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How to achieve CMU, after all? An analysis of the recommendations for Capital Markets Union in the Draghi, Letta and Noyer reports
The three reports by Draghi, Letta and Noyer remind policy makers that capital markets channelling savings into investments is key to competitiveness and economic growth. The recommendations of these reports could give new impetus to the long-standing flagship policy of CMU. In this briefing we show how securitisation, supervision, market infrastructure and savings/pensions schemes are identified as priorities in all three reports, however with different conclusions. We also discuss all other CMU ...
Revision of the European Works Councils Directive: Stronger social dialogue in a multinational context
European Works Councils (EWCs) are bodies that should guarantee employees the right to be consulted on important issues in large multinational companies active in multiple EU countries. However, EWCs have been criticised for being ineffective, on account of unclear definitions, non-dissuasive sanctions and ineffective access to justice. In February 2023, the European Parliament called for legislative action to address the shortcomings identified and strengthen the functioning of EWCs. In response ...
White paper on the future of European defence
In her political guidelines presented on 18 July 2024, European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen identified defence as a priority and a key sector in completing the single market. An important part of that effort will be building a 'European Defence Union'. To frame the new approach and to identify defence investment needs, von der Leyen committed that the new Commission would present a white paper on the future of European defence within the first 100 days of taking office. Subsequently ...
How standards support Europe's digital competitiveness
Standards are voluntary guidelines, providing technical specifications for products, processes and services. They ensure a certain level of quality, enable interoperability, boost consumer confidence and remove trade barriers. Laws may prescribe standards as a preferred or mandatory requirement for compliance. In the digital sphere, their strategic importance has made them the focus of geopolitical competition.
Competitiveness on the European Council agenda
Competitiveness is a multifaceted concept connected with the need to foster the EU's productivity, the most important driver of long-term growth. While competitiveness has always been an important focus of attention for EU leaders, the past years of multiple crises and an increasingly complex geopolitical situation have brought the topic to the forefront of the political agenda. Turning the EU into a strong and independent global actor supported by a robust economic base, as well as competitive products ...
2024 Country-specific recommendations
This document provides an overview of all country-specific recommendations for 2024 as proposed by the Commission on 19 June 2024 and agreed by the Council on 16 July 2024.
Monetary Dialogue in September 2024: Summary of parliamentary scrutiny activities
This briefing provides a summary of all scrutiny activities of the European Parliament related to euro area monetary policy in advance of the September2024 Monetary Dialogue with the European Central Bank (ECB). It covers the topics chosen by the competent Committee and related expertise papers provided in advance of the Dialogue, the topics addressed during the Dialogue, and latest written questions made by Members to the ECB President. The document is published regularly ahead and after each Monetary ...
Deepening the single market in the light of the Letta and Draghi reports
Often considered the 'cornerstone' of European integration, the single market now serves 449 million consumers and 31 million active companies, most of which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It has delivered substantial economic benefits, ranging between 8 % and 9 % of European Union gross domestic product (GDP). Trade between Member States has risen steadily over the years, and today accounts for an estimated 56 million European jobs. The EU is among the largest trading blocs in the ...
Protecting consumers and tackling unfair competition by boosting EU oversight in e-commerce and imports
The EU's new product safety rulebook contains obligations for economic operators (i.e. manufacturers, importers and distributors) which import products from third countries, as well as specific rules for online marketplaces. This legislation was signed into law on 10 May 2023 and will apply from 13 December 2024. During the October II part-session, Parliament will debate a statement from the Commission on product safety and unfair competition, with regard in particular to online imports from third ...
Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Stéphane Séjourné – Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy
Before being nominated as Commissioner-designate, Stéphane Séjourné had been serving as French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs since January 2024. In July 2024, he was elected to the French Parliament for the ninth constituency of Hauts-de-Seine (Boulogne-Billancourt). He has also been secretary-general of the Renaissance party since 2022. From 2019 to 2024, Séjourné was a Member of the European Parliament, and President of the Renew Europe group (2021-2024). Before that, he was a political ...