Highlights

This in-depth analysis summarizes the main effects of the Customs Union (CU) on EU-Turkey trade and the economic situation in Turkey. Against the background of the recent development of EU-Turkey relations, the authors assess the impact of four different options for developing EU-Turkey economic and trade relations, describe the options, the challenges the EU-Turkey Customs Union faces and seek solutions for these issues.

Critical Infrastructures (CIs) provide vital economic and social functions but are challenged by a diversity of threats, not only accidental but intentional, including aiming to gain influence. CIs’ increasing reliance on techno¬logy adds elements of complexity and vulnerability. The EU Directive on their protection was inadequate against an evolving landscape of threats. An analysis of EU CIs, challenges to their functioning, and safeguards, can help make recommendations for their protection.

Over the last decade, digital platforms - that on their face value provide information, search functions or social media - redefined and took over advertising market in Europe and worldwide. The ability to send through platforms increasingly effective targeted ads to people provides a high incentive for mass surveillance of individuals, by such means as cookies, tracking walls, web beacons, device fingerprinting and dark patterns.

In addition to its many economic and social effects, artificial intelligence has the potential to change the global balance of power and reorder international politics. The study requested by the AIDA committee delves into the largely ignored area of artificial intelligence and geopolitics. It discusses six ways in which AI could influence, or is already influencing, the global balance of power. The authors analyse the EU response and recommend more effective ways to address the challenges.

Since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the EU has been entitled to support, coordinate or complement Member States’ activities in sport. The study presents policy options in four key areas: the first covers the need for stronger coordination, the second aims at the setting of thematic priorities, the third addresses the reinforcement of the role of the EP in sport, and the fourth stipulates enhanced monitoring.

Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) pose a substantial threat to freedom of expression. There is a need for robust legislative intervention in the EU. This study analyses legal definitions of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation and assesses the compatibility of anti-SLAPP legislation with EU law. It is recommended that an anti-SLAPP Directive be adopted and that the Brussels Ia Regulation and Rome II Regulation be recast to limit the number of SLAPPs.