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Samenvatting : Respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights is a core value of the EU, which it promotes through its policies. The European Parliament's Sakharov Prize honours the work of those who stand up for these freedoms and rights. With peace and human rights under increased attack today, the prize remains as relevant as ever. This year it has been awarded to the late Jina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran. The award ceremony will be held during the European Parliament's December plenary session.

Indieners : Beatrix IMMENKAMP

Samenvatting : World AIDS Day, proclaimed by the United Nations in 1988, takes place each year on 1 December. The aim is to raise awareness, fight prejudice, encourage progress in prevention, and improve treatment around the world. Although infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is preventable, significant HIV transmission remains a challenge to EU Member States' health systems. This year's theme 'Let communities lead!' underlines the importance of communities living with, at risk of, or affected by HIV in shaping the HIV response.

Indieners : Laurence AMAND-EECKHOUT

Samenvatting : As announced in the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030, on 22 June 2022 the European Commission tabled a proposal for a nature restoration regulation. The proposed regulation would set multiple binding restoration targets and obligations across a broad range of ecosystems, from forests and agricultural land to urban areas, rivers and marine habitats, complementing other existing legal instruments. Altogether, these nature restoration measures should cover at least 20 % of the EU's land and sea areas by 2030, and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. Member States would be required to develop nature restoration plans to reach these targets at national level; the Commission would assess these plans. While nature restoration enjoys strong public support, the proposal has raised concerns among stakeholders as regards the enforceability and achievability of the targets, the economic and social implications, the protection of property rights and the financial support for restoration. The European Parliament adopted its position on the proposed regulation on 12 July 2023. The Council adopted its general approach on the file on 20 June 2023. Interinstitutional negotiations concluded on 9 November 2023 with a provisional agreement substantially amending the Commission's original proposal. The agreed text, endorsed by Member State representatives on 22 November 2023, awaits a vote in the ENVI committee, scheduled on 29 November 2023. Third edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Indieners : Vivienne HALLEUX

Samenvatting : EU lawmakers signed a regulation on ensuring a level playing field for sustainable air transport, otherwise referred to as the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, on 18 October 2023. It was published in the Official Journal on 31 October 2023 and will apply from 1 January 2024. However, Articles 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 will apply from 1 January 2025. The new regulation is a part of a legislative package to make the EU's climate, energy, land use, transport and taxation policies fit for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030, compared with 1990 levels – the 'fit for 55' package. It seeks to ensure a level playing field for sustainable air transport. It obliges fuel suppliers to distribute sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), and envisages a growing share of SAF (including synthetic aviation fuels, or e-fuels) over time, to increase their uptake by airlines and thereby reduce emissions from aviation. Airlines must limit the uptake of jet fuel before departing from EU airports to what is needed for safe operation of flights, to ensure a level playing field for airlines and airports, and to avoid additional emissions relating to the extra weight of aircraft carrying excessive fuel. Sixth edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Indieners : Jaan SOONE

Samenvatting : To limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, as agreed in the Paris Agreement, all countries must cut their emissions, requiring substantial investment. Developed countries committed collectively to supporting developing countries in their climate mitigation and adaptation measures, with US$100 billion annually by 2020. However, the figure was not reached by 2020, nor is it deemed sufficient to cover the needs of developing countries. Beyond the level of financing, there are claims of an unjust distribution of funds. Moreover, most of the money is given as loans, exacerbating debt problems in many developing countries. In response to these issues, numerous actors have proposed policy changes for financial institutions, governments and other stakeholders. To allow all developing countries to access climate finance, climate funds are called on to become more accommodating to resource constraints, which hinder successful funding applications. Additionally, they are urged to address the needs of small island states, some of which are excluded from official development assistance but require concessional finance to cover costs linked to climate change. Proposals for raising climate finance contributions include tapping into the potential of carbon market mechanisms, scaling and reforming climate action by multilateral development banks and mobilising more private finance. The latter may be achieved through better information provision and risk-sharing mechanisms by public finance institutions to encourage private investors. Finally, the institutions and initiatives for debt relief and restructuring are deemed to be too slow and limited to allow developing countries to deal with climate change. Various stakeholders are demanding reforms for debt relief and increased liquidity support.

Indieners : LISELOTTE JENSEN

Samenvatting : New technologies come with new risks, and the impact of cyber-attacks through digital products has increased dramatically in recent years. Consumers are increasingly falling victim to security flaws linked to digital products such as baby monitors, robo-vacuum cleaners, Wi-Fi routers and alarm systems. For businesses, the importance of ensuring that digital products in the supply chain are secure has become pivotal, considering three in five vendors have already lost money owing to product security gaps. The European Commission's proposal for a regulation, the 'cyber-resilience act', therefore aims to impose cybersecurity obligations on all products with digital elements whose intended and foreseeable use includes direct or indirect data connection to a device or network. The proposal introduces cybersecurity by design and by default principles and imposes a duty of care for the lifecycle of products. The Council and the Parliament are currently in negotiations to finalise the text. Third edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Indieners : POLONA CAR, Stefano DE LUCA

Samenvatting : The impact assessment uses internal and external expertise and evidence collected from targeted consultations. The problem definition is framed, the IA provides information on the extent of the regulation and the scope of conflicts of interest, the relationship between ESG rating providers and rated companies. The IA considers three options for one specific objective and two options for the other specific objective. Assessment and comparison of the options is made in terms of effectiveness, efficiency (cost-effectiveness) and policy coherence, and the impacts are assessed in qualitative and quantitative terms. A transition period with specific measures to lighten the costs is envisaged for SMEs, and benefits are expected in the medium term. In terms of competitiveness, EU providers would have to compete with unregulated third countries, and while this could affect its competitiveness, this impact is expected to be minor. The approach that the EU should take as regards a third-country regime could have been explored more in detail, however.

Indieners : Josefina CAPDEVILA PENALVA

Samenvatting : Since 2004, the European Union has established mode-specific regulations for passenger rights in air, rail, waterborne, and road transport. Despite progress, challenges persist, affecting the quality of service and creating barriers for seamless travel. These challenges include insufficient passenger information, difficulties in asserting rights, disparity in enforcement, consistency issues from one mode to another, the absence of legal provisions for multimodal travel, and a lack of protection against insolvency and mass disruption. These challenges are well documented in European Commission ex-post evaluations and European Court of Auditors performance audits, which are listed and summarised in this appraisal. Based on these evaluations, the Commission is expected to make proposals on 29 November 2023, to review the EU passenger rights framework, with a focus on waterborne transport, road transport and the rights of passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). Rail passenger rights were updated in 2021, and air passenger rights are under review since 2013, with the related proposal still pending.

Indieners : Talander Hugo JANSEN

Samenvatting : A fresh surge in irregular migration to the European Union has highlighted the importance of an overhaul of the bloc’s migration rules. The EU institutions are still negotiating the European Commission’s 2020 asylum and migration pact and, specifically, its proposal on asylum and migration management, which would replace the 2013 Dublin Regulation that determines the EU Member State responsible for examining asylum applications. According to the Commission, addressing this situation requires finalising the reform of the Common European Asylum System, to achieve a more efficient, fair and harmonised framework that is more resistant to future migratory pressures. The new system would ensure international protection to those who need it, and be effective and humane towards those who have to be returned. This note offers links to recent commentaries, studies and reports from international think tanks on migration issues published in the recent few months.

Indieners : Marcin CESLUK-GRAJEWSKI

Samenvatting : In March 2023, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and United States (US) President Joe Biden announced their intention to conclude a critical minerals agreement, seeking to foster supply chains in raw materials needed in the production of electric vehicle batteries. The paradigm shift towards clean transport is driving a massive expansion in the market for electric vehicle markets, highlighting the importance of securing the mineral inputs used in their batteries. To that end, the US Congress has embedded various support measures in enacted legislation, notably in its 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). IRA's tax credit provisions for electric vehicles are of particular concern to the European Union (EU). To qualify for these subsidies, set and progressively increasing percentages of minerals and battery components must come from North America or a country with which the US has a free trade agreement. The EU and US set up an IRA task force to find a solution under which EU vehicles could be eligible for tax credits. The EU-US agreement would enable relevant critical minerals extracted or processed in the EU to count toward IRA requirements. Commission presented the negotiating directives to the Council in June, and the latter authorised formal launch of talks in July. The EU is seeking to strengthen the international supply chains of critical minerals, facilitate trade, and improve sustainability and labour rights. It is also pushing for the inclusion of more than 50 minerals and materials relevant to the green transition in the agreement's scope. The US has expressed its intention to conclude an executive agreement without a vote in the Congress, which is drawing some criticism from US lawmakers. The European Parliament, which will decide whether to give formal consent to the agreement, adopted a resolution on the negotiations in September 2023, calling for wide coverage of minerals, inclusion of critical minerals obtained through recycling, an investment transparency mechanism, and an early warning system against supply chain disruptions.

Indieners : Marcin SZCZEPANSKI

Samenvatting : The European Union (EU) has developed a complex architecture of information systems to support its policies on external borders, migration management, and internal security. In response to recent migration and security challenges, the EU has sought to expand and upgrade its existing information systems on borders and security, as well as to establish new systems and to ensure their interconnection (interoperability). The underlying policy goal has been to 'close information gaps' on third-country nationals arriving or staying in the EU, as a means to combat irregular migration and counter security threats more effectively. Whereas the legislative work of updating and expanding EU-wide information systems for borders and security has been rather swift, efforts are still needed to implement changes and to deploy the new information systems. The timeline for this implementation has been revised several times. It is currently envisaged that the new information architecture will become operational between 2024 and 2026. This briefing provides an overview of EU-wide information systems for border management and security. It presents key figures on the operation of the existing information systems and discusses recent policy and technical developments. It also looks at the information systems and the interoperability framework currently under development.

Indieners : Costica DUMBRAVA

Samenvatting : This briefing has been prepared for the public hearing with the Chair of the Single Resolution Board (SRB), Dominique Laboureix, scheduled for 4 December 2023. This briefing addresses: Report on smaller banks, Updated resolvability assessment, SRB study on CMDI reform impact, Court confirmed the SRB's treatment of Banco Popular shareholders and creditors, Review of three external papers “Do "white knights" make excessive profits in bank resolution?", Liquidity in resolution, Update on the SRB’s strategic review and the 2024 work programme, MREL dashboard Q1 2023.

Indieners : Marcel MAGNUS, Kai Gereon SPITZER

Samenvatting : In the run-off election on 19 November 2023, Argentinians elected right-wing populist Javier Milei, aged 53, as the country's new president. Four weeks earlier, on 22 October 2023, general elections had taken place to elect the president, vice-president, members of the national congress and the governors of most provinces. Following the primaries of 13 August 2023, to the great surprise of all experts, anti-establishment candidate Javier Milei, leader and founder of the La Libertad Avanza party, entered the presidential race as the favourite. Milei was unable to maintain his leading position in the elections on 22 October and was overtaken by Economy Minister Sergio Massa. Massa was running for the Unión por la Patria, a centre-left coalition of Peronist political parties that have dominated Argentine politics for decades. However, in the run-off election Milei won 55.7 % of the votes, while Massa received 44.3 %. Many commentators compare the self-proclaimed 'anarcho-capitalist' to former US President Donald Trump and former President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro.

Indieners : Marc JUTTEN

Samenvatting : The EU's common market organisation (CMO) for seafood products was overhauled in 2013; market intervention measures were abolished and recognised producer organisations (POs) became responsible for managing supply and demand. Product labelling was also extended. Ten years on, it is time to take stock. The European Parliament is currently preparing an own-initiative report. Issues raised include improving consumer information (for instance on sustainability), tackling mislabelling and recognising cooperatives as POs.

Indieners : FREDERIK SCHOLAERT

Samenvatting : On 14 July 2021, the European Commission adopted the 'fit for 55' package with a view to adapting existing EU climate and energy legislation to meet the EU objective of a minimum 55 % reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, as required under the European Climate Law. The 'fit for 55' package includes a recast of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), aligning its provisions to the -55 % GHG target. The recast EED as proposed by the Commission required Member States to almost double their annual energy savings obligations, make exemplary efforts in the public sector, address energy poverty, and take other measures to deliver 9 % more energy savings than anticipated under existing EU legislation. As part of the REPowerEU plan (May 2022), the Commission proposed a targeted EED amendment requiring 13 % more energy savings by 2030. The trilogue negotiations concluded on 10 March 2023 with a provisional agreement, setting a reduction target for primary and final energy consumption of 11.7% at EU level by 2030 compared with energy consumption forecasts made in 2020. The Parliament adopted the revised directive on 11 July 2023, and then the Council completed its adopyion. The act was signed on 13 September 2023 and published in the Official Journal of the European Union. On 10 October 2023 the revised directive entered into force. Fifth edition of a briefing, the first two editions of which were drafted by Alex Wilson. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Indieners : Monika DULIAN

Samenvatting : In July 2021, the European Commission put forward the 'fit for 55' package of legislative proposals, aimed at ensuring the success of the European Green Deal. The FuelEU Maritime regulation is one of these proposals and, together with four other proposals, it seeks to steer the EU maritime sector towards decarbonisation. To support the uptake of sustainable maritime fuels, the Commission proposes to limit the carbon intensity of the energy used on board ships. Accordingly, the proposal sets a fuel standard for ships and introduces a requirement for the most polluting ship types to use onshore electricity when at berth. It puts the responsibility for compliance on the shipping company. In the European Parliament, the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) led the work on this file. Parliament adopted its position for interinstitutional negotiations in October 2022. The Council adopted its general approach in July 2022. A trilogue agreement was reached on 23 March 2023. The final act was signed on 13 September 2023 and was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 22 September 2023. It entered into force on 12 October 2023. Fifth edition of a briefing originally drafted by Marketa Pape. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Indieners : Jaan SOONE

Samenvatting : The EU and its Member States have signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and use its definition of disability as a common reference at EU level. There is no other harmonised definition of disability in the EU. Although a wide variety of statistical surveys are available in terms of questions asked and population surveyed, a complete statistical assessment of disability in the EU does not yet exist. However, the annual Eurostat statistics on income and living conditions survey reveals that, in Europe, the prevalence of disability is higher among female, older and less educated respondents. The EU combats all forms of discrimination alongside and in support of its Member States. To improve the situation of people with disabilities, it has introduced a series of initiatives, programmes and strategies over a number of decades. The European Parliament has been highly active in the bid to end all forms of discrimination against people with disabilities, since the early 1980s. In 1997, Article 13 of the Treaty establishing the European Community on the human right not to suffer discrimination on grounds, in particular, of disability, paved the way for a genuine disability policy. The first step in this regard was the adoption of a 2001-2006 action programme to combat discrimination. Later, the 2010-2020 European disability strategy sought to enable people with disabilities to exercise their rights and participate fully in society and the economy. The 2021-2030 strategy, incorporating lessons learned from its predecessor, seeks to ensure that all persons with disabilities in the EU, regardless of their sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, age or sexual orientation: enjoy their human rights; have equal access to participation in society and the economy; can decide where, how and with whom they live; can move freely in the EU regardless of their support needs; and no longer experience discrimination. This is an update of a briefing published in November 2022.

Indieners : Marie LECERF

Samenvatting : Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 transformed Frontex into the European Border and Coast Guard Agency and considerably increased its tasks, powers, responsibilities and budget. The regulation extended the agency's tasks and competences while also balancing them with stronger fundamental rights safeguards and increased liability and accountability, including by giving the European Parliament oversight of the agency's activities. As part of this oversight, Parliament endorses the agency's budget, can ask the agency for information, plays a key role in appointing the agency's executive director, and a Parliament expert, on invitation, can attend Frontex management board meetings. All this makes Parliament the key player in terms of democratic oversight of the agency. Yet, the agency has been accused in recent years of failing to comply with some of its own rules and of being involved in pushbacks and violations of fundamental rights by Member States' authorities at the EU's external borders. In 2020, Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) decided to investigate these allegations, using the above range of oversight tools. In January 2021, LIBE established the Frontex Scrutiny Working Group (FSWG) to monitor all aspects of the functioning of the agency, including compliance with fundamental rights, transparency, and accountability towards Parliament. The FSWG did a fact-finding investigation, collected evidence and presented its final report in July 2021. Parliament's scrutiny and pressure led to the agency to take a series of actions to address the identified inefficiencies and the allegations of fundamental rights violations. In April 2022, the Frontex Executive Director, Fabrice Leggeri, resigned with immediate effect. This briefing looks at the Parliament's accountability mechanisms and how they have been used to ensure that migrants' fundamental rights are respected and upheld at the EU's external borders. This is a further update of a briefing published in November 2021 and updated in September 2022.

Indieners : KATRIEN LUYTEN, Micaela DEL MONTE

Samenvatting : The European Union (EU) is facing multiple transformations relating to climate change, digitalisation and sustainable economic growth. The European Green Deal, introduced in 2019, outlines a strategy to achieve sustainability goals, including net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The 'fit for 55' package seeks to reduce emissions by at least 55 % by 2030. In order to achieve these aims, the EU has adopted regulations to incentivise the uptake of zero-emission vehicles. In April 2023, emission targets were strengthened again, with a 100 % reduction deadline of 2035. To achieve a climate-neutral and circular economy, industry mobilisation is crucial. The EU introduced its new industrial strategy in 2020, promoting innovation, skills, and financing for the transition. In February 2023, the Green Deal industrial plan was presented to support net-zero technologies. The transition also poses regional development challenges, affecting companies and workers. To ensure a fair and inclusive transition for everyone, the Just Transition Fund was established in 2021 with a budget of €17.5 billion. A number of regions, including vulnerable ones, rely on the automotive sector for jobs. Addressing skills gaps and supporting low-skilled workers is seen as crucial for a just transition. The European Committee of the Regions has established the Automotive Regions Alliance to promote a fair transition in the automotive industry and is calling for budgetary and political support for the automotive transition, emphasising the need for research, reskilling, and social dialogue. It suggests using the Just Transition Mechanism and involving citizens in the process. The European Parliament is working on a report on how to reshape the EU structural funds for regions affected by the transition. It recommends a stable cohesion policy post-2027 and a new policy objective on industrial transition. The report underscores the need for a 'Just Transition Fund 2.0' beyond 2027, with increased funding. It focuses on fair treatment for SMEs, smooth transition plans, and support for transitioning sectors, especially in less developed regions. The Committee on Regional Development adopted the report on 24 October 2023, and it is expected to be voted in plenary in December 2023.

Indieners : Emmanuel ALVAREZ

Samenvatting : Since the free trade agreement (FTA) signed with South Korea in 2009, EU trade deals have included a dedicated trade and sustainable development (TSD) chapter encompassing provisions on protection of the environment, labour rights and climate change. However, in recent years evaluation of the EU's trade policy has focused on the question of how to improve the implementation and enforcement of sustainability provisions and, in particular, the TSD chapters in EU trade agreements. Parliament has long advocated for stronger enforcement and implementation of TSD commitments. In its 2021 trade strategy, the Trade Policy Review, the Commission signalled the early launch of a review of the TSD approach that had been set out in the 15-point action plan of 2018. Following a one-year consultation process, including exchanges of views with the European Parliament, the Council and stakeholders, on 22 June 2022 the Commission adopted a communication on 'The power of trade partnerships: together for green and just economic growth'. The new TSD approach strengthens, among other things, the implementation and enforcement of TSD chapters by extending the standard state-to-state dispute settlement to the TSD chapter, and the possibility to use trade sanctions as a last resort, for material breaches of the Paris Climate Agreement and the fundamental labour principles of the International Labour Organization. The European Parliament and many stakeholders have stressed that the new approach should be reflected in all EU trade agreements currently under negotiation and future trade agreements, as well as FTAs that are in force, by using the review clause included in existing agreements or other appropriate procedures. The EU-New Zealand FTA, which was signed on 9 July 2023, is the first agreement to integrate the new TSD approach. This EPRS briefing draws on two previous ones, by Jana Titievskaia (Sustainability provisions in EU free trade agreements: Review of the European Commission action plan) and Ionel Zamfir (Labour rights in EU trade agreements: Towards stronger enforcement).

Indieners : Marc JUTTEN

Samenvatting : Russia's war against Ukraine has revealed the extent of our dependency on digital technology and the fragility of the digital space. It has triggered a surge in cyberattacks that have been particularly disruptive when targeting critical infrastructure – such as energy, health or finance – because of the increasing reliance on information technology, rendering this infrastructure all the more vulnerable. Against this backdrop, the Commission has proposed a regulation on a cyber solidarity act that would address the urgent need to strengthen solidarity and EU capacities to detect, prepare for and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents. The proposed regulation envisages the establishment of a framework based on three pillars. The first is a European cyber shield – a platform of national and cross-border security operations centres. The second is a cybersecurity emergency mechanism that would support – including financially – preparedness, response and mutual assistance actions among Member States by creating a European cybersecurity reserve of trusted providers. The third is a cybersecurity incident review mechanism to assess and review significant or large-scale incidents. In Parliament, the file has been assigned to the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), where the rapporteur, Lina Gálvez Muñoz (S&D, Spain) published her draft report on 4 September 2023. The amendments tabled in the ITRE committee were published on 22 September 2023. The committee is expected to vote on the draft report on 7 December 2023. First edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Indieners : POLONA CAR

Samenvatting : This study provides an in-depth analysis of the Proposal for a Directive establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities, and outlines recommendations. This Proposal represents an important stepping stone to promote free movement of persons with disabilities. It is based on mutual recognition of disability status, but does not harmonise disability assessments. It would ensure that holders of the cards may avail of disability benefits in a range of services across the EU. However, the current text presents some shortcomings. This study was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs.

Indieners : Delia Ferri

Samenvatting : This study provides an in-depth analysis of the Proposal for a Directive establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities, and outlines recommendations. This Proposal represents an important stepping stone to promote free movement of persons with disabilities. It is based on mutual recognition of disability status, but does not harmonise disability assessments. It would ensure that holders of the cards may avail of disability benefits in a range of services across the EU. However, the current text presents some shortcomings. This study was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs.

Indieners : Delia Ferri

Samenvatting : This briefing is intended as a background overview for parliamentary committees (and their respective secretariats) planning their activities in relation to the European Commission's 2024 work programme (2024 CWP), adopted on 17 October 2023. Like all work programmes under the von der Leyen Commission, the 2024 CWP delivers on the Commission's six priorities, and the twin green and digital transition. Nonetheless, the 2024 work programme differs quite significantly from the CWPs of the past four years, on account of the forthcoming European Parliament elections (scheduled to be held between 6 and 9 June 2024), the end of the current Commission's mandate (in late 2024) and the CWP's special focus on strengthening the EU's competitiveness by cutting red tape. The latter responds to the Commission's announcement of March 2023 to reduce reporting requirements for companies and administrations by 25 %. In comparison, the von der Leyen Commission's previous CWPs were somewhat crisis-driven: the 2020, 2021 and 2022 CWPs were characterised by the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas the 2023 CWP was shaped by Russia's war against Ukraine, which triggered, inter alia, a vast humanitarian and energy crisis. Like previous work programmes, the 2024 CWP takes a look at past achievements and outlines new initiatives the Commission still intends to present before the end of this term. In view of the limited time left ahead of the European elections, the relatively low number of new (legislative and non-legislative) initiatives – namely 18 (Annex I) – does not come as a surprise. Instead, next year's CWP puts special emphasis on regulatory simplification, featuring an additional 41 initiatives to reduce administrative burden resulting from reporting requirements under existing EU legislation (Annex II). Breaking with the tradition to include only initiatives planned to be presented in the year ahead, the 2024 CWP also enumerates a significant number of initiatives the Commission either already adopted earlier this year or presented alongside the 2024 CWP. The 41 burden-reduction initiatives consist of 15 initiatives adopted between March and September 2023 (Annex II A), which aim to amend existing legislation and, at the same time, reduce regulatory burden, and 26 initiatives to 'rationalise reporting requirements' (Annex II B), of which 18 were presented on the same day the 2024 CWP was adopted. A further legislative proposal under this annex was submitted at the beginning of November 2023. Of the 26 simplification proposals mentioned above, 15 fall under the ordinary legislative procedure, while 11 are comitology acts. Leaving aside the initiatives already submitted ahead of the 2024 CWP and the comitology files, Annexes I and II B of the 2024 CWP set out a total of 33 initiatives, of which at most 20 are legislative initiatives. Of those 20, 12 were presented by the Commission on 17 October 2023, together with the 2024 CWP, and, as mentioned above, a further one was submitted at the beginning of November 2023. Thus, only seven legislative initiatives remain to be submitted later in 2023 or 2024. Overall, with a maximum of 20, the number of legislative initiatives – which are the focus of this briefing – is very low in the 2024 CWP. Indeed it is far less than in previous years: the 2023 CWP included 39 legislative initiatives, and the 2022 CWP listed 45.

Indieners : Irmgard ANGLMAYER, Nora HAHNKAMPER-VANDENBULCKE

Samenvatting : 'This is Europe' – an initiative proposed by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola – consists of a series of debates with EU leaders to discuss their visions for the future of the European Union. In the address of the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Nikolai Denkov, to the European Parliament on 22 November 2023, historic symbolism – and its importance for today's and tomorrow's Europe – was a central theme. Mr Denkov also urged that Bulgaria's integration into the EU be completed by joining Schengen and the euro area. Recalling that Bulgaria had fulfilled all the requirements for its accession to the Schengen area, he stressed that any further postponement would be unacceptable. In the context of Russia's war against Ukraine, he pleaded not to give in to war fatigue, but to continue supporting Ukraine. To overcome polarisation in our societies, he also called upon the main political ideologies in the EU not to develop into sharp opposition, but to promote mutual understanding and cooperation. Finally, Mr Denkov emphasised the need to change the public's views on the EU in many Member States and break with existing stereotypes, and he frequently depicted the EU as a source of 'generous funds, benefits and a place for better paid work'. Do not ask what the EU can do for your country, ask what your country can do for the EU. Nikolai Denkov

Indieners : Ralf DRACHENBERG

Samenvatting : During the November II plenary session, Members held a debate with the Council and European Commission on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need for the release of hostages and for an immediate humanitarian truce leading to a ceasefire, and on the prospects for peace and security in the Middle East. Further debates took place on the continued threat to the rule of law, the independence of justice and the non-fulfilment of conditionalities for EU funding in Hungary, and the threat to the rule of law resulting from the governmental agreement in Spain. Members also debated the Commission's lack of legislative follow-up to the Committee of Inquiry to investigate the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware (PEGA). The Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Nikolay Denkov led this month's 'This is Europe' debate. William Ruto, President of Kenya, addressed the Parliament in a formal sitting. And in the question time session, Commissioner Thierry Breton answered Members' questions regarding the state of implementation of the EU's commitment to provide 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine up to March 2024.

Indieners : CLARE FERGUSON, KATARZYNA SOCHACKA

Samenvatting : On 14 September 2022, the Commission proposed a regulation to ban products made using forced labour, including child labour, on the European Union (EU) internal market. The proposal covers all products made available on the EU market, whether made in the EU for domestic consumption and for export, or imported. It covers products of any type, including their components, from all sectors and industries. EU Member States would be in charge of enforcing its provisions, and their national authorities would be able to withdraw products made with the use of forced labour from the EU market. Customs authorities would identify and stop such products at EU borders. In the European Parliament, the file has been jointly referred to the IMCO and INTA committees. Their joint report on the proposal was adopted in October 2023 and was confirmed as Parliament's position for the trilogue negotiations during the November I plenary session. Second edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Indieners : STEFANO SPINACI, Anne ALTMAYER

Samenvatting : This impact assessment effectively substantiates the need for a revision of the Victims' Rights Directive, to strengthen the rights of all victims of all crimes, including the right to information and the right to support and protection, taking into account the individual needs of each victim, effective participation in criminal proceedings, and access to compensation from the offender. In line with the 'evaluate first' principle, the IA draws largely on the findings of a prior evaluation, and it is well-evidenced. The IA presents a sufficiently broad range of policy options that address the problems identified. Stakeholders were widely consulted and their views taken into account throughout the IA. The preferred option package enjoys broad stakeholder support, with any divergent views sufficiently presented in the IA. The IA provides information on calculation methods and limitations with regard to cost and benefit estimations. The IA substantiates the preferred option package; however, the arguments concerning the efficiency aspect could have been further clarified.

Indieners : Andriana EFTHYMIADOU

Samenvatting : This study looks at potential windfall profits for the four banking acquisitions in 2023. Based on accounting figures, an FT article states that a total of USD 44bn was left on the table. We see accounting figures as a misleading analysis. By estimating marked-based cumulative abnormal returns (CAR), we find positive abnormal returns in all four cases which when made quantifiable, are around half of the FT’s accounting figures. Furthermore, we argue that transparent auctions with enough bidders should be preferred to negotiated bank sales. This document was provided/prepared by the Economic Governance and EMU Scrutiny Unit at the request of the ECON Committee.

Indieners : Florian HEIDER, Jonas SCHLEGEL, Tobias H. TRÖGER, Mark WAHRENBURG

Samenvatting : The study considers the potential of the European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS) as a tool for the enforcement of labour and social security rights. It explains the challenges in social security coordination and considers whether the current conceptualisation of ESSPASS can alleviate these problems. To increase ESSPASS’ effectiveness, this report recommends expanding the current scope to include documents pertaining not only social security and health care but also to labour law, notably the national declarations of posting.

Indieners : Sacha GARBEN

Samenvatting : This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the LIBE Committee, is based on concrete quantitative and qualitative evidence, existing available data, studies and analysis from various sources and documents from national and international institutions. It makes a legal and policy analysis of the EU and international standards applicable to the reception of applicants for international protection, and provides a comparative overview of the implementation of the Reception Conditions and Temporary Protection Directives and of further international norms across EUMS. Attention is also paid to how the EU supports and ensures EUMS’ compliance with existing rules on reception conditions. The study concludes with policy recommendations addressed to relevant actors – including at Member State and European institutions – involved in the provision of reception conditions across the EU.

Indieners : Catherine WOOLLARD, Josephine LIEBL, Eleonora TESTI, Martin WAGNER, Justyna SEGES FRELAK, Andrew GEDDES, Rachel WESTERBY

Samenvatting : Health is a fundamental human right, and achieving equality in access to medicines is crucial for ensuring public health. The current system of innovation strongly relies on the private sector, while remuneration of innovation is mainly based on exclusivities. This system presents several issues, such as innovation being driven by market size, the partial misalignment between industry’s research and development (R&D) priorities and public health goals, access constraints, and the scarcity of disruptive innovations. In this context, this study analyses the impact of different R&D incentive mechanisms and alternative frameworks that may contribute to pharmaceutical innovation and public health. In particular, the study analyses the implications for innovation and accessibility, in terms both of prices and of availability. Based on an extensive review of the literature combined with interviews with expert stakeholders, the study offers a range of policy options. These seek to ensure the development of accessible drugs in all clinical areas, improve availability, price and research and development cost transparency, and ensure preparedness in the event of emergencies. Policy options suggested include strengthening EU coordination on intellectual property rights and medicine procurement, reducing the length of exclusivities, and introducing specific incentives (subscription models) de-linked from market size for specific unmet medical needs (antimicrobials and rare diseases with extremely low prevalence). A further suggestion is the creation of a public infrastructure active throughout the whole drug research and development process. A combination of policies would exceed the sum of its components, by generating additional synergies.

Indieners : DG, EPRS

Samenvatting : This At a glance note summarises the study evaluating the challenges, opportunities and medium-term prospects for the EU dairy sector in light of milk quota abolition. The study focuses on structural change in the sector, the dynamics of the dairy market, the need for environmental resilience and rural sustainability. The specific concerns of disadvantaged dairy regions are also addressed. The report offers policy recommendations for the European Parliament's consideration to bolster dairy farming and sustain rural communities effectively, while addressing the sector’s sustainability requirements.

Indieners : Roel Jongeneel, Ana Gonzalez-Martinez, Trevor Donnellan, Fiona Thorne, Emma Dillon, Jason Loughrey

Samenvatting : This briefing paper was prepared ahead of the Monetary Dialogue between the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) and the European Central Bank (ECB) President on Monday, 27 November. It provides a summary of key monetary policy developments and decisions taken by the ECB’s Governing Council.

Indieners : Drazen RAKIC, MAJA SABOL, GIACOMO LOI

Samenvatting : This report evaluates the challenges and opportunities for the EU dairy sector in light of milk quota abolition and the sector’s medium-term prospects. It focuses on structural change in the sector, the dynamics of the dairy market, the need for environmental resilience and rural sustainability. The specific concerns of disadvantaged dairy regions are also addressed. The report offers policy recommendations for the European Parliament's consideration to bolster dairy farming and sustain rural communities effectively, while addressing the sector’s sustainability requirements.

Indieners : Roel JONGENEEL, Ana GONZALEZ-MARTINEZ, Teagasc, Trevor DONNELLAN, Fiona THORNE, Emma DILLON, Jason LOUGHREY

Samenvatting : The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union (EU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), provisionally in force since October 2016, comprises the EU and its Member States, on the one hand, and Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), on the other. Its stated objectives include poverty reduction, regional integration, capacity-building and economic growth. This study aims to provide an overview of the implementation of the EU-SADC EPA, focusing on the geo-economic perspective, given the complex and tumultuous geopolitical landscape. It examines the implementation context, including disruptive and regional risk factors, and the impact of relations between the SADC EPA countries and key global partners. The study also surveys EU and expert evaluations and effects of the EU-SADC EPA to date. It provides a screenshot of the development of EU-SADC trade and investment flows and studies Parliament's position and oversight activities on the EPA. The study ends with some lessons identified on ways to enhance the implementation of the agreement.

Indieners : Isabelle IOANNIDES, Katharina EISELE

Samenvatting : This overview was prepared ahead of the Monetary Dialogue between the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) and the European Central Bank (ECB) President on Monday, 27 November.

Indieners : GIACOMO LOI

Samenvatting : This overview was prepared ahead of the Monetary Dialogue between the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) and the European Central Bank (ECB) President on Monday, 27 November.

Indieners : Drazen RAKIC, MAJA SABOL

Samenvatting : This briefing describes the treaty provisions and appointment procedure for ECA members at EU level. In addition, it provides information on the national nomination procedure for ECA members in Sweden and Portugal and the countries’ candidates.

Indieners : Michaela FRANKE, Eleanor Remo JAMES

Samenvatting : Climate considerations have entered the agenda of the ECB in recent years. The ECB has intensified its analyses of the macroeconomic impact of climate change and started to evaluate and implement more active approaches and best practices to support the green transition. In this paper we discuss how climate change could affect monetary policy, other policies available to the ECB to support the green transition, and potential trade-offs with its primary objective of price stability. 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 27 November 2023.

Indieners : Joscha BECKMANN, Klaus-Jürgen GERN, Nils JANNSEN, Nils SONNENBERG

Samenvatting : Climate change and monetary policy are becoming increasingly intertwined. The relationship between climate risk and inflation is non-trivial, presenting the ECB with a number of trade-offs in its monetary policy operations. Lately, the ECB has stepped up its efforts to embed climate change considerations at the heart of its monetary policy framework, yet recent inflationary pressures threaten to water down the effectiveness of its actions, including the tilting of its bond portfolio towards green issuers. Four papers were prepared by the ECON Committee’s Monetary Expert Panel on the integration of climate change considerations in the conduct of monetary policy by the ECB. 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 27 November 2023.

Indieners : Dirk SCHOENMAKER, Sonja DOBKOWITZ, Pia HÜTTL, Alexander KRIWOLUZKY, Jana WITTICH, Daniel GROS, Farzaneh SHAMSFAKHR, Joscha BECKMANN, Klaus-Jürgen GERN, Nils JANNSEN, Nils SONNENBERG

Samenvatting : This study, commissioned by the Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the Committee on Petitions (PETI), demonstrates the need to change systems that respond to homelessness as an issue of individual dysfunction and inadequacy, to systems that end homelessness. The residential instability felt by the majority of those who are homeless needs to be addressed through the provision of integrated housing, welfare, and health services. Public policy should aim to prevent homelessness in the first instance. For those who experience homelessness, the duration must be minimised by rapidly providing secure, affordable housing, in order to reduce further experiences of homelessness, decrease costly emergency accommodation, and alleviate trauma associated with homelessness.

Indieners : O'SULLIVAN Eoin

Samenvatting : States must treat asylum-seekers and refugees according to the appropriate standards laid down in human rights and refugee law. The 2015 migration crisis revealed wide divergences in the level of reception conditions provided by Member States, which have persisted until today. While some are facing problems in ensuring adequate and dignified treatment of applicants, in others the standards of reception provided are more generous. This has led to secondary movements of asylum-seekers and refugees, and has put pressure on certain Member States. The aim of the proposed recast directive, which would replace the current Reception Conditions Directive, is to ensure greater harmonisation of reception standards and more equal treatment of asylum-seekers across all Member States, as well as to avoid 'asylum shopping', whereby asylum-seekers choose the Member State with the highest protection standards for their application. The European Commission tabled a proposal on a new reception conditions directive in 2016. In 2018, the Parliament and the Council reached a partial provisional agreement on the recast directive. After being blocked since 2018, the two institutions reached a final agreement on the directive on 15 December 2022. However, the agreed text has not been formally adopted pending progress on other related proposals in the asylum and migration field. Fifth edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Indieners : Anja RADJENOVIC

Samenvatting : The Commission put forward its proposal for a regulation establishing the European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act (EDIRPA) on 19 July 2022. The key goals were to address the EU's most urgent and critical defence capability gaps and incentivise the EU Member States to procure defence products jointly. On 27 June, the co-legislators reached a political agreement on EDIRPA. Parliament adopted the EDIRPA Regulation on 12 September and the Council followed suit on 9 October. The final act was signed on 18 October and it was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 26 October 2023. It entered into force the day following its publication. Sixth edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Indieners : SEBASTIAN CLAPP

Samenvatting : The Ukraine Facility is designed to support Ukraine, its recovery and its path to EU accession, allocating up to €50 billion for 2024 to 2027. The Facility will: provide Ukraine with direct financial support in the form of grants and loans ('Pillar I'); mobilise private investment in Ukraine by providing guarantees and blended finance ('Pillar II'); and finance assistance and capacity-building programmes for Ukraine's central, regional and municipal tiers of government and civil society to help them achieve the EU acquis and standards ('Pillar III'). The proposal is subject to the ordinary legislative procedure, and in Parliament the file was allocated to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Budgets under the joint committee procedure. Following swift consideration by the committees, Parliament adopted its negotiating position in a plenary vote on 16 October 2023. Trilogue negotiations can start as soon as the Council agrees upon its position. Second edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Indieners : MARIANNA PARI, TIM ULRICH PETERS

Samenvatting : The European Parliament has underlined the need to involve the regional and local levels of government in efforts to ensure that the adaptation goal of the Paris Agreement – which provides a framework for global action to address climate change post-2020 – is met. A number of initiatives have been put in place to support regions, cities, and local authorities in their efforts to align with the EU's transition to climate neutrality. Examples of these initiatives include the Covenant of Mayors for climate and energy, the 'EU Mission: Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities', and the 'EU Mission: Adaptation to Climate Change', all promoted by the European Commission. The Commission has also created the EU Green Capital and the EU Green Leaf Awards. The European Committee of the Regions launched the 'Green Deal Going Local' initiative and founded the Automotive Regions Alliance. EU cities and regions are taking action towards decarbonisation in order to make the EU economy more resource-efficient, to innovate on waste management and recycling, to support citizens for both new construction and renovation, to make transport greener, to increase green spaces and plant presence in urban areas, and to raise citizens' awareness of the need to do more to fight climate change. This briefing showcases 20 such projects across the European Union.

Indieners : Enrico D'AMBROGIO

Samenvatting : When businesses start operating across borders, they are faced with a new and unfamiliar corporate tax system in each EU Member State. As a result, businesses with cross-border activities have to spend time and resources on understanding and complying with complex local corporate tax rules. This represents a significant administrative burden, in particular for small companies. To lower tax compliance costs, the European Commission tabled a proposal on 12 September 2023 to establish a head office tax system (HOT) for small businesses. Under HOT, micro-enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating exclusively through permanent establishments would be able to continue to apply their national corporate tax rules – i.e. the rules they are already most familiar with – when they expand across borders. They would also be able to file a single tax return in the Member State of their head office, rather than separate tax returns in the different Member States. This would cut compliance costs and remove an important barrier to the cross-border expansion of small companies in the single market. The proposal is subject to a special legislative procedure, requiring unanimous support in Council, following consultation of the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee. First edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Indieners : Pieter BAERT

Samenvatting : This briefing summarises the conclusions of the ECB’s investigation phase and gives an overview of the recent legislative proposals from the Commission. It also discusses the ECB’s legal opinion, highlighting where the ECB has concerns with the legislative proposals. These concerns chiefly result from perceived intrusions by the legislation into the ECB’s monetary policy competences. Finally, the briefing points out open questions and tentative answers, including on the delineation of competences between the legislator and the central bank, for the attention of the competent Committee of the European Parliament.

Indieners : GIACOMO LOI, Kai Gereon SPITZER, MILJA MIESKOLAINEN

Samenvatting : After a series of unprecedented interest rate hikes on both sides of the Atlantic, inflation in the euro area and the United States is cooling down from a 40-year high. However, uncertainty about the inflation and growth outlook remains high, as the European Central Bank and the Federal Reserve are considering their next moves. Five papers were prepared by the ECON Committee’s Monetary Expert Panel, making a comparative assessment of inflation dynamics and monetary policy stances in the two monetary areas, as well as implications for the euro area of a possible divergence in the future. 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 27 November 2023.

Indieners : Luigi BONATTI, Andrea FRACASSO, Roberto TAMBORINI, Karl WHELAN, Charles WYPLOSZ, Manuela MOSCHELLA, Davide ROMELLI, Christophe BLOT, François GEEROLF

Samenvatting : On 28 July 2023, the European Commission adopted a proposal to revise EU toy safety legislation with a new regulation and repealing Directive 2009/48/EC. The proposal pursues two main objectives: a) achieving a higher level of child protection, including from the most harmful substances; and b) reducing the number of non-compliant and unsafe toys on the EU market. In relation to the first objective, the proposal extends the definition of health to children's psychological and mental health and to their wellbeing and cognitive development. It also extends the current ban on substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic for reproduction to include endocrine disruptors, as well as chemicals that are toxic to a specific organ or affect the immune, neurological or respiratory system. The proposal's second objective provides for the creation of a digital product passport to facilitate traceability. In the European Parliament, the file was referred to the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO). The working party on technical harmonisation in the Council of the European Union, has begun its examination of the proposal. First edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Indieners : CLEMENT THIERRY EVROUX

Samenvatting : A commitment under the EU Treaties, policy coherence for development requires the EU and its Member States to take into account the objectives of development cooperation in all their external and internal policies that are likely to affect developing countries. Managing competing objectives is a challenge. Better awareness among EU policy-makers and a streamlined action plan could help mitigate trade-offs and improve synergies.

Indieners : Eric PICHON

Samenvatting : In the EU, one in four children are either foreign-born themselves or have foreign-born parents. On 1 January 2022, around 6.6 million children did not have the citizenship of their country of residence in the EU. Almost three out of four of these children lived in Germany, France, Italy or Spain, the countries hosting the largest number of non-national children in absolute terms. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine started on 24 February 2022, millions of people, most of them women and children, sought refuge in EU countries. In September 2022, Member States recorded around 2.25 million Ukrainian minors who needed to attend school. As children with a migrant background make up a large part of the population, their successful integration also has an impact on the social cohesion of the EU. The EU has a shared competence in the area of migration and integration, meaning that it can shape the policy area by setting common standards, but Member States retain their prerogative to set up and implement their national policies. The 2021-2027 EU action plan on integration and inclusion constitutes the central pillar of EU policy in this area, providing a common policy framework to help Member States develop their national migrant integration policies in line with the freedoms and values laid out in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. All children, regardless of their family or cultural background or gender, have the right to education to further their development. Migrant, especially refugee, children, may have had a break in their education or not been able to go to school at all, and therefore require tailored support to address their particular needs. However, regardless of a series of hurdles that migrant children may face on their education path, a recent OECD report demonstrates that their outcomes have improved. Moreover, young people with migrant parents are catching up in the labour market, and their employment rates are now generally higher and unemployment rates lower than a decade ago.

Indieners : Anita ORAV

Samenvatting : On 12 July 2023, the Commission published its proposal for a revision of the Victims' Rights Directive, the key EU legislation on the protection of the rights of victims of crime. The Commission estimates that 15 % of Europeans fall victim to a crime every year. Despite progress in recent years, victims still lack access to information, support and protection. Secondary victimisation during criminal proceedings is still common and victims' access to compensation is not sufficiently supported. Vulnerable victims are especially lacking in sufficient specialised support. The Commission is proposing a set of amendments to strengthen the current rules and expand victims' rights. In Parliament, the file is being dealt with by the Committees on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) and on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) under the joint committee procedure. First edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Indieners : Martina PRPIC

Samenvatting : Child sexual exploitation and sexual abuse are among the worst forms of violence against children, and are crimes that know no borders. The constant rise of these crimes, exacerbated by the pandemic, underscores the importance of harmonised national legislation and international cooperation to improve prevention, protect the victims and prosecute the perpetrators. The European Day helps to raise awareness to this end.

Indieners : Ingeborg ODINK

Samenvatting : Globally, it has been estimated that four billion people are facing severe water scarcity. While the situation is not yet critical in Europe, water stress is already a serious issue and climate change is expected to make it worse in the future. What is the extent of the problem, and what solutions are available to avoid running out of water?

Indieners : Antonio VALE, Jurgita LEKAVIČIŪTĖ-GADAL

Samenvatting : The EU's general budget for 2024 is scheduled for adoption during the European Parliament's November II plenary session. Parliament will vote on the provisional agreement it reached with the Council on 11 November 2023 during budgetary conciliation. The Council has to approve the provisional agreement formally before Parliament puts it to the vote. The agreed 2024 budget sets commitment appropriations at €189.4 billion and payments at €142.6 billion, including special instruments. The provisional agreement includes draft amending budget 4 to the 2023 budget (DAB 4/2023). The annual budgetary negotiations this year took place in the dynamic context of global challenges and the need for a revision of the EU multiannual financial framework, as stressed in Parliament's interim report of 3 October 2023.

Indieners : Sidonia MAZUR

Samenvatting : On 2 March 2023, Ukraine sent a request for assistance to the EU for the supply of 155 mm-calibre artillery rounds. On 20 March, the Council agreed on a three-track proposal on ammunition (delivery from existing stocks; joint procurement from industry; increasing production). Its main aim is to provide one million rounds of artillery ammunition for Ukraine up to March 2024. It is unclear whether Member States and industry will be able to deliver on time. To date, 300 000 rounds of ammunition have been delivered from Member States' stocks, and 180 000 have been ordered from industry (not yet delivered). Parliament will use its powers of oversight during 'question time' in the November II plenary session to question the Commissioner responsible.

Indieners : Jakub PRZETACZNIK, SEBASTIAN CLAPP

Samenvatting : Under the farm to fork strategy, part of the European Green Deal, the EU has set itself a double target: a 50 % reduction in the overall use of and risk from chemical plant protection products, and a 50 % reduction in the use of more hazardous ones by 2030. The proposal for a regulation tabled by the European Commission on 22 June 2022, which would replace the 2009 sustainable use directive, would require Member States to contribute collectively to achieving these EU-wide targets through the adoption and attainment of binding national targets. To protect biodiversity and citizens' health, the use of all plant protection products would be banned in specific, sensitive areas, with limited derogations. Monitoring and reporting obligations would be strengthened. Stakeholders are strongly divided on the proposal. While environmental organisations are pushing for more ambition, the farming community is concerned about the lack of alternatives for farmers, the broad coverage of sensitive areas, and consequences for business continuity. Indicators used to track progress towards the targets are also subject to criticisms from various sides. In Parliament, the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), responsible for the file, adopted its report on 24 October 2023, substantially amending the Commission text. The report awaits a vote in plenary during the November II session, with a view to setting Parliament's position for negotiations with the Council. The Council has still to agree on a general approach. Second edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Indieners : Vivienne HALLEUX

Samenvatting : The impact assessment draws on a wide range of internal and external expertise, in particular work related to the European Data Market Study 2021-2023, and several stakeholder consultations. While the problem definition could have been more straightforward and distinct, the intervention logic – from problem drivers, to objectives, to policy options – is clear. The 12 policy options retained for analysis are mostly cumulative, and their assessment is qualitative, complemented by quantitative estimations of macroeconomic benefits (ranges of figures) and of various costs. The IA features a pertinent SME test (the initiative being considered very relevant for SMEs). It stresses the principle of personal data control by customers under the preferred options, which are expected to boost innovation and competitiveness in the EU data economy. Based on an assessment of the risks for (vulnerable) consumers, the IA opts to exclude certain highly sensitive data from the preferred options.

Indieners : Esther KRAMER

Samenvatting : Space is becoming an increasingly contested domain. The Russian war of aggression in Ukraine highlights the key role of space-based connectivity for the conduct of military operations and the continuity of public services. The Strategic Compass for Security and Defence underlines the increasingly contested nature of space, recognises space as a strategic domain and accentuates the need to boost the security and defence dimensions of the EU in space. EU Member States have therefore committed to adopt an EU space strategy for security and defence; this was put forward by the Commission on 10 March 2023. Recognition by the EU and its Member States of the importance of space and defence has led to an increase in the development and use of space assets for defence and security objectives over the past decade. Space and defence capability development is advancing, with several European Defence Fund and permanent structured cooperation (PESCO) projects developing the capabilities that the EU will need in the space and defence sphere. Synergies are being sought between the civil, defence and space industries. The EU is also increasingly involved in global governance on space issues, working to enhance its partnerships on space security, for instance with the United States and with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs has adopted an own-initiative report on the Strategic Compass and EU space-based defence capabilities, in which it welcomes 'the findings and high level of ambition in the recommendations proposed in the EU space strategy in the area of security and defence'. The Council has meanwhile adopted conclusions on the EU space strategy for security and defence, welcoming it and supporting its main points.

Indieners : CLEMENT THIERRY EVROUX, SEBASTIAN CLAPP

Samenvatting : In July 2023, the Commission tabled a package of proposals for the greening of freight transport. Among the three proposals is one on improving the use of rail infrastructure capacity. The proposed text includes changes to the rules on the planning and allocation of railway infrastructure capacity, currently covered by Directive 2012/34/EU and Regulation (EU) No 913/2010. The aim of the changes is to allow rail infrastructure capacity and traffic to be managed more efficiently, thereby improving the quality of services and optimising the use of the railway network, accommodating larger volumes of traffic and ensuring that the transport sector contributes to decarbonisation. In Parliament, the file has been referred to the Committee on Transport and Tourism. The rapporteur, Tilly Metz (Greens/EFA, Luxembourg), has yet to publish her draft report. First edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Indieners : Jaan SOONE

Samenvatting : This At A Glance - Study In Focus provides information on the proposed reform of the electricity market design which maintains crucial elements of the existing system to ensure continued efficient operation. The impact that changing the rules on longer-term contracts will have on consumer prices and investment will depend on the concrete language of proposed legislation as well as its ultimate implementation. Overall, neither the expected mode of impact of individual reform elements, let alone their interaction, is clearly spelled out by the legislators. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE).

Indieners : Georg ZACHMANN, Lion HIRTH, Conall HEUSSAFF, Ingmar SCHLECHT, Jonathan MÜHLENPFORDT & Anselm EICKE

Samenvatting : Rising inflation complicates the alignment of the ECB’s policies with the Paris Agreement. This paper provides novel evidence for inflationary pressures arising from natural disasters. We then discuss the effectiveness of monetary instruments to boost a green transition, concluding that the scope of policy measures used thus far is limited. As additional measures, we advise active rebalancing of the ECB’s bond holdings towards greener issuers, enforcing stricter disclosure standards, and differentiating lending facilities in favour of green investments. 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 27 November 2023.

Indieners : Sonja DOBKOWITZ, Pia HÜTTL, Alexander KRIWOLUZKY & Jana WITTICH

Samenvatting : This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the PETI Committee, discusses the impact of the ongoing cost-of-living and energy crises on the standard of living for persons with disabilities. Based on available evidence, it provides an overview on legislation, policy measures and schemes that support persons with disabilities and their families to cope with the rising cost of living at the EU level and in selected Member States.

Indieners : Magdi BIRTHA, Eszter ZÓLYOMI, Felix WOHLGEMUTH & Sabina GJYLSHENI

Samenvatting : This infographic provides an insight into the economic performance of China compared with the European Union (EU) and looks at the trade dynamics between them. China’s GDP growth per capita increased rapidly since the beginning of the series. The EU’s GDP per capita trend remained relatively stable, recording a slow but constant increase with the only exception in the years of the COVID-19 restrictions. Unemployment in China has been low and stable for the whole time series, and it never exceeded 5% of the total labour force. Conversely, public debt as a percentage of GDP has increased for both countries, but in China the trend was steeper, moving from 25.6% at the beginning of the series to 77% at the end. Trade relations between the EU and China have been characterised by a positive trend for the whole series. The EU is the leading trade partner for China and their imports and exports are in large part composed of the exchange of mechanical appliances and electrical equipment.

Indieners : GYORGYI MACSAI

Samenvatting : Value added tax (VAT) is one of the key revenue raisers in national budgets, accounting on average for almost a fifth of all tax revenue collected in the EU. Yet, sizeable amounts of VAT revenue are lost to fraud. Moreover, VAT rules place a considerable administrative burden on businesses. Therefore, to help strengthen the fight against VAT fraud and reduce this burden, the European Commission tabled a three-part proposal for a directive on VAT in the digital age, on 8 December 2022. The proposal has three main objectives. The first is to introduce an EU-wide reporting system on intra-EU business-to-business (B2B) transactions, whereby companies would share, in real-time, data drawn from electronic invoices with the authorities. This would allow Member States to keep a close eye on the trail of VAT collected and to intervene when there is suspicion of fraudulent practices. The second objective involves introducing a harmonised framework for charging VAT in passenger transport and short-term accommodation platforms. The third objective is to adopt measures lowering VAT compliance costs for businesses operating across borders. For the proposal to become a directive, the Council needs to vote on it unanimously after having consulted the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee. Second edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages in the legislative procedure.

Indieners : Pieter BAERT

Samenvatting : Most goods require packaging at several stages of their product life. Today, the diversity of packaging items and materials is considerable. Between 2009 and 2020, the total mass of packaging waste generated in the EU rose by 20 %. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD – Directive 94/62/EC) lays down measures to prevent the production of packaging waste, and to promote reuse of packaging and recycling and other forms of recovering packaging waste. It also sets out the requirements that all packaging placed on the EU market must meet. These provisions are designed to reduce the disposal of packaging waste and to promote a more circular economy. As part of the European Green Deal and the new circular economy action plan, the European Commission put forward a revision of the PPWD in November 2022. The initiative's objective is to ensure that all packaging is reusable or recyclable in an economically feasible way by 2030. The aim is to reinforce the essential requirements for packaging to ensure its reuse and recycling, boost the uptake of recycled content, and improve the requirements' enforceability. Measures are also envisaged to tackle over-packaging and reduce packaging waste. The proposal is now in the hands of the co-legislators. During its November II plenary session, the European Parliament is expected to vote on the report adopted on 24 October by its Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI). The report as voted would then form Parliament's position for negotiations with the Council, which has not yet adopted its position. Second edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Indieners : Guillaume RAGONNAUD

Samenvatting : Road transport is a major contributor to climate change. CO2 emissions from heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) have grown steadily, and account for over a quarter of road transport CO2 emissions. On 14 February 2023, the European Commission tabled a legislative proposal to revise Regulation (EU) 2019/1242 setting CO2 emission standards for new HDVs in the EU. The proposed revision would expand the scope of the regulation to include urban buses, coaches, trailers and additional types of lorries. The average CO2 emissions of HDVs, compared with 2019 levels, would have to fall by 45 % from 2030, by 65 % from 2035, and by 90 % from 2040 onwards. The proposal targets 100 % of newly registered urban buses to be zero-emission vehicles from 2030. In the European Parliament, the proposal has been referred to the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety. The plenary vote on the committee's report is scheduled for the November II 2023 session, enabling the start of negotiations with the Council. Second edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Indieners : Gregor ERBACH

Samenvatting : On 30 March 2023, the European Commission presented a proposal for a directive on common rules promoting the repair of goods. The proposed directive aims to mitigate current patterns of business and consumption, marked by frequent and premature replacement and discarding of goods. The proposal seeks to save costs for consumers and facilitate the development of a resource-efficient circular economy. The proposed directive would apply to the repair of goods within and outside the legal guarantee. In the European Parliament, the file has been referred to the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), with René Repasi (S&D, Germany) appointed as rapporteur. In October 2023, IMCO adopted its report on the proposal, in which it suggests improving the attractiveness of repair by reducing the level of inconvenience for consumers, and strengthening the repair market. Furthermore, the report suggests that the legal guarantee period be extended by one year for repaired products. The report will be debated during the November II 2023 plenary session, with a view to setting Parliament's position for trilogue negotiations with the Council. Second edition of a briefing, the first edition of which was drafted by Anne Altmayer. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Indieners : STEFANO SPINACI

Samenvatting : The euro area and the United States have both experienced an episode of strong inflation post COVID-19 pandemic and after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We highlight commonalities as well as differences in these episodes, in terms of headline and core inflation, inflation differentials and causes, and monetary policy between the euro area and the United States. We propose different scenarios for inflation and monetary policy. 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 27 November 2023.

Indieners : Christophe BLOT & François GEEROLF

Samenvatting : During its November II plenary session, Parliament is due to vote on a report proposing a large number of modifications to the EU Treaties, to make radical reforms to the EU. This report follows on from debates in recent years that intensified with the Conference on the Future of Europe in 2021 and 2022. If adopted, interinstitutional discussions would resume on whether to proceed with a revision of the Treaties.

Indieners : Silvia KOTANIDIS

Samenvatting : In 2022, the EU and New Zealand concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement, an important element in the EU's strategy to increase its role and relevance in the Indo-Pacific region. The European Parliament's International Trade Committee (INTA) gave its green light to conclusion of the agreement on 24 October, and Parliament is due to vote on granting consent during the November II plenary session.

Indieners : Angelos DELIVORIAS

Samenvatting : In November, Parliament will vote on the report adopted by its Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) on a proposal to reduce by 50 % chemical pesticide use and risk in the EU by 2030. The text as voted would form Parliament's position for negotiations with the Council, which has still to agree on its position.

Indieners : Vivienne HALLEUX

Samenvatting : During its November II plenary session, Parliament is expected to vote on a legislative-initiative report on the cultural and creative sectors. The report recommends establishing an EU framework and adopting a directive to bring national approaches closer on various aspects of these sectors, including definitions and social security.

Indieners : Magdalena PASIKOWSKA-SCHNASS

Samenvatting : In December 2021, the Commission tabled a proposal for a regulation on digitalisation of cross-border judicial cooperation, applicable to both civil and criminal cases. The co-legislators arrived at a compromise text in July 2023, which was endorsed by the Council's Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) and jointly by the Parliament's Committees on Legal Affairs (JURI) and on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) in September. Parliament is due to vote on the compromise text during its November II plenary session.

Indieners : Rafał MAŃKO

Samenvatting : The carbon removals certification framework proposed by the European Commission is considered an essential tool to deliver climate neutrality by 2050, which requires increased deployment of and investment in carbon removal technologies and initiatives. The proposal aims to ensure a transparent and credible governance framework for building trust in EU-certified carbon removals. The report on the proposal by the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) is expected to be put to the vote during the November II plenary session, thus fixing the Parliament's position for trilogue negotiations.

Indieners : LISELOTTE JENSEN

Samenvatting : In March 2023, the Commission proposed a regulation to strengthen Europe's net-zero technology products manufacturing ecosystem ('net-zero industry act' – NZIA). During its November II plenary session, Parliament is due to vote on the report adopted on 25 October by its Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE). This would then set Parliament's position for negotiations with the Council, which has not yet adopted its position.

Indieners : Guillaume RAGONNAUD

Samenvatting : In March 2023, the European Commission proposed a directive on promoting the repair of goods, which seeks to mitigate current business and consumption patterns marked by frequent and premature replacement and discarding of goods. In October 2023, the European Parliament's Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) adopted its report, aimed at strengthening the repair market. The report is due to be debated in plenary in November, with a view to setting Parliament's position for trilogue negotiations.

Indieners : STEFANO SPINACI

Samenvatting : In December 2022, the Commission tabled a proposal (VAT in the digital age) for a directive aimed at reinforcing the fight against value added tax (VAT) fraud, modernising VAT rules for the platform economy and cutting businesses' compliance costs. The Council must vote unanimously, after consulting the Parliament, to adopt the directive. Parliament is due to vote its report during the November II plenary session.

Indieners : Pieter BAERT

Samenvatting : In February 2023, the European Commission tabled a legislative proposal to revise Regulation (EU) 2019/1242 setting CO2 emission standards for new heavy-duty vehicles in the EU. The proposed revision would expand the scope of the regulation to include urban buses, coaches, trailers and additional types of lorries. The average CO2 emissions of new heavy-duty vehicles would be reduced by 90 % below 1990 levels by 2040, and all newly registered urban buses would have to be zero-emission vehicles from 2030. The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety adopted its report on the proposal on 24 October 2023. The European Parliament is expected to vote on the report during the November II plenary session, setting its position for trilogue talks.

Indieners : Gregor ERBACH