Think Tank

The documents that help shape new EU legislation
Violence against women in the EU: State of play in 2025
Violence against women is a violation of human rights and a serious form of discrimination against women. It takes many forms and, according to survey data, affects one third of women in the EU. Such violence has a major impact on victims and imposes a significant cost burden on society. International documents adopted by the United Nations and Council of Europe, including the latter's 'Istanbul Convention', to which the EU acceded in 2023, set the normative framework for combating violence against ...
Transnational repression of human rights defenders: The impacts on civic space and the responsibility of host states
Transnational repression arises when foreign governments reach across national borders to coerce, control and silence individuals in other countries using a broad range of methods, ranging from digital surveillance to extraterritorial killings. Amongst the primary targets of transnational repression are human rights defenders, whose advocacy is perceived by repressive regimes as a threat to their interests and power. As a result, human rights defenders fleeing persecution or other forms of repression ...
Evolution and/or disruption? Designing the next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation
This study explores the design of future Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation (R&I) in the European Union. Employing a foresight methodology – comprising a literature review, case studies, scenarios and foresight workshops with stakeholders – the study examines prevailing discourses on Framework Programme structures, identifies key R&I trends, and analyses the challenges posed by current developments. It presents a set of hypothetical programme structures alongside policy recommendations ...
Stablecoins and digital euro: friends or foes of European monetary policy?
In this paper, we analyse potential impacts that dollar-denominated stablecoins could have on monetary policy. We also consider related questions about the introduction of the digital euro. Based on our findings, the adoption of stablecoins in Europe is unlikely to be large-scale without state support. The development of the digital euro with full state and central bank backing is more likely to succeed. To be a viable alternative to private payment options, the digital euro needs to be carefully ...
Cryptomercantilism vs. Monetary Sovereignty-Dealing with the Challenge of US Stablecoins for the EU
The current US administration promotes dollar-backed stablecoins—privately issued and supported by US debt—to reinforce dollar dominance worldwide, a strategy we dub “cryptomercantilism.” This report studies the EU’s 2024 Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCAR) and its safeguards for the EU’s monetary sovereignty. It also compares MiCAR to the proposed GENIUS Act in the US. Under existing policies, USD stablecoins create severe risks for third countries, indirectly also affecting the EU. The ...
Upcoming events

On Monday, 23 June 2025, from 17:00 to 18:30 in Brussels (room Antall 6Q2), the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) will hold a public hearing on the Geopolitical Aspects of the EU-Mercosur Agreement. The hearing will bring together leading experts to assess the broader geopolitical implications of the agreement. Discussions will cover its strategic relevance for the EU, its impact on Latin American regional dynamics, and its role in strengthening multilateral alliances.

On Tuesday, 24 June 2025, the Committee on Fisheries will hold a public hearing entitled “Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Fisheries". The speakers will give concrete examples of recent developments and innovative projects, as well as upcoming challenges and possibilities.

The public hearing on "Management and Preparedness for Extreme Weather Events and Natural Disasters in the EU Budget" will examine the effects of the rising frequency and severity of natural disasters on the current EU budget, as well as on the planning and implementation of the EU's long term budget.
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Publications of the Think Tank
The content of all documents contained in the Think Tank website is the sole responsibility of the author and any opinions expressed therein do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Parliament. It is addressed to the Members and staff of the EP for their parliamentary work.