This paper discusses EU case law developed over the past decade relating to decisions taken by the European Central Bank within the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) and within the Single Resolution Mechanism (SRM). The cases centre around embracing and solidifying the BU framework, inter alia, with the admissibility to challenge ECB’s supervisory and licence withdrawal decisions, the application of national law by the ECB in its supervisory competence and the methodology attached to the setting of administrative pecuniary penalties. Other cases concern the determination of the ex-ante contributions to the Single Resolution Fund, the perimeter of resolution decision-making, and the responsibility of the decision-making bodies involved in the resolution process. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The impact assessment (IA) for this REFIT initiative is based on solid internal and external expertise, notably an evaluation of the current RIS Directive, an extensive tailored support study and broad stakeholder consultation. The intervention logic is clear and consistent, even though the objectives of the initiative could have been defined in a more distinct manner. The IA consistently places the revision of the RIS Directive in the context of other EU legislation in the area of the green and digital transition, highlighting the need for coherence (while also pointing to the limited size of the inland water transport sector). The IA presents 17 measures to tackle the identified problems, grouped into three options. They indicate the overarching decisions to be made, leaving a number of technical implementation aspects aside, as these will be regulated in secondary legislation. The assessment of the options and measures is qualitative and quantitative, the latter based on extensive modelling. While the IA is transparent about the models, methods and underlying assumptions, the presentation of the costs and benefits could have been more coherent and accessible to facilitate the reader's ability to follow and compare them. The IA assesses impacts on and concerns of SMEs, while admitting to a lack of certain data, which is reflected in rather detailed monitoring suggestions for the future. The proposal appears to be in line with the IA's preferred option. For the sake of transparency, a comprehensive bibliography featuring all sources should be a mandatory part of any IA, and all sources should be publicly available at the time of an initiative's publication. In this case, the IA's support study is not clearly identifiable, so that certain aspects, notably the tailor-made modelling tool, cannot be checked. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The EU automotive sector has a century-old tradition of producing vehicles with internal combustion engines. It enjoys a global reputation for mechanical engineering excellence, quality, design and creativity. Today, the sector is at a crossroads: the green transition, digitalisation and global competition (in particular China's emergence as a leading global auto exporter) have fundamentally altered the competitive environment. The sector must adapt its business model quickly to mitigate the risks associated with these disruptive trends. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The establishment of the Schengen area without checks at internal borders is one of the major achievements of the EU. However, in the past decade, many Schengen states have reintroduced border controls at internal borders to address serious threats to public policy or internal security. To ensure a fully functioning Schengen area, the EU has recently revised the Schengen rules and governance. The reform has yet to produce tangible results. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

During its October I plenary session, the Parliament is due to hear a Commission statement on the rise of religious intolerance in Europe, followed by a debate. The item was included on the agenda in response to increasing concerns among human rights bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and religious communities regarding the situation of religious freedom and tolerance in Europe. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

We discuss the contribution of the Banking Union in its current form to market integration in the euro area. While the introduction of single supervision has fostered banking integration, limited progress in single resolution and the absence of a European deposit insurance scheme undermine further advancements. We argue that a significant obstacle to financial integration lies in the persistence of national interests in regulation, supervision, and politics. We also explore the lessons that can be learned from ten years of the Banking Union for the development of the Capital Markets Union and the integration of capital markets. The successes of the Banking Union in common supervision and rule-setting can provide a path forward. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The global information ecosystem is facing challenges on various levels, necessitating a clear overview of the key issues at stake, the actors involved and possible European Union responses. On a geostrategic level, authoritarian state- and non-state actors, who work to game the open democratic information ecosystems in their favour, have gained the most visibility. At the same time, the tech companies that underpin those open information ecosystems – and that help provide the infrastructure used for information manipulation – are under pressure to take more responsibility. Evolving technologies can exacerbate the risks of information ecosystems working against democracy, rather than for it. Moreover, underlying societal, educational and economic vulnerabilities hamper both individual and collective resilience against information manipulation. The impact on health, societies, economies, democracy, international decision-making, security and human rights has become increasingly visible in recent years. Correspondingly, there is a growing sense of urgency to ensure information integrity, both in the context of elections and beyond. The EU has continued to strengthen its efforts to counter information manipulation and interference, including online disinformation, since 2015. The evolving measures have matured into a growing regulatory framework to address digital information infrastructure vulnerabilities and boost information ecosystems. This, in addition to strengthening societal resilience, involves a high level of cooperation and coordination within and beyond the EU, across all policy areas and with all levels of society. International and multilateral cooperation is therefore key to future-proofing the response. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

EU Member States now have less than 2 years to complete their Next Generation EU (NGEU) investment and reform plans, with implementation advancing at varying rates across the EU. Some countries need to strengthen their administrative capacity to manage the investments. While NGEU offers significant support for the green and digital transitions, the recent Draghi Report on EU competitiveness stresses the need to invest more in strategic Sectors such as energy. As EU businesses face higher energy costs compared with competitors in the US or China, a major focus is likely to be on lowering energy prices. EU inflation, driven sharply upwards in part by rising energy prices, dropped to 2.4 % in August, and the EU economy began to recover in the first half of 2024, growing by 0.75 % compared with the first half of 2023. The latest economic indicators suggest weaker growth momentum in the months ahead. The previous edition of this quarterly infographic was published in June 2024. To access the whole series, go to https://epthinktank.eu/eoq Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

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. Annex 1 includes latest GDP data and forecasts for all EU Member States and Annex 2 the latest inflation data and developments. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The United Nations Summit of the Future took place in New York from 22 to 23 September 2024 in the absence of the leaders of the five UN Security Council permanent members. The focus was on revitalising multilateralism and adapting UN policies to 'the needs and interests' of current and future generations. In a sign of continuity and commitment to agreed targets, the UN members reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of Agenda 2030 and its 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). The summit adopted a 'Pact for the Future', a 'Global Digital Compact' and a 'Declaration on Future Generations', despite Russia's last-minute attempts to derail the process. These three 'soft law' milestone agreements place inter-generational responsibility (a key commitment in the 1945 UN Charter) and long-term thinking at the core of the UN's future action and policies. Intense inter-governmental negotiations led by three pairs of co-facilitators (Germany and Namibia for the pact, Sweden and Zambia for the compact and the Netherlands and Jamaica for the declaration) with input from stakeholders including the EU, preceded the summit. This allowed buy-in from both developing and developed countries, ultimately building the widest possible consensus on the pact. The pact now includes 56 actions intended to strengthen the inter-generational bond, anticipate risk and futureproof policies at the UN, regional and national level. Futureproofing policies, an EU priority, made it into the pact. In time, this could lead to increased synergies between the EU and the UN, as it begins to implement the pact. In the run-up to the summit, UN members made progress on institutional reform and bolder language was included on Security Council reform. Institutional reform remains a key long-term challenge, impacting the UN's ability to deliver on its core mission: world-wide development, poverty eradication and peace and stability. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Across the world and especially in developed countries, there has been a decline in trust in democratic institutions, an increase in political discontent and citizen dissatisfaction, and a resulting decrease in voter turnout. Economic crises, climate disruptions and the COVID-19 pandemic have only exacerbated these sentiments. In the late 1980s, participatory budgeting – an approach that allows citizens to directly engage in budgetary decisions – emerged as one of the most promising solutions to this global democratic malaise. By involving citizens in the allocation of public funds, this approach enhances public trust and accountability in governance. It is best described as a co-production process that not only allows citizens and professionals to cooperate and deliberate but also counters populist narratives and educates younger generations on resource prioritisation. Broad public involvement and deliberation are the rule, with the aim being to make budgetary processes inclusive, transparent and democratic. What makes participatory budgeting different from other participatory methods is its focus on financial processes, openness to the public, cyclical nature, reliance on public deliberation and accountability. It is applied in thousands of towns, cities and regions across the world and enjoys the support of governments, civil society and international organisations. It addresses both socio-economic and democratic goals and seeks to enhance public infrastructure and services while promoting political equality and transparency. This democratic innovation allows citizens to shape the space in which they live. Additionally, it reconfigures public governance by redefining the roles and relationships of citizens, civil servants and politicians. It is particularly effective in local governance, but also has a growing application in communities, in schools, community groups and even prisons, for instance. Some of the challenges facing public budgeting include limited participation of marginalised groups, the risk of co-optation by political interests and difficulties in implementation. However, its potential to revitalise democratic engagement and foster inclusive governance makes participatory budgeting a crucial tool in addressing some of the issues that are currently eroding the global democratic order. This briefing updates a 2016 briefing by Gianluca Sgueo. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

In a decree issued on 1 July, Tunisian President Kais Saied called a presidential election for 6 October 2024. In doing so Saied is setting himself up for probable re-election, as all but one of the opposition candidates are in prison or have been declared ineligible by the Tunisian electoral commission. A third candidate who had been approved by the electoral commission was handed a 20-month prison sentence on 19 September. Now seeking re-election for a second 5-year term, Saied was first elected to office in 2019 as an anti establishment candidate promising to root out corruption and address poverty. He took full control of the country in 2021, dismissing the elected parliament and deciding to rule by decree, a move the opposition and international community slammed as a coup. A new constitution, approved by referendum in 2022, established a presidential system and paralysed parliament. The EU is now facing a dilemma as to how to support internal democratic processes and advance implementation of the EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which prioritises measures against irregular migration. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Energy supply security is often defined as the availability of an adequate supply of energy at a reasonable cost. Even a partial supply disruption can have severe consequences, which the European Union has experienced on several occasions. Over the years, energy market developments have affected the EU's economic situation time and again, from the 1970s oil crisis to the 2009 gas crisis and 2022 energy price crisis following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. With the exception of coal, the EU's energy resources are limited, leaving it particularly vulnerable to disruption, particularly for oil and gas supplies. The EU has a relatively high dependency on energy imports (62.5 % in 2022) and this rate has been increasing since 1990. The EU has built a legislative framework to ensure the security of its energy supplies. The electricity sector is subject to a regulation on risk-preparedness that mandates Member States to implement tools for preventing and managing potential electricity crises – and to work together once such crises occur. The Oil Stocks Directive requires Member States to hold a minimum reserve and inform the European Commission about the stock they hold. The EU Regulation concerning measures to safeguard the security of gas supply ('Security of Gas Supply Regulation') introduces a solidarity mechanism between Member States and a supply standard ensuring continuous gas supply to protected customers. Despite this comprehensive framework, significant challenges remain on the road towards a fully-fledged EU energy security strategy. The planned revision of the EU regulation, expected for 2025, could provide the impetus to adapt the existing security framework to new challenges resulting from the decarbonisation of the energy market and new import patterns. The security framework could be broadened to reflect a new way of perceiving energy supply security, based not only on energy sources, but also on the ability to produce energy domestically (including through renewable energy). The issue of energy security will likely remain a long-term challenge for the EU. Scope remains for stronger coordination between Member States and legislative intervention to complete the framework. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Upon request of the Committee on Petitions (PETI), the Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs commissioned the present study on Regulation 1049/2001 on access to documents with a twofold objective. First, to update the analysis conducted in a 2016 study for the PETI Committee with the latest developments in the case law of the CJEU and the activities led by the European Ombudsman since then – in particular focussing on access to legislative documents, documents relating to administrative proceedings, Court proceedings, infringement proceedings, protection of privacy, international relations, and special regimes. Second, to assess the possible future alignment of the Access Regulation with the evolving digital context, including a potential revision of the definition of document, access to user-friendly public registers and internet sites, access to agendas of officials and scheduled meetings with interest representatives, and access to videos of CJEU oral hearings. The research also incorporates illustrative and complementary cases and own initiatives by the European Ombudsman as indications of evolving challenges to institutional secrecy in the EU context. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Energy transition is central to the European Union's ambition to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The EU greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets - 55 % by 2030 and net-zero by 2050 - have accelerated the move away from fossil fuels towards cleaner energy sources and increased energy efficiency. The REPowerEU plan and other EU measures launched in response to the energy crisis meanwhile brought to the fore the importance of ensuring energy security and energy affordability. Existing EU legislation in support of energy transition includes the recently revised Renewable Energy Directive, the Energy Efficiency Directive and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. These laws set targets for renewables in consumption, energy efficiency and building renovations. The recently adopted hydrogen and decarbonised gas market package, along with the electricity market reform, also promote the use of cleaner energy and integration of renewables into the EU energy system. The new political priorities of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen include a future clean industrial deal boosting investment in clean energy infrastructure and technologies. The aim is to further decarbonise the economy and bring down energy prices. In a similar vein, the recent report on EU competitiveness (Draghi Report) highlights the need to reconcile industrial competitiveness with climate neutrality through increased support for clean technologies. These include for instance renewables (such as solar and wind), batteries, heat pumps, electrolysers (used for hydrogen production) and CO2 capture technologies. While the EU has been steadily increasing the rollout of renewables and working towards decarbonisation, several challenges remain. The energy infrastructure must be adapted to accommodate low-carbon energy sources through the expansion of grids and energy storage. Dependence on raw materials needed for clean energy technologies needs to be addressed. The new EU ambitions in terms of boosting industrial competitiveness will also require massive investment. All this has to happen while ensuring secure energy supply and energy affordability. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Our infographic shows the overview of the BRICS+ countries’ economic and trade relations with the EU. All 9 BRICS+ states have experienced a relatively consistent increase in their GDP per capita (PPP) since 2007. Female labour force participation rates vary significantly from country to country. At the extremes are Iran with 14.4, and Ethiopia, with 74.8%. EU trade in goods (imports and exports) with the BRICS+ countries has risen steadily comparatively to 2007 volumes. The BRICS+ group is now the EU's main trading partner for goods. Mechanical appliances and electrical equipment, vehicles and aircraft, and pharmaceutical products comprise about 54% of all goods exported by the EU to the BRICS+ countries. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

This analysis discusses specific issues regarding the proposal for a Directive on the transparency of third-country lobbying. It highlights complex questions in relation to civil society organisations and the need for uniform implementation and effective judicial protection. If designed and implemented well, the Directive could establish a transparent framework for foreign governments to engage in lobbying within the EU. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO). Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which began in 2021, will go on until the end of 2026. In 2024, the fourth year, this implementation is well under way, although with some differences having emerged across EU Member States. In August 2024, disbursements had reached €170.8 billion in grants and €94.6 billion in loans, or 41 % of the total RRF funding available. With the exception of pre-financing, the condition for disbursing RRF funds to Member States is the successful achievement of pre-defined milestones and targets, or qualitative and quantitative steps. They are laid out in the annexes to the Council implementing decisions endorsing the individual national recovery and resilience plans, and linked to each payment request. The RRF Regulation envisages the possibility of suspending all or part of the financial contribution available to Member States if milestones and targets have not been satisfactorily achieved. At an early stage of RRF implementation, both the European Court of Auditors and the European Parliament urged the European Commission to develop a methodology that would allow the impact of not meeting a milestone or target to be quantified. In February 2023, the Commission delivered on that request and published a methodology for partial suspension of payments. As a result, the Commission has been able to proceed with partial payments to Member States corresponding to what they have achieved, despite the non-fulfilment (or partial fulfilment) of one or more milestones or targets linked to a given request. This has helped keep RRF implementation on track. The suspension payment methodology has already been applied in several instances. The first country to be subject to it was Lithuania, followed by Romania, Portugal, Italy, Spain and Belgium. In 2023, a total of €841 million was withheld (0.13 % of all RRF funds). While Member States have generally welcomed the methodology, it is still perceived as lacking in clarity and raises questions, not least as to the discretion it affords the Commission in defining the amounts to be suspended. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Despite considerable progress towards a Banking Union in the euro area, banks in the EU continue to be subject to widely varying insolvency law as applied to their lending customers. This paper provides evidence that bank interest margins tend to be higher in countries with weaker loan enforcement. Higher bank interest margins are a sign of less efficient bank intermediation, and hence the evidence of this paper suggests that bank intermediation is less efficient in countries with weaker loan enforcement. This policy-induced national variability in bank efficiency is incompatible with banking union. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

In May 2023, the European Commission presented an anti-corruption package, which includes a proposal for a directive on combating corruption. Based on Articles 83 and 82 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the proposal defines criminal offences and sanctions relating to corruption, one of the 'areas of particularly serious crime with a cross-border dimension' for which the European Parliament and the Council may establish minimum rules by means of directives. The proposal seeks to update the fragmented EU legislative framework, including by incorporating international standards binding on the EU. It addresses corruption in both the public and private sectors. In Parliament, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs adopted its report in January 2024. The committee decision to enter into interinstitutional negotiations was confirmed by plenary in February 2024. The Council confirmed its position in June. The new Parliament now needs to confirm its position before trilogue negotiations can take place. First edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The European Parliament's September 2024 plenary session took place as floods devastated many areas in central European Member States, leading Members to debate and adopt a resolution on the EU's preparedness to act to tackle disasters exacerbated by climate change. The flooding also led to the postponement of the planned statement on the priorities of the Hungarian Council Presidency. During the session, Members debated a number of European Commission statements: on financial and military support to Ukraine; addressing migration and effective return; strengthening the role of the Digital Services Act in regulating social media platforms and protecting democracy online; as well as persistent antisemitism, hate speech and hate crime in Europe; and the EU response to the Mpox outbreak. Members further debated the outcome of the strategic dialogue on the future of EU agriculture, the state of the energy union, and the danger of criminalisation of environmental defenders. Members held debates on European Commission statements on external relations issues, including: on the war in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle East, the situation in Venezuela, and the outcome of the G20 ministerial meeting in Brazil. Two debates followed Council and Commission statements: on the Hungarian 'National Card' scheme and its consequences for the Schengen area, and the Court of Justice of the EU ruling on the Apple State aid case. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

According to a 2022 Eurobarometer survey, while two out of three young Europeans wish to contribute to the green transition through their jobs, 45 % of young Europeans lack green skills. In the United States (US), a new traineeship programme, the American Climate Corps (ACC), has been operational since June 2024. It allows young people to enter paid traineeships that provide them with important skills for green professions. Young people in the US have welcomed the initiative, which offers a chance to move from 'climate angst' to climate action. Here in Europe, an 'ecological civil service' was launched in France in the spring of 2024, in response to strong demand from young people. In April 2024, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) proposed that a pilot project be launched in the European Union (EU), following the example of the ACC programmes, offering young people traineeships to empower them with the skills needed for the green transition. In the EU, several possibilities exist for supporting youth traineeships. Meanwhile, European cities have created networks to support them in achieving their green ambitions. This briefing explores possible synergies between the existing EU youth and green cities programmes, and whether there is scope for a traineeship scheme at European level to help develop green skills for young people. This briefing has been drafted at the request of the European Committee of the Regions, in the framework of the agreement between the European Parliament and the Committee. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

This study examines key rulings on the supervision and resolution of credit institutions in the EU and their impact on the Banking Union framework. It explores how case law has refined the European Central Bank’s practices, shareholders' and boards' rights, and the interaction between ECB and Single Resolution Board powers during ‘failing or likely to fail’ assessments. While highlighting how litigation has clarified processes, rights, and the criteria for resolution, the study’s findings underscore the need for heightened scrutiny of agencies to prevent political interference and ensure effective oversight. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The Banking Union makes ten years. It is a story of success. Courts have been crucial for this success. This study explains why, and what should be done to preserve (and improve) their role. This document was provided by the Economic Governance and EMU Scrutiny Unit at the request of the ECON Committee. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

In September 2022, the European Commission presented a proposal for a directive on adapting non contractual civil liability rules to artificial intelligence (AILD), with an accompanying impact assessment. The European Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) requested the present complementary impact assessment of the proposal, which focuses on specific research questions. The study critique identifies key shortcomings in the European Commission's impact assessment, not least an incomplete exploration of regulatory policy options and an abridged cost-benefit analysis, in particular of the strict liability regime. The complementary impact assessment study proposes that the AILD should extend its scope to include general-purpose and other 'high-impact AI systems', as well as software. It also discusses a mixed liability framework that balances fault-based and strict liability. Notably, the study recommends transitioning from an AI-focused directive to a software liability regulation, to prevent market fragmentation and enhance clarity across the EU. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) – 'achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls' – is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN) that is very likely to be missed by the target date of 2030. This undermines the rest of the goals. The inclusion in the SDGs of a standalone goal on gender equality was seen as a spur to mobilise action and resources to tackle persistent barriers to women and girls' full enjoyment of their rights, which also undermine sustainable development. The targets in SDG 5 specify actions or outcomes that countries should aim for. These are to remove discriminatory legislation and social norms, eliminate gender-based violence, ensure the bodily autonomy of women and girls, value their unpaid care work and close gender gaps in access to resources and decision-making. At the mid-point to 2030, no country or region in the world has achieved all these targets. Already slow, global progress has stalled, prompting evaluation of which policy measures have been effective, where gaps exist and how to catalyse further action. The European Union (EU) supported the inclusion of SDG 5 and has comprehensive policy frameworks in place to support non-EU countries to achieve the targets and to advance gender equality in the Union. In the EU itself, many of the targets are on track, but progress has been uneven, with significant disparities between Member States. The European Parliament has taken a strong stance on putting gender equality at the heart of sustainable development policy and has called for concrete steps to accelerate progress towards SDG 5. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Bringing all European financial markets under one roof, the Capital Markets Union (CMU), stands to provide European savers and borrowers with better opportunities. This, in turn, is expected to boost long-term growth and to improve the functioning of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). Yet, powerful private and public interest groups have been able so far to stand in the way of this transformation. Most governments are torn between the benefits from CMU and the pressure of these interest groups. 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 30 September 2024. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

This study provides an overview of the Common Fisheries Policy and other EU policies in relation to Fisheries, Aquaculture, the Blue Economy and International Ocean Governance. The current and future challenges facing these are described. Strengths and weaknesses of EU policy in addressing these challenges are assessed, leading to the authors making a range of specific policy recommendations. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The European defence industrial strategy (EDIS), unveiled on 5 March 2024, aims to enhance the EU's defence readiness, particularly its defence industrial capacity, by 2035. Despite a significantly increased €290 billion combined EU Member State defence budget in 2023 and a radically changed security environment following the launch of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, significant challenges for the EU to achieve defence readiness remain. The European defence technological and industrial base (EDTIB) suffers from fragmentation and limited collaboration, exacerbated by EU Member States' dependency on non-EU defence equipment. The EDIS emphasises collaborative and increased European investment in the EDTIB, fostering adaptability, and integrating defence readiness into all EU policies. It proposes, among other initiatives, the €1.5 billion European defence industry programme (EDIP), a new (voluntary) legal framework – the 'structure for European armament' programme – to facilitate and scale up Member States' cooperation throughout the defence equipment lifecycle, as well as several ways to ensure increased financing for the EDTIB. The strategy also proposes to deepen the partnership with Ukraine, aiming for long-term assistance and support for the Ukrainian defence industry. According to experts, the EDIS's success hinges on securing adequate funding and achieving genuine Member State buy-in. Experts doubt the sufficiency of the proposed funding and the feasibility of meeting non-binding targets, such as 50 % of procurement stemming from the EDTIB by 2030. At the end of the previous legislature, Members of the European Parliament urged that the EDIS and the EDIP should supplement current defence tools, ensuring sufficient EDIP funding and a regulatory framework to foster innovation and efficiency. They called on Member States to fund European defence instruments, supported a €100 billion debt-financed defence fund proposed by Commissioner Breton, and urged the European Investment Bank to reform its lending eligibility. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The European Parliament has come a long way since its inception in 1951. Initially a consultative body composed of delegations of national parliaments, it has become a directly elected institution, has obtained budgetary and legislative powers, and now exercises influence over most aspects of EU affairs. Together with representatives of national governments, who sit in the Council, Parliament co-decides on European legislation, in what could be seen as a bicameral legislature at EU level. This publication presents Parliament's powers, including the most recent changes following the reform of Parliament's Rules of Procedure in April 2024. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate before the European Parliament's committees play a vital role in informing Parliament before it decides on the proposed composition of the College of Commissioners. Ahead of the autumn 2024 hearings, Parliament has adapted the rules for the process, which will apply for the members of the second von der Leyen College. First, the Legal Affairs Committee scrutinises the declaration of interests of each Commissioner-designate. Second, each Commissioner-designate appears before the competent parliamentary committee or committees for a single confirmation hearing. In the past, the main criticism levelled at some of the Commissioners-designate has involved their having insufficient expertise in their respective portfolios, as well as the vagueness of their answers and their reluctance to make political commitments. The existence of possible conflicts of interest in relation to the assigned portfolio and concerns regarding the integrity of the candidate have influenced the dynamics of more recent hearings. Since the 2004 investiture, Parliament has used its role in appointing the Commission to replace certain controversial candidates and force adjustments to certain portfolios, although according to the Treaties Parliament can only reject or accept the College as a whole. While some experts have advised against the excessive politicisation of the confirmation hearings, others have welcomed the increased accountability of the Commission to Parliament, and have praised the deepening of the political link between the two institutions as a step towards further democratisation of the EU decision-making process. Confirmation hearings have become critical for Parliament to hold the Commission accountable, and have gained prominence as a tool for Parliament to take a greater role in EU agenda-setting. This is a further updated version of a September 2019 briefing by Maria Diaz Crego, itself an update of a 2014 briefing by Eva-Maria Poptcheva. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

This paper presents the latest findings and developments related to the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), with a particular focus on stakeholder assessments of its structure and initial implementation. It summarises the perspectives of stakeholders at the EU, national, regional, and local levels concerning the National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs). Notably, the paper compiles recent opinions and evaluations from EU stakeholders, as well as relevant institutions and bodies, regarding the execution of these plans. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

With a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population of 22 million, Sri Lanka is a country strategically located in South Asia at the crossroads of major shipping routes in the Indo-Pacific region. This lower middle-income country has undergone a severe economic crisis, whose consequences have been exacerbated by its economic and monetary policies, not to mention the 2019 terrorist attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, Sri Lanka defaulted, and widespread popular protests prompted the resignation of the prime minister followed by the president, posts held by the Rajapaksa brothers. Ranil Wickremesinghe took over as president. The country has received assistance from the International Monetary Fund and negotiated a key debt restructuring deal in June 2024. India and China are competing to expand their influence in the country because of its geo-strategic location in the Indo-Pacific. The 99-year lease of Hambantota port to China in 2017, feeding the debt-trap narrative, has increased Indian and United States (US) concerns. Colombo boasts a nonaligned foreign policy, and has remained neutral on the war in Ukraine. European Union–Sri Lanka relations are based on a comprehensive cooperation agreement on partnership and development, which entered into force in 1995. Sri Lanka benefits from enhanced access to the European Union (EU) market under the generalised system of preferences plus, of which it is the third-largest beneficiary. The European Parliament – like other international stakeholders – has underlined the importance of a national reconciliation process given the unaddressed legacy of the 1983–2009 civil war against the Tamil insurgency. Parliament has also expressed concern over Sri Lanka's continuous application of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, systematically used for arbitrary arrests. Against this backdrop, Sri Lanka's presidential elections will take place on 21 September 2024. The EU has deployed an election observation mission, with MEP Nacho Sánchez Amor (S&D, Spain) as Chief Observer. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis and Commissioner Gentiloni are invited to the 16th Recovery and Resilience Dialogue (RRD) under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) Regulation, scheduled for 16 September 2024. The previous RRD took place on 22 April 2024. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

This at a glance note summarises the study providing a comprehensive overview of the situation to date and forward-looking insights in the areas of European Union education and training, youth, and sport policy. It highlights the existing and potential future challenges and opportunities within each policy field and makes recommendations for addressing them. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP