Respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights is a core value of the European Union (EU), and one that is promoted through its policies. The European Parliament's Sakharov Prize honours the work of people who stand up for these freedoms and rights. This year's Sakharov Prize is to be awarded to María Corina Machado, leader of Venezuela's democratic forces, and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia. They represent all Venezuelans both inside and outside the country who are fighting to restore freedom and democracy. The Sakharov Prize award ceremony will take place during the European Parliament's December plenary session. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Our infographic provides an overview of the EAC countries’ economic and trade relations with the EU. All eight EAC states have experienced a relatively consistent increase in their GDP per capita (PPP) since 2007. All eight countries are in the lower half of the Human Development Index ranking. EU trade in goods (imports and exports) with the EAC has risen steadily comparatively to 2007 volumes. The EU's leading trading partner for goods with the EAC is the Netherlands, while the primary partner in services is France. For the EAC region, the EU is the fourth trading partner. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The EU institutions engage in regular structured dialogue with representatives of churches, and religious, non-confessional and philosophical organisations, on the basis of Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). This dialogue, which takes the form of high-level meetings or working-level discussions, focuses on policy issues on the European agenda. It traces its origins to earlier initiatives, such as that launched in 1994 by Jacques Delors – 'A soul for Europe' – which looked for ways to build an ethical, moral and spiritual dimension into European integration and policy-shaping. The draft Constitutional Treaty of 2004 included provisions on regular, open and transparent dialogue between EU institutions, and representatives of churches and religious communities, and of non-confessional or philosophical communities. Although the Constitutional Treaty was rejected in referendums in France and the Netherlands, its successor, the Lisbon Treaty, adopted in 2007 and in force since December 2009, preserved the same provisions in its Article 17 TFEU. The European Parliament has long stressed the importance of constant dialogue among, and with, religious and non-confessional and philosophical communities. Following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, it sought to give substance to the provisions of Article 17 TFEU, primarily by organising dialogue on subjects of interest for the EU and its citizens. The European Commission and the Council are also bound by Article 17 TFEU provisions. This is a further updated version of a briefing first published in 2018. The previous edition was issued in June 2023. It is published in support of the work of the Vice-President responsible for the Parliament's side of the Article 17 dialogue. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

This briefing has been prepared for the public hearing with the Chair of the Single Resolution Board (SRB), Dominique Laboureix on 4 December 2024. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Around 100 million people in the EU– or 1 in 4 adults – have some form of disability. Addressing both fiscal support and public service accessibility for people with disabilities is crucial for a more inclusive and equitable tax system across the EU. On 3 December 2024, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Tax Matters (FISC) will host a public hearing on this topic as part of the European Parliament's Disability Rights Week. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

In the run-up to this year's European Gender Equality Week (9 to 13 December), the European Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education – also responsible for sport policy – is hosting an exchange of views on 3 December with the Council of the EU and the European Commission on preventing and addressing discrimination and gender-based violence in sport. The event will be followed by the screening of one of the films nominated for this year's Lux Audience Award – Julie Keeps Quiet – a film that touches on these very issues. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Since its creation in the 1950s, the European Economic Community, and today's European Union, has had the power to promote equality between women and men, in employment and other areas of life. EU action has driven significant progress, even if disparities persist in many areas. To secure this progress, the EU has enabled Member States to implement positive action measures in favour of women and has adopted ground-breaking legislative and non-legislative measures, such as its recent legislation on gender-based violence. Although consensus on EU gender equality policy is long established, a minority array of civil society and political actors are increasingly voicing their opposition to some aspects of gender equality policy. Recent surveys in EU countries show that some citizens have also started questioning a policy that, in their view, has fulfilled its mission. However, perennial gender inequalities in many areas of life suggest that this is a hasty assumption. Fears that gender equality is a zero-sum game that disempowers men highlight a need to dispel misunderstandings about EU gender equality policy. The policy focuses on women as the primary subjects of sex-based discrimination but is formulated in gender-neutral language. Any discrimination is strictly forbidden, although the policy enables Member States to conduct positive action on behalf of women. The Court of Justice of the EU upholds rigorous enforcement of positive action, which has to remain exceptional, limited and non-discriminatory against men. Changing realities meanwhile suggest that men too can benefit from the data collection and the tools developed by the EU, for instance with regard to health and education. Here, some EU countries display the biggest gender gaps in life expectancy in the world, as well as a notable gap in tertiary educational attainment in favour of women. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

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. There is no other harmonised definition of disability in the EU. The recent introduction of the Global Activity Limitation Instrument indicator (GALI) in most of Eurostat's social and economic surveys offers the opportunity to have a clearer assessment of disability in the EU than before. It confirms that in 2023 the prevalence of disability was higher among female, older and less educated respondents. The EU combats all forms of discrimination alongside and in support of its Member States. To improve the situation of people with disabilities, it has introduced a series of initiatives, programmes and strategies over a number of decades. The European Parliament has been highly active in the bid to end all forms of discrimination against people with disabilities, since the early 1980s. In 1997, Article 13 of the Treaty establishing the European Community on the human right not to suffer discrimination on 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 action programme to combat discrimination. Later, the 2010-2020 European disability strategy sought to enable people with disabilities to exercise their rights and participate fully in society and the economy. The 2021-2030 strategy, incorporating 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; have equal access to participation in society and the economy; can decide where, how and with whom they live; can move freely in the EU regardless of their support needs; and no longer experience discrimination. This is an update of a briefing published in November 2023. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The right to independent living and community inclusion for the EU's 101 million citizens with disabilities is enshrined in Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and is further supported by the EU Disability Strategy 2021–2030. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, ongoing challenges, key stakeholder recommendations, and future political perspectives regarding independent living and deinstitutionalisation. 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). Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

At the request of the PETI Committee, the Policy Department for Citizens' Rights and Constitutional Affairs prepared this briefing to present the EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, which is the European Commission's policy framework for implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The strategy includes an ambitious set of actions and flagship initiatives until 2024 in various domains, linked to the UNCRPD. Five of the seven flagship initiatives have already been implemented, and the two remaining ones are expected to be published by early 2025. Most of the other policy actions included in the Strategy are also completed by 2024. Despite significant efforts to implement the UNCRPD across the EU, persistent gaps remain between persons with and without disabilities, for example, when it comes to poverty, access to jobs, inclusive education, housing, or healthcare services. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The EU and Switzerland are important trading partners and close-minded partners in foreign affairs. They also have very strong ties through a range of bilateral agreements and Switzerland has been associated with several EU policies relating to the internal market, the Schengen agreement, the Dublin system for dealing with asylum claims and the EU's research and mobility programmes. Between 2014 and 2021, the EU and Switzerland negotiated an institutional framework agreement, which would have further developed Switzerland's participation in the EU internal market. However, Switzerland terminated the talks. The failure of the talks led the EU to block an update to the mutual recognition agreement on conformity assessment of technical standards and exclude Switzerland from Horizon Europe, the EU's flagship research programme. In February 2022, the Swiss Federal Council presented an alternative way forward consisting of a broad package of measures relating to the bilateral relationship between the EU and Switzerland, including a new approach regarding the institutional elements. Following exploratory talks, the two parties agreed on a common understanding as a new basis for their negotiations, which are ongoing. First edition. The 'International Agreements in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the process, from initial discussions through to ratification. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Since the downfall of the authoritarian General Suharto in 1998, a series of reforms have transformed Indonesia into the world's fourth largest democracy (and largest Muslim democracy). The country has a presidential system in which a directly elected president serves as head of both state and government. A two-term limit on the presidency helps to ensure a peaceful alternation of power. Also directly elected, Indonesia's House of Representatives (the lower house of the two chambers of parliament) has asserted itself as a strong and independent institution. Following the October 2024 presidential and legislative elections, there are eight parliamentary parties, none of which holds a majority, obliging the government to seek support from a broad coalition. Despite the success of Indonesia's political reforms, the country's commitment to democratic values cannot be taken for granted. Although Indonesia has traditionally been a tolerant, multicultural society, a tide of Islamic populism threatens to disrupt the delicate balance between the country's Muslim majority and minorities such as Christians and Buddhists. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has had some success in tackling endemic corruption in the country's courts, local governments and parliament; however, it is currently facing a serious challenge. While trust in democratic institutions declines, the military – whose commitment to democratic values has often been questionable – is becoming increasingly influential. This briefing updates an earlier briefing by Martin Russell. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

There are a number of micro-states in western Europe that do not belong to the EU: the Holy See, the Principality of Andorra, the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Principality of Monaco and the Republic of San Marino. While they exhibit differences in terms of geography, population, language, and institutional and political structure, they have close relations with EU Member States based on shared history, and political and cultural affinities. Moreover, they are like-minded partners in foreign affairs. Given a mutual interest in deepening cooperation, the EU and three of these states – the Principality of Andorra, the Principality of Monaco and the Republic of San Marino – have been engaged in dialogue since 2014. This culminated in December 2023 in the conclusion of negotiations on an association agreement with Andorra and San Marino. First edition. The 'International Agreements in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the process, from initial discussions through to ratification. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

This briefing, published by the European Parliamentary Research Service, aims to provide a broad range of key facts and figures about the European Parliament. Its many graphics offer a picture of the Parliament's Members and the institution's structures and activity in the current parliamentary term (July 2024 to June 2029) and in previous five-year terms since direct elections were introduced in June 1979. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

In June 2023, following its investigation into Europe's spyware scandal, the European Parliament issued a final recommendation identifying country-specific shortcomings and proposing EU standards for the use of spyware. Proposed safeguards include judicial approval, proportionality requirements, independent oversight, notification duties, and data deletion. Member States embroiled in the spyware scandal are making progress – albeit uneven – towards meeting these standards. Greece has amended its intelligence law in the wake of the spyware scandal, but it remains to be seen whether it will address outstanding shortcomings. Spain has announced further efforts to strengthen its legal framework, although Parliament considered the country's legal framework fundamentally compliant. Rule of law concerns persist in Hungary. Poland is investigating the alleged spyware abuses thoroughly, and is making decisive efforts to improve its legal framework. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Europe could gain competitive edge by supporting the development of new hardware for artificial intelligence (AI). Current state-of-the-art hardware is not optimised for machine learning, and both academic and private sector research is already leading to new designs. At the same time, the need for more time- and energy-efficient machine-learning hardware is increasing as more consumers and companies want access to machine-learning applications. The European Union (EU) has the opportunity to leverage its strong regulatory framework for AI products as a mark of trust and safety, while also investing to support the next generation of hardware, opening up a new market for Europe's high tech industry. What would happen if the EU formulated a cohesive plan to support these technologies through both research and economic policy? Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Leaders met in Rio de Janeiro on 18-19 November 2024 for the 19th summit of the G20, hosted by the Brazilian G20 presidency. The meeting was overshadowed by events that are further increasing divisions among the world's leading and emerging economies: Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, which entered its 1 000th day, the escalating conflict in the Middle East, and the election to a second term of President Donald Trump, whose 'America First' approach to foreign policy includes threats to impose tariffs on imports. The G20 leaders adopted a declaration addressing pressing global issues, including combating hunger, reforming international institutions, and climate change. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

This paper studies the implications for the European Central Bank (ECB) of the new EU fiscal framework, focusing on five aspects where monetary and fiscal policies intersect: (1) fiscal dominance over monetary policy; (2) fiscal drag created by the new framework; (3) moral hazard created by very low interest rates; (4) the effectiveness of the ECB’s Transmission Protection Instrument (TPI), and (5) the impact of the new framework on green public investment. This document was provided by the Economic Governance and EMU Scrutiny Unit at the request of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 4 December 2024. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

On 24 October 2023, the coordinators of the Committee on Development (DEVE) requested a study on implementation of policy coherence for development (PCD) in selected legislation. This ex-post evaluation seeks to support the PCD standing rapporteur's work and the DEVE committee's newly formed PCD Network. The focus of the study is how and to what extent PCD has been implemented in internal and external EU policies to support poverty reduction (and eradication) and development cooperation. The first part, written internally, offers an institutional perspective of PCD implementation. It assesses the guidelines, toolkits and methods that the EU institutions have developed for designing and applying PCD. It also examines Parliament's PCD oversight role and draws lessons on how to improve PCD design and implementation. Two externally prepared case studies evaluate if and how PCD was considered in the design and implementation of (i) the Conflict Minerals Regulation and its accompanying measures, and (ii) policies to facilitate legal pathways to EU migration. They also analyse whether PCD implementation in these two cases has influenced the design of other EU policies, and provide recommendations. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Every year, on 20 November, the world celebrates World Children's Day; this year marked the 35th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Adopted in 1989, the convention was the first international instrument to explicitly recognise children as human beings with innate rights. Ratified by 196 countries, including all EU Member States, it has become the landmark treaty on children's rights, outlining universal standards for the care, treatment, survival, development, protection and participation of all children. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

On 25 November, Parliament will hold a plenary debate to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Seven years after the first #MeToo revelations, shocking cases of severe physical and sexual violence against women continue to come to light. The European Union (EU) has mobilised both legislative and non-legislative tools to address this social scourge. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

During the European Parliament's November II plenary session, the European Commission is scheduled to make a statement, and Parliament to hold a debate, on recent legislation targeting LGBTI persons and the need for protecting the rule of law and a discrimination-free EU. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

During its November session, Parliament will discuss the results achieved at the 16th meeting of the parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the main international instrument on biodiversity protection. The conference was held in Cali, Colombia, from 21 October to 2 November 2024. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

A sharp deterioration in the population's health, as well as in healthcare systems, is often the consequence of armed conflicts, natural hazards or human-made disasters, of which there have been many in recent times. The European Union (EU), a significant global humanitarian player, views health as an essential part of its assistance. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Enforcement of the Digital Services Act at national level is still very limited owing to delayed implementation. The European Commission has therefore begun infringement procedures against several Member States. At European level, the Commission has started formal proceedings against five very large platforms and has found, on a preliminary basis, that the platform X does not comply with the act. The other investigations are still ongoing. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

This workshop provides a first assessment of the programming of the EMFAF for the period 2021-27. It focuses on Article 17 on “First acquisition of a fishing vessel”, Article 18 on “Engine replacement or modernisation” and Article 19 on “Increase of gross tonnage to improve safety, working conditions or energy efficiency”. While a synopsis study provides a general overview of the implementation of the EMFAF by Member States, three case studies on Spain, France and the Netherlands discuss the national specificities of the fishing fleets and the support provided under the current EMFAF rules. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The current EU consumer protection cooperation framework has been in place for almost 5 years. This framework provides important means for consumer protection authorities in the Member States to enforce the EU consumer law acquis, to the benefit not only of consumers throughout the Union, but also of a functioning and legally predictable single market. The European Commission has started to reflect on the functioning of the consumer protection cooperation enforcement framework. Sufficient time has elapsed to gather experience of the rules in place since 2020. The reflection process was triggered by the reporting obligation under the current Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation, following which the Commission published its assessment of the application to date of the current rules in July 2024. This report was presented in the European Parliament's Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) on 12 September 2024. It will be the prerogative of the new Commission to decide what next steps to take, in particular whether to propose a legislative revision of the current framework. Such a review could be expected to address various points of the current regime, including by feeding into the debate about how to ensure consumer protection in relation to imported products purchased through third-country online platforms. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Parliament's first session of November 2024 opened with Members observing a minute of silence for the victims of the recent devastating floods in Spain. Members discussed the urgent need to support the victims, to improve preparedness and to continue to tackle the climate crisis. Parliament agreed a resolution calling for more targeted EU sanctions against Russia's 'shadow fleet', which by transporting oil ultimately finances Russia's war on Ukraine. Members heard and debated European Commission statements regarding EU-US relations in light of the outcome of the US presidential elections, and on Georgia's worsening democratic crisis following the recent elections. Members also condemned recent unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans in the Netherlands. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Child migration takes many forms, from family reunification and moving in the hope of finding a better life to forced and traumatic migration caused by conflict, poverty or climate change. Overall, the number of migrant children has been rising globally since the turn of the century. In 2020, there were an estimated 35.5 million international migrant children globally, the largest number ever recorded. This infographic focuses exclusively on forced and irregular movements of migrant children to the EU. According to Eurostat, on 1 January 2023 around 7.4 million children in the EU under the age of 18 did not have the citizenship of their country of residence. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Child sexual exploitation and sexual abuse are among the worst forms of violence against children, and are crimes that know no borders. The constant rise in these crimes is exacerbated by the use of digital technologies. Harmonised national laws and international cooperation are essential to improve prevention, protect victims and prosecute perpetrators. The European Day helps to raise awareness to that end. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

In 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). One of them, a proposal on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing, became Regulation (EU) 2024/1624, adopted on 31 May 2024. Its detailed, directly applicable provisions will replace the minimum rules of the existing EU AML directives. Most provisions will apply from 10 July 2029. The package was adopted in response to repeated calls by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to enhance the EU's AML/CFT regulatory framework. The aim is for the framework to become more coherent, keeping in step with technological innovations and related new forms of crime, as well as remaining in line with international standards in the area. In Parliament, the Committees on Economic and Monetary Affairs and on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs were jointly responsible for the file. Second edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

This paper reviews the simplification measures aimed at reducing administrative costs and burdens for Managing Authorities (MAs) and beneficiaries in implementing European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF). The study further provides an overview of the administrative burdens and challenges that MAs and beneficiaries face when implementing the ESIF. Although various initiatives have been undertaken, administrative challenges persist due to complex regulations and overlapping programmes. Recommendations include consolidating funds, expanding Simplified Cost Options (SCOs) use, enhancing audit principles, and adopting flexible funding models. Effective simplification requires a stable legislative framework and political commitment, with long-term changes including a shift to result-based financing. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The Mediterranean Sea boasts a particularly high biological diversity, including more than 500 fish species, many of which are unique to the region. However, several factors have contributed to the disturbance of the sea's habitats, with consequences for the living organisms and, hence, for the fisheries in the region. Pollution from land and sea sources, climate change, invasive species, overexploitation and the growing competition for space are among the main challenges. Traditional small-scale fishing vessels make up the vast majority of the EU fleet in the Mediterranean and account for more than half of employment in the sector. The sector as a whole is at risk of losing its economic and cultural importance, given that vessels, catches, employment and profits have all been decreasing for years. Given the high number of countries bordering the Mediterranean, it is regulated by numerous organisations and agreements in an effort to reconcile the interests of the various countries and sectors involved. The presence of numerous EU- and international-level initiatives indicates a high level of awareness regarding the problems facing the Mediterranean. While efforts to keep the exploitation of fish stocks at a sustainable level have shown results for some species, the European Parliament has repeatedly underlined the urgent need for additional action. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 to 22 November 2024. The COP29 host has framed the conference around two pillars; 'Enable ambition' and 'Enable action', the first focusing on parties' climate action plans and the second on climate finance. During its November I session, the European Parliament is due to vote on a motion for a resolution on COP29, tabled by its Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI). Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

On 14 November, former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö is due to present his report 'Safer Together: Strengthening Europe's Civilian and Military Preparedness and Readiness' to Parliament in plenary. The European Commission President requested the report in March 2024, and it was published on 30 October. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP