Supporting analysis - European Parliament

Briefing - The UN High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 10-19 July 2023, New York - PE 740.088 - Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety - Committee on Development

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

Midway of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the High-Level Political Forum 2023 marks a pivotal point in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The impact of the multiple crises of the past years, as well as the interlinkages and synergies of the SDGs present both challenges and opportunities for a systemic approach towards our common objectives. For the global community not to lose the progress in this global decade of action, there is a need for the EU to take the lead, both in domestic policies and international cooperation. Conclusions from the Eurostat Monitoring Report 2023, Sustainable Development Report 2022 and civil society analysis point to the EU’s progress on social-economic SDGs, and notes insufficient progress on environmental objectives and global partnerships. Thus, there is a strong need for policy coherence, financing frameworks and political will to ensure the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the objectives set out in the Paris Climate Agreement.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Study - Retail Investment Strategy - How to boost retail investors’ participation in financial markets - PE 740.090 - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

The study developed herein aims to address the concerns raised as to the field of retail investments. It aims at analysing market practices and the applicable legislative landscape in order to identify room for improvement and, ultimately, propose potential solutions to foster retail investor protection and participation in financial markets. This document 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).

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Study - Minority and minoritised languages as part of the European linguistic and cultural diversity - PE 751.273 - Committee on Petitions

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs, at the request of the PETI Committee, inquires about the connection between the “Protection of European linguistic and cultural diversity” and the “Protection and promotion of European minority and minoritised languages” in Europe. The situation of the European minority and minoritised languages can be seen as a barometer of the current state of European linguistic and cultural diversity. The available data show that more than two thirds of linguistic minorities within the European Union have significantly decreased in number in recent decades (1991-2011). At the pan-European level, too, two thirds of minorities have declined over the same period. The same must be assumed as to the use of the languages spoken by these minorities.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Briefing - EU economic developments and projections - PE 645.716 - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

This briefing provides a summary of the recent economic developments in the EU Member States and gives an overview of relevant economic projections forecasted by major international and EU institutions.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Briefing - The role (and accountability) of the President of the Eurogroup - PE 741.497 - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

This briefing paper provides an overview of the role and mandate of the Eurogroup and the role and accountability of its President, including the procedures for his/her appointment. In addition, this note refers to the debate around the transparency of Eurogroup proceedings. The paper is an update of a previous version and will be updated in light of relevant developments.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Briefing - Ukraine: Financing of reconstruction and the role of the EU budget - PE 751.219 - Committee on Budgets - Committee on Budgetary Control

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

This briefing provides background information about Ukraine’s financing needs, options to finance the reconstruction process and the possible role of the EU budget, as well as the governance architecture and the involvement of the European Parliament.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

In-Depth Analysis - Economic Dialogue with the President of the Eurogroup_29 June 2023 - PE 747.850 - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

Paschal Donohoe is attending his fourth Economic Dialogue in the ECON Committee since being elected as President of the Eurogroup in July 2020. His previous Economic Dialogue took place on 2 February 2022. This briefing covers the following issues:); Economic situation and developments (Section 1); the Eurogroup work programme and Euro Area Recommendation (Section 2); Fiscal and economic surveillance (Section 3) and Completing EMU governance (Section 4). For an overview of the role of the President of the Eurogroup, please see Briefing: The role (and accountability) of the President of the Eurogroup.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Study - Metaverse - PE 751.222 - Committee on Legal Affairs

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

This study was prepared by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the JURI Committee. Commercial, industrial and military applications of metaverse bring both opportunities as well as significant concerns for everyday life, health, work, and security. Legislative initiatives promoting fundamental principles of law, legislative and judicial oversight, applied comprehensively across a broad range of policies, are necessary to make sure that metaverse will play a positive role.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Study - 2023 Country-Specific Recommendations - comparison of Commission and Council texts - PE 741.525 - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

This document compares the draft 2023 Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs) proposed by the Commission on 24 May 2023 with the 2023 CSRs approved by the Council on 16 June 2023. The Council will finally adopt the recommendations in July.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Briefing - Monetary Dialogue in June 2023 - Summary of parliamentary scrutiny activities - PE 741.500 - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

This briefing provides a summary of all scrutiny activities of the European Parliament related to euro area monetary policy in the period between March 2023 and June 2023. These summaries are published regularly after each Monetary Dialogue (MD) with the European Central Bank (ECB). For a recap of the key monetary policy developments and decisions taken by the ECB’s Governing Council in that period, please refer to our briefing ahead of the 5 June 2023 MD.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Briefing - Public hearing with Andrea Enria, Chair of the ECB Supervisory Board - 28 June 2023 - PE 741.519 - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

This note has been prepared for a regular public hearing with the Chair of the Supervisory Board of the European Central Bank (ECB), Andrea Enria, which will take place on 28 June 2023. The briefing addresses: (i) the ECB’s recent Financial Stability Review, (ii) the results of four asset quality reviews, (iii) the ECB’s progress report on the disclosure of climate and environmental risks, (iv) three critical reviews of the SSM’s work (vii) the ECB’s views on the proposed changes to the Crisis Management Framework, and (viii) an update on activities of significant banks in Russia

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Briefing - EU Financial assistance to Africa and Latin America 2021-2027 - PE 749.815 - Committee on Budgets - Committee on Budgetary Control

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

This briefing gives an overview of the different kind of EU funding for Africa and Latin America. Short explanations of the different types of funding are given and tables are provided with the different amounts targeting Africa and Latin America. The main EU budget instrument for funding for Africa and Latin America is the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument - Global Europe (NDICI). Besides the NDICI there are other funds that address humanitarian aid and emergency responses. Funding is done through different means. For example, grants, loans, investments and budget support. All these different types of funding have their pros and cons and target different issues in the partner regions. For 2024, the European Commission is planning a midterm revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027. It is not yet clear if this will also have influence on the planning and implementation of the NDICI.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Briefing - Human and Financial Resources in Decentralised EU Agencies - PE 751.324 - Committee on Budgets - Committee on Budgetary Control

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

The question of whether the 34 decentralised European Union (EU) Agencies and EPPO are adequately equipped with human and financial resources is a recurring discussion in the different budget and discharge procedures addressing the work of the Agencies. A common issue voiced is that extensions of an agency’s mandate are not matched by a corresponding increase in available funding and human resources. In a special report on the future of EU agencies from 2020, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) comes to a similar conclusion, stating that new tasks for the agencies rarely come with an adequate number of additional posts in the establishment plan. Further issues relevant in the context of EU agencies and their management are the increasingly important role of Contract Agents (CAs) as part of the Agencies’ structural workforce, problems with finding suitable staff in certain policy areas and in Member States with lower remuneration due to lower correction coefficients and the use of interim staff and “revolving doors”. By providing and discussing a variety of available statistics and data as regards the financial and human resources of decentralised agencies, this briefing aims to give a comprehensive overview regarding this issue. First, this briefing shows broader trends of staff developments in the EU decentralised Agencies. Then, it considers other issues related to personnel and staffing, before finally focusing on budgetary trends.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

At a Glance - Research for PECH Committee - Animal welfare of farmed fish - PE 747.258 - Committee on Fisheries

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

This At a glance note summarises the study investigating the welfare of the main fish species reared in the European Union, and highlighting current knowledge on fish welfare, knowledge gaps, fish needs and husbandry methods of concern for fish welfare. The study focuses on production systems and production phases in a species-specific way. Research includes a literature review, an evaluation of the regulatory framework, a stakeholders’ consultation, case studies and a SWOT analysis. Conclusions and policy recommendations relevant to EU decision-making are provided.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Study - Research for PECH Committee - Animal welfare of farmed fish - PE 747.257 - Committee on Fisheries

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

This study investigates the welfare of the main fish species reared in the European Union, and highlights current knowledge on fish welfare, knowledge gaps, fish needs and husbandry methods of concern for fish welfare. The study focuses on production systems and production phases in a species-specific way. Research includes a literature review, an evaluation of the regulatory framework, a stakeholders’ consultation, case studies and a SWOT analysis. Conclusions and policy recommendations relevant to EU decision-making are provided.

Study : EN

Executive summary : EN

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

At a Glance - Research for REGI Committee - The impact of the gas supply crisis on the Just Transition Plans - PE 747.246 - Committee on Industry, Research and Energy - Committee on Regional Development

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

This At a glance note summarises the study Tproviding information on the current and potential impact of the gas supply crisis on the Just Transition Plans (JTPs). The evidence is based on the analysis of EU gas and energy supply dependencies, trade linkages with Russia, the general EU’s policy framework, Just Transition Mechanism (JTM), REPowerEU plan and the investigation of six case studies. It concludes with specified policy recommendations reflecting the implemen tation of the JTM, the JTPs in the light of risks of the energy crisis.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

At a Glance - Research for AGRI Committee - Comparative analysis of the CAP Strategic Plans and their effective contribution to the achievement of the EU objectives - PE 747.256 - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

This AT a glance note summarises the study providing a comparative assessment of the 28 Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plans of the EU Member States. It assesses the main features of the regulatory framework for the 2023-2027 period including the approval process of the plans and provides an overview of the financial allocations of the 28 Strategic Plans and the specificities of their implementation. The study provides a first evaluation of the relevance of the Strategic Plans and their contribution to the objectives of the European Green Deal. It concludes with an overall analysis of the added value of the new delivery model and a set of policy recommendations.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Briefing - Sponsorships of EU Presidencies: stocktaking and perspectives - PE 751.217 - Committee on Budgets - Committee on Budgetary Control

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

Most of the Member States have used corporate sponsorship during their Council presidency. Although the official meetings of the Council are financed by the EU budget, the rotating presidency usually organises unofficial meetings and events that are not covered, while other extra costs also incur due to the presidency tasks. Even the regular Council tasks may costs extra for the Member State holding the presidency as it may need to reinforce the permanent representation in Brussels, send more diplomats to be present at all the meetings in Brussels, and also take care of more officials or politicians visiting the country than usual. A Council presidency may also be a good opportunity for the country to promote its local businesses, tourist attractions or cultural heritage. Therefore, it is customary to organise political, business, social and cultural events connected to the presidency in the home country, in Brussels or other Member States. These meetings require venues, transport, security, travel and accommodations, catering, interpretation and translation, technical support and media logistics. All these extra costs are borne by the Member State, and many of them choose to involve sponsors in covering these. Sponsors mostly contribute in kind, most often with transport solutions, catering, IT or communications. In exchange, these sponsors may be presented with their names and logos alongside official Council Presidency logos.

Study - Research for AGRI Committee: Comparative analysis of the CAP Strategic Plans and their effective contribution to the achievement of the EU objectives - PE 747.255 - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

This study provides a comparative assessment of the 28 Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plans of the EU Member States. It assesses the main features of the regulatory framework for the 2023-2027 period including the approval pro-cess of the plans and provides an overview of the financial allocations of the 28 Strategic Plans and the specificities of their implementation. The study provides a first evaluation of the relevance of the Strategic Plans and their contribution to the objectives of the European Green Deal. It concludes with an overall anal-ysis of the added value of the new delivery model and a set of policy recom-mendations.

Briefing - Raising ambition levels at the IMO for 2050 | An overview of the key issues at stake at MEPC 80 - PE 740.089 - Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

The briefing provides an overview of the key positions taken ahead of MEPC 80 with a focus on both the setting of ambitious GHG targets under the revision to the IMO GHG Strategy and the further discussion of the basket of mid- to long-term measures needed to deliver this enhanced level of ambition.

Briefing - A revised public interest test for bank resolution, how much will it matter? - PE 741.501 - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

There is a consensus among Parliament, Council and Commission that resolution should apply more often, including among smaller and medium-sized banks. To achieve this, the Commission has now proposed a number of changes to the criteria and process of the public interest assessment. This briefing reviews, against the background of the Single Resolution Board’s past practice, what impact the proposed changes might have. The proposed changes modify in particular the comparison between resolution and insolvency, while in the past, resolution was denied because it was not considered necessary. In practice, going forward, the public interest test may matter less if the SRB succeeds in making use of new possibilities to prevent and better prepare for resolution.

At a Glance - Research for REGI Committee - Territorial Agenda 2030: Implementation Review - PE 747.254 - Committee on Regional Development

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

The Territorial Agenda 2030 ‘A future for all places’ is the latest in a long line of intergovernmental documents paving the way for territorial cohesion in Europe. It defines two overarching objectives, a Just Europe and a Green Europe, which have six priorities for developing the European territory as a whole along with all its places. This At a glance note summarises the paper providing an introduction to the agenda and the state of play of its application.

Briefing - Research for CULT Committee - Cultural diversity and the conditions for authors in the European music streaming market: a bibliographical review - PE 747.252 - Committee on Culture and Education

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

Emerging alongside the rapid development of the internet and digital technologies that have particularly thrived over the past two decades, music streaming (and streaming in general) is a technology that offers unlimited access to a selected catalogue of audiovisual content via an online platform. The year 2006 is often seen as the starting date for music streaming, with the launch of the Swedish streaming platform Spotify, the current market leader. The technology, however, had already been developed long before and in reality does not result from ‘one innovation but a collection of many’ (Fagerjord, 2019). Since its origins, the legal streaming market has been transformed profoundly, especially in terms of its economics, generating satisfaction, concerns and criticism (Hesmondhalgh, 2022). Indeed, the overall ‘systemic changes’ from which streaming derives and to which it responds are not yet fully understood and have not been addressed beyond the common individual user-centred approach (Camilleri et al., 2020; Jansson, 2021). This is particularly important as streaming currently represents the bulk of music sales and is the second largest source of revenue for the music industry (Legrand Network, 2022; Lozic et al., 2022).

In-Depth Analysis - Aligning European export credit agencies with EU policy goals - PE 702.590 - Committee on International Trade

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

Export credits are a traditional instrument used in many member states of the European Union to support the export activities of firms. They are typically provided by export credit agencies (ECAs), which in turn receive support from governments. There are currently 25 such ECAs in 21 EU member states. Financial and indirect support to exporters provided through these ECAs is significant. Recent policy initiatives of the European Commission, such as the European Green Deal and Global Gateway, raise the question of how aligned these transactions and their underlying due diligence practices are vis-à-vis high-ranking policy goals such as the green transition. The objective of the present study is to explore and compare EU trade policy in the field of export credits with a view to their alignment with these policy goals. Drawing on information from ECA annual activity reports in conjunction with expert interviews, this study identifies ongoing commitments, practices and standards and discusses the extent to which ECAs are in line with EU policy commitments. The paper outlines a set of recommendations on how ECA coherence with EU goals could be strengthened in the future, proposing, among other things, that the EU push for more systemic forms of climate risk assessment and more ambitious public disclosure practices among ECAs.

Study - Advance Passenger Information (API) - An analysis of the European Commission’s proposals to reform the API legal framework - PE 745.768 - Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the LIBE Committee, aims to analyse the European Commission’s proposals to reform the legal framework on the processing of Advance Passenger Information (API) data. The analysis takes stock of the current legal framework regarding the processing of travellers’ data. Then, it provides an outline of the Commission’s proposals, followed by an assessment of the fundamental rights implications, in particular the right to respect for private life (Article 7 of the EU Charter of fundamental rights), protection of personal data (Article 8) and freedom of movement (Article 45).