Supporting analyses updates - European Parliament

Periodicals - International climate finance

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:48:59 GMT

Climate change is one of the toughest challenges facing us today, and the Union’s contribution to fighting climate change extends well beyond its borders. The BUDG-CONT joint workshop on international climate finance was a chance to hear from experts about the EU’s financial contribution to the international green transition and the challenges implicit in closing the investment gap in both Member States and third countries.

Other issues featured in this edition include best practices on transparency, integrity and accountability, consequences of excess profit taxes or windfall taxes, the use of Cohesion Policy funds to support refugees from Ukraine, and social media platforms and challenges for democracy.

Monthly Highlights June 2023 edition

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Highlights - Aligning European export credit agencies with EU policy goals - Committee on International Trade

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 12:54:33 GMT

Export credits are a traditional instrument provided by export credit agencies (ECAs), which in turn receive support from governments. This in-depth analysis explores and compares EU trade policy in the field of export credits with a view to their alignment with the EU’s policy goals such as the European Green Deal and Global Gateway. The paper outlines a set of recommendations on how ECA coherence with EU goals could be strengthened in the future.

In-Depth Analysis on Aligning European export credit agencies with EU policy goals

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Highlights - Financial impact of the war in Ukraine - Committee on Budgets

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 15:20:17 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.

Background information for the BUDG public hearing on Financial impact of the war in Ukraine: current and future challenges for the EU budget

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Highlights - Best practices on transparency, integrity, accountability - Special Committee on foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation, and the strengthening of integrity, transparency and accountability in the European Parliament

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 15:10:58 GMT

The EU is currently reforming its institutional mechanisms for ensuring the transparency, integrity, accountability of EU decision-making processes, with the European Parliament pursuing its own reform efforts in that context. This In-Depth Assessment requested by the ING2 committee provides an overview of mechanisms addressing these issues adopted by other Parliaments to offer ideas, inspire discussion and support these reform efforts.

In-Depth Analysis on Mapping best practices on transparency, integrity, accountability and anti-corruption: Case studies from selected parliaments

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Highlights - Consequences of excess profit taxes or windfall taxes - Subcommittee on Tax Matters

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 15:07:45 GMT

The surge in energy prices in Europe since 2021 has led to substantial windfall profits in the energy sector. The study requested by FISC committee analyses the design and functioning of windfall profit taxes for energy suppliers in the EU, in particular with respect to the Commission's recommendation to the Member States. It also quantifies the potential tax revenues and discusses how these can be redistributed, e.g. to tackle the hardship caused by the energy crisis.

Study on The effectiveness and distributional consequences of excess profit taxes or windfall taxes in light of the Commission's recommendation to Member States

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Highlights - The use of Cohesion Policy funds to support refugees from Ukraine - Committee on Regional Development

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 14:53:02 GMT

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia is causing immense human suffering and economic hardship. In 2022, Europe has seen a sudden, huge influx of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. This study assesses the use of Cohesion Policy funds to finance actions to support them in EU host countries. It pays particular attention to the Cohesion’s Action for Refugees in Europe (CARE), and concludes with policy recommendations.

Study on The use of Cohesion Policy funds to support refugees from Ukraine

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Highlights - Social media platforms and challenges for democracy - Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 14:49:09 GMT

Social media platforms are key infrastructure of European information environments, but have also brought new challenges for democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights. This study, requested by the LIBE Committee, examines the risks of social media for fundamental rights. Focusing on the most widely-used platforms, it looks into the governance of online content, assesses existing EU law and industry practices to address risks, and evaluates opportunities and risks to democratic values.

Study on Social media platforms and challenges for democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Highlights - Ensuring Efficient Cooperation with the UK in civil law matter - Committee on Legal Affairs

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 08:54:43 GMT

This study for the JURI Committee analyses the implications of Brexit in relation to judicial cooperation in civil matters, examines the existing legal framework, and identifies areas of law in which there is a gap in the relation-ship between the EU and the UK.

Study on Ensuring Efficient Cooperation with the UK in civil law matter

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Highlights - Role of the EU budget in international climate finance - Committee on Budgets

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 08:52:26 GMT

Proceedings of BUDG and CONT Committee's’ workshop of 30 January 2023. The workshop covered questions regarding the financial instruments needed to reach the environmental goals set out in the Paris Agreement. It examined: – the total funding required, – the amount committed so far, – the EU’s contribution, and – the key challenges in meeting the targets.

Workshop Documentation on Role of the EU budget in international climate finance

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Highlights - Global value chains - Committee on International Trade

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 08:47:27 GMT

This study requested by INTA examines global value chains and sustainable supplies of raw materials, commodities and critical goods using the EU's concept of Open Strategic Autonomy. The authors examine the EU's internal legislation and international cooperation instruments to determine risk of disruption to the EU, and consider the EU's tools for countering unfair practices and intervention. Finally, the paper examines activities to strengthen global value chains in critical EU industries.

Study on Global value chains

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Highlights - Managing public and private investments in COVID vaccines - Special Committee on the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned and recommendations for the future

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 08:08:38 GMT

COVID-19 pandemic posed a twofold challenge to governments and the pharmaceu-tical sector: developing new vaccines and producing billions of doses in a very short timespan. The study requested by COVI committee maps the funds contributed for R&D and the expansion of production capacity of vaccines. Advance Purchase Agreements were key to de-risk the production of vaccines in the EU; however, direct EU and MS support for R&D was marginal compared to that provided by the US federal government.

Study on Mapping of long-term public and private investments in the development of COVID-19 vaccines

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Highlights - Environmental challenges through the life cycle of battery electric vehicle - Committee on Transport and Tourism

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 08:02:58 GMT

The take-up of battery electric vehicles is expected to be the main mechanism for achieving the CO2 regulation for passenger cars. This study provides policy recommendations based on an assessment and comparison between the life cycle’s carbon footprint of battery electric and internal combustion engine passenger cars.

Study on Environmental challenges through the life cycle of battery electric vehicle

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Periodicals - Cooperation with the UK in civil law matters

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 07:07:02 GMT

UK's withdrawal from the EU has resulted in a severe impairment of inter-country cooperation in judicial matters, diminishing the effectiveness of judicial protection, says Adrián VÁZQUEZ LÁZARA, Chair of the Committee on Legal Affairs. The study “Ensuring efficient cooperation with the UK in civil law matters: situation after Brexit and options for future cooperation” aims to analyse many legal gaps left by Brexit and to identify the most affected areas of law

Other issues featured in this edition include role of the EU budget in international climate finance, global value chains and supplies of raw materials, mapping public and private investments in COVID vaccines, and environmental challenges through the life cycle of battery electric vehicles

Monthly Highlights April 2023 edition

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Highlights - Legal loopholes and the risk of foreign interference - Special Committee on foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation, and the strengthening of integrity, transparency and accountability in the European Parliament

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 09:26:59 GMT

This paper requested by ING2 assesses the possibility of using criminal law and the international sanctions regime to address foreign interference, and of banning the use of foreign(-funded) third party campaigning during elections. It also considers measures to increase the transparency of foreign influence, notably by strengthening the EU’s Transparency Register, and addressing the ‘revolving door’ for former officeholders. Finally, it examines how to limit online manipulative practices.

In-Depth Analysis on Legal loopholes and the risk of foreign interference

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Periodicals - Cohesion Policy in EU Coal Regions

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 14:56:51 GMT

Cohesion policy plays a key role in achieving the EU objectives and meeting its climate commitments, says Younous OMARJEE, Chair of the Committee on Regional Development. A part of that is the Just Transition Fund, set up to help regions heavily relying on coal during the shift to alternatives of this extremely impactful fossil energy. The Committee commissioned a study which analyses the implementation and impact of Cohesion Policy, including Just Transition Funds, in EU coal regions

Other issues featured in this edition include detention conditions in the EU, Social tracking methodology for the EU budget, Enhancing CSDP Missions' response to disinformation, and implications of the recent UK financial sector regulation. Forthcoming publications and events are announced

Monthly Highlights March 2023 edition

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Highlights - Cohesion Policy in EU Coal Regions - Committee on Regional Development

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 16:29:37 GMT

Decarbonisation brings both significant challenges and opportunities for coal regions. The study analyses the implementation and impact of Cohesion Policy, including Just Transition Funds, in EU coal regions. The study concludes that Cohesion Policy has made, and is likely to continue to make, a real contribution to achieving smarter, greener and more socially connected development of EU coal regions.

Study on "Cohesion Policy in EU Coal Regions"

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Highlights - Prisons and detention conditions in the EU - Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 16:28:20 GMT

The fundamental rights concerns stemming from degrading prison conditions make this issue worth examining from an EU-law perspective. This study, requested by the LIBE Committee, aims to provide background information and policy recommendations on prison and detention conditions in the EU, on the basis of European and national regulations, legislation, policies and practices. It assesses the initiatives taken at EU level to support compliance with existing European stand.

Study on "Prisons and detention conditions in the EU"

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Highlights - Social tracking methodology for the EU budget - Committee on Budgets

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 16:27:09 GMT

The EU tracks social expenditure for several reasons, ranging from ensuring financial control to assessing whether policies make the desired impact. The study: – examines the state of social tracking in the MFF and the RRF; – explores how the scrutiny of EU social spending could be improved and enhanced; – proposes a pilot study on theory-based monitoring as a potential innovation in social tracking.

Study on "Social tracking methodology for the EU budget".

Highlights - Enhancing CSDP missions' response to disinformation - Subcommittee on Security and Defence

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 16:25:56 GMT

The EU's CSDP missions and operations have been forced to operate in increasingly hostile information environments in recent years. The paper requested by SEDE and ING2 examines disinformation affecting CSDP missions and operations. It concludes that while these missions and operations are not targeted systematically, their ability to respond to attacks is limited. The authors propose reinforcing their capabilities in contested information environments.

In-Depth Analysis on "Enhancing the capabilities of CSDP missions and operations to identify and respond to disinformation attacks"

Highlights - Recent UK financial sector regulation - implications for the EU - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 16:23:41 GMT

Brexit poses unique challenges for EU policymakers as the most important financial centre in Europe is now outside its regulatory framework. The study requested by ECON committee looks at expected medium- to long-term divergence between EU and UK regulation and at options for future cooperation. The study finds that granting of equivalence to the UK is likely and feasible only for a few financial sector segments and will depend on the broader EU-UK political relationship.

Study on Recent trends in UK financial sector regulation and possible implications for the EU, including its approach to equivalence

Highlights - Trade-related policy options of a ban on forced labour products - Committee on International Trade

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 10:49:26 GMT

This in-depth analysis examines the ability of EU trade policy tools to tackle the import and circulation of forced labour products effectively in the European single market. The paper requested by INTA compares the option of an EU import ban on forced labour goods to the option of a marketing prohibition of such products, in light of the European Commission’s proposal for a Regulation on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market, published on 14 September 2022.

In-Depth Analysis on Trade-related policy options of a forced labour ban

Highlights - Impact of COVID-19 measures on democracy and fundamental rights - Special Committee on the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned and recommendations for the future

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 10:48:07 GMT

Restrictive measures are the first tool available to Member States to slow the spread of an infectious disease, but they inevitably have implications for fundamental rights. The study requested by COVI analyses the impact of COVID-19 measures on democracy and fundamental rights in the EU taking into account comparative experience within EU Member States and relevant third countries. The study finds, inter alia, that a one-size-fits-all approach to vaccine hesitancy is unlikely to work.

Study on Impact of COVID measures on democracy and fundamental rights

Highlights - Role and impact of China on world fisheries and aquaculture - Committee on Fisheries

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 10:46:45 GMT

Over the past decades, China has become a major player in global fisheries and aquaculture, in particular through the operations of its distant water fleets. The study for the PECH reviews China’s marine fisheries and aquaculture and its trade of fishery products. It recommends, among other things, to develop an appropriate strategy to respond to China’s increasing domination of the global fishmeal supply, and calls for more transparency on Chinese fishing activities.

Study on Role and impact of China on world fisheries & aquaculture

Highlights - Intellectual Property Rights and Distributed Ledger Technology - Committee on Legal Affairs

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 10:45:18 GMT

Applications based on distributed ledger technology such as NFTs bring about many legal questions. This study, commissioned by JURI, aims to provide an overview at Intellectual Property Rights and distributed ledger technology with a focus on IP issues relating to art NFTs and tokenised physical art works.

Study on IP rights and distributed ledger technology

Highlights - Use of consultants by EC in preparation of legislation - Committee on Budgetary Control

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 10:43:21 GMT

The study analyses cost of consultants in legislation drafting, their contracted activities over the past 10 years, as well as ethical issues, raised by current practices. It was requested by CONT and examines the evolution of European Commission’s use of experts and its budgetary, legal and political implications.

Study on Use of consultants by EC in preparation of legislation