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

Russia's war on Ukraine has laid bare the challenges facing the European defence industry as it tries to meet increased demand and ramp up production in the wake of a fundamentally changed security environment in Europe. Europe's defence industry comprises a number of large multinational companies, mid-caps and over 2 000 small and medium-sized enterprises. It faces a multitude of challenges, such as decades of under-investment, fragmentation, insufficient critical raw material and semiconductor supplies, and a lack of manufacturing capability. The EU and its Member States have taken several steps to reinforce the European defence industry, especially since the start of Russia's war on Ukraine. Member States have boosted their defence budgets, with their combined total expected to reach €350 billion a year in 2024. The European Defence Fund is investing in research and capability development projects and has achieved very positive results so far. Permanent structured cooperation also provides the legal framework and binding commitments for progress in collaborative defence. The EU has also broken taboos, by agreeing a joint defence procurement instrument (the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act) and an initiative to build up ammunition production (Act in Support of Ammunition Production). These form part of a three-track proposal to support Ukraine's needs for ammunition (deliver ammunition from existing stocks, jointly procure from industry, and support the ramping up of production). In March 2024, the European Commission proposed the first-ever European defence industrial strategy and a defence industry programme to implement it. Additionally, the European Peace Facility, best known for facilitating lethal weapon supply to Ukraine, is being used to procure defence materiel from Europe's defence industry, further boosting its capacity. The European Chips Act and Critical Raw Materials Act are also expected to benefit the European defence industry by ensuring it has the necessary supplies to tackle the substantially increased demand for its products. These signals have led the industry to take the first steps to increase production capacity. This updates a previous edition, published in 2023. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

In this paper, the ECB monetary policy stance is assessed by comparing the recent tightening cycle (2022-today) with the two preceding ones, which took place in 2000-2001 and in 2006-2008. Interest rates, quantitative indicators and monetary conditions indices (MCIs) are used for this purpose. The main finding is that at the peak of the latest tightening cycle, the ECB monetary policy stance was no more restrictive than it was at the peak of the two preceding ones; actually, probably less. This contrasts with the fact that in the more recent case inflation was higher and more persistent than in the two earlier episodes. 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

Under Russia's presidency, BRICS (acronym for the founding states – Brazil, Russia, India and China) held its first summit following the group's expansion on 1 January 2024, from 22 to 24 October in Kazan (Russia). With more than 30 delegations, 22 heads of state or government and several representatives of international organisations including United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres attending, the summit was a diplomatic success for Russia: it offered President Vladimir Putin the opportunity to demonstrate to the world that Russia is not isolated. For the first time, a NATO member, Türkiye, attended the summit, and applied to join BRICS. The meeting in Kazan underlined BRICS's ambition to foster relations with the Global South, and its aim of shaping an alternative multipolar world order, particularly in the global financial and trade system. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Following Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the European Union (EU), G7, and allied partners imposed extensive sanctions targeting Russia's economy, in particular the oil sector, in an effort to curb the Kremlin's revenues which finance its war effort. Key measures include an embargo on Russian seaborne oil imports and a price cap on oil and oil products that restricts profits while still allowing sales below a certain price. Enforcement mechanisms prevent Russia from chartering or insuring oil tankers unless they comply with these limits. In response, Russia has sought new markets and established a 'shadow fleet' to evade these restrictions. The terms 'shadow fleet', 'dark fleet' and 'grey fleet' have gained prominence following the imposition of sanctions on Russian energy exports, yet their definitions remain inconsistent among experts, leading to confusion. Analysts increasingly recognise that the broader definition, encompassing all vessels lacking Western insurance and belonging to non-EU/G7+ companies, captures the diverse tactics employed by Russia to circumvent sanctions and highlights the potential risks associated with these operations. To evade sanctions, the Russian 'shadow fleet' makes use of flags of convenience and intricate ownership and management structures while employing a variety of tactics to conceal the origins of its cargo, including: ship-to-ship transfers; automatic identification system blackouts; falsified positions; transmission of false data; and other deceptive or even illegal techniques. In addition to bolstering its war chest, Russia's 'shadow fleet', which consists of a growing number of aging and poorly maintained vessels that operate with minimal regard to the regulations, poses significant environmental, maritime safety, and security risks. As Russia depends increasingly on its 'shadow fleet' to maintain oil exports, the EU and allied nations have implemented measures to counter these evasive tactics. These include imposing targeted sanctions on specific vessels and enhancing international collaboration to disrupt such activities. During a plenary debate in October 2024, Members of the European Parliament called for enhanced maritime surveillance, tighter shipping controls, and expanded sanctions to address the significant environmental and safety threats posed by these vessels. Parliament is expected to vote on a resolution on this issue during its November I 2024 plenary session. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

European Works Councils (EWCs) are bodies that should guarantee employees the right to be consulted on important issues in large multinational companies active in multiple EU countries. However, EWCs have been criticised for being ineffective, on account of unclear definitions, non-dissuasive sanctions and ineffective access to justice. In February 2023, the European Parliament called for legislative action to address the shortcomings identified and strengthen the functioning of EWCs. In response, the European Commission consulted European social partners and put forward a proposal in January 2024 to revise the 2009 directive. The European Parliament's Committee on Employment and Social Affairs voted its report on 3 April 2024. The committee is expected to vote in December 2024 on a mandate for interinstitutional negotiations. Council adopted a general approach on 20 June 2024. Second edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Every citizen of the Union has the right to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States, subject to the limitations and conditions laid down in the EU Treaties. The Free Movement Directive (Directive 2004/38/EC), which sets out the conditions for exercising the right of free movement in the EU, only applies to EU citizens and their family members if they reside in a Member State of which they are not a national. There are, however, cases where this directive is still applicable by analogy through Article 21 TFEU (EU citizenship) in a Member State of nationality. This comes through the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). There are two main categories of persons to whom the directive is applicable by analogy through Article 21 TFEU: (1) returners, meaning EU citizens who have made use of the right of free movement by residing in a Member State of which they do not have the nationality and move (return) to a Member State where they are a national; and (2) mobile dual EU citizens, meaning persons who have the nationality of more than one Member State and who have made use of their right of free movement. This briefing explains how the case law is applicable and sheds light on issues that remain unclear and which can have major repercussions on the interpretation of EU law. It should be read in conjunction with a previous briefing published by EPRS in 2024 which provides an overview of the free movement of EU citizens and their family members. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Media consumption patterns have changed profoundly in recent years, creating challenges for traditional news companies. News media are now faced with digitally native younger generations who often pay more attention to influencers and celebrities than they do to journalists, even when it comes to news. The teaching of media literacy skills is more necessary than ever to help people – especially children and young people – understand the difference between news circulating on social media and news provided by professional media sources. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

On 9 July 2024, the successful maiden flight of the new heavy-lift rocket Ariane 6 reinstated the EU's autonomous access to space. This came after several months of reliance on private United States launchers as a result of the temporary unavailability of an EU rocket. In recent years, the space sector has witnessed the conjunction of three trends. First, the space economy has grown globally, also because of competitive private actors. Second, as a consequence, space is now increasingly congested, with ever more space objects floating in orbit. Third, space has become a contested domain. With 80 countries having at least one satellite registered, space operations can now be instrumentalised: for instance, in 2021, Russia conducted an illegal anti satellite strike. In her political guidelines for 2024-2029, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, refers to space as an enabler of EU competitiveness, to be supported through investment. The guidelines mention space as a key domain for EU open strategic autonomy, to be enhanced through further cooperation by an EU–NATO partnership. Furthermore, Mario Draghi's September 2024 report on the future of European competitiveness stresses that, despite owning world-class space infrastructure and services, the EU is under-investing in space compared with its global competitors, and is lacking a unified legal framework on space. Ursula von der Leyen's mission letter to Andrius Kubilius, nominated on 17 September 2024 as Commissioner-designate for Defence and Space, names a set of initiatives to unleash a space contribution to EU competitiveness. It includes, in particular, the task of preparing a proposal for an EU space law to ensure a common EU playing field in space while ensuring security, safety, and sustainability. The letter also sets the task of fostering a strong and innovative space sector with a view to achieving several objectives, including maintaining the EU's autonomous access to space, curating EU spatial infrastructure, and enhancing the use of space data and services. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

By the 2030s, quantum computers might compromise traditional cryptography, putting digital infrastructure at high risk in the European Union (EU) and around the world. Specifically, it is expected that quantum computers' unique capabilities will allow them to solve complex mathematical problems, such as breaking the traditional cryptographic systems used universally. The confidentiality, integrity and authenticity of sensitive data – including health, financial, security and defence information – will be exposed to threats from any actor possessing a sufficiently powerful quantum computer. There is a pressing need for the EU to start preparing its digital assets to face this risk. Post-quantum cryptography (which uses classical computer properties) and quantum cryptography (which uses quantum mechanical properties) are the two types of critical technology able to protect digital infrastructure from quantum computer attacks. Robust post-quantum cryptography algorithms have been identified, but swift and efficient implementation is crucial before malicious actors exploit the power of quantum computers. Experts stress the need for quantum preparedness to be put in place now, with some of them even warning of a 'quantum cybersecurity Armageddon'. Several countries are adopting strategies to address post-quantum cryptography. The EU is working with Member States and the United States to speed up the transition to post-quantum cryptography, and is also exploring long-term quantum cryptography initiatives. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The free flow of capital within the EU is one of the single market's four fundamental freedoms. However, despite the removal of legal barriers to capital flow, significant technical barriers persist and the EU's capital markets remain fragmented. Defragmentation of the capital markets – also referred to as capital markets union (CMU) or savings and investment union – is essential for the conduct of EU monetary policy, a level playing field among EU companies, and optimal allocation of capital within the EU. The coexistence of diverging rules across Member States creates opacity and uncertainty, deterring EU cross-border investors. This variation is due, among other factors, to differences in interpretation of EU law, inconsistency of decisions, and varying resources employed for supervision. The resulting variation in the application and enforcement of EU laws by the respective Member States' supervisory authorities is considered a major obstacle to completion of CMU. Harmonisation of supervision is one of the objectives of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). For the EU institutions, the establishment of an EU-level supervisory authority would be yet more efficient. Some suggest that, as with the single supervision mechanism for EU banking – whereby only 'significant banks' are subject to the EU banking supervisor – the powers of an EU single supervisory authority for capital markets could be limited to prominent players such as securities markets and asset managers. ESMA could fulfil this single supervisory function, subject to changes to its mission and governance. In its previous term, the European Parliament supported the shift of supervisory powers to ESMA. In a March 2024 statement, the Council invited the European Commission to examine the targeted strengthening of EU supervisory authorities' role and governance in order to enhance convergence. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

In her political guidelines presented on 18 July 2024, European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen identified defence as a priority and a key sector in completing the single market. An important part of that effort will be building a 'European Defence Union'. To frame the new approach and to identify defence investment needs, von der Leyen committed that the new Commission would present a white paper on the future of European defence within the first 100 days of taking office. Subsequently, the Commissioners designated to take on the High Representative/Vice President portfolio (Kaja Kallas, Estonia) and the portfolio for Defence and Space (Andrius Kubilius, Lithuania) have been tasked with producing the paper. The white paper is expected to predominantly address defence sector capability issues, industrial competitiveness and investment needs. It should also frame the overall approach to EU defence integration, with the aim of strengthening the EU's ability to respond to threats, particularly in the context of Russia's continuing aggression in Ukraine, combined with evolving geopolitical challenges to the south and increased military capabilities of other global actors. Among other things, the white paper should outline the path towards key initiatives such as a European air shield to bolster air defence across the continent and expanded cyber-defence capabilities; closer EU-NATO cooperation; more efficient EU Member State defence spending; the reduction of external dependencies in defence procurement; and increased intra-EU collaboration in industrial, innovation, procurement and production issues. Experts widely agree that a key challenge to address is how to increase financing for the defence industry with, inter alia, the provision of incentives for investors and the creation of economies of scale; a clear assessment of the EU's defence needs; and coordination among the many EU defence initiatives proposed in recent years. The European Parliament first called for an EU white paper on security and defence as early as 2016. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The European Union (EU) is committed to ensuring its budget delivers maximum value for citizens by focusing on results and performance. In 2018, as part of the shift towards performance-based budgeting, the EU revised the rules applicable to the general budget and introduced the possibility of financing that is not linked to cost (FNLC) in addition to the traditional ways of financing based on incurred costs (Article 125 of EU Regulation 2018/1046). Under this method, payments are based on results achieved, and are made if a beneficiary fulfils predefined conditions linked to progress in implementing or achieving the objectives of a project or programme. The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) – the EU's ground-breaking instrument created to support the Member States' post-pandemic economic recovery – is a key example of how this delivery method is applied. For the first time, disbursements to the Member States depend on achieving pre-defined milestones and targets relating to the implementation of reform and investment measures. Since the creation of the RRF, the EU has set up similar instruments in other policy areas. The Ukraine Facility (UF) and the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans (WBF), both launched in 2024, share some key features with the RRF delivery method. Along with the application of the FNLC principle for payments, other common features include the prominent role of the reform measures, using scoreboards to monitor implementation, and setting up special forums, known as 'dialogues', for the exchange of information and views with the European Parliament. Examining in detail this innovative way of funding as it applies to the three facilities helps to shed light on an emerging, performance-based modus operandi that is already being discussed as a possible blueprint for other spending tools under the post-2027 EU budget. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a resilient healthcare system but also for quick access to inventions and technologies in challenging situations. To address this need, in April 2023 the Commission submitted a proposal for a regulation on compulsory licensing for crisis management. The aim is to secure the rapid deployment of patent-protected inventions in times of crisis or emergency, without eroding patent protection as an incentive to innovate. The proposal lays down rules and procedures for granting Union compulsory licences and supervising the law's implementation. Views on the proposal diverge. Civil society organisations support broad application of the compulsory licensing scheme, whereas industry organisations advocate narrow application. Opinions differ on: (i) the need for legislative intervention; (ii) the events justifying the use of compulsory licences; (iii) whether compulsory licensing should be conditional on failed prior negotiations for voluntary licences; (iv) whether the disclosure of know-how or trade secrets is warranted under certain circumstances; (v) at what level remuneration and sanctions should be capped; vi) how advisory bodies should be composed; and vii) what role potential licensees should play in initiating and engaging in the compulsory licensing procedure. On 13 March 2024, Parliament voted its first-reading position ahead of future trilogue negotiations. Parliament insists on empowering the Commission to mandate the disclosure of relevant trade secrets and know-how, and on significantly strengthening the position of rights-holders. In its position of 26 June 2024, the Council recommends a more industry-oriented approach. Third edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Credible ECB monetary policy requires that the revised EU economic governance framework be tightly enforced from its start. Net primary expenditures as key control variable allow predictable monetary policy focused on stabilisation. However, widespread debt reduction pushing spending growth below potential GDP growth may prompt more accommodative ECB policy. Moreover, potentially cumulating changes in public spending-to-GDP ratios need close monitoring. Finally, the criteria for TPI may increase pressure to be lenient on enforcement of the fiscal rules. 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

This document provides an overview of all country-specific recommendations for 2024 as proposed by the Commission on 19 June 2024 and agreed by the Council on 16 July 2024. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP