Highlights

The Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection will vote on its recommendation on the Multiannual Financial Framework Single Market Programme, on 26 April. The MFF Single Market Programme is the new 4.2 billion euro programme to strengthen the Internal Market, ensure support for SMEs, promote consumer protection, support actions related to animals, plants, food and feed, and statistics.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the EU industry has been unprecedented. In an attempt to mitigate the shock and to help recovery, extraordinary measures were taken, says ITRE Chair Cristian-Silviu Buşoi, in the April issue of the Policy Departments’ Monthly Highlights newsletter. He presents a new study that looks into the effects of the pandemic on the EU industrial sector and strategic value chains, and the adequacy and consistency of the recovery plans.

The Fact Sheets on the EU provide an overview of European integration and of Parliament's contribution to that process. They present a brief overview of the EU's institutions and policies, and of Parliament's role in their development. Available in 24 languages, they cover five main areas: how the EU works; economy, science and quality of life; cohesion, growth and jobs; fundamental rights, security and justice; and the EU's external relations. The online version is updated regularly.

Studies, in-depth analyses and briefings produced by Parliament's policy departments and the Economic Governance Support Unit are available online in the dedicated section for Supporting Analyses. Apart from searching specific publications, a selection of papers and upcoming events can be found under "Highlights". A monthly overview of the work of policy departments is given in "Periodicals", with key studies on thematic issues.

Parliament’s policy departments provide high-level independent expertise, analysis and advice at the request of committees and other parliamentary bodies. Covering all areas of activity of Parliament, they deliver policy analysis in a wide variety of formats, feeding directly into the legislative work of committees or members' delegations. They organise events, including workshops and expert panels, to enhance Parliament’s analytical capacity and develop common approaches to political issues.

Parliament's committees deal with EU legislative proposals by adopting reports, which then are referred to plenary for voting by all Members, and appoint negotiation teams to conduct talks with Council. They adopt non-legislative reports, organise hearings with experts and scrutinise other EU bodies and institutions. Parliament can set up sub-committees and special committees to deal with specific issues. Each committee elects a chair and up to four vice-chairs for a two and a half year mandate.