Highlights

On 19 October, the Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi will present the 2021 enlargement package, including Commission reports on the candidate and potential candidate countries for EU accession to the Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Following the Commission assessment of the EU-related reforms in each enlargement country, AFET rapporteurs will draft country resolutions, outlining Parliament's conclusions and recommendations.

COVID-19 has impacted heavily on young people’s income, education and mental health. Preventing the damage from becoming a ‘lockdown generation’ is a policy priority at EU level, says EMPL Chair Lucia Ďuriš Nicholsonová in an opening article of the latest Monthly Highlights newsletter. The effectiveness of new measures and increased spending depend also on their successful implementation at national level. A study requested by EMPL committee analyses the impact of the pandemic on young people.

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 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.

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.