Summary : This note seeks to provide an initial analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the European Commission's Impact Assessment (IA) accompanying the proposal for a Regulation on drug precursors. Drug precursors are chemical substances that may be produced for licit purposes, but which can be misused for illegal drug production. A specific regulatory framework has been set up both at international level and within the EU to prevent the diversion of drug precursors to illicit drug production.

Authors : Helmut Werner

Committees : Impact Assessment, Area of freedom, security and justice

Summary : This study analyzes the relationship between freedom of religion and other fundamental rights in the European Union, the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as the constitutions of the Member States by examining the relevant case law in the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Court of Human Rights, and state constitutional or supreme courts. The study will highlight present sources of conflict, underline best practices and put forward recommendations to promote both religious practice and observance and the respect of human rights.

Authors : Alejandro Saiz Arnaiz (project coordinator, Pompeu Fabra University), Aida Torres Perez (Pompeu Fabra University), Marisa Iglesias (Pompeu Fabra University) and Roberto Toniatti (Trento University)

Committees : Area of freedom, security and justice

Summary : This study examines the question of the integration of resettled refugees in Europe, by analysing the policy framework for resettlement and refugee integration and the practices at the national and the European level. The study is illustrated with examples from various Member States. Drawing from existing guidelines and global recommendations on integration and resettlement, the study underlines good practices and challenges and puts forward proposals to improve national resettlement programmes and to promote a better resettlement policy in Europe.R=13488

Authors : Dr Aspasia Papadopoulou (European Council on Refugees and Exiles, ECRE) Ms Barbara Treviranus (Independent researcher) Dr Torsten Moritz (Churches Commission for Migrants in Europe, CCME) Ms Christine Marie Fandrich (European University Institute, EUI) Under the coordination of ECRE

Committees : Area of freedom, security and justice

Summary : EU-Russia cooperation in the framework of the Common Space on Freedom, Security and Justice, launched a decade ago in 2003, has borne fruit more in the security aspects than the justice and libertyrelated policy areas. The study assesses the uneven cooperation on justice and home affairs between the EU and Russia, while delving into the intersection between cooperation on justice, liberty and security and the promotion of human rights, democracy and rule of law in EU-Russia relations. The study concludes by proposing a set of policy recommendations to the LIBE Committee for playing a more active role in this important field of cooperation between the EU and Russia.

Authors : Raül Hernández i Sagrera (Institut Barcelona d'Estudis Internacionals) and Olga Potemkina (Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences) Under the coordination of the Justice and Home Affairs section of the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS).

Committees : Area of freedom, security and justice

Summary : This study examines current and forthcoming measures related to the exchange of data and information in EU JHA policies, with a focus on the ‘smart borders’ initiative. It argues that there is no reversibility in the growing reliance on such schemes and asks whether current and forthcoming proposals are necessary and original. The study outlines the main challenges raised by the proposals, including issues related to the right to data protection, but also to privacy and non-discrimination.

Authors : Didier Bigo (Centre d’études sur les conflits, C&C), Sergio Carrera (Centre for European Policy Studies, CEPS), Ben Hayes (Project Director, Statewatch), Nicholas Hernanz (Centre for European Policy Studies, CEPS) and Julien Jeandesboz (Centre d’études sur les conflits, C&C) ; Under coordination of the Centre d’Etudes sur les Conflits (C&C) and the Justice and Home Affairs section of the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS).

Committees : Area of freedom, security and justice

Summary : This study presents an overview of problems faced by LGBTI persons as identified in EU studies, along with EU actions taken in this area to date. It focuses in particular on the areas of Equality (including in the fields of employment, health, education, access to goods and services and housing); specific trans and intersex issues; diverse families and freedom of movement; freedom of assembly and expression; hate speech, hate crime and violence; and fleeing homophobia and transphobia. Based on these findings, it proposes recommendations with a timeline which could be included in a roadmap for equality on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Authors : Mrs Vanessa Leigh, Mr Levent Altan, Mr Jordan Long with the participation of Mrs Evelyne Paradis (ILGA)

Committees : Area of freedom, security and justice

Summary : The study presents a qualitative analysis of the linkages between Organised Crime (OC) and terrorism with specific reference to the European Union. A conceptual basis of the links between OC and terrorism is outlined, and systematically used to identify how these two phenomena come together in the European theatre. The study also considers developments regarding the relationship between OC and terrorism in regions outside the E.U., that have a direct impact on how the nexus is evolving in E.U. member-states. It reveals that certain linkages between OC and terrorism exist in the E.U. Trends suggest that these linkages will continue to develop. The study concludes by assessing the impact of OC-terrorism linkages on the E.U., and providing recommendations on how to address it. It points out that the effective fight against OC and terrorism depends on an integrated approach that involves all stakeholders at both national and E.U. levels.

Authors : West Sands Advisory LLP ; Project lead : Tamara Makarenko

Committees : Area of freedom, security and justice

Summary : This study addresses the challenges raised by the growing reliance on cloud computing. It starts by investigating the issues at stake and explores how the EU is addressing the identified concerns. The study then examines the legal aspects in relation to the right to data protection, the issues of jurisdiction, responsibility and regulation of data transfers to third countries. These questions have been neglected in EU policies and strategies, despite very strong implications on EU data sovereignty and the protection of citizens’ rights.

Authors : Didier Bigo (Centre d’Etudes sur les Conflits, C&C), Gertjan Boulet (under coordination of the Centre for European Policy Studies, CEPS), Caspar Bowden (under coordination of the Centre d’Etudes sur les Conflits, C&C), Sergio Carrera (Centre for European Policy Studies, CEPS), Julien Jeandesboz (Centre d’Etudes sur les Conflits, C&C) and Amandine Scherrer (Centre d’Etudes sur les Conflits, C&C)

Committees : Area of freedom, security and justice

Summary : The note demonstrates the growing importance of the "South East hub" for the trafficking of illicit commodities to and from the European Union, analyses the factors which led to the rise in international stature of Western Balkan organized crime and predicts that the massive presence of irregular immigrants in the southern part of the European Union combined with the sinking into recession of this region will almost certainly provide another opportunity for the Western Balkan organized crime groups and their global expansion.

Authors : Andreas-Renatus HARTMANN (Policy Department C - Citizens' Rights and Constitutional Affairs, European Parliament, Brussels, Belgium)

Committees : Area of freedom, security and justice, Organised crime, corruption and money laundering