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This analysis discusses specific issues regarding the proposal for a Directive on the transparency of third-country lobbying. It highlights complex questions in relation to civil society organisations and the need for uniform implementation and effective judicial protection. If designed and implemented well, the Directive could establish a transparent framework for foreign governments to engage in lobbying within the EU. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific ...

Strengthening the European Union's economy in the face of rising global economic and political competition and managing the 'twin transitions' of the digital and green transformation is a key challenge for the 2024-2029 legislative term. This briefing highlights key aspects of the debate around strengthening the EU's economy. While the term 'EU competitiveness' is not clearly defined, there is broad agreement that it entails a range of policies focusing on, but not confined to, the EU's single market ...

The EU is the world's largest milk producer. While milk is produced in all Member States, farm and herd sizes, yields and types of farming vary widely across Europe, from free-range farming in Alpine areas to large-scale specialised dairy farms. The EU's dairy farmers produced 160 million tonnes of milk in 2022, 94 % of which was delivered to dairies where raw milk is processed into fresh products such as cheese or butter. The EU dairy sector must comply with a large number of rules, covering hygiene ...

On 14 March 2023, the European Commission proposed a reform of the EU electricity market to reduce price volatility for consumers and incentivise investment in low-carbon energy. The reform included two legislative proposals – on electricity market design (EMD) and on protection against wholesale energy market manipulation (REMIT). One aim was to improve consumer protection by increasing the availability of fixed-price contracts, enhancing supplier obligations and incentivising energy communities ...

This paper provides a graphic overview on core legislation in the area of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection. The presentation essentially covers the areas within the responsibility of the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection, but also displays neighbouring areas of other Committees' competences which are closely connected to and impacting on IMCO's work. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies and the Secretariat ...

This paper provides a review/summary of 10 papers prepared by external experts, which examine and recommend initiatives for financing the EU's growth model amidst global challenges. These papers were requested by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) of the European Parliament. They may feed into the policy debate on how to frame a forthcoming new European competitiveness deal as agreed by the European Council.

An independent media is a pillar of democracy and an important part of the economy, helping to shape public opinion and hold those in power to account. In recent years, however, there have been increasingly worrying trends across the EU, as documented in the annual rule of law reports by the European Commission, and by other tools such as the Media Pluralism Monitor. The European Media Freedom Act introduces a new set of rules to promote media pluralism and independence across the EU. The aim is ...

Political advertising is central to informing and influencing how people vote, and may affect citizens' perceptions of the legitimacy of their political system, mainly when published in the run-up to elections. Therefore, rules governing political advertising are vital to guaranteeing citizens' fundamental rights and the integrity of democratic processes. However, traditional campaigning regulations can be ineffective or difficult to enforce online, where new techniques are utilised to target potential ...

The Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans has been designed to support internal reforms in the Western Balkan countries, by providing certain benefits of EU membership even before EU accession. The Facility will provide up to €6 billion over the 2024-2027 period. Parliament is scheduled to vote on the agreed text, resulting from interinstitutional negotiations, during its April II 2024 plenary session.

In September 2022, the Commission proposed a regulation to ban products made using forced labour from the EU internal market. Alongside national authorities, it will investigate suspicious products posing a higher and more impactful risk of forced labour. Those found to be made with forced labour will be withdrawn from the market. After reaching a provisional agreement on the text with the Council in March 2024, Parliament is due to vote on it during the April II plenary session.