 24 June and publishedin the Official Journal on 30 June 2021. Fifth edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at keystages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

Multimedia European Regional Development: Fund and Cohesion Fund 2021-2027

European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture FundPublication type Briefing

Date 23-09-2021Author SCHOLAERT FREDERIK

Policy area FisheriesKeyword conservation of resources | distribution of EU funding | European Maritime and Fisheries Fund | fisheries policy |

fishery resources | impact study | marine ecosystem | maritime safety | peripheral region | proposal (EU) | report |resources of the sea | shipping policy | sustainable development

Summary As part of the budget framework for the 2021-2027 period, the European Union has adopted new rules on fundingdedicated to the Common Fisheries Policy and the Integrated Maritime Policy. Based on a Commission proposal ofJune 2018, Parliament adopted its first reading position in April 2019. After lengthy interinstitutional negotiations,started after the 2019 elections, political agreement was reached on 4 December 2020. Compared to the previousperiod, the new fund gives Member States more flexibility in defining their own measures, as long as they support thepriorities and are not part of a list of ineligible measures. Departing from the Commission proposal, the co legislatorshave extended support for the small-scale fleet to vessels between 12 and 24 metres in length. The fleet aid provisionsallow support for the first acquisition of a vessel by a young fisherman, for the modernisation of engines, and foroperations that improve safety, working conditions or energy efficiency. A greater focus on aquaculture is reflected inits inclusion in the name of the fund. Preferential aid is provided for outermost regions. At least 15 % of Member States'allocations should be spent on control and data collection. Following its adoption by the Council, Parliament adoptedthe agreed text in plenary on 6 July 2021, closing the procedure at second reading. The new regulation entered intoforce on 14 July and applies retroactively from January 2021. Sixth edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefingsare updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 90

Access to justice in environmental matters: Amending the Aarhus RegulationPublication type Briefing

Date 23-09-2021Author HALLEUX Vivienne

Policy area EnvironmentKeyword access to information | access to the courts | disclosure of information | environmental law | environmental monitoring |

EU environmental policy | international convention | proposal (EU) | regulation (EU) | transparency in decision-makingSummary The European Union is party to the Aarhus Convention on access to information, public participation in decision-

making and access to justice in environmental matters. The Aarhus Regulation applies the Convention's provisions toEU institutions and bodies. In 2017, the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee, reviewing implementation by theparties, found that the EU fails to comply with its obligations under Article 9, paragraphs 3 and 4 of the conventionconcerning access to justice by members of the public. To address this non-compliance issue, on 14 October 2020 theEuropean Commission put forward a legislative proposal to amend the Aarhus Regulation. The Council and Parliamentadopted their positions on 17 December 2020 and 20 May 2021, respectively. Interinstitutional negotiations, launchedon 4 June 2021, concluded on 12 July with a provisional agreement. The text, endorsed by Member States'ambassadors on 23 July, and by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) on 1September 2021, now awaits a vote in Parliament's plenary, planned for the October I session. Third edition. The 'EULegislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

Update on recent banking developmentsPublication type Briefing

Date 23-09-2021Author GRIGAITE KRISTINA | MAGNUS Marcel | PACHECO DIAS CRISTINA SOFIA

Policy area Coronavirus | Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary This briefing summarises recent publications that are particularly relevant in the context of bank supervision, namely:

1) the Basel Committee Interim report on early lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic on the Basel reforms, 2) the EBApeer review report on the prudential assessment of the acquisition of qualifying holdings, 3) the ECB SupervisoryBanking Statistics for the first quarter 2021, and 4) the EBA report on High Earners.

Briefing EN

Le droit à la santé, une perspective de droit comparé: Conseil de l'EuropePublication type Study

Date 23-09-2021Policy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Public Health

Summary Ce document s’intègre dans une série d’études qui, avec une perspective de droit comparé, visent à faire uneprésentation du droit à la santé dans différents ordres juridiques. Après avoir expliqué la réglementation et lajurisprudence d’application, le contenu, les limites et la possible évolution de ce droit sont examinés. La présenteétude a pour objet le cas du Conseil de l’Europe. Le droit à la santé et le droit à la vie se placent dans le droit du CdEau même niveau que les autres droits et libertés. Les premiers devraient néanmoins prévaloir sur les autres, dans lerespect des principes de nécessité et de proportionnalité. Le droit des populations à la meilleure santé possible est parailleurs particulièrement significatif du modèle social européen ; les États membres doivent prévenir les risques etmettre en place des dispositifs de soins et de sécurité sociale.

Study FR

Background reader on the European Semester and monitoring of the RRF from a parliamentaryperspective

Publication type StudyDate 23-09-2021

Author HAGELSTAM Kajus | LEHOFER WOLFGANGPolicy area Economics and Monetary Issues | European Semester

Summary This sixth edition of the background reader on the European Semester, prepared by the Economic GovernanceSupport Unit (EGOV) in the Directorate for Economic and Scientific Policies of the European Parliament, provides anoverview of publications related to the European Semester and the monitoring of the RRF from a parliamentaryperspective. It aims at further increasing the links between Members of the European Parliament and nationalParliaments, notably during inter-parliamentary meetings.

Study EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 91

Requirements for a single database of beneficiariesPublication type Study

Date 23-09-2021External author Willem Pieter DE GROEN, CEPS Damir GOJSIC, CEPS Mathieu VUYLSTEKE, CEPS

Policy area Budget | Budgetary ControlSummary At the request of the CONT Committee of the European Parliament, this study has been prepared as background

information for work on the legislative Own Initiative Report on the digitalisation of European reporting, monitoring andaudit. Building on the findings of the study on ‘The largest 50 beneficiaries in each EU Member State of CAP andCohesion Funds’, this study assesses the requirements for a single EU database of beneficiaries. Such a databasewould overcome the current fragmentation in the databases of beneficiaries of EU funds, ensure completeness andobtain the relevant indicators for all beneficiaries. A single EU database of beneficiaries would serve for both audit andcontrol, as well as transparency purposes. The core of the database would be the information from managingauthorities which, through identifiers and matching indicators, would be linked to other databases to obtain all therequired information. For transparency purposes, the reporting system would have to cover a subset of indicators,including registration number and type of beneficiary, in order to enable the identification of the ultimate beneficiaries

Study EN

Proceedings of the workshop on Missing Trader Fraud: definition, effects, prevention and solutionsPublication type Study

Date 23-09-2021Author POUWELS Alexandra Cynthia Jana

Policy area Budget | Budgetary ControlSummary The Budgetary Control Committee (CONT) organised the workshop on ‘Missing Trader Fraud: definition, effects,

prevention and solutions’ on 26 May 2021. This document consists of the proceedings briefing on ‘Missing TraderIntra-Community Fraud’, biographies of the speakers and the PowerPoint slides of the presentations.

Study EN

Participation in early education and carePublication type Briefing

Date 22-09-2021Author CHIRCOP Denise | CLAROS GIMENO Eulalia

Policy area EducationSummary Following research findings on the positive impact of early childhood education, EU education ministers set a

participation target for 2030 at 96 % of all children three years and over. This will depend on having enough places thatare accessible and affordable. At the same time, the quality of the provision is just as important to reap the potentialbenefits. This infographic looks at the current participation of young children in early childhood education and whatMember States are doing to improve upon it.

Briefing EN

European Parliament involvement in scrutinising the Recovery and Resilience FacilityPublication type Briefing

Date 22-09-2021Author PACHECO DIAS CRISTINA SOFIA

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesKeyword budget policy | budgetary control | economic recovery | EU aid | European Semester | exchange of information |

financial transparency | interinstitutional agreement | interinstitutional cooperation (EU) | regulation (EU)Summary This note provides a brief overview of Parliament involvement in scrutinising the Recovery and Resilience Facility (and

the European Union Recovery Instrument). It is based on Regulation 2021/241 of 21 February, setting out theRecovery and Resilience Facility, and the relevant parts of the new Interinstitutional Agreement on budgetary mattersestablished between the Parliament, the Council and the Commission. It does not cover nor discusses in detail otherinstruments or frameworks for scrutiny, namely those relating to the European Semester, EU budgetary procedures,written or oral questions or any discharge procedures. This paper updates an earlier one initially published on January2021.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 92

International Agreements in Progress - After Cotonou: Towards a new agreement with the African,Caribbean and Pacific states

Publication type BriefingDate 21-09-2021

Author PICHON EricPolicy area Development and Humanitarian Aid

Summary After two years of negotiations, the text of a renewed partnership agreement between the European Union (EU) andthe African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) states was initialled in April 2021. The current partnership agreement(‘Cotonou’) was due to expire in February 2020. The then ACP Group of States – which later became the Organisationof the ACP States (OACPS) – and the EU started negotiations on a 'post-Cotonou' agreement in September 2018. TheEU and the OACPS agreed on the principle of a common foundation complemented by three regional protocols. Themulti-level negotiations, the coronavirus crisis and difficulties in reaching agreement on sensitive issues, such asmigration management and sexual and reproductive health and rights, prevented the new agreement from beingfinalised by the initial expiry date set in the Cotonou Agreement. Thus, to avoid a legal vacuum in relations, theprovisions of that agreement were extended until the end of 2021. The European Parliament insisted on maintainingthe ACP-EU joint parliamentary assembly and was successful in this endeavour; in addition, three regionalparliamentary assemblies will be created in the future institutional set-up of the partnership. The new agreement stillneeds to be signed by the parties, and further legal procedures will be required before it can be provisionally applied orenter fully into force. Seventh edition. To view earlier editions of this briefing, please see the EPRS blog.

Briefing EN

General product safety regulationPublication type Briefing

Date 21-09-2021Author SAJN Nikolina

Policy area Consumer ProtectionSummary On 30 June 2021, the Commission adopted a proposal for a general product safety regulation, which would replace the

current General Product Safety Directive, as part of the regulatory fitness-check programme (REFIT). The proposalseeks to address the challenges of product safety of emerging technologies, including use of artificial intelligence (AI)and connected devices, and to establish clear obligations for online marketplaces, which consumers increasingly usefor their online purchases. The proposal would create a single set of market surveillance rules for both harmonised andnon-harmonised products, including by aligning the provisions with the Market Surveillance Regulation, and wouldimprove the effectiveness of product recalls. For non-harmonised products where neither manufacturers nordistributors are established in the European Union, it would introduce a requirement for a person to be responsible forthe product in the Union. The proposal would clarify consumer remedies and harmonise maximum penalties forinfringements. In the European Parliament, the file has been provisionally referred to the Committee on the InternalMarket and Consumer Protection. First edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stagesthroughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

EU Health data centre and a common data strategy for public healthPublication type Study

Date 21-09-2021External author DG, EPRS_This study has been written by Henrique Martins of ISCTE-Lisbon University Institute and Faculty of

Medical Sciencies, UBI Portugal, at the request of the Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) andmanaged by the Scientific Foresight Unit, within the Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research Services (EPRS)of the Secretariat of the European Parliament.

Policy area EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Public HealthSummary Regarding health data, its availability and comparability, the Covid-19 pandemic revealed that the EU has no clear

health data architecture. The lack of harmonisation in these practices and the absence of an EU-level centre for dataanalysis and use to support a better response to public health crises is the focus of this study. Through extensive deskreview, interviews with key actors, and enquiry into experiences from outside the EU/EEA area, this study highlightsthat the EU must have the capacity to use data very effectively in order to make data-supported public health policyproposals and inform political decisions. The possible functions and characteristics of an EU health data centre areoutlined. The centre can only fulfil its mandate if it has the power and competency to influence Member State public-health-relevant data ecosystems and institutionally link with their national level actors. The institutional structure, itspossible activities and in particular its usage of advanced technologies such as AI are examined in detail.

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Annex EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 93

Fair and simpler taxation supporting the recovery strategy - Ways to lower compliance costs and improveEU corporate income taxation

Publication type StudyDate 21-09-2021

Author SAULNIER JEROME LEONPolicy area European Added Value

Summary This study analyses the gaps and challenges in the EU corporate income tax (CIT) legislation, and evaluate theEuropean Added Value (EAV) of potential policy options to address these challenges. A thorough comparativeeconomic analysis is made of the EAV of a series of scenarios, based upon the policy options identified. The resultsconfirm that complexity remains by far the greatest factor behind both the CIT gap and the high level of compliancecosts for businesses. Insufficient transparency, lack of administrative effectiveness and lack of efficient enforcementare also of particular relevance for businesses as they have a relatively large impact on compliance costs. Asexpected, the move towards digitalisation of the tax administration also appears as an option to reduce both the CITgap and compliance costs in all scenarios, but probably to a lesser extent than what is sometimes assumed. The studyfinds an EAV of around €30 billion for a scenario of agreement in the G7/OECD plus limited implementation of theCommission's 'Business in Europe: Framework for income taxation' (BEFIT) proposals, as well as reinforced andextended cooperation. A slightly higher EAV of around €45 billion is found for a scenario of G7/OECD agreement +ambitious BEFIT and reinforced cooperation. Finally, a higher EAV of €76 billion is found with the most ambitiousscenario of an EU treasury, qualified voting majority (QVM) in Council and CIT administered at EU level. The mostambitious scenario is however still rather unlikely to gather sufficient support at the current juncture as it would requiresubstantial Treaty changes. It can be concluded that the two other alternatives are more likely to be implemented in thecoming period.

Study EN

The future of humanitarian aid in a new context full of challengesPublication type Study

Date 21-09-2021External author Francesca PUSTERLA; Elia R.G. PUSTERLA

Policy area Coronavirus | Development and Humanitarian AidSummary In light of the current highly challenging background of humanitarian intervention for the European Union and

international humanitarian donors, the European Commission has adopted a Communication on the EU’s humanitarianaction: new challenges, same principles. It provides guidelines on how the EU may face this challenge in collaborationwith Member States and donor partners. The Communication focuses on two main areas: (1) addressing needs,reducing the funding gap, and (2) supporting an enabling environment for humanitarian aid. Through an analysis of theCommunication’s seven objectives, the authors address key actions and provide final recommendations. Furthermore,authors evaluate which key actions are the most promising, critical or challenging, which have already been partiallyimplemented and which should be prioritised. Implementation of the key actions is generally well developed, albeitmany are found to share certain critical issues. These refer specifically to the need for: increased transparency andaccountability; enhancing EU coordination with donor partners; and significantly strengthening the EU’s leadershiprole. Moreover, the implementation of key actions must take greater account of dialogue and coordination both in thedecision-making phase as well as in the implementation of humanitarian aid on the ground.

Study EN

Remaining active in spite of the pandemicPublication type At a Glance

Date 20-09-2021Author KATSAROVA Ivana

Policy area Culture | EducationSummary This year, the seventh edition of the European Week of Sport (23-30 September) will kick off again in unusual

circumstances. The official opening will take place on 23 September at Lake Bled (Slovenia) and will be centredaround three core themes – joy, resilience and inter-generations – thus bringing the Week to life through inspirationaland real-life stories. The lockdown measures put in place to curb the coronavirus pandemic have made the initiativemore necessary than ever. Indeed, while pre-pandemic levels of physical activity were generally low, lockdown hashad the unintended consequence of reducing this activity even further.

At a Glance EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 94

Common Provisions Regulation: New rules for cohesion policy for 2021-2027Publication type Briefing

Date 20-09-2021Author WIDUTO Agnieszka

Policy area Regional DevelopmentKeyword Cohesion Fund | distribution of EU funding | EU migration policy | European Maritime and Fisheries Fund | European

Regional Development Fund | European security | European Social Fund | external border of the EU | financialmanagement | proposal (EU) | right of asylum

Summary For the EU budget covering the 2021-2027 period, the European Commission proposed to update EU cohesion policywith a new set of rules. The proposal for a Common Provisions Regulation (CPR) set out common provisions for eightshared management funds: the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Social FundPlus, the Just Transition Fund, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, the Asylum and Migration Fund, theInternal Security Fund and the Border Management and Visa Instrument. Additional specific regulations add certainprovisions needed to cater for the particularities of individual funds, in order to take into account their differentrationales, target groups and implementation methods. The new CPR is of the utmost importance as it sets the mainrules that govern the above-mentioned funds for the 2021-2027 period. While it builds upon the previous sets of rulescovering the 2014-2020 period, it nevertheless introduces a number of innovations. It aims, amongst other things, tosimplify and improve synergies between the different EU policy tools. On 23 June 2021, the Parliament voted to adoptthe text of the regulation agreed with the Council. The final act was published in the Official Journal on 30 June 2021.Fifth edition of a briefing originally drafted by Vasileios Margaras. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings areupdated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

European territorial cooperation (Interreg) 2021-2027Publication type Briefing

Date 20-09-2021Author VAN LIEROP Christiaan

Policy area Regional DevelopmentKeyword assessment | cross-border cooperation | EU statistics | European cooperation | European neighbourhood policy |

European Regional Development Fund | European territorial cooperation | proposal (EU) | regional cooperation |regional development | Schengen Agreement | Structural Funds

Summary On 29 May 2018, the European Commission adopted several proposals aimed at defining the EU cohesion policy forthe post-2020 programming period. The package includes a proposal for the new generation of European territorialcooperation (ETC) programmes, commonly referred to as 'Interreg'. The proposed regulation would bring significantchanges to the architecture of ETC, with the reshaping of the three traditional cooperation strands (i.e. cross-border,transnational and interregional cooperation) and the creation of two new components, one dedicated to outermostregions, the other to interregional cooperation on innovation. Another major novelty is the incorporation of cooperationwith countries other than EU Member States. The proposal was examined simultaneously by the Council and theEuropean Parliament. In Parliament, the Committee on Regional Development (REGI) was responsible for the file.Parliament adopted its legislative resolution on the proposal at first reading on 26 March 2019, enabling triloguenegotiations to get under way with the Council. Agreement on the text was reached at the trilogue meeting of 2December 2020, with Parliament adopting the draft regulation on 23 June 2021. Signed on 24 June 2021, the final actwas published in the EU Official Journal on 30 June 2021.

Briefing EN

Just Transition FundPublication type Briefing

Date 20-09-2021Author JOURDE PERNILLA | WIDUTO Agnieszka

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Coronavirus | Economics and Monetary Issues | Energy | RegionalDevelopment

Keyword climate change | distribution of EU funding | EU environmental policy | fund (EU) | green economy | proposal (EU) |reduction of gas emissions

Summary The EU aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Thiswill require a socio-economic transformation in regions relying on fossil fuels and high-emission industries. As part ofthe European Green Deal, on 14 January 2020, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a regulation tocreate the Just Transition Fund, aimed at supporting EU regions most affected by the transition to a low carboneconomy. In the context of recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, an amended proposal on the Just Transition Fund(JTF) was published on 28 May 2020. The JTF is set to have a budget of €17.5 billion (€7.5 billion from the core EUbudget under the Multiannual Financial Framework and €10 billion from the Next Generation EU instrument, in 2018prices). Funding will be available to all Member States, while focusing on regions with the biggest transition challenges.The budget for the Just Transition Fund may be complemented with resources from cohesion policy funds and nationalco financing. The Fund will be part of a Just Transition Mechanism, which also includes resources under InvestEU anda public-sector loan facility. In the European Parliament, the file was entrusted to the Committee on RegionalDevelopment (REGI). A provisional political agreement was reached in trilogue on 9 December 2020, with theParliament adopting the draft regulation on 18 May 2021. The final act was published in the Official Journal on 30 June2021. Fifth edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislativeprocedure.

Briefing EN

Multimedia Just Transition fund

Just Transition Fund

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 95

Fair and simpler taxation supporting the recovery strategy – Ways to improve exchange of informationand compliance to reduce the VAT gap

Publication type StudyDate 20-09-2021

Author SAULNIER JEROME LEONPolicy area European Added Value

Summary Member States have agreed that the definitive VAT reform in the EU should proceed only if it can be demonstratedthat its impact on reducing the VAT gap is substantial and if the burden on businesses is also reduced. This studyanalyses these issues in detail, with a view to identifying possible challenges for the EU and on evaluating theEuropean Added Value (EAV) of potential policy options to address these challenges. The study also includes athorough comparative economic analysis of the EAV of a series of scenarios based upon the policy options identified.The results confirm that complexity remains the main factor behind both the VAT gap and the high level of compliancecosts for businesses in all scenarios. Regarding the impact of each scenario compared to the baseline in 2025, thestudy finds an EAV of around €39 billion for the scenario of extended cooperation with exchange of information and aone-stop shop. This can be broken down into a reduction of the VAT gap of around €29 billion, and a reduction of thecompliance costs for businesses of almost €10 billion. A slightly higher EAV of around €45 billion is found for thescenario of extended cooperation with a definitive VAT regime and a one-stop shop. Finally, a higher EAV of €71billion is found for the most ambitious scenario, including establishment of an EU treasury and VAT administered at EUlevel. This most ambitious scenario is, however, rather unlikely to gather sufficient support at the current juncture andwould also require substantial Treaty change. As the definitive VAT regime continues to be delayed, this evaluationalso emphasises the potential for a scenario of extended cooperation through reinforced exchange of information anda one-stop shop. However, the extent to which Member States are likely to coordinate a concerted move, as assumedby some commentators, remains to be demonstrated at this stage.

Study EN

Plenary round-up – September 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 17-09-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary During the September 2021 plenary session in Strasbourg, Parliament held a number of debates, including on

legislative proposals for health and disease prevention, and the Brexit Adjustment Reserve; as well as on naturaldisasters in Europe; the Pegasus spyware scandal; media freedom; and on further deterioration of the rule of law inPoland. Members debated Commission and Council statements on the July 2021 'Fit for 55' package of legislativeproposals, in the light of the latest IPCC report. Council presented its position on the draft general EU budget for 2022,ahead of the Parliament voting its position during the October II session. Parliament also debated statements from theHigh Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, JosepBorell, on the situation in Afghanistan and in Lebanon. A number of other resolutions and legislative acts wereadopted, inter alia on: the instrument for pre-accession assistance (IPA III); a new EU-China strategy; fair workingconditions, rights and social protection for platform workers; and on guidelines for Member States' employmentpolicies.

At a Glance EN

Machinery Directive: Revision of Directive 2006/42/ECPublication type Briefing

Date 17-09-2021Author ANGLMAYER Irmgard

Policy area Internal Market and Customs Union | Transposition and Implementation of LawSummary The Machinery Directive establishes a regulatory framework for mechanical engineering industry products. It regulates

the harmonisation of essential health and safety requirements for machinery in order to ensure the free movement ofmachinery products within the internal market on the one hand, and a high level of protection for machinery users onthe other. The European Commission's Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT) evaluation of 2018concluded that the directive has generally remained relevant and effective. However, it pointed at certain shortcomingsin the enforcement of the directive (mainly related to market surveillance, a Member State responsibility), and foundthat despite its technology-neutral design, the directive might not sufficiently cover new risks stemming from emergingtechnologies (in particular robots using artificial intelligence technologies). Furthermore, it identified the potential foradministrative simplification. The Commission issued its new proposal for a regulation on machinery products(COM(2021) 202) on 21 April 2021, as part of the 'artificial intelligence package'. In particular, the change of instrument(regulation instead of a directive) aims at ensuring a uniform implementation in the Member States and avoiding therisk of 'gold plating'.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 96

The situation in Afghanistan: Essential benchmarks for EU engagementPublication type Briefing

Date 17-09-2021Author IMMENKAMP Beatrix

Policy area Foreign Affairs | Security and DefenceSummary The departure of United States (US) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) troops from Afghanistan marks the

end of a 20-year military campaign that was launched in 2001 to eliminate the Taliban's ability to provide sanctuary forinternational terrorists, especially al-Qaeda, and stabilise the country with the help of a democratically electedgovernment. However, as the last US soldier boarded a US military aeroplane on 31 August 2021, terrorists were firingrockets at Kabul airport, members of the democratically elected government, including the president, had either fledabroad or were in hiding, and the Taliban had taken back control of most of Afghanistan. On 7 September 2021, theTaliban announced an all-male caretaker government drawn entirely from the Taliban movement, contrary to earlierpromises that the new government would be 'inclusive'. So far, no country has recognised the interim government.There have been reports of reprisals against security personnel, individuals with links to the previous administrationand foreign forces, journalists and minorities, in particular. The rights to education and employment that women haveenjoyed for the past 20 years are meanwhile being curtailed. In the meantime, the humanitarian situation in the countryis increasingly desperate. The country relies extensively on foreign aid, most of which is currently suspended, whileforeign assets have been frozen. Many Afghans have fled to neighbouring countries, joining the estimated 3-4 millionAfghan refugees already living there, mainly in Iran and Pakistan. The EU has expressed concerns over thecomposition of the interim government, noting that an inclusive and representative government – which the interimgovernment is not – is an essential benchmark for EU engagement. The EU has made available large amounts ofhumanitarian and development aid and is hoping to establish a diplomatic presence on the ground in Kabul. The EU isalso planning to set up a regional platform for cooperation with Afghanistan's neighbours on issues includingpopulation flows from Afghanistan, terrorism, organised crime and drugs. This Briefing expands and updates an ‘At aglance’ note published on 2 September 2021.

Briefing EN

Citizens' engagement and expectations of the Conference on the Future of EuropePublication type Briefing

Date 17-09-2021Author KOTANIDIS Silvia

Policy area DemocracySummary What sort of European Union do we want to see in the future? What is working well in the EU and what could be

improved? These are just two examples of the kind of questions that the European citizens' panels, part of theConference on the Future of Europe, will have to answer. The Conference on the Future of Europe marks the first timein the history of the EU that citizens have been included in a consultative process in such a structural and innovativemanner. The conference, first announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in 2019, is now entering itskey phase, with the first European citizens' panel meeting taking place on 17 September 2021. The widening gapbetween citizens and institutions is a known pattern, not only at EU level but also at national level in many countries.Against this backdrop, some forms of participatory democracy – such as citizens' assemblies – already successful inIreland and elsewhere in recent years, promise to provide a format that allows an open exchange of views in acollaborative environment. The citizens' panels were proposed and designed to give a voice to citizens in the mostinclusive way possible. As such, the panels' key requirement is that they represent the EU population faithfully. Theresult is that 800 EU citizens, equally distributed into four citizens' panels, will be called upon to discuss issues andconcerns that they may themselves identify. The debate is supported by a multilingual digital platform, the main hub ofthe conference. The citizens' panels are not meant to replace representative democracy however, but rather tocomplement it. The Conference on the Future of Europe is a complex democratic exercise in which the multilingualdigital platform gathers ideas from citizens and civil society, citizens' panels give recommendations, and theconference plenary makes proposals on the basis of which the executive board of the Conference will draft the finalreport. The contribution of the citizens' panels will feed into the proposals of the conference plenary and, ultimately,into the final report of the conference that the executive board will present at the end of the conference for theinstitutions to follow up.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 97

Long-term vision for rural areas: European Commission communicationPublication type Briefing

Date 17-09-2021Author MCELDOWNEY James

Policy area Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentSummary In June 2021, the European Commission published a communication setting out a long-term vision for the EU's rural

areas. The range of challenges facing such areas is acknowledged. They include issues relating to demographicchange, such as the loss of population from remote rural areas, lower levels of gross domestic product (GDP) percapita, poor access to services, and issues concerning connectivity. A lower proportion of households in rural regionshave access to next generation broadband compared to the EU average. Tertiary education and basic digital skilllevels are lower in rural areas and a significant gap exists between male and female employment rates. The share ofyoung people aged 15 to 29 years neither in employment nor in education or training is higher in rural areas. Theresponse set out in the Commission's communication includes proposals for a rural pact engaging actors at EU,national, regional and local levels to support the vision and an action plan to support stronger, connected, resilient andprosperous rural areas. A rural observatory will be established to improve data collection and analysis on the situationof rural areas. In support of its proposals, the Commission will put in place a rural proofing mechanism to assess theanticipated impact of major EU legislative initiatives on rural areas. Offering an initial analysis of the communicationand its implications for future policy for rural areas, this briefing examines the challenges and opportunities these areasface. It summarises the views and responses of stakeholders regarding the Commission's long-term vision and thefindings of the public consultation launched by the Commission in September 2020. Evidence is also presented on thelevels of trust rural dwellers have in the different levels of governance. The key drivers that will shape rural areasbetween now and 2040 are identified from the findings of a foresight analysis undertaken by the Joint Research Centre(JRC), which is included in the communication. Lastly, consideration is given to the experience of applying the ruralproofing mechanism, including perspectives on its utility and application in practice.

Briefing EN

World Trade Organization TRIPS waiver to tackle coronavirusPublication type At a Glance

Date 16-09-2021Author TITIEVSKAIA Jana

Policy area Coronavirus | International TradeSummary The coronavirus pandemic has rekindled the global debate on whether the multilateral trade regime for intellectual

property rights (IPR) protection limits access to essential medical products. Despite embedded flexibilities in the WorldTrade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade-related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), India and South Africa,co-sponsored by a large number of developing countries, submitted an initial proposal for a temporary waiver inresponse to Covid-19 in October 2020, followed by a revised proposal in May 2021, which continues to divide opinion.The US administration voiced its support for a vaccines waiver. EU leaders indicated an openness to discussion, whileputting forward an alternative plan with a focus on limiting export restrictions, compulsory licensing and using theexisting TRIPS flexibilities.

At a Glance EN

International Equal Pay DayPublication type At a Glance

Date 16-09-2021Author LECERF Marie

Policy area Gender Issues, Equality and DiversitySummary As things stand, the gender pay gap persists globally and in the European Union, and progress in reducing it is slow.

The coronavirus pandemic is a further brake on gender equality. To accelerate the realisation of the principle of 'Equalpay for work of equal value', the United Nations marked the first International Day for Equal Pay on 18 September2020. This year, for its second edition, the debate will focus on ensuring that equal pay remains at the centre of theresponse to the pandemic and recognition of women's major contribution to economic recovery.

At a Glance EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 98

Japan's 2050 goal: A carbon-neutral societyPublication type Briefing

Date 16-09-2021Author D'AMBROGIO Enrico

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary In October 2020, Japan's Prime Minister, Suga Yoshihide, declared that by 2050 the country would aim to reduce

greenhouse gas emissions to net zero and to realise a carbon-neutral, decarbonised society. In December, theCabinet adopted the green growth strategy, an industrial policy aimed at generating a virtuous cycle of economicgrowth and environmental protection, together with the business community. A €15.4 billion fund is to be created, topromote ecological businesses and innovation to achieve the goal, offering tax credit of up to 10 %. A carbon tax isbeing considered. The strategy recognises that it would be unrealistic to cover all electricity demand with renewablesonly. So, by 2050 Japan's energy mix will comprise renewable energy (50-60 %), hydrogen and ammonia (10 %), andenergy generated by nuclear and thermal power plants (30-40 %). The strategy acknowledges that promotingelectrification in all sectors will boost electricity demand by 30-50 %. To decarbonise electricity, in addition to usingrenewables and nuclear, Japan wants to further develop its hydrogen technology (in which it is a front-runner) in thedirection of CCUS (carbon capture, utilisation and storage technology). It also wants to focus on tapping into thepotential of ammonia. Meanwhile, prospects for nuclear are unclear, as the sector has been deeply impacted by the2011 Fukushima disaster. Doubts have been raised about the technology necessary for achieving coal substitution andCCUS. Japanese business, while already engaged in innovation projects to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, hasexpressed reservations about some elements of the strategy and the proposed carbon tax. Japan is actively involvedin international cooperation on green technologies and could be an ideal partner to the EU, which, through itsEuropean Green Deal (EGD), also aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. During their May 2021 summit, the EUand Japan adopted the declaration ‘Towards a Green Alliance to protect our environment, stop climate change andachieve green growth’.

Briefing EN

Cost of crop protection measuresPublication type Study

Date 16-09-2021External author DG, EPRS_This study has been written by A.B. Smit, J.H. Jager, M. Manshanden and J. Bremmer of Wageningen

Research at the request of the Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) and managed by the ScientificForesight Unit, within the Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research Services (EPRS) of the Secretariat of theEuropean Parliament.

Policy area Agriculture and Rural Development | EnvironmentSummary Existing, new and emerging crop protection practices, including mechanical techniques, precision agriculture,

biocontrol, plant breeding, induced crop resistance, application of ecological principles to increase biodiversity and useof 'green' plant protection products, could help to reduce the use of conventional plant protection products and weredescribed in an earlier STOA study. This new study provides cost estimates for various alternative crop protectionpractice options in the EU

Study EN

Inclusion measures within the Erasmus+ programme 2014-2020Publication type Study

Date 16-09-2021Author DINU Alina Ileana | ZYGIEREWICZ Anna

External author Part I: The in-house opening analysis was written by Dr Alina Dinu and Dr Anna Zygierewicz from the Ex-PostEvaluation Unit of the Directorate for Impact Assessment and European Added Value, within the Directorate-Generalfor Parliamentary Research Services (EPRS) of the Secretariat of the European Parliament. Part II: - The researchpaper on Inclusion measures within Erasmus+ Programme 2014–2020 with respect to learning mobility of individualshas been written by Prof. Dr Maurice de Greef, visiting professor and Unesco Chair at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. -The research paper on Inclusion Measures within Erasmus+ Programme 2014-2020: The Added Value of the Inclusionand Diversity Strategy for Youth has been written by Prof. Silvia Florea, professor and Unesco Chair at Lucian BlagaUniversity of Sibiu.

Policy area CultureSummary In December 2020, the European Parliament Conference of Committee Chairs authorised the launch of an

implementation report on the Implementation of inclusion measures within Erasmus+ 2014-2020 by the EuropeanParliament Committee of Culture and Education (CULT) (2021/2009(INI)). The Ex-Post Evaluation Unit (EVAL) ofEPRS has been asked to assist in the preparation of the implementation report with a European ImplementationAssessment (EIA). The EIA consists of two parts: an in-house desk-research analysis and two external studies thatcombine desk research and primary data collection. The focus of the EIA is the learning mobility of individuals and theinclusion of young people with special needs or fewer opportunities.

Study EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 99

Political crisis in GuineaPublication type At a Glance

Date 15-09-2021Author ZAMFIR Ionel

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary On 5 September, a coup perpetrated by the military removed the President of Guinea, Alpha Condé, from power. The

president was less than one year into his third term, obtained after a much-contested constitutional amendment. UnderCondé, the administration yielded disappointing economic results and he was increasingly perceived as anauthoritarian ruler who handled his opponents and critics with harsh repressiveness.

At a Glance EN

Research for REGI Committee - Artificial Intelligence and Urban DevelopmentPublication type At a Glance

Date 15-09-2021Author HAASE Diana | LECARTE Jacques

Policy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Regional DevelopmentSummary This At a glance note summarises the research paper that explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in urban areas,

and its impact on socio-economic and territorial cohesion. The research paper argues that expectations surrounding AIare high, especially in the context of smart-city initiatives, but that the actual benefits are yet to be fully assessed. Toavoid potential risks, local and urban authorities need to fulfil a series of conditions that are inherently challenging. TheEU’s AI Policy and its Cohesion Policy, in particular, may help, but they need to address the territorial dimension of AImore explicitly.

At a Glance EN

Russia's 2021 elections: Another step on the road to authoritarian rulePublication type Briefing

Date 15-09-2021Author RUSSELL Martin

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary On 17-19 September, Russia will hold elections at local, regional and national level, most importantly to the State

Duma, the lower house of the Federal Assembly. Four hundred and fifty deputies will be elected for a five-year term.Ever since 2003, the State Duma has been dominated by the pro-Putin United Russia party, which currently holds athree-quarters supermajority. With the ruling party clearly in charge, the parliament serves as little more than a rubberstamp for Kremlin and government initiatives. In Russia's system of managed democracy, the main role of theparliamentary opposition is to preserve an appearance of political pluralism, while carefully excluding most regimecritics. Following the June 2020 constitutional referendum, which opened the door to President Vladimir Putinpotentially staying on until 2036, the authorities moved to eliminate the few remaining pockets of resistance.Opposition activist Alexey Navalny is now in jail, and many other regime opponents are either facing criminal chargesor have left the country. Even though United Russia faces no real electoral competition, it may struggle to repeat its2016 performance. Voters are alienated by the party's reputation for corruption and the generally unpromising contextof political and economic stagnation. Opinion polls suggest that its majority will be reduced, possibly below the two-thirds threshold needed to adopt constitutional changes; nevertheless, the party is virtually guaranteed to win. Manyobservers see the elections, and the wave of repression preceding them, as the latest stage in Russia's transition fromflawed democracy to fully fledged authoritarian state.

Briefing EN

Regulating facial recognition in the EUPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 15-09-2021Author MADIEGA Tambiama André | MILDEBRATH Hendrik Alexander

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and JusticeSummary The European Union is considering regulating facial recognition in the proposed artificial intelligence act, currently

under discussion. This EPRS publication explains the state of play and further highlights the concerns raised by theuse and the potential impacts on people's fundamental rights of facial recognition technologies. Against thisbackground, the paper explores the current EU legal framework applicable to facial recognition and examines therecent proposals for regulating facial recognition technologies at EU level in depth.

In-Depth Analysis EN, FR

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 100

Nutzung von SLAPP-Klagen zur Einschüchterung von Journalisten, nichtstaatlichen Organisationen undder Zivilgesellschaft

Publication type StudyDate 15-09-2021

External author Justin BORG-BARTHET Benedetta LOBINA Magdalena ZABROCKA.Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | EU Democracy,

Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Human RightsSummary Diese Studie, die von der Politischen Abteilung für Bürgerrechte und konstitutionelle Angelegenheiten des

Europäischen Parlaments auf Ersuchen des JURI-Ausschusses in Auftrag gegeben wurde, analysiertRechtsdefinitionen von strategischen Klagen gegen öffentliche Beteiligung (SLAPP) und bewertet die Vereinbarkeiteiner Anti-SLAPP-Gesetzgebung mit EU-Recht. Es wird empfohlen, eine Anti-SLAPP-Richtlinie zu verabschiedensowie die Brüssel-Ia-Verordnung und die Rom-II-Verordnung neu zu fassen, um das Auftreten von SLAPP-Klagen zubegrenzen.

Study DE

L’utilisation des poursuites-bâillons pour réduire au silence les journalistes, les ONG et la société civilePublication type Study

Date 15-09-2021External author Justin BORG-BARTHET Benedetta LOBINA Magdalena ZABROCKA.

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | EU Democracy,Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Human Rights

Summary La présente étude, commandée par le département thématique des droits des citoyens et des affairesconstitutionnelles du Parlement européen à la demande de la commission des affaires juridiques (JURI), analyse lesdéfinitions juridiques des poursuites stratégiques altérant le débat public (poursuites-bâillons) et évalue la compatibilitéde la législation contre les poursuites-bâillons dans le droit européen. Il est recommandé l’adoption d’une directivecontre les poursuites-bâillons et la refonte des règlements Bruxelles I bis et Rome II en vue de limiter l’incidence despoursuites-bâillons.

Study FR

Adding gender-based violence to the list of serious crimes in Article 83(1) TFEUPublication type At a Glance

Date 14-09-2021Author SHREEVES Rosamund

Policy area Gender Issues, Equality and DiversitySummary Despite the extent of gender-based violence and the harm it causes, the European Union (EU) does not currently have

a specific legal instrument to address it. An own-initiative legislative report setting out proposals for strengthening theEU’s response by identifying gender-based violence at EU level as an area of serious crime is expected to be put tothe vote during the plenary session in September.

At a Glance EN

Recovery plan for Europe: State of play, September 2021Publication type Briefing

Date 14-09-2021Author SAPALA Magdalena

Policy area BudgetSummary Since the beginning of 2021, Member States and EU institutions have been preparing intensively to launch the

recovery instrument, Next Generation EU (NGEU). In order to make this unique financial stimulus package fullyoperational, many conditions have needed to be met and preparatory steps completed. First, preparations have beenongoing for the spending of the biggest part of NGEU (90 %) under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). Thisprocess includes the drawing up of national recovery and resilience plans by the Member States, their evaluation bythe European Commission, and approval by the Council of the EU. Up to 15 September 2021, most of the nationalplans submitted have been positively assessed by the Commission and approved by the Council (18). Based on this,the Commission concluded agreements with those Member States on a legal commitment authorising the financialcontribution to be made, and the first transfers of EU aid (pre-financing) were made on 3 August. In the case of somecountries, however, the assessment procedure has been delayed. In parallel, the system for financing NGEU had to becreated almost from scratch. It is based on borrowing operations carried out by the European Commission on behalf ofthe European Union. These operations could start only once all Member States had ratified the Own ResourcesDecision (ORD), which was done by the end of May 2021. In the meantime, the Commission was preparing for its roleof borrower on an unprecedented scale. At the beginning of the summer, it started implementing its diversified fundingstrategy for the financing of NGEU. In three issuances successfully conducted so far, the Commission has raised €45billion in total out of the €80 billion planned for 2021. This is an update of a Briefing of 7 June 2021.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 101

Rise in Inflation: Temporary or Sign of a More Permanent Trend?Publication type Study

Date 14-09-2021External author Christophe BLOT, Caroline BOZOU, Jérôme CREEL, Kerstin BERNOTH, Gökhan IDER, Karl WHELAN, Joscha

BECKMANN, Klaus-Jürgen GERN, Philipp HAUBER, Nils JANNSEN, Ulrich STOLZENBURG, Luigi BONATTI,Roberto TAMBORINI

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary Inflation in the euro area, as measured by the harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP), has risen to 3% in August

2021. According to the latest projections, the European Central Bank (ECB) expects inflation to increase further in thefourth quarter, and then decline to 1.7% (2022) and 1.5% (2023), well below its medium-term target of 2%. Will thecurrent increase of inflation truly be short-lived because it is driven by temporary factors? Or has, after years ofpersistently low inflation, the disruption caused by COVID-19 ushered in a period of more sustained inflationarypressure? Five papers were prepared by the ECON Committee’s Monetary Expert Panel, looking into the drivers ofthe current rise in inflation, factors likely to influence the medium-term path of inflation, and implications for monetarypolicy. This publication is provided by Policy Department A for the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs(ECON), ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with ECB President Lagarde on 27 September 2021.

Study EN

The Tail Wagging the Dog? Overcoming Financial DominancePublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 13-09-2021External author Christopher A. HARTWELL

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary The idea of financial dominance has gained some notoriety in recent years as a further constraint on central bank

policymaking. This paper examines the reality of financial dominance and how the financial sector may be animpediment to the necessary unwinding of all unconventional monetary policies in Europe. In line with the existingliterature, I conclude that the financial sector has been made more vulnerable as a result of quantitative easing – andallowing the financial tail to wag the monetary dog will lead to only more vulnerability. This paper was provided by thePolicy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on Economicand Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 27 September 2021.

In-Depth Analysis EN

What About Policy Normalisation?Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 13-09-2021External author Charles WYPLOSZ

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary As the ECB follows the time-honoured inflation targeting strategy, it runs the risk of, once more, failing to normalise its

policy in time for the next unexpected shock. With interest rates at their lower bounds and facing historic uncertaintythat undermines its policy effectiveness, a strong case can be made for developing a Plan B. This paper was providedby the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee onEconomic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 27 September2021.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Financial Dominance in the Pandemic and Post Pandemic European EconomyPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 13-09-2021External author Pierpaolo BENIGNO, Paolo CANOFARI, Giovanni DI BARTOLOMEO, Marcello MESSORI

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary Differently from past episodes, the European institutions responded to the pandemic shock with an appropriate policy

mix.However, the expansionary convergence betweenmonetary and fiscal policies is strengthening the role andthepossible distortionary effects of financial dominance. Due to the consequent growing imbalances in financialmarkets, Europeaninstitutions could deem it necessary to abandon the currentpolicy approach and to re-attribute thefunction of the "onlygame in town" to monetary policy. However, in the post-pandemic context, the ECB could hardlyact again as a last-resort player. Hence, it is convenient to pursue the policies that arecompatible with sustainablepost-pandemic development. This paper was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Qualityof Life Policies at the request of the committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the MonetaryDialogue with the ECB President on 27 September 2021.

In-Depth Analysis EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 102

Financial Dominance: Not an Immediate DangerPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 13-09-2021External author Daniel GROS, Farzaneh SHAMSFAKHR

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary Financial dominance describes a situation in which a central bank does not dare to tighten its policy stance as this

would threaten the stability of the financial system. The danger of this happening is limited at present. The bankingsystem is well capitalised. Private credit has not expanded much, not even during the COVID-19 recession in mosteuro area countries – except in France. However, in some countries, the financial sector remains highly exposed tosovereign debt. "Indirect financial dominance" could thus easily arise if sovereign risk premia return. Continuing assetpurchases under the PEPP increases the danger of fiscal dominance. This paper was provided by the PolicyDepartment for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on Economic andMonetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 27 September 2021.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Inflation on the Upswing - Just a Hiccup or a Trend Reversal After All?Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 13-09-2021External author Kerstin BERNOTH, Gökhan IDER

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary Although energy price volatility has recently been the largest contributor to movements in the headline inflation rate,

there are other factors indicating that inflation in the euro area will remain elevated in the months ahead. However,most of them have only a temporary effect. A major risk to the further development of inflation is a rise in inflationexpectations, which should be monitored critically. This paper was provided by the Policy Department for Economic,Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) aheadof the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 27 September 2021.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Rise in Inflation: Much Ado About Nothing?Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 13-09-2021External author Christophe BLOT, Caroline BOZOU and Jérôme CREEL

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary Euro area inflation reached 3% in August, a rapid increase from August 2020 when it was -0.3%. As the inflation rate

now outpaces the ECB's medium-term target of 2%, could it become a concern for the central bank? After showing thatthe health crisis was unprecedented in its nature and sectoral characteristics, we study the determinants of inflation inthe short term and then discuss various elements that could influence the trajectory of future inflation and mitigateinflation fears. This paper was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policiesat the request of the committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with theECB President on 27 September 2021.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Should ECB Be Worried About Inflation?Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 13-09-2021External author Karl WHELAN

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary Inflation jumped to 3% in August raising questions about whether the ECB needs to alter its monetary policy. This

paper reviews the recent evidence on euro area inflation and concludes the current increase is likely to be temporary,being driven by a rise in energy prices that is likely to end soon and a range of temporary factors relating to thepandemic. This paper was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies atthe request of the committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with theECB President on 27 September 2021.

In-Depth Analysis EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 103

Is High Inflation the New Challenge for Central Banks?Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 13-09-2021External author Luigi BONATTI, Roberto TAMBORINI

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary In this paper we briefly review the macroeconomic theory of inflation, relating it to the recent developments in the

advanced economies. Then, we analyse the drivers of the rise in inflation observed in 2021 in the United States and inEurope, and we illustrate the factors that may affect the inflationary scenario of the advanced economies in the longerterm. Finally, we discuss what challenges the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank have to meet in theface of current inflationary pressures. This paper was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific andQuality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of theMonetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 27 September 2021.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Beyond the Pandemic: Avoiding the Risk of Financial Dominance and Disorderly Market ReactionsPublication type Study

Date 13-09-2021External author Pierpaolo BENIGNO, Paolo CANOFARI, Giovanni DI BARTOLOMEO, Marcello MESSORI, Charles WYPLOSZ, Daniel

GROS, Farzaneh SHAMSFAKHR, Christopher A. HARTWELLPolicy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking Issues

Summary The concept of financial dominance may be simplified as a situation where monetary policy becomes dominated byshort-term concerns about the financial sector. As such, it may distract the central bank from its primary objective ofmaintaining price stability. While other policies, e.g. macroprudential, are considered the first line of defence againstfinancial instability, following the 2007-2008 global financial crisis, financial stability considerations became an integralpart of monetary policy decision-making in advanced economies. The interplay between these considerations and thecentral bank’s primary objective could become relevant in the post-pandemic environment. Four papers wereprepared by the ECON Committee’s Monetary Expert Panel, assessing the risk of financial dominance and disorderlymarket reactions to monetary policy decisions in the euro area. This publication is provided by Policy Department Afor the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON), ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with ECB PresidentLagarde on 27 September 2021.

Study EN

Rising Inflation: Transitory or Cause for Concern?Publication type Study

Date 13-09-2021External author Joscha BECKMANN, Klaus-Jürgen GERN, Philipp HAUBER, Nils JANNSEN, Ulrich STOLZENBURG

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary Consumer price inflation in the euro area has sharply risen to 3% in the course of 2021. This increase was mainly due

to higher energy prices and other transitory factors. Recent macroeconomic forecasts generally expect inflation toreturn to below target values next year. However, there are several factors in place that could lead to more sustainedupward pressure on prices, and materialisation of these upward risks could force the ECB to take difficult choices.This paper was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request ofthe committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on27 September 2021.

Study EN

Trends in Chinese reporting on the European Union: Xinhua's coverage of EU affairs, 2012-2021Publication type Briefing

Date 10-09-2021Author NOONAN EAMONN

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Foreign Affairs | Forward Planning | Global Governance | Human Rights |International Trade | Security and Defence

Summary The main Chinese news service, Xinhua, has steadily expanded its coverage on the European Union over the pastdecade. The main challenges facing the Union have featured strongly, from the refugee crisis to Brexit to the impact ofCovid 19. The tone of the coverage in this period has been neutral, rather than negative, and has not become morecritical during the pandemic. Internal EU policies are often put in a favourable light, although internal divisions alsofeature in Xinhua's reporting. Xinhua tends to emphasise EU cooperation with China and EU divisions with the UnitedStates. It also criticises EU sanctions and human rights complaints, both about China – for example on Xinjiang andHong Kong – and about countries including Russia and Turkey. These trends are in line with China's long-standingstated preference for the EU to become a pole in a multipolar world order that is able to balance US power, despite itsdisapproval of the EU's pursuit of human rights issues. Xinhua's coverage emphasises both the opportunities and thechallenges facing European integration. This dual approach tends to support the view that China is ambiguous aboutthe EU's ability to become a more influential and more useful strategic partner on the world stage. This briefing isbased on a quantitative and qualitative analysis of Chinese-language online articles by the state-affiliated Xinhua NewsAgency since 2012, as well as a selection of secondary sources.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 104

Gender mainstreaming in the European Parliament: State of playPublication type Study

Date 10-09-2021Author HAHNKAMPER-VANDENBULCKE Nora | SHREEVES Rosamund

Policy area Gender Issues, Equality and DiversitySummary Article 8 TFEU commits the European Union and its Member States to eliminating inequalities and promoting the

principle of equality between women and men in all their actions. As set out in the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025, achieving gender equality in the European Union is a joint responsibility, requiring action by all EU institutions,Member States and EU agencies, in partnership with civil society and women’s organisations, social partners and theprivate sector. Since 2003, when Parliament formally launched gender mainstreaming activities within the institution,Parliament’s FEMM Committee has regularly prepared monitoring reports on the state of gender mainstreaming in theEuropean Parliament. The subsequent resolutions, adopted in 2007, 2009, 2011, 2016 and 2019 respectively, are partof a whole series of activities implemented over the past two decades to support and intensify gender mainstreaming inthe EP, notably the adoption of a new Gender Action Plan and a roadmap for its implementation in July 2020 and April2021 respectively. This study examines the current state of play of gender mainstreaming in the European Parliamentin support of the forthcoming own-initiative report on ‘Gender mainstreaming in the European Parliament’ to be drawnup by the FEMM committee. It gives an insight into the concept of gender mainstreaming and possible tools toimplement it, provides an overview of Parliament’s current gender mainstreaming policy (with particular focus on thenew gender action plan and related roadmap) and analyses gender mainstreaming practices in other EU institutions,national parliaments and international institutions to date in order to put the European Parliament’s efforts into context.

Study EN

The role of non-financial performance indicators and integrated reporting in achieving sustainable valuecreation

Publication type StudyDate 10-09-2021

Author BUX Udo | PARENTI RADOSTINAExternal author Tami DINH, Anna HUSMANN, Gaia MELLONI

Policy area Contract Law, Commercial Law and Company Law | Economics and Monetary Issues | Internal Market and CustomsUnion

Summary Structured analysis of the current scientific evidence on the effects of sustainability reporting including non-financialperformance indicators, stand-alone sustainability reporting as well as integrated reporting. It discusses the benefitsand challenges particularly related to internal decision-making, external transparency as well as financial and non-financial/environmental, social and governance effects. Further, it offers policy recommendations in view of theEuropean Commission’s proposal on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.

Study EN

China's ambitions in artificial intelligencePublication type At a Glance

Date 09-09-2021Author JOCHHEIM Ulrich

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary In 2017, China announced an ambitious programme for its domestic development of artificial intelligence (AI)

technology, with the aim of becoming the world's 'major AI innovation centre' by 2030. China plans to expand AI inmany spheres of production, governance and defence by that deadline. Even today, the country ranks second globallyin AI, although it still has to overcome major challenges, in particular in terms of talent and the production of verysophisticated semiconductors. China hopes to acquire 'leapfrog' technology, including in military AI. Faced with China'stechnological challenge, the United States and the European Union are tracking AI developments in China moreclosely.

At a Glance EN

Policy Departments’ Monthly Highlights - September 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 09-09-2021Policy area Budget | Budgetary Control | Consumer Protection | Economics and Monetary Issues | Environment | Financial and

Banking Issues | Foreign Affairs | Human Rights | Security and Defence | TransportSummary The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments,

including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.At a Glance EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 105

China's compliance with selected fields of international lawPublication type Briefing

Date 09-09-2021Author PARRY Matthew

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary China has ratified numerous legally binding international agreements. Like other countries, it has a strong incentive to

commit itself in this way: international agreements are a means of binding other treaty parties; strengtheninginternational standing; creating a favourable legal framework for trade and investment; and, such as with the 1984Sino-British Declaration on Hong Kong, settling territorial questions. At the same time, China has been careful to avoidmaking commitments in two areas in particular: questions of national security and sovereignty, where it recalls ahistory of mistreatment by outside powers; and human rights, where its political and cultural traditions differconsiderably from those of Western democracies. China has often included reservations precluding internationalarbitration in the international agreements that it has ratified. One notable exception to this rule is China's membershipof the WTO and conclusion of trade and investment agreements, where arbitration is such a core part of the system asto be unavoidable. To the extent that China is accused of breaching its international commitments, these tend toconcern its perceived national security interests and territorial sovereignty, as in the case of the governance of HongKong, and maritime and territorial rights in the South China Sea. In other areas, such as human rights and climatechange agreements, China is typically careful to limit its commitments so that it does not formally breach them.

Briefing EN

Economic Dialogue with the other EU Institutions under the European Semester Cycles during the 9thlegislative term - State of play September 2021

Publication type BriefingDate 09-09-2021

Author HAGELSTAM KajusPolicy area Coronavirus | Economics and Monetary Issues | European Semester | Financial and Banking Issues

Keyword Council of the European Union | economic governance (EU) | EP Committee | Eurogroup (euro area) | EuropeanCommission | European Semester | interinstitutional cooperation (EU)

Summary This document provides an overview of Economic Dialogues with the other institutions of the European Union that hastaken place in the competent committee(s) of the European Parliament since September 2019 under the EuropeanSemester for economic policy coordination. It also lists the Recovery and Resilience Dialogues with the EuropeanCommission as undertaken by the competent committee(s) since the entry of force of the Recovery and ResilienceFacility in 2021. It also includes an overview of the respective legal bases for these dialogues.

Briefing EN

The von der Leyen Commission's six priorities: State of play in Autumn 2021Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 09-09-2021Author BASSOT Etienne

Policy area Democracy | Economics and Monetary Issues | Environment | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law |Foreign Affairs | Industry | Public Health

Summary This EPRS paper analyses progress in attaining the policy agenda set out by Ursula von der Leyen, President of theEuropean Commission, and her College of Commissioners when they took office in December 2019. It looks inparticular at the state of play in respect of delivery on the six key priorities asserted at that time. Concretely, EPRSfinds that, following the July 2021 plenary session, of the nearly 400 initiatives foreshadowed by the von der LeyenCommission on taking office or since (406), just over half have already been submitted (212). Of these, almost halfhave already been adopted (101), while the great majority of the remainder are either proceeding normally in thelegislative process (76) or are close to adoption (10). Conversely, a certain number are proceeding very slowly or arecurrently blocked (25). While the Commission's first priority, the European Green Deal, ranks highest in the number ofinitiatives announced (90), its third priority, 'An economy that works for people', has the highest number so far actuallyadopted (29). Further details of the state of play on the various EU legislative proposals tabled by the Commission,including all those mentioned in this paper, can be found in the European Parliament's 'Legislative Train Schedule'website, which has also been developed by EPRS.

In-Depth Analysis DE, EN, FR

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 106

China: Economic indicators and trade with EUPublication type At a Glance

Date 08-09-2021Author MACSAI GYORGYI

Policy area Foreign Affairs | International TradeKeyword China | common commercial policy | economic indicator | economic statistics | EU financial instrument | trade statistics

| trading operationSummary The Covid-19 pandemic contributed to the continuous slowdown of China's economy, from two-digit growth rates

witnessed in the past to a 'new normal' growth rate of 'only' 5.7% on average under the current five-year plan (2016-2020). To what extent does this slowdown affect China's public finances and other macroeconomic indicators? Howhas EU trade with China developed during the last decade? How important is the EU for China in terms of trade? Andwhat about China's trade relevance for the EU? Has the huge trade imbalance in goods trade between China and theEU narrowed in recent years? How intensive is trade in services between the EU and China? What are the EU's mainexport items to China? How does China's export basket look like? You can find the answers to these and otherquestions in our EPRS publication on China produced in collaboration with the European University Institute'sGlobalStat on the world's main economies. This is an updated edition of an ‘At a Glance’ note published in December2019.

At a Glance EN

The Conference on the Future of EuropePublication type At a Glance

Date 08-09-2021Author KOTANIDIS Silvia | SABBATI Giulio

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary The Conference on the Future of Europe is a bottom-up exercise allowing European citizens to express their opinion

on the Union's future policies and functioning. It uses tools such as the Digital Platform and Citizens' Panels to enablethem to discuss topics that matter to them. This EPRS infographic sets out the structures of the conference, how theywill work and the topics to be discussed.

At a Glance BG, ES, CS, DA, DE, ET, EL, EN, FR, GA, HR, IT, LV, LT, HU, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SK, SL, FI, SV

The direction of EU-Russia political relationsPublication type At a Glance

Date 08-09-2021Author RUSSELL Martin

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea marked the beginning of a new and difficult phase in bilateral relations. The latter

are based on the five principles agreed by EU foreign ministers in 2016, in addition to the joint communication of June2021. During the September plenary session, the European Parliament is expected to debate EU–Russia politicalrelations and vote a draft recommendation to the Council, the Commission and the High Representative. Whileacknowledging that the EU approach has contained the risk of Russian aggression, the draft recommendation calls fora review of EU policy, including more support for human rights.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Boosting the European Union's defences against cross-border health threatsPublication type At a Glance

Date 08-09-2021Author SCHOLZ Nicole

Policy area Coronavirus | Public HealthSummary On 11 November 2020, the European Commission adopted a proposal on serious cross-border threats to health. The

proposed regulation aims to strengthen existing structures and mechanisms for better protection, prevention,preparedness and response against all health hazards at EU level. The European Parliament's Committee on theEnvironment, Public Health and Food Safety adopted its report on 13 July 2021. This is due to be voted during theSeptember plenary session, thus setting Parliament's negotiating position and opening the way for interinstitutionalnegotiations.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 107

Strengthening the European Centre for Disease Prevention and ControlPublication type At a Glance

Date 08-09-2021Author SCHOLZ Nicole

Policy area Coronavirus | Public HealthSummary On 11 November 2020, the European Commission adopted a proposal to bolster the mandate of the European Centre

for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), with a view to improving the EU's capacity to anticipate, prepare for andmanage future cross-border health threats. The European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Public Healthand Food Safety adopted its report on 29 June 2021. This is due to be voted during the September plenary session,thus setting Parliament's negotiating position and opening the way for interinstitutional negotiations.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

The EU Blue Card DirectivePublication type At a Glance

Date 08-09-2021Author LECERF Marie

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and JusticeSummary 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. This demand for workers is expected toincrease due to the growing shortage of certain skills and the aging of the EU's population. A new directive, proposedin 2016, should replace the 2009 Blue Card Directive, increasing the attractiveness of the EU's highly skilled migrationscheme. During its September plenary session, Parliament is due to vote at first reading on the final text resulting frominterinstitutional negotiations.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Brexit Adjustment ReservePublication type At a Glance

Date 08-09-2021Author VAN LIEROP Christiaan

Policy area Regional DevelopmentSummary With the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU customs union and single market creating new obstacles to trade,

mobility and exchanges with the UK, affecting many businesses across the EU, the Brexit Adjustment Reserve aims toprovide Member States with financial support to cover costs incurred in connection with Brexit. Parliament is due tovote at first reading during its September 2021 plenary session on the text agreed during interinstitutional negotiations.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

Amending budget No 1/2021: Brexit Adjustment ReservePublication type At a Glance

Date 08-09-2021Author MAZUR Sidonia

Policy area BudgetSummary Draft Amending Budget No 1/2021 (DAB 1/2021) to the European Union general budget 2021, as amended by the

Council, aims to enter almost €1.698 billion in current prices in the Union's annual budget for 2021, in both commitmentand payment appropriations. The aim of DAB 1/2021 is to meet the pre-financing needs resulting from theimplementation of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) in 2021. The new BAR has the objective of counteringadverse consequences in the EU Member States and sectors that are worst affected by the withdrawal of the UnitedKingdom from the EU. Negotiations on the BAR Regulation have taken place in parallel. The European Parliament isexpected to vote on the Council position on DAB 1/2021 during its September plenary session, when it will also vote onthe regulation itself.

At a Glance ES, DE, EN, FR, IT, PL

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 108

State of the Union address, European Parliament, 2021Publication type Briefing

Date 08-09-2021Author MAŃKO Rafał

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's second State of the Union address, scheduled for 15

September 2021, will be delivered at a time when the coronavirus pandemic continues to pose challenges for theEuropean Union and its Member States. At the same time, thanks to the adoption of the multiannual financialframework for the 2021-2027 period, new opportunities lie ahead – the recovery plan for Europe and Next GenerationEU. Furthermore, the Conference on the Future of Europe was finally launched on 9 May 2021. Nevertheless, anumber of unresolved issues and new challenges remain. These include ensuring that EU values (Article 2 TEU) areupheld in the Member States, including through the application of the recently adopted Conditionality Regulation,addressing the threat of climate change, and equipping Europe for the digital age. The tradition of EU State of theUnion addresses, delivered to the European Parliament by the President of the European Commission, dates back to2010. The address takes stock of the achievements of the past year and presents priorities for the year ahead. Itconstitutes an important instrument for the European Commission's ex-ante accountability vis-à-vis Parliament and isalso aimed at rendering the definition of priorities at EU level more transparent, and at communicating those prioritiesto citizens. The event chimes with a similar tradition in national democracies. The United States, for instance, has along-standing tradition of presidential State of the Union addresses, in which the President speaks in the Capitol to ajoint session of Congress, thus fulfilling a constitutional obligation. In contrast to the US Constitution, the EU Treatiesdo not prescribe a State of the Union address; the EU version was established by the 2010 Framework Agreementbetween Parliament and the Commission. This briefing further updates an earlier one from September 2016, originallywritten by Eva-Maria Poptcheva.

Briefing EN

Economic Dialogues and Exchanges of Views with the Member States under the European SemesterCycles - State-of-Play

Publication type BriefingDate 08-09-2021

Author HAGELSTAM KajusPolicy area Economics and Monetary Issues | European Semester

Keyword budget policy | economic disparity | EU Member State | euro area | legal basis | macroeconomics | multilateralsurveillance | national budget | regulation (EU) | stability pact

Summary This table provides a regular update on Member States invited for an Economic Dialogue in the competent Committeeof the European Parliament and an overview of the respective legal base.

Briefing EN

Ten composite indices for policy-makingPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 08-09-2021Author DOBREVA Alina | JENSEN LISELOTTE | PICHON Eric | WIDUTO Agnieszka

Policy area Democracy | Environment | Foreign Affairs | Security and Defence | Social PolicySummary Evidence and data are key to good policy-making, in particular when it comes to setting priorities, mitigating negative

impacts and finding optimum trade-offs. The information provided in this publication is designed to help policy-makersby providing sources of data and identifying possible bias in their use. EPRS has selected 10 composite indices in arange of policy areas from reliable sources; indices already used as references by policy-makers. For each index, achapter presents the producers and describes their objectives in publishing the index, the data compiled, and how thatdata is or could be used by policy-makers. The chapters also highlight each index's limitations.

In-Depth Analysis DE, EN, FR

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 109

What if deepfakes made us doubt everything we see and hear?Publication type At a Glance

Date 07-09-2021Author BOUCHER Philip Nicholas

Policy area Consumer Protection | Culture | Democracy | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity | Internal Market and CustomsUnion | Research Policy

Summary Deepfakes are hyper-realistic media products created through artificial intelligence (AI) techniques that manipulate howpeople look and the things that they appear to say or do. They hit the headlines in 2018 with a deepfake video ofBarack Obama, which was designed to raise awareness of their challenges. The accessibility and outputs of deepfakegeneration tools are improving rapidly, and their use is increasing exponentially. A wide range of malicious uses havebeen identified, including fraud, extortion and political disinformation. The impacts of such misuse can be financial,psychological and reputational. However, the most widespread use so far has been the production of non-consensualpornographic videos, with negative impacts that overwhelmingly affect women. Deepfakes may also contribute toworrying trends in our media, as well as in our social and democratic systems. While the technology itself is legal,some malicious uses are not, and a combination of legal and technical measures may be mobilised to limit theirproduction and dissemination.

At a Glance EN

Multimedia What if deepfakes made us doubt everything we see and hear?

The deepfake menace: a gendered issue

Can we protect society from the deepfake menace?

'Global Britain' and 'Europe of Defence': Prospects, challenges and opportunitiesPublication type Briefing

Date 06-09-2021Author LATICI Tania

Policy area Foreign Affairs | Security and DefenceSummary Since the referendum to leave the European Union (EU) in 2016, the United Kingdom (UK) has been rethinking its role

in world affairs. Under the 'Global Britain' banner, the UK sees itself as a force for multilateralism, a strong militarypower with global presence and reach, and a strong pillar of the transatlantic alliance. Reflection on the implications of'Global Britain' for the UK's future foreign, security and defence policy has resulted in two strategic documents, theIntegrated Review and the Defence Command Paper, which outline policy priorities and the government's strategicvision. Although the EU as such is to a large extent absent from these strategic documents, there are implications tobe considered, particularly as the EU has taken significant steps towards defence and military integration and as it iscontinuing to deepen its relationship with NATO. Although foreign, security and defence policy were excluded from theformal negotiations on a new EU-UK partnership, at the British government's request, it appears that the EU and UKforeign policy positions, strategic considerations, and security interests remain largely aligned. Various expertstherefore argue that it is worth considering options for flexible engagements and for cultivating a new relationshipthrough other common multilateral, bilateral and international forums.

Briefing EN

EU-India trade relations: assessment and perspectivesPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 06-09-2021External author Niclas Poitiers, Suman Bery, Sonali Chowdhry, Alicia García-Herrero

Policy area International TradeSummary Following the EU-India summit in May 2021, talks on both an EU-India trade and an investment agreement have

resumed. This analysis provides background on where EU-India economic relations stand and why it is important tomaintain momentum following this breakthrough, despite a somewhat unpromising domestic political environment inIndia. This new impetus largely reflects a transformed geopolitical landscape since the last round of EU-India talkswere abandoned in 2013. The increased tension between India and China, as well as the EU’s intent to reduce itsreliance on Chinese manufacturing have created the conditions for changes in policy by both parties. However, manyof the issues that bedeviled the 2007-2013 negotiations remain unresolved. In this analysis, we provide an overview ofEU-India trade and investment relations as well as the major topics in these negotiations. The impact of key globalinitiatives on climate change and WTO reform that will shape the negotiations is also briefly discussed. Based on thisanalysis, we discuss three potential ways forward for EU-India trade and investment negotiations: a comprehensiveagreement similar to that reached between the EU and Vietnam; a limited investment deal primarily focused onmanufacturing; and a reinforced status quo with trade and investment relations growing organically under the existingmultilateral umbrella.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Research for ANIT Committee - Patterns of livestock transport in the EU and to third countriesPublication type At a Glance

Date 03-09-2021Author LECARTE Jacques | NEGRE François

Policy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | TransportSummary The in-depth analysis was commissioned by the European Parliament’s Committee of Inquiry on the Protection of

Animals during Transport (ANIT). The paper provides an analysis of the main drivers and key features of livestocktransport within the EU and to third countries.

At a Glance EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 110

European Union Solidarity FundPublication type Briefing

Date 03-09-2021Author VAN LIEROP Christiaan

Policy area Regional DevelopmentSummary Established in 2002 to support disaster-stricken regions, the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) complements the

efforts of public authorities by helping to fund vital emergency and recovery operations in areas affected bycatastrophes such as flooding, earthquakes and forest fires. EUSF funding is granted following an application from aMember State or candidate country, and may be used to finance measures including restoring infrastructure to workingorder, providing temporary accommodation and cleaning up disaster areas. Although the EUSF Regulation wasrevised in 2014, simplifying rules and clarifying eligibility criteria, several problems still remain. European Commissionreports on the EUSF have drawn attention to the long waiting time countries still face before receiving EUSF funding,while industry experts also point to the risk that the EUSF could run out of funding in the event of several largedisasters taking place within a short space of time. The coronavirus pandemic has placed the EUSF under the spotlightonce again, with the scope of the EUSF Regulation extended in March 2020 to cover support in the event of a majorpublic health emergency, and 17 Member States plus three candidate countries receiving vital assistance. TheEuropean Parliament has been actively involved in recent discussions on the EUSF, adopting a resolution on thereview of the EUSF in May 2021 which included several measures aimed at improving its operations, and preparing areport on the effectiveness of Member States' use of EUSF money in cases of natural disasters. While the 2014revision of the EUSF Regulation and the widening of its scope in 2020 have borne fruit, allowing the EUSF to provideunprecedented levels of support after the 2016/2017 earthquakes in Italy, ensuring much needed assistance inresponse to the coronavirus pandemic, the EUSF will undergo a number of changes during 2021-2027. In particular,the merger of the EUSF with the Emergency Aid Reserve as part of the new Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserveunder the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework, with a combined budget of €1.2 billion for both instruments,raises questions as to whether the EUSF will be able to continue to provide such effective levels of disaster recoveryassistance in future. The July 2021 floods in Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, and therecent forest fires in Cyprus, Greece and Italy are a potent reminder of the EU's vulnerability in the face of theunpredictable forces of nature.

Briefing EN

Climate action in Latvia: Latest state of playPublication type Briefing

Date 03-09-2021Author MORGADO SIMOES HENRIQUE ANDRE

Policy area EnvironmentSummary The EU's binding climate and energy legislation for 2030 requires Member States to adopt national energy and climate

plans (NECPs) to cover the 2021-2030 period. In October 2020, the European Commission published an assessmentfor each NECP. Latvia submitted its NECP in November 2019. More than half (56 %) of Latvians expect nationalgovernments to tackle climate change. Latvia accounts for 0.3 % of total EU greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and itsemissions increased between 2005 and 2019, in contrast to the average EU trend. The carbon intensity of Latvia'seconomy is higher than the EU average, but has declined since 2005. Emissions from the transport sector increasedby 6.9 % between 2005 and 2019, accounting for 27.8 % of total emissions. The manufacturing industries andconstruction sector showed the biggest percentage reduction (42 %) in emissions over the period. Under EU effort-sharing legislation, Latvia was allowed to increase its emissions by 17 % by 2020, compared with 2005, and in 2019was on track to achieving the target. Latvia achieved a 41 % share of renewable energy sources in 2019 and aims toreach 50 % by 2030. The European Commission regards this ambition as adequate, but warns of possible hurdles.

Briefing EN

Climate action in Cyprus: Latest state of playPublication type Briefing

Date 03-09-2021Author MORGADO SIMOES HENRIQUE ANDRE

Policy area EnvironmentSummary The EU's binding climate and energy legislation for 2030 requires Member States to adopt national energy and climate

plans (NECPs) covering the 2021 to 2030 period. In October 2020, the European Commission published anassessment for each NECP. Cyprus submitted its NECP in January 2020. A high proportion of Cypriots (70 %) expectnational governments to tackle climate. Cyprus accounts for 0.26 % of total EU greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions andhas reduced its emissions at a slower pace than the EU average since 2005. The carbon intensity of the Cyprioteconomy decreased by close to 25 % between 2005 and 2019, at a rate slower than the EU average. Energy industryemissions fell by 3.7 % in the 2005 to 2019 period in Cyprus. Further emissions reductions are expected as the countryshifts its electricity production from heavy fuel oil to natural gas by the end of 2021. Transport and industrial processesand product use were the sectors with the smallest reductions. Under the Effort-sharing Decision for the 2013 2020period, Cyprus needed to reduce its emissions in sectors not included in the EU's emission trading system by 5 %,compared with 2005 levels. For the Effort-sharing Regulation period (2021-2030) the target is set at -21 % comparedwith 2005 levels. The share of renewable energy in Cyprus reached 13.8 % in 2019. The country's 2030 target of a22.9 % share is focused on changes in the heating and cooling, and electricity sectors.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 111

Climate action in Portugal: Latest state of playPublication type Briefing

Date 03-09-2021Author MORGADO SIMOES HENRIQUE ANDRE

Policy area EnvironmentSummary The EU's binding climate and energy legislation for 2030 requires Member States to adopt national energy and climate

plans (NECPs) covering the period 2021 to 2030. In October 2020, the European Commission published anassessment for each NECP. Portugal submitted its NECP in December 2019. More than half (57%) of Portuguesepeople expect national governments to tackle climate change. Portugal generates 1.8 % of the EU's total greenhousegas (GHG) emissions. In 2019, the carbon intensity of Portugal's economy was 22 % above the EU average, and fell ata slightly slower pace than the EU average over the 2005-2019 period. The transport sector reduced its emissions by10.3 % between 2005 and 2019 and is the sector with the highest emissions, accounting for 26 % of Portugueseemissions in 2019. Energy sector emissions, accounting for 19 % of total emissions in 2019, fell by 50 % between2005 and 2019 – the largest reduction in emissions of all sectors. Under EU effort-sharing legislation for the 2013-2020period, Portugal was allowed to increase its non-ETS GHG emissions by 1 %, compared with 2005, and neversurpassed its allocated emissions The share of renewable energy sources in 2019 was 30.6 %. The country's 2030target of a 47 % share is one of the highest in the EU, with a renewable energy in electricity target of 80 % by 2030.

Briefing EN

Support for the EU fishing sector through the Brexit Adjustment ReservePublication type At a Glance

Date 02-09-2021Author SCHOLAERT FREDERIK

Policy area FisheriesSummary The United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union has had a significant impact on several sectors, including

EU fisheries, which face a 25 % reduction of their catch value in UK waters. To mitigate the short-term impact on theworst affected countries and sectors, the Commission proposed a €5 billion fund, the Brexit adjustment reserve. In apolitical agreement on the proposal, now to be formally confirmed by both, the co legislators included Parliament’sproposal to earmark a minimum level of support for the fisheries sector, in particular small-scale coastal fisheries thatdepend on fishing activities in UK waters.

At a Glance EN

Afghanistan once more under Taliban rulePublication type At a Glance

Date 02-09-2021Author IMMENKAMP Beatrix

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary The departure of United States (US) and NATO troops from Afghanistan marks the end of a 20-year military campaign

that was launched in 2001 to eliminate the Taliban's ability to provide sanctuary to international terrorists, especially al-Qaeda, and stabilise the country with the help of a democratically elected government. However, as the last US soldierboarded a US military plane on 31 August 2021, terrorists were firing rockets at Kabul airport, members of thedemocratically elected government, including the president, had either fled abroad or were in hiding, and the Talibanwere back in control over most of Afghanistan. The Taliban have yet to announce the nature and the full composition oftheir new government. In the meantime, the humanitarian situation in the country is increasingly desperate. Thecountry relies extensively on foreign aid, most of which is currently suspended, while foreign assets have been frozen.

At a Glance EN

The Organization for Security and Co operation in Europe (OSCE) : A pillar of the European securityorder

Publication type BriefingDate 02-09-2021

Author RUSSELL MartinPolicy area Foreign Affairs

Summary The OSCE's origins go back to 1975, when the countries in the two opposing blocs in the Cold War signed the HelsinkiFinal Act, enshrining principles such as territorial integrity and respect for human rights. The act was followed by aseries of follow-up meetings to monitor implementation, in a process known as the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE). Following the adoption of the 1990 Paris Charter envisaging a new post-Cold WarEuropean order, in 1995 the CSCE was put on a more permanent, institutional basis and renamed the OSCE. TheOSCE, like the CSCE before it, is based on a vision of 'comprehensive security' that encompasses human rights andeconomic cooperation, as well as traditional 'hard' security. However, hopes that the OSCE could become the centralpillar of a new post-Cold War order faded as divisions re-emerged, between an enlarged EU and NATO on the onehand, and Russia on the other. The OSCE lacks the legal powers and the resources needed to live up to its ambitionof becoming a platform for pan-European/trans-Atlantic cooperation. With decisions taken by consensus,disagreements between participating states hamper decision-making and prevent the organisation from becomingmore effective. The OSCE plays a useful though limited role in several areas. The organisation has been powerless toresolve conflicts in the post-Soviet region, but its observers are the main source of detailed and reliable information onthe situation in eastern Ukraine. OSCE agreements, such as the Vienna Document, help to promote militarytransparency, and election observation missions have advanced democratic reforms in several countries.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 112

Corruption and human rights in third countries: developments in EU external action since 2017Publication type Briefing

Date 02-09-2021External author Rosana GARCIANDIA

Policy area Democracy | Development and Humanitarian Aid | Foreign Affairs | Human RightsSummary In 2017, the European Parliament adopted a Resolution on corruption and human rights in third countries (hereinafter

‘EP 2017 Resolution’) which included a set of practical recommendations on corruption and human rights in EUexternal relations. This briefing analyses the progress made by EU actors in implementing those recommendations. Itfocuses on development and human rights tools addressed in the EP 2017 Resolution, including EU funded projectsand programmes, technical cooperation, EU human rights dialogues and public diplomacy, as well as support forwhistle-blowers and civil society organisations exposing corruption. It concludes that, while action has been taken onvarious fronts to support anti-corruption efforts in third countries following the recommendations, a more systematicapproach to corruption and human rights could be taken in some areas. Cooperation between EU actors andenhanced capacity building on corruption and human rights are also key elements for a successful anti-corruptionstrategy in EU external action.

Briefing EN

Biometric Recognition and Behavioural Detection Assessing the ethical aspects of biometric recognitionand behavioural detection techniques with a focus on their current and future use in public spaces

Publication type BriefingDate 02-09-2021

External author Christiane WENDEHORST, Yannic DULLERPolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Consumer Protection | Contract

Law, Commercial Law and Company Law | Global Governance | Human Rights | Internal Market and Customs Union |Petitions to the European Parliament | Public Health | Security and Defence

Summary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the JURI and PETI Committees, analyses the use of biometric techniques from an ethical andlegal perspective. Biometric techniques raise a number of specific ethical issues, as an individual cannot easily changebiometric features, and as these techniques tend to intrude into the human body and ultimately the human self. Furtherissues are more generally associated with large-scale surveillance, algorithmic decision making, or profiling. The studyanalyses different types of biometric techniques and draws conclusions for EU legislation

Briefing EN

Legal migration policy and lawPublication type Study

Date 01-09-2021Author FERNANDES MEENAKSHI | NAVARRA Cecilia

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | European Added ValueSummary This European added value assessment (EAVA) has been written with the aim of providing support to the ongoing

work on a European Parliament legislative-initiative report on legal migration policy and law (2020/2255(INI)). Theassessment reviews the key issues concerning legal migration in the status quo (with a focus on labour migration) anddiscusses the reasons why the EU should take action. It then explores a selection of possible EU actions, that includerecognising migrants' qualifications, facilitating access to employment of migrants already in the EU, developing newavenues for legal migration to the EU, tackling discrimination and promoting migrants' rights. The assessment findsthat all policy options could generate substantial benefits for workers and spillover benefits for the EU economy.Moreover, as these policy options are complementary, they could be implemented together in order to enhance theadded value of EU action.

Study EN

Annex 1 EN

Annex 2 EN

Multimedia Empowering migrants into the EU labour market

Colonial-era cultural heritage in European museumsPublication type At a Glance

Date 31-08-2021Author PASIKOWSKA-SCHNASS Magdalena

Policy area CultureSummary While Europeans access and enjoy their rich cultural heritage, making the most of the European Heritage Days every

September, it is worth reflecting on what access people living in territories once dominated by Europe's colonial powershave to their cultural heritage. Colonial times saw the destruction of cultural property and removal of precious andsymbolic items. Countries now going through the long decolonisation process have reached a point where they areexploring ways to recover their cultural property and heritage.

At a Glance EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 113

European climate lawPublication type Briefing

Date 31-08-2021Author ERBACH Gregor

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | EnvironmentKeyword climate change | greenhouse gas | proposal (EU) | reduction of gas emissions

Summary On 4 March 2020, the European Commission adopted a legislative proposal for a European climate law, setting theobjective for the EU to become climate-neutral by 2050 and establishing a framework for achieving that objective. On17 September 2020, the Commission amended the proposal to introduce the updated 2030 climate target of a netreduction of at least 55 % of the EU's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to 1990 levels. In the EuropeanParliament, the proposal was referred to the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety. TheParliament adopted its position on 6 October 2020, calling for a 60 % emissions reduction by 2030 and for anindependent, inter-disciplinary scientific advisory panel. Council and Parliament reached a provisional agreement onthe proposal on 21 April 2021. The agreement sets a 55 % net GHG emission target for 2030 (to be complemented byadditional removals from the upcoming review of the LULUCF Regulation), an EU-wide climate neutrality target for2050, and the aim to achieve negative emissions thereafter. It envisages the use of a GHG budget for setting the 2040target and establishes a European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change. Parliament approved the agreed texton 24 June 2021. The regulation was published in the Official Journal on 9 July 2021 and entered into force on 29 July2021. Fourth edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislativeprocedure.

Briefing EN

The EU digital decade: A new set of digital targets for 2030Publication type Briefing

Date 31-08-2021Author NEGREIRO ACHIAGA Maria Del Mar

Policy area IndustrySummary As part of its digital decade strategy, the European Commission's March 2021 communication puts forward its vision

for new strategic digital objectives for 2030. These should prepare Europe for the roll-out of the next generation ofbroadband infrastructure with gigabit speeds, including 5G, as well as for the digital transformation of public andprivate sectors, to enable an array of new innovative services that should transform the manufacturing, energy, vehiclemanufacturing, digital government services and health sectors. Given its importance for European Union (EU)competitiveness, the European Commission is speeding up the digital transformation by co-financing research,development and deployment of innovative technologies in 2021 2027, under the €7.5 billion digital Europeprogramme, the first EU programme fully dedicated to the EU's digital transformation. Other EU programmes will alsoplay a major role in funding digital infrastructure, including the Connecting Europe Facility and cohesion policy.Furthermore, at least 20 % of the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility funds received by each EU country should bededicated to the digital transition. There is some concern that not all consumers and businesses in Europe will benefitfrom the digital transformation, given the current and future digital divide between urban and rural areas and across EUcountries. Given the current climate, the high level of investment needed to achieve the transformation might provedifficult to raise. To measure progress towards the digital decade, the Commission is working on a digital compassmethod with indicators, which should be put forward for this task later in 2021. This would enable measurement of fourdimensions (or 'cardinal points'): improved digital skills, secure and sustainable digital infrastructures, digitaltransformation of businesses and of the public sector.

Briefing EN

Regulating targeted and behavioural advertising in digital services. How to ensure users’ informedconsent

Publication type BriefingDate 31-08-2021

External author Giovanni SARTOR, Francesca LAGIOIA, Federico GALLI,Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Consumer Protection | Contract

Law, Commercial Law and Company Law | Democracy | Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy,Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Ex-ante Impact Assessment | Financial and Banking Issues | Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market andCustoms Union | International Trade

Summary The study addresses the regulation of targeted and behavioural advertising in the context of digital services. Marketingmethods and technologies deployed in behavioural and target advertising are presented. The EU law on consent to theprocessing of personal data is analysed, in connection with advertising practices. Ways of improving the quality ofconsent are discussed as well as ways of restricting its scope as a legal basis for the processing of personal data.This study is commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the JURI Committee...

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 114

Climate action in the Netherlands: Latest state of playPublication type Briefing

Date 30-08-2021Author MORGADO SIMOES HENRIQUE ANDRE

Policy area EnvironmentKeyword climate change | energy efficiency | EU Emissions Trading Scheme | greenhouse gas | natural gas | Netherlands |

reduction of gas emissions | renewable energy | report | waste management | wind energySummary The EU binding climate and energy legislation for 2030 requires Member States to adopt national energy and climate

plans (NECPs) covering the period 2021 to 2030. In October 2020, the European Commission published anassessment for each NECP. The Netherlands submitted its NECP in November 2019. A high proportion of Dutchpeople (73 %) expect national governments to tackle climate. The Netherlands accounts for 5.2 % of total EUgreenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and has reduced its emissions at a slower pace than the EU average since 2005.The carbon intensity of the Dutch economy decreased by 29 % between 2005 and 2019, a slower rate than the EU-wide average. Energy industry emissions fell by 15 % in the 2005-2019 period in the country. Measures such as theintroduction of carbon pricing, are expected to further decrease these emissions. The sector with the greatestpercentage reduction in emissions between 2005 and 2019 – 55 % – was waste management. Under the Effort-sharing Decision (2013 2020) and Effort-sharing Regulation (2021-2030), the Netherlands needs to reduce itsemissions in sectors not included in the EU emissions trading system by 16 % and 36 % respectively, compared with2005 levels. The share of renewable energy sources in the country reached 8.8 % in 2019, and for 2030 the target is27 %, to be reached mainly through solar power and offshore and onshore wind farms.

Briefing EN

Climate action in Romania: Latest state of playPublication type Briefing

Date 30-08-2021Author JENSEN LISELOTTE

Policy area EnvironmentSummary The EU's binding climate and energy legislation for 2030 requires Member States to adopt national energy and climate

plans (NECPs) for the 2021-2030 period. In October 2020, the European Commission published an assessment foreach NECP. Romania's final NECP is from April 2020. More than half (51 %) of Romanians expect nationalgovernments to tackle climate change. Romania generates 3 % of the EU-27's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissionsand reduced emissions faster than the EU average between 2005 and 2019. With several energy-intensive industriespresent in Romania, the country's carbon intensity is much higher than the EU average, but decreasing rapidly. Energyindustry emissions fell by 46 % between 2005 and 2019, reducing the sector's share of total emissions by eightpercentage points. Conversely, emissions from the transport sector increased by 40 % over the same period, doublingthat sector's share of total emissions. Romania relies to a great extent on fossil fuels. Renewables, along with nuclearenergy, but also gas as a primary energy source, are seen as essential to the transition process. Under EU effort-sharing legislation, Romania was allowed to increase emissions until 2020 and must reduce these emissions by 2 %relative to 2005 by 2030. Romania achieved a 24.3 % share of renewable energy sources in 2019. The country's 2030target of a 30.7 % share is focused mainly on wind, hydro, solar and fuels from biomass. Energy efficiency measurescentre on heating supply and building envelopes along with industrial modernisation.

Briefing EN

Climate action in Austria: Latest state of playPublication type Briefing

Date 30-08-2021Author JENSEN LISELOTTE

Policy area EnvironmentSummary The EU's binding climate and energy legislation for 2030 requires Member States to adopt national energy and climate

plans (NECPs) for the 2021-2030 period. In October 2020, the European Commission published an assessment foreach NECP. Austria's final NECP is from December 2019. A high proportion of Austrians (60 %) expect nationalgovernments to tackle climate change. Austria generates 2.2 % of the EU's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissionsand has reduced emissions at a slower pace than the EU average since 2005. The country's carbon intensity is lowerthan the EU average, following a similar steady downward trend. The transport sector accounted for 30 % of Austria'stotal emissions in 2019 and its share is continuing to rise, whereas in 2019 the energy industries accounted for just 13% of the total emissions share. Austria is aiming to reach carbon neutrality by 2040. Under EU effort-sharinglegislation, Austria was required to reduce non-ETS emissions by 16 % before end 2020, compared with 2005, andmust achieve a 36 % reduction by 2030; this outcome currently seems unlikely. Austria achieved a 33.6 % share ofrenewable energy sources in 2019. The country's 2030 target of 46-50 % renewable energy has a strong focus ondelivering 100 % renewable electricity generation. The bulk of the measures planned to achieve the energy efficiencytargets focus on buildings' heating needs and transport sector transition.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 115

Climate action in Finland: Latest state of playPublication type Briefing

Date 30-08-2021Author JENSEN LISELOTTE

Policy area EnvironmentKeyword bioenergy | climate change | energy efficiency | EU Emissions Trading Scheme | Finland | greenhouse gas | nuclear

energy | reduction of gas emissions | renewable energy | reportSummary The EU's binding climate and energy legislation for 2030 requires Member States to adopt national energy and climate

plans (NECPs) for the 2021-2030 period. In October 2020, the European Commission published an assessment foreach NECP. Finland's final NECP is from December 2019. A high proportion of Finns (61 %) expect nationalgovernments to tackle climate change. Finland generates 1.5 % of the EU's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissionsand has reduced emissions at a faster pace than the EU average since 2005. The country's emissions intensity islower than the EU average, and following a similar downward trend. The energy industry and transport are the mainemitting sectors in Finland, together accounting for 50 % of total emissions in 2019. With a coal phase-outcommitment, and new nuclear facilities starting operations this decade, energy industry emissions will drop. Finlandhas identified additional measures to reduce transport sector emissions. Biomass will be used for biofuels in transportas well as heat and electricity generation. Under EU effort-sharing legislation, Finland was required to reduce non-ETSemissions by 16 % by 2020, compared with 2005, while for the year 2030 the reduction must reach 39 %. Finlandachieved a 43.1 % share of renewable energy sources in 2019. The country's 2030 target of a 51 % share is focusedmainly on wind and biomass. Energy efficiency measures centre on building stock renovation and voluntary energyefficiency agreements across industry and households.

Briefing EN

Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2010/31/EU: Fit for 55 revision - Implementation in actionPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 30-08-2021Author TENHUNEN Susanna

Policy area Energy | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Transposition and Implementation of LawKeyword building | climate change | directive (EU) | energy consumption | energy efficiency | energy saving | environmental

standard | heating | improvement of housing | reduction of gas emissions | report | thermal insulationSummary This paper has been produced by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) to assist the ITRE committee

in its work on the implementation report on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) as part of the Fit for55 package. It aims to provide a succinct overview of publicly available material on the implementation, application andeffectiveness to date of the EPBD, drawing input from EU institutions and bodies and from external organisations. Ittakes a thematic approach with special focus on Member States' long-term renovation strategies.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Economic Dialogue with Greece 1 September 2021Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 30-08-2021Author ANGERER Jost | GRIGAITE KRISTINA | MAGNUS Marcel | PACHECO DIAS CRISTINA SOFIA | ZOPPÉ Alice

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesSummary This note presents selected information on the current status of the EU economic governance procedures and related

relevant information in view of an economic dialogue and exchange of views with Christos Staikouras, Minister ofFinance of Greece, in the ECON committee of the European Parliament. The invitation for an exchange of views is inaccordance with the EU economic governance framework. The last exchange of views with the Greek authorities tookplace in March 2016.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Recovery and Resilience Dialogue with the European Commission 1 September 2021Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 30-08-2021Author ANGERER Jost | GRIGAITE KRISTINA | LEHOFER WOLFGANG | PACHECO DIAS CRISTINA SOFIA | ZOPPÉ Alice

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis and Commissioner Gentiloni have been invited to the third Recovery and

Resilience Dialogue under the Recovery and Resilience Facility Regulation. This briefing addresses the followingsubjects: the state of play of the Recovery and Resilience plans and of the Recovery and Resilience Facility; thestatistical recording of the Recovery and Resilience Facility and some data on the current economic situation andestimates on the impact of the Facility.

In-Depth Analysis EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 116

VAT gap, reduced VAT rates and their impact on compliance costs for businesses and on consumersPublication type Study

Date 30-08-2021Author BINDER ECKHARD

Policy area TaxationSummary In November 2020, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Tax Matters requested authorisation to draw up an

implementation report on the implementation of the Sixth VAT Directive. Olivier Chastel (Renew Europe, Belgium) hasbeen appointed as rapporteur for the report. To further support the Subcommittee on Tax Matters in its scrutiny workon the subject, the Ex-Post Evaluation Unit within the European Parliamentary Research Service has drawn up thepresent European implementation assessment. It focuses on the causes underlying the huge gap between the VATprojected and de facto collected, by looking at factors such as the Member States' disparate VAT systems and at theeffects of reduced VAT rates on businesses and consumers.

Study EN

Regulating targeted and behavioural advertising in digital services. How to ensure users’ informedconsent

Publication type StudyDate 30-08-2021

External author Giovanni SARTOR, Francesca LAGIOIA, Federico GALLIPolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Consumer Protection | Contract

Law, Commercial Law and Company Law | Democracy | Economics and Monetary Issues | EU Democracy,Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Ex-ante Impact Assessment | Financial and Banking Issues | Forward Planning | Global Governance | Internal Market andCustoms Union | International Trade

Summary The study addresses the regulation of targeted and behavioural advertising in the context of digital services. Marketingmethods and technologies deployed in behavioural and target advertising are presented. The EU law on consent to theprocessing of personal data is analysed, in connection with advertising practices. Ways of improving the quality ofconsent are discussed as well as ways of restricting its scope as a legal basis for the processing of personal data.This study is commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the JURI Committee.

Study EN

Macro-Financial Assistance to EU Member States – State of Play – August 2021Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 26-08-2021Author ANGERER Jost | PACHECO DIAS CRISTINA SOFIA

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesKeyword balance of payments | balance of payments assistance | economic convergence | economic cooperation | EU Member

State | European Stability Mechanism | International Monetary Fund | macroeconomics | monetary cooperationSummary This document provides regularly updated information on EU Member States which receive or received financial

assistance from the ESM, the EFSF, the EFSM, the EU balance of payments assistance facility, other Member Statesand/or the IMF. Since August 2018 all financial assistance programmes to EU Member States have been concluded;therefore, the document focuses on the implementation of the enhanced surveillance framework for Greece and post-programme reviews for Ireland, Portugal, Romania, Cyprus and Spain undertaken by the European Commission (EC)in liaison with the ECB (Post-Programme Surveillance, PPS), the IMF (Post-Programme Monitoring, PPM, and ArticleIV assessments) and the ESM (Early Warning System, EWS).

In-Depth Analysis EN

Implementation of the Macroeconomic Imbalance Procedure: State of play August 2021Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 25-08-2021Author ZOPPÉ Alice

Policy area Coronavirus | Economics and Monetary Issues | European Semester | Financial and Banking IssuesKeyword coordination of EMU policies | economic disparity | economic indicator | EU Member State | EU statistics | euro area |

interinstitutional cooperation (EU) | macroeconomics | structural adjustmentSummary This note presents the EU Member States' situation with respect to the Macroeconomic Imbalance Procedure, taking

into account recent assessments and decisions by the European Commission and the Council. It also gives anoverview of relevant comments on the MIP published by EU institutions. A separate EGOV note describes the MIPprocedure. This document is regularly updated.

In-Depth Analysis EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 117

The European Commission’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum. Horizontal substitute impactassessment

Publication type StudyDate 12-08-2021

External author This study has been written by Ecorys in collaboration with Dr Galina Cornelisse of Free University of Amsterdam andDr Giuseppe Campesi of University of Bari at the request of the Ex-ante Impact Assessment Unit of the Directorate forImpact Assessment and European Added Value, within the Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research Services(EPRS) of the Secretariat of the European Parliament. The Quality Review has been conducted by Lina Vosyliute,Roberto Cortinovis and Sergio Carrera.

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Ex-ante Impact Assessment | Human RightsSummary This ‘Horizontal Substitute Impact Assessment of the European Commission’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum’

was requested by the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE). Theimpact assessment focuses on the main proposed changes implied by the European Commission’s New Pact, with aparticular focus on the following four proposals: 1) Asylum and Migration Management Regulation (RAMM); 2) Crisisand Force Majeure Regulation; 3) Amended Asylum Procedure Regulation (APR); and 4) Screening Regulation. Thehorizontal substitute impact assessment critically assesses the ‘system’ and underlying logic of the proposed New Pactwith the aim to analyse how the four Commission proposals would work and interact in practice. The impactassessment also assesses whether and to what extent the proposed New Pact addresses the identified shortcomingsand implementational problems of the current EU asylum and migration law and policy. Moreover, the impactassessment identifies and assesses the expected impacts on fundamental rights, as well as economic, social andterritorial impacts of the proposed New Pact.

Study EN

Online advertising: the impact of targeted advertising on advertisers, market access and consumerchoice

Publication type At a GlanceDate 11-08-2021

External author Niklas FOURBERG, Serpil TAŞ, Lukas WIEWIORRA, Ilsa GODLOVITCH, Alexandre DE STREEL, HervéJACQUEMIN, Jordan HILL, Madalina NUNU, Camille BOURGUIGON, Florian JACQUES, Michèle LEDGER andMichael LOGNOUL

Policy area Consumer Protection | Internal Market and Customs UnionKeyword artificial intelligence | consumer protection | data collection | digital single market | impact of advertising | impact of

information technology | proposal (EU) | protection of privacy | report | small and medium-sized enterprisesSummary In this research paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of online advertising markets and we analyse the

challenges and opportunities concerning digital advertising. We review the degree to which existing and proposedlegislation at EU level addresses the identified problems, and identify potential solutions, with reference to experiencefrom EU Member States and third countries. We conclude with a synthesis and specific policy recommendations,drawing on stakeholder interviews.

At a Glance EN

Biometric Recognition and Behavioural Detection Assessing the ethical aspects of biometric recognitionand behavioural detection techniques with a focus on their current and future use in public spaces

Publication type StudyDate 06-08-2021

External author Christiane WENDEHORST, Yannic DULLER.Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Consumer Protection | Contract

Law, Commercial Law and Company Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Global Governance | Human Rights |Internal Market and Customs Union | Petitions to the European Parliament | Public Health | Security and Defence

Summary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the JURI and PETI Committees, analyses the use of biometric techniques from an ethical andlegal perspective. Biometric techniques raise a number of specific ethical issues, as an individual cannot easily changebiometric features, and as these techniques tend to intrude into the human body and ultimately the human self. Furtherissues are more generally associated with large-scale surveillance, algorithmic decision making, or profiling. The studyanalyses different types of biometric techniques and draws conclusions for EU legislation.

Study EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 118

Implementation of citizenship education actions in the EUPublication type Study

Date 03-08-2021Author ZYGIEREWICZ Anna

External author Part I: In-house introductory analysis was prepared by Dr Anna Zygierewicz, Ex-Post Evaluation Unit (EVAL),European Parliamentary Research Services (EPRS). This paper has been drawn up by the Ex-post Evaluation Unit ofthe Directorate for Impact Assessment and European Added Value, within the Directorate-General for ParliamentaryResearch Services (EPRS) of the Secretariat of the European Parliament. Part II: A research paper on theimplementation of the citizenship education in the EU was written by Prof. Wiel Veugelers of the University ofHumanistic Studies Utrecht at the request of the Ex-Post Evaluation Unit of the Directorate for Impact Assessment andEuropean Added Value, within the Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research Services (EPRS) of the Secretariatof the European Parliament.

Policy area Democracy | Education | Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Social PolicySummary In December 2020, the European Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) requested the drawing up

of an own-initiative report on the implementation of the citizenship education actions (2021/2008(INI)). Mr DomènecRuiz Devesa (S&D, Spain) was appointed rapporteur. This European implementation assessment (EIA) has beenprepared to accompany the CULT committee in its scrutiny work on the implementation of citizenship educationactions in the European Union. The first part of the EIA presents an overview of the EU policy framework for citizenshipeducation, while the second part presents actions in the field of citizenship education supported by EU fundingprogrammes, in particular the Erasmus+ and Horizon 2020 programmes. The second part also presents citizenshipeducation policies and practices in 10 EU Member States.

Study EN

Innovative technologies shaping the 2040 battlefieldPublication type Study

Date 02-08-2021External author This study has been written by Jacopo Bellasio, Linda Slapakova, Luke Huxtable, James Black, Theodora Ogden and

Livia Dawaele of RAND Europe, at the request of the Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) andmanaged by the Scientific Foresight Unit, within the Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research Services (EPRS)of the Secretariat of the European Parliament.

Policy area Foreign Affairs | Security and DefenceSummary This study provides an assessment of the risks, challenges and opportunities related to new and emerging

technologies that are most expected to shape the future battlefield out to 2040. The study presents implicationsstemming from consideration of individual technologies, as well as cross-cutting analysis of their interactions withbroader political, social, economic, and environmental trends. In doing so, the study highlights a need for EUInstitutions and Member States to pursue a broad range of capability development initiatives in a coherent andcoordinated manner, ensure the development of an agile regulatory and organisational environment, and guideinvestments in technologies most relevant to the European context.

Study EN

Annex 1 EN

Research for PECH Committee: Workshop on electronic technologies for fisheries Part I: Transmittedpositional data systems

Publication type StudyDate 31-07-2021

External author AZTI Marine Research Department: Iñaki QUINCOCESPolicy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Fisheries

Summary This study is the first research paper in a series of three, prepared for a PECH Committee Workshop. It reviews thestate of the art of transmitted positional data systems, high resolution and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for satelliteimage data used in fisheries control and fisheries research. It identifies the strengths and weaknesses of such systemsand provides policy recommendations for a more effective fisheries control system based on currently appliedelectronic technologies (ET).

Study EN

Executive summary ES, DE, EN, FR, IT

The Impact of Organised Crime on the EU’s Financial InterestsPublication type Study

Date 31-07-2021External author Jack MALAN, Ivan BOSCH CHEN et al. (CSES)

Policy area Budget | Budgetary ControlSummary This analytical study, requested by the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control, examines the impact

of organised crime on EU’s finances. Taking together the expenditure and revenue sides, the research suggests thatbetween 1% and 2% of the EU budget is defrauded each year. The study also assesses measures at the EU andMember State levels to combat the problem, and recommends actions to help reinforce these measures.

Study EN

Annex 1 EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 119

Research for TRAN Committee - The aviation and maritime sectors and the EU-ETS: challenges andimpacts

Publication type At a GlanceDate 30-07-2021

External author CE Delft: Dagmar NELISSEN, Jasper FABER DLR: Sven MAERTENS, David ENNEN, Wolfgang GRIMME, FlorianWOZNY

Policy area TransportSummary This paper gives an initial overview of the market structure in a revised EU ETS for the European aviation and maritime

sectors. Key design options like the scheme’s geographical scope, the baseline year(s), cap and allocation ofallowances, and – in the case of aviation – the relationship with CORSIA, can have impacts on the competitivesituation of EU carriers and vessels. This is the first stage in the research project focusing on the implementation andsocio-economic perspectives related to the eventual inclusion of aviation and maritime in the EU ETS system. Theanalysis of the Commission’s proposal is expected to follow in fall 2021.

At a Glance EN

Sino-Japanese controversy over the Senkaku/Diaoyu/Diaoyutai Islands: An imminent flashpoint in theIndo-Pacific?

Publication type BriefingDate 30-07-2021

Author GRIEGER GiselaPolicy area Foreign Affairs

Summary The 50-year-old controversy between Japan, the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Taiwan over the sovereigntyof a group of tiny, uninhabited islets and rocks in the East China Sea, administered by Japan and referred to as theSenkaku Islands in Japan, as the Diaoyu Islands in the PRC and as the Diaoyutai Islands in Taiwan has become aproxy battlefield in the growing Sino-US great power competition in the Indo-Pacific, against the backdrop of awidening Sino-Japanese power gap. Since 1971, when the PRC and Taiwan laid claim to the contested islets androcks for the first time, challenging Japan's position of having incorporated them into Japanese territory as terra nulliusin 1895, possible avenues for settling the controversy have either been unsuccessful or remained unexplored. ThePRC's meteoric economic rise and rapid military modernisation has gradually shifted the Sino-Japanese powerbalance, nourishing the PRC leadership's more assertive, albeit failed, push for Japan to recognise the existence of adispute. Two incidents in the 2010s, perceived by the PRC as consolidating Japan's administrative control, led to thePRC starting to conduct grey-zone operations in the waters surrounding the islets and rocks with increasing frequencyand duration, to reassert its claims and change the status quo in its favour without prompting a war. The EU has held aposition of principled neutrality as regards the legal title to the disputed islands. However, the risk of unintendedincidents, miscalculation and military conflict arising from the unresolved dispute poses a challenge to regional peaceand stability and to the EU's economic and security interests. The EU's 2021 Indo-Pacific strategy takes a cooperativeand inclusive approach, to promote a rules-based international order and respect for international law. This mayinclude a greater Indo-Pacific naval presence under the strategy's maritime security dimension.

Briefing EN

Tackling deepfakes in European policyPublication type Study

Date 30-07-2021External author This study has been written by Mariëtte van Huijstee, Pieter van Boheemen and Djurre Das (Rathenau Institute, The

Netherlands), Linda Nierling and Jutta Jahnel (Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis, KarlsruheInstitute of Technology, Germany), Murat Karaboga (Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research,Germany) and Martin Fatun (Technology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic - TC ASCR), withthe assistance of Linda Kool (Rathenau Institute) and Joost Gerritsen (Legal Beetle), at the request of the Panel for theFuture of Science and Technology (STOA) and managed by the Scientific Foresight Unit, within the Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research Services (EPRS) of the Secretariat of the European Parliament.

Summary The emergence of a new generation of digitally manipulated media – also known as deepfakes – has generatedsubstantial concerns about possible misuse. In response to these concerns, this report assesses the technical, societaland regulatory aspects of deepfakes. The rapid development and spread of deepfakes is taking place within the widercontext of a changing media system. An assessment of the risks associated with deepfakes shows that they can bepsychological, financial and societal in nature, and their impacts can range from the individual to the societal level. Thereport identifies five dimensions of the deepfake lifecycle that policy-makers could take into account to prevent andaddress the adverse impacts of deepfakes. The report includes policy options under each of the five dimensions, whichcould be incorporated into the AI legislative framework, the digital service act package and beyond. A combination ofmeasures will likely be necessary to limit the risks of deepfakes, while harnessing their potential.

Study EN

Annex EN

Multimedia Can we protect society from the deepfake menace?

The deepfake menace: a gendered issue

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 120

Research for PECH Committee: Workshop on electronic technologies for fisheries Part II: Electronicmonitoring systems

Publication type StudyDate 30-07-2021

External author Wageningen Marine Research (WMR) part of Wageningen University & Research (WUR): Aloysius (Edwin) T.M. vanHelmond

Policy area FisheriesSummary This study is the second research paper in a series of three, prepared for a PECH Committee Workshop. It provides a

global overview of the latest developments, as well as potential benefits and risks of Electronic Monitoring (EM).Worldwide experiences with EM are discussed in light of the European context. During the period 2008 to 2019,altogether 26 EM trials were conducted within the EU. Despite promising results, none of the trials evolved into a fullyintegrated EM programme. Still, lessons learnt from these trials are valuable and show potential for implementing EMon larger scale in the EU.

Study EN

Executive summary ES, DE, EN, FR, IT

Research for PECH Committee: Workshop on electronic technologies for fisheries Part III: Systemsadapted for small-scale vessels

Publication type StudyDate 30-07-2021

External author DTU Aqua, Technical University of Denmark: Jørgen DALSKOV, Gildas GLEMAREC, Lotte KINDT-LARSEN, Anne-Mette KRONER, Pernille NIELSEN

Policy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | FisheriesSummary This study is the third research paper in a series of three, prepared for a PECH Committee Workshop. It examines and

presents possibilities of electronic technologies (ET) that can be used to report, document and monitor fishery activitiesof the small-scale vessel fleet. The national fishing fleets in the EU are large where most of the vessels are less than12 metres in length. The information on this fleet segment’s fishing activities is limited and insufficient fordocumentation of the fleet’s impact on the environment and for fisheries management and governance in general. Thepresent research contains four case studies with current usages of such technologies developed for small-scalevessels.

Study EN

Executive summary ES, DE, EN, FR, IT

Research for REGI Committee - Artificial Intelligence and Urban DevelopmentPublication type Study

Date 30-07-2021External author Julie PELLEGRIN, Louis COLNOT, Laura DELPONTE

Policy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Regional DevelopmentSummary This research paper explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in urban areas, and its impact on socio-economic and

territorial cohesion. It argues that expectations surrounding AI are high, especially in the context of smart-cityinitiatives, but that the actual benefits are yet to be fully assessed. To avoid potential risks, local and urban authoritiesneed to fulfil a series of conditions that are inherently challenging. The EU’s AI Policy and its Cohesion Policy, inparticular, may help, but they need to address the territorial dimension of AI more explicitly.

Study EN

Executive summary ES, DE, EN, FR, IT

The European Commission's legislative proposals in the New Pact on Migration and AsylumPublication type Study

Date 30-07-2021External author Evelien BROUWER; Giuseppe CAMPESI ; Sergio CARRERA, Roberto CORTINOVIS, Eleni KARAGEORGIOU, Jens

VEDSTED-HANSEN, Lina VOSYLIŪTĖPolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | Democracy | Development and

Humanitarian Aid | EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary Law | EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Evaluationof Law and Policy in Practice | Ex-ante Impact Assessment | Forward Planning | Global Governance | Human Rights |Social Policy

Summary This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs on request of the Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties and Justice, aims to provide a detailed mapping andanalysis of the central legal changes and issues characterising the five main legislative proposals accompanying thePact on Migration and Asylum, presented by the Commission in September 2020. The legislative instruments underconsideration include a new Screening Regulation, an amended proposal for an Asylum Procedures Regulation, anamended proposal revising the Eurodac Regulation, a new Asylum and Migration Management Regulation, and a newCrisis and Force Majeure Regulation. As a second step, the study provides a critical assessment of the five proposalsas to their legal coherence, fundamental rights compliance, and application of the principle of solidarity and fair sharingof responsibility enshrined in Article 80 TFEU.

Study EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 121

Advancing democracy in the world: EU-US ExplainerPublication type At a Glance

Date 28-07-2021Author BENTZEN Naja

External author European Parliament Liaison Office in Washington DCPolicy area Democracy | Foreign Affairs

Summary As the pandemic adds to the pressure on democracy worldwide, there is a growing sense of the urgent need to protectdemocracy and its institutions in a concerted and coordinated manner. On both sides of the Atlantic, growing domesticthreats to democracy have added to the external challenges, but also offer global momentum for stronger democraticalliances. In their June 2021 joint summit statement, the EU and the US pledged to support democracy across theglobe. As international flagships of democracy, meanwhile, both the European Parliament and the US Congress arestrongly engaged in advancing democracy in third countries.

At a Glance EN

Regulation of the digital sector: EU-US ExplainerPublication type At a Glance

Date 28-07-2021Author BENTZEN Naja

External author European Parliament Liaison Office in Washington DCPolicy area Competition law and regulation | Contract Law, Commercial Law and Company Law | Democracy | Economics and

Monetary Issues | Intellectual Property Law | International TradeSummary With online platforms and markets enmeshed in our societies and economies, the need to revisit and update existing

digital regulations is becoming increasingly apparent. The debate around these reforms in the US, the EU andelsewhere touches on fundamental questions of privacy, transparency and free speech and the dynamic betweenprivate firms and governmental oversight is complex. While online platforms play a salient role in daily life, both the USand the EU continue to operate with regulations dating back over a generation. As significant challenges regardingillegal and harmful online content and moderation liability continue to have real world effects today, both the EU andthe US are currently considering precedent-setting updates.

At a Glance EN

Bilateral trade: EU-US ExplainerPublication type At a Glance

Date 28-07-2021Author PARRY Matthew

External author European Parliament Liaison Office in Washington DCPolicy area International Trade

Summary The EU and the US are each other's biggest economic partners, but have not yet been able to conclude a free tradeagreement. Politically sensitive bilateral trade issues include US access to EU agricultural markets, EU access to USpublic procurement markets, data privacy regulations, climate policies, and taxation and regulation of major − chieflyAmerican − digital service providers in the EU market.

At a Glance EN

Resilient supply chains in the green transition: EU-US ExplainerPublication type At a Glance

Date 28-07-2021Author ERBACH Gregor

External author European Parliament Liaison Office in Washington DCPolicy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Environment | Foreign Affairs

Summary The green transition will increase demand for critical minerals, high capacity batteries, and semiconductors. An electricvehicle requires six times more critical minerals than a conventional car, while an onshore wind power plant requiresnine times more critical minerals than a comparable gas-fired plant. Likewise, the lithium-ion battery market isexpected to become five to ten times larger by 2030 on account of demand for electric vehicles and stationary storage.Meanwhile, semiconductors underpin virtually every technology, giving them industrial and national securitysignificance. Dependence on a few countries (e.g. China) for these critical inputs and technologies has sparkedinterest in policies to increase supply chain resilience, for instance through greater domestic production. As the EU andUS face similar challenges, in June 2021 they agreed to establish the EU-US Trade and Technology Council, whichwill also address cooperation on supply chains.

At a Glance EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 122

Peace and security in 2021: The EU's evolving relations with TurkeyPublication type Briefing

Date 28-07-2021Author AHAMAD MADATALI HANNAH NAFIZE

Policy area Democracy | Foreign AffairsSummary Turkey first sought cooperation with the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1959 (European Union (EU) as of

1992), and has since been key partner of the EU on matters relating to migration, counter-terrorism and trade. The EUand Turkey have been linked by an Association Agreement since 1964, and a Customs Union Agreement since 1995.However, in recent years, EU-Turkey relations have been suffered from Turkey's lukewarm adoption of EU standardsand democratic principles and Ankara's actions in the EU neighbourhood..

Briefing DE, EN, FR

Development of organic production in the EU: 2021-2027 action planPublication type Briefing

Date 28-07-2021Author CAPRILE ANNA | MCELDOWNEY James

Policy area Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentSummary In May 2020, the European Commission published its 'farm to fork' strategy – 'for a fair, healthy and environmentally

friendly food system' – along with the EU biodiversity strategy, as part of the implementation of the European GreenDeal. In those strategies the Commission set a target of 25 % of the EU's agricultural land to be under organic farmingby 2030, as well as a significant increase in organic aquaculture. These targets aim to contribute to improving thesustainability of the food system, to reverse biodiversity loss and to reduce the use of chemical substances in the formof pesticides and fertilisers. The Commission's 2021 work programme set out its intention to prepare an action plan forthe development of organic production for the 2021 to 2027 period, and the action plan was published on 25 March2021. Offering an initial analysis of the action plan, this briefing outlines the measures envisaged and the implicationsfor different stages of the food chain in the EU. It also examines the results of the public consultation launched by theCommission in September 2020 to gather stakeholders' views on the challenges and opportunities for the organicsector. The views of key stakeholders in response to the publication of the action plan are also covered, along with theinitial views expressed by the advisory committees.

Briefing EN

European Union data challengePublication type Briefing

Date 28-07-2021External author Olga BATURA and Roel PEETERS

Policy area Forward Planning | Research PolicySummary The exponential growth and importance of data generated in industrial settings have attracted the attention of

policymakers aiming to create a suitable legal framework for its use. While the term ‘industrial data’ has no cleardefinition, such data possess certain distinctive characteristics: they are a subset of big data collected in a structuredmanner and within industrial settings; they are frequently proprietary and contain various types of sensitive data. TheGDPR rules remain of great relevance for such data, as personal data is difficult to be filtered out from mixed datasetsand anonymisation techniques are not always effective. The current and planned rules relevant for B2B sharing ofindustrial data exhibit many shortcomings. They lack clarity on key issues (e.g. mixed datasets), increase theadministrative burden for companies, yet not always provide the data protection that businesses need. They do notprovide an additional value proposition for B2B data sharing and hinder it in some cases. While this situation warrantspolicy intervention, both the instrument and its content should be carefully considered. Instead of a legal instrument,soft law could clarify the existing rules; model terms and conditions could be developed and promoted and datastandardisation and interoperability efforts supported.

Briefing EN

Improving corporate sustainability reportingPublication type Briefing

Date 27-07-2021Author VIKOLAINEN Vera

Policy area Ex-ante Impact AssessmentSummary The European Commission proposed to improve sustainability reporting by revising the non-financial reporting

directive 2014/95/EU. The accompanying impact assessment (IA) provides a well-defined problem that is substantiatedwith evidence, a clear set of objectives that correspond to the problems identified and makes effort to cover SMEs inthe consultation strategy. Overall, the evidence used in the IA seems recent and reliable. However, the IA has not setany concrete targets, indicators or timelines for achieving its objectives. The range of options in the IA appears ratherimbalanced, the analysis has been predominantly economic and has focused on the effectiveness of meeting thespecific objectives and their costs, while the discussion of benefits has remained rather descriptive. Environmentalimpacts seem to have been completely excluded, the costs of indirect effects on SMEs in the supply chains of largecompanies have not been quantified and the benefits for listed SMEs have not been elaborated on.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 123

Budgetary control of the Sustainable Development Goals in the EU budgetPublication type Briefing

Date 27-07-2021Author MONTVAI DAVID

Policy area Budget | Budgetary ControlSummary As of July 2021, only very limited conclusions can be drawn about the performance of EU policies and programmes

towards the Sustainable Development Goals. With only nine years left until 2030, this raises the question as to whetherthe EU budget is used efficiently via the many spending programmes. This briefing explores what kind of measures arein place to ensure that the implementation of the EU budget contributes effectively to the SDGs at both the EU- andMember States level.

Briefing EN

The differing EU Member States’ regulations on prostitution and their cross-border implications onwomen’s rights

Publication type StudyDate 27-07-2021

External author Andrea Di NicolaPolicy area EU Law: Legal System and Acts | Gender Issues, Equality and Diversity

Summary This Study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and ConstitutionalAffairs at the request of the FEMM Committee – after assessing the state-of-the-art of prostitution regulations in EUMSs and the current situation of sex trafficking and related data in the EU – identifies and evaluates cross-borderproblems/risks related to differing national EU MSs’ regulations and suggests future EU legislation to reduce them,thus preventing women from being trafficked while also protecting fundamental rights and gender equality.

Study EN

Executive summary DE, EN, FR

Artificial intelligence actPublication type Briefing

Date 26-07-2021Author DALLI HUBERT

Policy area Ex-ante Impact AssessmentSummary The Commission is proposing a new Artificial Intelligence Act laying down rules harmonised rules on AI. This initial

appraisal of the Commission’s impact assessment on the proposal notes how the impact assessment the impactassessment banks on a wealth of available research on the topic at hand and uses numerous sources to underpin thediscussion. It observes that the impact assessment offers a diverse and realistic range of options and traces a clearintervention logic connecting the problems and their drivers with the specific objectives and the policy options.

Briefing EN

Guidelines for foresight-based policy analysisPublication type Study

Date 26-07-2021Author VAN WOENSEL Lieve

Policy area Agriculture and Rural Development | Consumer Protection | Employment | Energy | Environment | Food Safety |Industry | Public Health | Research Policy | Security and Defence | Transport

Summary Policy analysis examines and assesses problems to determine possible courses for policy action (policy options). Inhighly complex or controversial contexts, evidence-based policy options might not be socially acceptable. Here, policyanalysis can benefit from a foresight-based approach, which helps investigate the issue holistically and assessconsidered evidence-based policy options against societal concerns. This is especially important in a parliamentarysetting, as it enables analysts to consider stakeholder views and geographical concerns/differences when assessingpolicy options. This manual establishes the methodology for the foresight process and foresight-informed policyanalysis. It offers a conceptual clarification of foresight and foresight-based technology assessment, helps enhance thetransparency of foresight processes and the quality of policy analyses, offers four general guidelines for conductingtrustworthy policy analysis, and, finally, provides a practical framework with six basic components for foresight-basedpolicy analysis.

Study EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 124

Artificial Intelligence in smart cities and urban mobilityPublication type Briefing

Date 23-07-2021External author Devin DIRAN, Anne Fleur VAN VEENSTRA, Tjerk TIMAN, Paola TESTA and Maria KIROVA

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Energy | Environment | Forward Planning | Public Health | Research Policy | SocialPolicy

Summary Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabling smart urban solutions brings multiple benefits, including more efficient energy, waterand waste management, reduced pollution, noise and traffic congestions. Local authorities face relevant challengesundermining the digital transformation from the technological, social and regulatory standpoint, namely (i) technologyand data availability and reliability, the dependency on third private parties and the lack of skills; (ii) ethical challengesfor the unbiased use of AI; and (iii) the difficulty of regulating interdependent infrastructures and data, respectively. Toovercome the identified challenges, the following actions are recommended: •EU-wide support for infrastructure andgovernance on digitalisation, including high performance computing, integrated circuits, CPUs and GPU’s, 5G, cloudservices, Urban Data Platforms, enhancing efficiency and ensuring at the same time unbiased data collection. •Inclusion of urban AI in EU research programs addressing data exchange, communication networks and policy onmobility and energy, enhancing capacity building initiatives, also through test and experimentation facilities. •Harmonising AI related policies in the EU, taking into account the context specificity: necessary research. •Adoption ofinnovative procurement procedures, entailing requirements for technical and ethically responsible AI.

Briefing EN

Euro Area fiscal policies and capacity in post-pandemic timesPublication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 23-07-2021External author Paul De Grauwe

Policy area Economics and Monetary Issues | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary The Covid-19 pandemic has created huge challenges for policymakers in the whole world. These challenges have to

do with both the short run and the long run. In addition, in the euro area, these challenges have dimensions that arepeculiar to the fact that the euro area is a monetary union with one monetary authority and nineteen separatebudgetary authorities. In this policy brief, the author provides some answer to two questions: •Which policy mix(national/supranational) supports smooth recovery, sustainability of public finances and resilience of the euro area? •Which EMU governance reforms should be prioritised so as to improve the functioning of the euro area?

In-Depth Analysis EN

Application of the equal pay principle through pay transparency measuresPublication type Briefing

Date 22-07-2021Author VETTORAZZI STEFANO | ZANDERSONE Laura

Policy area Gender Issues, Equality and DiversitySummary This briefing provides an initial analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the impact assessment (IA) accompanying

the Commission proposal for a directive aimed at strengthening the application of the principle of equal pay for equalwork or work of equal value between men and women, enshrined in Article 119 of the Treaty of Rome. Following twonegative opinions of the Regulatory Scrutiny Board and an exceptional third positive one, the IA provides a goodproblem definition. The IA coherently identifies the problem drivers and makes a compelling case for theconsequences should situation remain unchanged. The options retained for assessment seem built around a pre-selected preferred option package. The analysis regarding the impact on SMEs appears to be insufficiently developedwhile the one on competitiveness is missing. The proposal includes all the measures presented in the IA's preferredpackage as well as two extra measures which were suggested, but not explicitly included in the preferred package.

Briefing EN, IT

EU-Belarus relations: State of play - Human rights situation and Ryanair flight diversionPublication type Briefing

Date 22-07-2021Author PRZETACZNIK Jakub

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary The falsified presidential elections of August 2020, and the brutal crackdown against peacefully protesting Belarusians,

led to the isolation of the Aliaksandr Lukashenka regime. Despite the possibility of starting dialogue with thedemocratic opposition and Belarusian society, Aliaksandr Lukashenka chose another path, involving continued brutalrepression of the country's citizens. The worsening human rights situation and hijacking of Ryanair flight FR 4978provoked a response from the EU, including a ban on Belarusian air carriers landing in or overflying the EU, a majorextension of the list of people and entities already subject to sanctions, and the introduction of sanctions on keysectors of the Belarusian economy. The EU policy also demonstrates a readiness to support a future democraticBelarus. In this respect, the European Commission presented the outline of a comprehensive plan of economic supportfor democratic Belarus, worth up to €3 billion. The European Parliament is playing an active part in shaping the EU'sresponse. Parliament does not recognise Lukashenka's presidency and is speaking out on human rights abuses inBelarus. The Belarusian democratic opposition, which was awarded the 2020 Sakharov Prize, is frequently invited tospeak for the Belarusian people in the European Parliament.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 125

Artificial Intelligence and public servicesPublication type Briefing

Date 22-07-2021Author GOUARDERES Frederic

External author Tjerk TIMAN, Anne Fleur VAN VEENSTRA and Gabriela BODEAPolicy area Forward Planning | Research Policy

Summary AI has become a key enabling technology in public services and its use has increased over the past twoyears.Ensuring explainabilty of AI systems in public services is crucial but difficult to achieve in case of black-boxalgorithms. In AI applications in public services, focus is on law enforcement, surveillance and process optimisation. AIfor front-end public services seems less of a priority. There is a growing public concern over the development and useof AI in society. With the increase of its use, the potential for errors and harms also increases.The public sector shouldlead the way in creating trustworthy AI. Regulatory sandboxing and pre-procurement are key for creating trustworthy AIfor public services.

Briefing EN

Health impact of 5GPublication type Study

Date 22-07-2021External author This study has been written by Dr Fiorella Belpoggi, BSC, PhD, International Academy of Toxicologic Pathology Fellow

(IATPF), Ramazzini Institute, Bologna (Italy), at the request of the Panel for the Future of Science and Technology(STOA) and managed by the Scientific Foresight Unit, within the Directorate-General for Parliamentary ResearchServices (EPRS) of the Secretariat of the European Parliament. The scoping review search was performed by DrDaria Sgargi, PhD, Master in Biostatistics, and Dr Andrea Vornoli, PhD in Cancer Research, Ramazzini Institute,Bologna.

Policy area Consumer Protection | Environment | Industry | Internal Market and Customs Union | Public Health | Research Policy |Social Policy

Summary Recent decades have experienced an unparalleled development in wireless communication technologies (mobiletelephony, Wi-Fi). The imminent introduction of 5G technology across the EU is expected to bring new opportunities forcitizens and businesses, through faster internet browsing, streaming and downloading, as well as through betterconnectivity. However, 5G, along with 3G and 4G, with which it will operate in parallel for several years, may also posethreats to human health. This STOA report aim to take stock of our present understanding of health effects of 5G.

Study EN

Review of dual-use export controlsPublication type Briefing

Date 20-07-2021Author IMMENKAMP Beatrix

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Human Rights | International Trade | Security and DefenceKeyword competitiveness | dual-use good | EC Regulation | EP Committee | export (EU) | export licence | export monitoring |

illicit trade | intra-EU trade | nuclear non-proliferation | public safety | statistics | trade restriction | transit | weapon ofmass destruction

Summary Certain goods and technologies have legitimate civilian applications but can also be used for military purposes; so-called 'dual-use' goods are subject to the European Union's export control regime. The regime has just been revised,mainly to take account of significant technological developments, increase transparency and create a more levelplaying field among EU Member States. The proposed regulation will recast the regulation in force since 2009. Amongother elements, the proposal explicitly defines cyber-surveillance technology as dual-use technology and introduceshuman rights violations as an explicit justification for export control. It also includes provisions to control emergingtechnologies. The proposed regulation introduces greater transparency into dual-use export control by increasing thelevel of detail Member States will have to provide on exports, licences, licence denials and prohibitions. On 17 January2018, based on the INTA committee's report on the legislative proposal, the European Parliament adopted its positionfor trilogue negotiations. For its part, the Council adopted its negotiating mandate on 5 June 2019, and on the basis ofthis mandate, the Council Presidency began negotiations with the European Parliament's delegation on 21 October2019. Trilogue negotiations ended on 9 November 2020, with agreement on a final compromise text. Endorsed by theINTA committee on 30 November, the Parliament formally voted on the text in plenary on 25 March 2021. TheRegulation was published in the Official Journal on 11 June 2021 and enters into force on 8 September 2021. Seventhedition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 126

A new neighbourhood, development and international cooperation instrument – Global EuropePublication type Briefing

Date 20-07-2021Author IMMENKAMP Beatrix

Policy area Foreign AffairsKeyword cooperation policy | EU financial instrument | European integration | European neighbourhood policy | impact study |

nuclear safety | overseas countries and territories | pre-accession aid | proposal (EU) | sustainable development | thirdcountry

Summary In the context of the Commission's proposal for a multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the 2021-2027 period, on14 June 2018 the Commission published a proposal for a regulation establishing the Neighbourhood, Developmentand International Cooperation Instrument. Council and Parliament agreed in trilogue negotiations, which ended inMarch 2021, that Parliament would have an enhanced role in defining the main strategic choices of the instrument,through a delegated act and twice-yearly geopolitical dialogue. The Commission also committed to inform Parliamentprior to any use of the 'emerging challenges and priorities cushion', and take its remarks into consideration. Parliamentinsisted that any activities related to migration had to be in line with the objectives of the instrument, and also securedsafeguards on the amounts for capacity-building, election observation missions, local authorities, Erasmus, the Pacificand the Caribbean. Negotiators also agreed to include a reference, in a recital, to existing EU financial rules that allowfor the suspension of assistance if a country fails to observe the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule oflaw. As a final step, negotiators agreed to change the name of the instrument to the Neighbourhood, Development andInternational Cooperation Instrument - Global Europe. After formal adoption by Council and Parliament the regulationwas signed on 9 June 2021, and it entered into force on 14 June 2021. The regulation applies retroactively from 1January 2021. Sixth edition. The 'Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislativeprocedure.

Briefing EN

Strengthening Europol’s mandatePublication type Briefing

Date 20-07-2021Author EISELE Katharina

Policy area Ex-ante Impact AssessmentSummary Europol has been at the forefront of fighting serious and organised crime in the EU. However, with digital

transformations and a global interconnectedness emerging, security threats have become more complex. Against thisbackground, the Commission has published a recast proposal of the Europol Regulation with the objective of, inter alia,(1) enabling Europol to support Member States and their investigations through big data analysis; (2) enabling Europolto directly exchange data with private parties; and (3) strengthening Europol's role on research and innovation. Whilethe Commission made efforts to analyse the problems at hand in the accompanying Impact Assessment, more detailedinformation on the scale and size of the different problems would have been useful. The Commission conductedseveral targeted consultations for this initiative, but did not carry out a mandatory 12-week open public consultation.The IA assesses relevant impacts, including fundamental rights impacts.

Briefing EN

'Future proofing' EU policies-The why, what and how of stress testingPublication type Briefing

Date 19-07-2021Author FERNANDES MEENAKSHI | HEFLICH ALEKSANDRA

Policy area European Added ValueSummary Governments and policymakers around the world are increasingly stress testing policies to get ‘ahead of the curve’ and

to be better equipped in response to plausible futures that may include disruptive events. This EAVA in Action providesan introduction to stress testing and how it could support the work of the European Parliament. The use of stresstesting could add value at all stages of the EU legislative cycle and complement existing regulatory policy tools such asex-ante assessment and ex-post evaluation. It could be applied as an anticipatory governance tool across all policyareas to identify weaknesses and opportunities to reinforce the legislative framework.

Briefing EN

Tackling distortions of foreign subsidiesPublication type Briefing

Date 19-07-2021Author KRAMER Esther

Policy area Ex-ante Impact AssessmentSummary The IA underpinning the proposal to tackle foreign subsidies is based on solid internal and external research, which

compensates an admitted lack of data. It is transparent about methods, underlying assumptions and certain limitations.The intervention logic of the IA is clear, even if the complex set-up of the policy options and their assessment couldhave been more structured and coherent. The IA does not present operational objectives and few, yet pertinent,monitoring provisions. While the mostly qualitative assessment is thorough and contains selective quantitativeinformation, total cost and benefits could not be estimated. Potential negative effects in case of a significant drop offoreign investments, for instance on employment or prices, could have been addressed in more detail.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 127

European Court of Justice case law on judicial independencePublication type Briefing

Date 19-07-2021Author MAŃKO Rafał

Policy area EU Law: Legal System and ActsSummary Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) lists the values upon which the Union is founded. According to this

Article, these values are shared by the Member States and form the axiological backbone of EU law. The rule of law islisted, alongside democracy and fundamental rights, among the crucial values underpinning the Union. However,Article 2 TEU is more than just a mere declaration; it is also a source of binding obligations upon the Member States touphold the Union's values, and therefore also the rule of law. The latter concept, despite broad discussions as to itsexact content, undoubtedly entails such elements as judicial independence, understood in particular as theindependence of the judiciary from other branches of government (legislative, executive). All other elements of the ruleof law, such as the principle of legality, whereby government may act only on the basis of law and within itsboundaries, or the principle of constitutionalism, whereby the parliament's law-making powers must be exercised withinthe limits of the constitution, or the existence of judicial review to enforce those principles – all depend on judicialindependence as their fundamental pre-condition. Recently, however, faced with challenges to judicial independencein certain Member States (as evidenced by on-going Article 7 TEU proceedings), the European Union has starteddeveloping its own standards in this area. Examples include the Commission's rule of law framework (adopted in2014), its two communications on the rule of law, and the annual rule of law report, the first of which was adopted inSeptember 2020. The case law of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) plays a crucial role in this respect, and scholarspoint out that the Court has been the most effective EU institution with regard to safeguarding judicial independence inthe Member States. The present briefing provides a concise chronological overview of the Court's recent case law onjudicial independence – described by scholars as 'truly revolutionary' – starting from the 2018 Portuguese Judgescase.

Briefing EN

EU-Swiss trade relations and the institutional framework agreementPublication type Briefing

Date 19-07-2021Author HALLAK ISSAM

Policy area Foreign Affairs | International TradeSummary On 26 May 2021, the Federal Council of Switzerland (Swiss executive authority) announced that the country will not

formally sign the institutional framework agreement (IFA) agreed at political level with the European Union (EU) in2018, thereby ending the negotiation process. The objective of the IFA was to create a horizontal governanceframework that would have covered five major EU-Swiss trade-related bilateral agreements signed in 1999, part of the'Bilaterals I' package. It also provided for dynamic alignment of standards in the domains covered by the IFA, a disputesettlement mechanism with jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the EU on EU law, and State aid rules. The EUconsiders that Switzerland does not respect all of its commitments in the existing agreements, which give the countryaccess to parts of the EU's single market; it perceives the current situation as unbalanced, partly due to the absence ofdispute settlement mechanisms in the existing agreements. In addition, the dynamic alignment and State aid rulesenvisaged in the IFA would have enhanced fair competition between EU and Swiss businesses ('level playing field').Switzerland, although it aims to 'deepen' its relations with the EU by means of new sectoral agreements, is concernedby the potential application of the EU Citizens' Right Directive, as well as the potential future removal of the labourmarket exemptions provided by the IFA protocols. To a lesser extent, it is also concerned with the IFA's State aid rules.Switzerland consequently requested 'explicit clarification' from the EU on these points in 2019, then resumed talks in2021. According to the European Commission and European Parliament, 'the door is always open', but newagreements are unlikely to be signed without a framework agreement. The Commission has also emphasised that theupgrading of existing agreements – necessary whenever new EU standards are adopted to maintain their applicability– will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to prevent unintended effects. Medical device equivalence, previouslycovered by provisions of the EU-Swiss Mutual Recognition Agreement, is the first no longer to be applied as aconsequence of changes in EU standards.

Briefing EN

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Protecting pollinators in the EUPublication type Briefing

Date 19-07-2021Author HALLEUX Vivienne

Policy area EnvironmentSummary Europe hosts a rich diversity of wild pollinators, including over 2 000 species of bees, more than 480 species of

butterflies, almost 1 000 species of hoverflies and thousands of other insect species. In the European Union (EU), 78% of native flora and 84 % of crops are either partially or fully dependent on insects for pollination. Significant pollinatorloss has been documented over time across the EU. According to the European Red List of Bees, around 9 % of allbee species are threatened in the EU. The EU grassland butterfly indicator has recorded a 39 % decline in grasslandbutterfly abundance since 1990. Studies in selected European countries have provided further examples of pollinatordeclines. Such loss entails risks for both societies and ecosystems. EU legislation relevant to pollinator protectionincludes the Habitats Directive; the regulatory framework on pesticides; and the common agricultural policy (CAP). TheEU rules governing the approval of pesticides require consideration of pesticide effects on honeybees. The EuropeanFood Safety Agency (EFSA) is currently reviewing its 2013 guidance on the risk assessment of pesticides on bees,which was never formally adopted due to insufficient support from Member States. One key aspect of the reviewprocess is the setting of specific protection goals, defining the maximum acceptable level of harm to bees, on whichEU ministers have recently agreed. Assessments of action at EU level identified gaps in the key EU policiesaddressing the main threats to wild pollinators. Although progress has been made in the implementation of the EUpollinators initiative (EPI), adopted in 2018 to tackle the decline of wild pollinators, more needs to be done, in particularto address the loss of habitats in farming landscapes and the impacts of pesticides. The EU Biodiversity and the Farmto Fork strategies set out specific targets that can help advance pollinator conservation. Integrating them into the newCAP however remains a major challenge. Pollinator protection is a key issue for the European Parliament, which madeclear that the revision of the EFSA bee guidance document should ensure a level of protection at least equivalent tothat laid down in 2013. Parliament also called for an urgent revision of the EU pollinators initiative, a ban on allneonicotinoid-based pesticides and the inclusion of EU-wide binding pesticide reduction targets in the upcomingrevision of the directive on the sustainable use of pesticides.

Briefing EN

Study in focus: Shadow Banking: what kind of Macroprudential Regulation Framework?Publication type At a Glance

Date 16-07-2021External author Andrea RESTI, Marco ONADO, Mario QUAGLIARIELLO and Phil MOLYNEUX

Policy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Financial and Banking IssuesSummary This publication summarises the key findings of the original study on Shadow banking. Shadow banking is a form of

bank-like intermediation where regulatory standards are looser than for regular banks. It includes money market fundsand other funds using leverage, securities and derivatives dealers, securitisations, securities financing transactionsand derivatives, as well as new players like digital lenders and stablecoins. This document was provided by the PolicyDepartment for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on Economic andMonetary Affairs (ECON).

At a Glance EN

National budgets and the European Union budget since 2007Publication type Briefing

Date 16-07-2021Author DELIVORIAS Angelos | DOBREVA Alina | KRESNICHKA-NIKOLCHOVA NADEJDA

Policy area BudgetSummary National budgets are a competence of the national governments of the Member States. However, EU countries

adopting the euro have to meet specific conditions designed to ensure economic convergence, known as theconvergence criteria or Maastricht criteria (agreed by the Member States in the Maastricht Treaty of 1992). Theyinclude conditions on sound and sustainable public finances, along with the macroeconomic indicators - price stability,durability of convergence, and exchange rate stability.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 129

Committee hearings in the European Parliament and US CongressPublication type Briefing

Date 16-07-2021Author DEL MONTE Micaela | DIAZ CREGO Maria

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawSummary Hearings are used by parliamentary committees as a way to obtain evidence on specific subjects to inform their work

and as public forums to give citizens access to information on policy issues. Committee hearings take different formsdepending on their specific purposes. Oversight and legislative hearings are frequently used to hold the executive toaccount and to inform parliaments' choices as regards proposed or adopted legislation. Investigative hearings, usuallyheld in the context of parliamentary inquiries, often have distinctive features, with some parliaments granted the right tosummon witnesses and take testimony under oath. Finally, some parliaments have relevant appointment powers asregards key positions in the executive or the judiciary and may use pre-appointment hearings to test the suitability ofcandidates or extract commitments from them. The European Parliament's committees frequently organise publichearings with experts for oversight and legislative purposes. They also hold public hearings on European citizens'initiatives, once a given initiative has gathered the necessary public support. Also relevant in the EuropeanParliament's committee work are pre-appointment hearings, in particular those held as part of the procedure forappointing the members of the European Commission. European Parliament committees of inquiry can also invitedifferent categories of witnesses to provide evidence. US Congressional committees, meanwhile, hold oversight,investigative, legislative and confirmation hearings, the latter being peculiar to the Senate, as the President has thepower to nominate people to key positions in the executive and judiciary branch 'with the advice and consent of theSenate'. In the context of the ongoing internal discussion launched by the President of the European Parliament, DavidSassoli, on how to make the Parliament a more resilient and effective institution in the wake of the coronaviruspandemic, this Briefing provides an overview of how committee hearings are organised and conducted in both theEuropean Parliament and the US Congress.

Briefing EN

EU preparedness and responses to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threatsPublication type Study

Date 16-07-2021External author Alexandra RIMPLER-SCHMID, Ralf TRAPP, Sarah LEONARD, Christian KAUNERT, Yves DUBUCQ, Claude

LEFEBVRE, Hanna MOHNPolicy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Foreign Affairs | Forward Planning | Security and Defence

Summary This study on ‘EU preparedness and responses to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threats’ wasrequested by the European Parliament’s (EP) Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) in the context of, butnot limited to, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Building on reports and expert input, this study first provides anupdate of the current level of each of the C, B, R and N threat elements, including the type of actor from which suchthreats might stem. It furthermore takes stock of the existing preparedness and response mechanisms and matchesthese against the updated threat landscape to determine the current state of play of the EU’s response tools and itsremaining gaps where improvement may be needed. The study puts forward a number of recommendations onspecific issues. The core of the recommendations builds on using a ‘Team Europe’ approach to create and maintain astrong task force based response capacity, with additional authority and competence given by EU Member States tothe EU. This would enable the EU to better support and manage an EU-wide crisis response in the CBRN field in atimely and effective manner.

Study EN

What if we could fight coronavirus by pooling computing power?Publication type At a Glance

Date 15-07-2021Author KRITIKOS Michail

Policy area Energy | Public HealthSummary Distributed computing has accelerated COVID-19 research in molecular dynamics as it allows people to make their

computers voluntarily available to scientists for virtually screening chemical compounds in an effective manner.At a Glance EN

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Revision of the EU Blue Card DirectivePublication type Briefing

Date 15-07-2021Author LECERF Marie

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and JusticeKeyword brain drain | EU migration policy | foreign national | impact study | internal border of the EU | international relations |

labour law | labour mobility | migrant worker | occupational migration | parliamentary vote | skilled worker | third country| work permit

Summary Attracting highly qualified immigrants to Europe has been one of the EU's key priorities for several years. However, upuntil now the EU has not been as successful as other OECD countries. This demand for workers is expected toincrease due to the increasing shortage of certain skills and the aging of the EU's population. The proposed directive,which would replace the 2009 Blue Card Directive, increases the attractiveness of the EU highly skilled migrationscheme by expanding its scope, lowering criteria for admission or expanding the rights of beneficiaries. On 15 June2017, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) adopted its report, and voted to openinterinstitutional negotiations. After the Council agreed its mandate, trilogue meetings started in September 2017, butlittle progress was made before the end of the 2014-2019 parliamentary term. In October 2019, Parliament decided toresume work on the file in the context of ‘unfinished business’ to be carried over to the new legislature. The EuropeanCommission’s ‘New Pact on Migration and Asylum’, presented on 23 September 2020, stressed the need to finalisethe negotiations. On 17 May 2021, the Parliament and the Portuguese Presidency of the EU Council finally reached aninterim agreement on the revision of the directive. On 21 May, Member States’ ambassadors, in the Committee ofPermanent Representatives, endorsed the agreement. And on 3 June, the LIBE committee also endorsed theagreement reached with the Council. Parliament is expected to vote on adopting the agreed text during the September2021 plenary session. Third edition of a briefing originally drafted by Martina Prpic. The 'EU Legislation in Progress'briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

Addressing the dissemination of terrorist content onlinePublication type Briefing

Date 15-07-2021Author LUYTEN KATRIEN

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and JusticeKeyword access to information | dissemination of information | Internet | on line data service | radicalisation | terrorism

Summary Dissemination of terrorist content is one of the most widespread and most dangerous forms of misuse of onlineservices in the field of internal security. In line with the 2015 European agenda on security, and taking into account theimpact of this propaganda on the radicalisation, recruitment and training of terrorists, the European Commissionlaunched a voluntary system for tackling terrorism online, based on guidelines and recommendations. However, giventhe limitations of self-regulation, in September 2018 the Commission proposed a regulation on preventing thedissemination of terrorist content online through the removal of such content within one hour of being posted. While theCouncil rapidly reached a position on the proposal, the European Parliament adopted its first-reading position in April2019. Following the European elections, and the appointment of a new rapporteur, interinstitutional triloguenegotiations on the proposal began in autumn 2019. The trilogue meetings were delayed several times, because of thecoronavirus pandemic among other reasons. After a new series of terrorist attacks hit Europe in autumn 2020,Parliament and Council reached political agreement on 10 December 2020. The most contentious issues related to thecross-border effect of withdrawal orders and to the use of automated filters to detect terrorist content online. After theCouncil adopted the text on 16 March 2021, Parliament adopted it in plenary on 28 April. The Regulation entered intoforce on 6 June and will apply as of 7 June 2022. Third edition of a briefing originally drafted by François Théron. The'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Briefing EN

Multimedia Tackling online terrorist propaganda

European Court of Justice and international agreementsPublication type Briefing

Date 15-07-2021Author CIRLIG Carmen-Cristina | MAŃKO Rafał

Policy area EU Law: Legal System and ActsSummary As a subject of public international law, the European Union (EU) concludes international agreements with other

subjects of international law, i.e. international organisations and states. The EU may enter into such treaties on its own,or jointly with its Member States – depending on the area of competence (exclusive EU competence or sharedcompetences) to which the treaty in question applies. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) enjoys specificcompetences with regard to the conclusion, interpretation and application of international treaties to which the EU is aparty. The ECJ can verify the compatibility of an international agreement with the EU Treaties either ex ante or ex post.Furthermore, international treaties concluded by the EU are considered as acts of the institutions and may be subjectto interpretation by the Court, especially in the preliminary reference procedure. As a rule no ECJ jurisdiction isenvisaged in EU free trade agreements (FTAs), as dispute settlement is carried out through a joint committee, followedby arbitration. In certain specific cases, such as in the European Economic Area and the EU-Turkey Customs Union,the ECJ may have direct involvement in the enforcement of the agreement. The EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement and theEU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), however, diverge on dispute settlement rules and the role of theECJ. In the former, the ECJ maintained its jurisdiction during, as well as beyond, the transition period with regard tospecific chapters; the ECJ also has the final word on interpreting EU law applied in virtue of the agreement.Conversely, the TCA includes a role for the Court only in regard to the United Kingdom's participation in EUprogrammes, and its dispute settlement rules vary throughout the agreement.

Briefing EN

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The Sustainable Development Goals in the EU budgetPublication type Briefing

Date 15-07-2021Author KALLQVIST TILDA MARIA ELISABETH

Policy area Budget | Budgetary ControlSummary This briefing will present an overview of the implementation of the SDGs in the EU long-term budget.

Briefing EN

Internet access as a fundamental right: Exploring aspects of connectivityPublication type Study

Date 15-07-2021Author MILDEBRATH Hendrik Alexander

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and JusticeSummary With digital technologies permeating all areas of life, and online access becoming a prerequisite for the exercise of a

number of fundamental rights, the internet plays a crucial role for the individual, during but also looking beyond thecoronavirus pandemic. As calls for a fundamental right to internet access resurface, it would come as no surprise iflegislators engaged further with the topic and assessed policy and legislative options. Against this backdrop, thepresent analysis i) identifies design and operating parameters for a potential fundamental right to internet access, ii)sets out a design option, iii) reviews benefits and drawbacks of its potential recognition and iv) provides a briefoverview of EU legislation and actions that may interact with such a novel right.

Study EN

US and NATO leave Afghanistan: What next?Publication type At a Glance

Date 14-07-2021Author IMMENKAMP Beatrix

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary Following the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001, United States (US) counterterrorism efforts began to focus on

Afghanistan. The Taliban, which controlled most of Afghanistan in 2001, hosted al-Qaeda and its leader, Osama binLaden, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. During a 20-year military campaign, the US and its allies sought toeliminate the Taliban's ability to provide sanctuary to international terrorists and stabilise the country with the help of ademocratically elected government. The peace agreement the US signed with the Taliban in 2020 paved the way forthe withdrawal of US and NATO troops. Shortly after taking office, US President Joe Biden announced in April 2021that all US troops would leave Afghanistan by 11 September 2021. All allied troops will also leave the country by thatdeadline. In recent months, the Taliban have re-established control over half of the districts in the country, raisingconcerns about the future of Afghanistan once foreign troops leave.

At a Glance EN

At a glance note for Research for PECH committee: Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on EU fisheriesand aquaculture

Publication type At a GlanceDate 14-07-2021

Author BREUER Marcus Ernst Gerhard | LECARTE JacquesExternal author Cogea: Alessandro PITITTO, Diletta RAINONE, Valentina SANNINO; AND International: Tanguy CHEVER, Lucas

HERRY, Sibylle PARANT, Safa SOUIDI; CETMAR: Marta BALLESTEROS, Rosa CHAPELA, José L. SANTIAGOPolicy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Fisheries

Summary This study analyses the effects of COVID-19 on the EU fisheries and aquaculture sectors from March to December2020. It gives an overview of the main effects experienced at EU level and develops eight case studies (Spain,Denmark, France, Italy, Sweden, Greece, Portugal and Bulgaria). The research also provides conclusions and policyrecommendations to strengthen the sector’s resilience to shocks, and to address current vulnerabilities in view ofpotential similar events. The study was commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Structuraland Cohesion Policies, at the request of the PECH Committee.

At a Glance EN

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Research for TRAN Committee - Alternative fuel infrastructures for heavy-duty vehiclesPublication type Study

Date 14-07-2021External author CE Delft: Anouk VAN GRINSVEN, Matthijs OTTEN, Emiel VAN DEN TOORN, Reinier VAN DER VEEN, Julius

KIRÁLY, Roy VAN DEN BERGPolicy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Environment | Transport

Summary This briefing presents the opportunities and challenges for the use and deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure inthe EU for heavy-duty vehicles, in particular trucks. The current state of play and future needs are presented in thecontext of the ambitions of the Green Deal and current legislative developments, in particular the upcoming reviews ofthe Alternative Fuels Directive and the TEN-T Regulation. This briefing will be followed by a full-length study that willprovide a more in-depth analysis, an update of the policy context based on the ‘Fit for 55’ package and outcomes ofstakeholder interviews and case study analysis.

Study EN

Executive summary ES, DE, EN, FR, IT

Re-starting tourism in the EU amid the pandemicPublication type Briefing

Date 13-07-2021Author Niestadt Maria

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and Justice | TourismKeyword coronavirus disease | disease prevention | economic consequence | economic recovery | epidemic | EU initiative |

European Investment Bank | free movement of persons | report | State aid | tourismSummary Tourism plays an enormously important role in the EU economy and society. It generates foreign exchange, supports

jobs and businesses, and drives forward local development and cultural exchanges. It also makes places moreattractive, not only as destinations to visit but also as locations to live, work, invest and study. Furthermore, as tourismis closely linked with many other sectors – particularly transport – it also affects the wider economy. The coronaviruspandemic has hit the tourism sector hard. The impact on various tourist destinations in the EU has been asymmetricaland highly localised, reflecting differences in types of tourism on offer, varying travel restrictions, the size of domestictourism markets, level of exposure to international tourism, and the importance of tourism in the local economy. At thebeginning of summer 2021, several EU Member States started to remove certain travel restrictions (such as therequirements for quarantine or testing for fully vaccinated travellers coming from certain countries). However, allcontinue to apply many sanitary and health measures (such as limits on the number of people in common areas, andcleaning and disinfection of spaces). Such measures and restrictions change in line with the evolving public healthsituation, sometimes at short notice, making recovery difficult for the sector. The EU and its Member States haveprovided the tourism sector with financial and other support. Some measures were already adopted in 2020. Otherswere endorsed only shortly before the beginning of summer 2021. One flagship action has been the speedy adoptionof an EU Digital Covid Certificate. This certificate harmonises, at EU level, proof of vaccination, Covid-19 test resultsand certified recovery from the virus. However, it does not end the patchwork of travel rules. Despite efforts toharmonise travel rules at Council level, Member States still apply different rules to various categories of traveller (suchas children or travellers arriving from third countries).

Briefing EN

Understanding initial coin offerings: A new means of raising funds based on blockchainPublication type Briefing

Date 13-07-2021Author DELIVORIAS Angelos

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesKeyword blockchain | early-stage capital | European Securities and Markets Authority | money laundering | start-up | terrorism

financing | venture capital | virtual currencySummary Initial coin offerings (ICOs) are a relatively new method of raising capital for early-stage ventures. They allow

businesses to raise capital for their projects, by issuing digital tokens in exchange for crypto assets or fiat currencies.They constitute an alternative to more traditional sources of start-up funding such as venture capital (VC) and angelfinance. ICOs can potentially offer advantages in comparison with traditional ways of raising capital. At the same time,their opacity and the general tendency for issuers to exploit regulatory loopholes can carry significant risk for investors,may make ICOs vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing, and could even create financial stabilityconcerns. ICOs have been met with a wide range of initial regulatory responses: from an outright ban in the case ofChina and South Korea, to more supportive approaches in other jurisdictions, with Singapore in Asia and Switzerlandin Europe leading the way. As for the European Union (EU) and the United States, the relevant regulatory agenciesinitially published warning notices, reinforced by statements that securities laws could apply and registration benecessary. The EU went a step further and is currently seeking to partially regulate ICOs, with a proposal for aregulation on markets in crypto-assets (MiCA regulation). Meanwhile, some Member States are currently implementingregulatory sandboxes, to provide an impetus for innovation without imposing the immediate burden of regulation.

Briefing EN

Multimedia Understanding initial coin offerings: A new means of raising funds based on blockchain

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Towards a common EU approach to lifting coronavirus-related restrictions on freedom of movementPublication type Briefing

Date 13-07-2021Author DUMBRAVA Costica

Policy area Area of Freedom, Security and JusticeSummary To reduce the spread of the coronavirus, Member States have taken a wide range of measures, which have

significantly affected the free movement of people in the EU. Restrictions on freedom of movement have varied in timeand across countries – following generally but not strictly – successive 'waves' of coronavirus infections. Since thebeginning of the pandemic, the EU and the Member States have been active in developing a coordinated response tothe pandemic, starting from emergency measures to mitigate the effects of the sudden introduction of border controlsin the early days of the pandemic to establishing common approaches on risk indicators, interoperable contact tracingapps, vaccination and digital certification. This briefing provides an overview of the main restrictions on free movementadopted by the EU and Schengen countries focusing on control measures at the internal borders introduced betweenMarch 2020 and July 2021. It then discusses the key steps taken by the EU and the Member States to develop acommon approach to lifting restrictions on freedom of movement. The briefing also places the coronavirus-relatedrestrictions of movement in the context of broader efforts to update and strengthen the Schengen system, which hasbeen under stress for at least a decade. This is an updated edition of an EPRS briefing published in November 2020.

Briefing EN

Recovery and Resilience Dialogue with the European Commission 14 July 2021Publication type In-Depth Analysis

Date 13-07-2021Author GRIGAITE KRISTINA | PACHECO DIAS CRISTINA SOFIA | SEGALL REBECCA SARAH FANNY

Policy area Economics and Monetary IssuesKeyword coronavirus disease | distribution of EU funding | economic recovery | epidemic | EU loan | EU Member State | report

Summary Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis and Commissioner Gentiloni have been invited to the second Recovery andResilience Dialogue under the Recovery and Resilience Facility Regulation. This briefing addresses the followingsubjects: the Recovery and Resilience Facility and its scrutiny; the state of play of adoption and assessment of theRecovery and Resilience plans; the European Parliament resolutions on the Recovery and Resilience Facility; thefinancing of national Recovery and Resilience plans and some data on the current economic situation and estimateson the impact of Facility.

In-Depth Analysis EN

Security situation in MozambiquePublication type At a Glance

Date 12-07-2021Author ZAMFIR Ionel

Policy area Foreign AffairsSummary Since 2017, a relatively unknown Islamic group has staged a destabilising insurgency against the Mozambican

government forces and the local population in the predominantly Muslim northern province of Cabo Delgado. Off theprovincial coast, huge gas extraction projects have been launched in a bid to revitalise the national economy, crippledby external debt. So far, the army has proved relatively ineffective in dealing with the insurgency. The government hasasked external partners for support, including in training and logistics.

At a Glance EN

A second chance for Armenia after elections?Publication type At a Glance

Date 12-07-2021Author RUSSELL Martin

Policy area Foreign AffairsKeyword Armenia | Azerbaijan | cease-fire | coronavirus disease | corruption | epidemic | parliamentary election | political crisis |

report | warSummary The 2018 Velvet Revolution installed Nikol Pashinyan as prime minister of Armenia. By 2020, Pashinyan's reform

drive, already running out of momentum, hit two major obstacles: the coronavirus pandemic and, above all, a brief butdisastrous war with Azerbaijan. Despite the trauma of defeat, in June 2021 voters gave Pashinyan a second chance, inelections seen as a positive sign for the country's future.

At a Glance EN

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Study in focus: Robo-advisorsPublication type At a Glance

Date 12-07-2021External author Philipp MAUME

Policy area Evaluation of Law and Policy in Practice | Financial and Banking IssuesKeyword artificial intelligence | big data | conflict of interest | financial instrument | financial legislation | financial occupation |

financial stability | financial supervision | provision of services | report | softwareSummary This document summarises the key findings of the orginal study which analyses if and to what extent the current EU

legal framework provides effective investor protection for customers of robo-advisors. It puts emphasis on structuralconflicts of interests, the difficulties presented by the supervision of algorithms, and potential threats to the stability ofthe financial system. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality ofLife Policies at the request of the committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON).

At a Glance EN

Rail passengers' rights and obligations in the EUPublication type Briefing

Date 12-07-2021Author Niestadt Maria | SCORDAMAGLIA Damiano

Policy area Consumer Protection | TransportKeyword carriage of passengers | case law (EU) | common transport policy | consumer protection | disabled person | EU law |

high-speed transport | impact study | liability | passenger tariff | proposal (EU) | rail transport | transport companySummary In 2007, the EU established a set of basic rights for rail passengers, which became applicable at the end of 2009.

These rights provide for all passengers, including those with reduced mobility, a harmonised minimum level ofprotection, information and assistance. Reports have concluded that the implementation of these rights, althoughrelatively smooth, is not done uniformly across the EU. Moreover, other shortcomings have prevented these rights frombeing used to their full potential. In September 2017, the European Commission presented a new proposal to addressthese issues and to strike a new balance between keeping rail operators competitive and providing adequatepassenger protection. The European Parliament adopted its first-reading position on this proposal on 15 November2018. For its part, the Council adopted its general approach on 2 December 2019, under the Finnish Presidency.Interinstitutional negotiations began at the end of January 2020, and on 1 October 2020, under the GermanyPresidency, Council and Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the text. On 29 April 2021, the EuropeanParliament voted in favour of the agreed text as adopted by the Council. The new rules were published in the OfficialJournal of the EU on 17 May 2021. They will apply in principle to all international and domestic rail journeys andservices in the EU from 7 June 2023. However, Member States may exempt domestic rail services for a limited time.Seventh edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislativeprocedure.

Briefing EN

Single European Sky 2+ package: Amended Commission proposalPublication type Briefing

Date 12-07-2021Author Niestadt Maria

Policy area TransportKeyword air safety | air space | air traffic control | common transport policy | environmental protection | Eurocontrol | European

Aviation Safety Agency | proposal (EU) | Single European SkySummary The Single European Sky (SES) initiative aims to make EU airspace less fragmented and to improve air traffic

management in terms of safety, capacity, cost-efficiency and the environment. Its current regulatory framework isbased on two legislative packages: SES I (adopted in 2004), which set the principal legal framework, and SES II(adopted in 2009), which aimed to tackle substantial air traffic growth, increase safety, and reduce costs and delaysand the impact of air traffic on the environment. Nonetheless, European airspace remains fragmented, costly andinefficient. The European Commission presented a revision of the SES in 2013 (the SES 2+ package). While theParliament adopted its first-reading position in March 2014, in December 2014 the Council agreed only a partialgeneral approach, owing to disagreement between the UK and Spain over the application of the text to Gibraltarairport. With Brexit having removed this blockage, the Commission has amended its initial proposal. The Council andthe Parliament have both adopted their positions on the revised proposal, and can thus start trilogue negotiations.Second edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislativeprocedure.

Briefing EN

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New EU regulatory framework for batteries: Setting sustainability requirementsPublication type Briefing

Date 12-07-2021Author HALLEUX Vivienne

Policy area Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council | Environment | Internal Market and Customs UnionSummary Given the important role they play in the roll-out of zero-emission mobility and the storage of intermittent renewable

energy, batteries are a crucial element in the EU's transition to a climate neutral economy. The proposal presented bythe European Commission is designed to modernise the EU's regulatory framework for batteries in order to secure thesustainability and competitiveness of battery value chains. It would introduce mandatory requirements on sustainability(such as carbon footprint rules, minimum recycled content, performance and durability criteria), safety and labelling forthe marketing and putting into service of batteries, and requirements for end-of-life management. The proposal alsoincludes due diligence obligations for economic operators as regards the sourcing of raw materials. In Parliament, theCommittee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, responsible for the file, is expected to consider itsrapporteur's draft report at a meeting in October 2021. In Council, ministers took stock of the progress made on the fileat the June Environment Council. The Slovenian Presidency of the Council aims to reach agreement on a generalapproach.

Briefing EN

EU climate change diplomacy in a post-Covid-19 worldPublication type Study

Date 12-07-2021External author Dennis TÄNZLER; Daria IVLEVA; Tobias HAUSOTTER

Policy area Coronavirus | Environment | Foreign AffairsSummary Since the European Parliament issued its resolution on climate diplomacy in June 2018, several important trends have

been shaping this area of the EU’s external action, enabling progress and posing new challenges. The EU started itscomprehensive low-emission transformation with the Green Deal, established a progressive policy framework forsustainable finance and had to cope with the impacts of the pandemic in a way that is compatible with itstransformative ambition. At the same time, its role on the international stage has evolved substantially, andsustainability has been playing an ever-stronger role across its external relations. Against the backdrop of thesedevelopments, this study assesses the progress of climate diplomacy since 2018, with a focus on climate security,trade, development cooperation, sustainable capital flows, gender equality and science, research and innovation.Based on this assessment, it outlines the tasks for a European climate diplomacy of the future and highlights the roleof the European Parliament in shaping this policy field.

Study EN

Plenary round-up – July 2021Publication type At a Glance

Date 09-07-2021Author FERGUSON CLARE | SOCHACKA KATARZYNA

Policy area EU Democracy, Institutional and Parliamentary LawKeyword civil aviation | common foreign and security policy | coronavirus disease | epidemic | EU visa policy | European

Investment Bank | European Parliament | multiannual financial framework | parliamentary sitting | report | rights of theindividual | rule of law

Summary During the July 2021 plenary session in Strasbourg, Parliament continued to debate and adopt Multiannual FinancialFramework programmes for 2021-2027, this time finalising programmes in the justice and home affairs, fisheries andinfrastructure areas. Debates on a number of Council and Commission statements were held, including on theprogramme of activities of the Slovenian Council Presidency, on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of24-25 June 2021, on the Commission’s 2022 work programme, on the state of play of implementation of the EU DigitalCovid Certificate Regulation, on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in aviation, and on the 70th anniversary of theGeneva (refugee) Convention. A number of other debates were held, inter alia on the rule of law and fundamentalrights in Hungary and Poland, on amendments to the Visa Information System, and on European Investment Bankactivities in 2019. Members also debated international policy issues – the situation in Nicaragua, the repression of theopposition in Turkey, and the situation in Tigray, Ethiopia.

At a Glance EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 136

EU-UK relations: Difficulties in implementing the Northern Ireland ProtocolPublication type Briefing

Date 09-07-2021Author HALLAK ISSAM

Policy area Foreign Affairs | International TradeKeyword agreement (EU) | animal feedingstuffs | animal product | border control | crop production | foodstuff | free movement of

goods | meat product | Northern Ireland | report | single market | withdrawal from the EUSummary On 3 March 2021, the United Kingdom (UK) Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, announced in a

written statement to the UK Parliament, and without consulting the European Union (EU) in advance, that the graceperiod on border controls on a series of food and live products shipped from Great Britain to Northern Ireland would beextended. This meant that products of animal origin, composite products, food and feed of non-animal origin and plantsand plant products could continue being shipped from Great Britain to Northern Ireland without the official certification,such as health and phytosanitary certificates, required by the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland (the Protocol) ofthe Withdrawal Agreement (WA). In response to the UK's decision, the EU launched legal action against the UK forbreaching the provisions of the Protocol, as well as the good faith obligation under the WA. According to the Protocol,the UK must establish border controls on goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland according to EUlaw. The application of EU law to Northern Ireland, together with the conduct of border controls within the UK, wasdesigned to prevent the establishment of physical border controls (a 'hard border') on the island of Ireland, so as tosafeguard the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement which brought peace in Northern Ireland, while preserving the integrityof the EU's single market. The grace period on border controls was agreed by the EU and the UK in December 2020as a temporary solution to problems raised by the UK. The UK government has reiterated that it intends to implementthe Protocol, but that the border controls are causing trade disruption between Great Britain and Northern Ireland andrequire time to be resolved. It has also mentioned other issues involving areas as diverse as medicinal supplies andparcel shipments, as well as the complexity of customs systems and implementation of exchange of informationbetween the EU and the UK. On 30 June 2021, the EU and the UK reached an agreement on some solutions,including the extension of the grace period on meat products, conditional on tight controls.

Briefing EN

New EU strategic priorities for the Sahel: Addressing regional challenges through better governancePublication type Briefing

Date 09-07-2021Author PICHON Eric

Policy area Development and Humanitarian Aid | Foreign Affairs | Security and DefenceKeyword civil society | common foreign and security policy | coup d'état | democracy | EU strategy | forced migration |

governance | human rights | report | rule of law | Sahel | terrorismSummary Recent events have shown that the Sahel region remains highly politically unstable. The military takeover of the

Chadian government following President Idriss Déby's sudden death in April 2021 and the repercussions of the August2020 and May 2021 military coups in Mali are worrying signs of weak democratic governance structures. BurkinaFaso's transitional democracy has also been severely destabilised by the activities of extremist groups and internalconflicts. This political fragility and the lack of government legitimacy have made the responses to the Sahel's securityand humanitarian issues all the more challenging. The continued threat posed by terrorist armed groups and risingintercommunal violence over land and resources have led to both internal and cross-border displacements in Sahelcountries. Meanwhile, the inadequacy of governance mechanisms for managing this displacement, compounded byenvironmental degradation, resource scarcity and population growth, has created a severe humanitarian crisis. Since2011, the European Union (EU) strategy for the Sahel has focused on both security and development to address thesenumerous and interconnected challenges. However, EU efforts have remained dominated by a military approach totackle rising terrorist activity, achieving concrete results but ultimately falling short of long-term regional stability. Thenew EU integrated strategy in the Sahel aims to strengthen action at the political level, focusing on governancemechanisms, human rights, and collaboration with civil society and local authorities, while maintaining securitycooperation with states in the region.

Briefing EN

14-01-2022 Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP 137

Fighting discrimination in sportPublication type Briefing

Date 09-07-2021Author KATSAROVA Ivana

Policy area CultureKeyword discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation | ethnic discrimination | EU Charter of Fundamental Rights | EU

programme | EU statistics | Eurostat | public awareness campaign | racism | sexual discrimination | sport | Treaty onEuropean Union | Treaty on the Functioning of the EU

Summary Even though the European Union (EU) has built an extensive framework of legislation, instances of racism andhomophobia in sport are still rife. Interestingly, Eurostat surveys reveal that the feeling of discrimination is morewidespread than actual discrimination. Although there are some variations, discrimination in sport very frequentlyinvolves stigmatisation on the basis of external characteristics such as skin colour, body shape and gender. Data from2017 show that some 3 % of respondents claimed to have experienced racist violence in the previous year, withanother 24 % being exposed to racist harassment in that period. Worryingly, the results of a 2018 poll confirm that thevast majority of respondents (90 %) perceive homo/transphobia to be a problem in sport, with gay men feelinghomophobia to be a bigger problem than lesbian/gay women and bisexual people. Action against discrimination at EUlevel is grounded in an established EU legal framework, based on a number of Treaty provisions – in particular Articles2 and 3 of the Treaty on European Union, and Articles 10, 19 and 67(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of theEuropean Union. The general principles of non-discrimination and equality are also reaffirmed in the Charter ofFundamental Rights of the EU. This legal arsenal is completed by a number of directives and framework decisions –such as the Racial Equality Directive, the Victims' Rights Directive and the Framework Decision on Combating Racismand Xenophobia, to name but a few – aimed at increasing individual protection. The objectives of the sports strand ofthe Erasmus+ programme include combatting violence, discrimination and intolerance in sport and providing fundingfor various projects such as the setting up of LGBTQI+ sports clubs in central and eastern Europe, increasing inclusionin sport, and by bringing together partners who traditionally face barriers to participation, such as women, the LGBTQI+community and people with disabilities. In addition, since 2016, the European Commission has supported the Councilof Europe in promoting safety and security at sports events. In recent years, the Gay Games and the European Gayand Lesbian Multi-Sports Championships have helped raise awareness, build self-esteem and change perceptionsbased on prejudice.

Briefing EN

Mental health and the pandemicPublication type Briefing

Date 09-07-2021Author SCHOLZ Nicole

Policy area Public HealthKeyword coronavirus disease | epidemic | EU action | mental health | mental illness | OECD | report | World Health Organisation

| young personSummary While the pandemic is primarily a physical health crisis, it has also had widespread impact on people's mental health,

inducing, among other things, considerable levels of fear, worry, and concern. The growing burden on mental healthhas been referred to by some as the 'second' or 'silent' pandemic. While negative mental health consequences affectall ages, young people, in particular, have been found to be at high risk of developing poor mental health. Specificgroups have been particularly hard hit, including health and care workers, people with pre-existing mental healthproblems, and women. The pandemic has also appeared to increase inequalities in mental health, both within thepopulation and between social groups. To address the population's increased psycho-social needs, the World HealthOrganization Regional Office for Europe established an expert group on the mental health impacts of Covid-19 in theEuropean region. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has issued analyses and guidanceon mental health in general and the pandemic's impact on mental health in particular. At European Union level, aDecember 2020 European Commission communication addressed the pandemic's impact on mental health. In May2021, the Commission organised a major online stakeholder event, and published best practice examples of solutionspresented. A July 2020 European Parliament resolution recognises mental health as a fundamental human right,calling for a 2021-2027 EU action plan on mental health. Members of the European Parliament have also called on theCommission to put mental health at the heart of EU policymaking. Stakeholders broadly rally around calls forprogrammes and funding to improve citizens' mental health, not least to respond to the pandemic's long-termimplications.

Briefing EN

Multimedia Mental health and the pandemic

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