Think Tank

The European Commission has a near monopoly on legislative initiative in the European Union (EU), with special initiative rights for other institutions applying only in certain specific cases. However, the European Parliament and the Council may invite the Commission to submit legislative proposals. While this 'indirect' initiative right does not create an obligation on the Commission to propose the legislation requested, the Treaty of Lisbon codified the Commission's obligation to provide reasons ...

It is now 80 years since the liberation of Nazi Germany's concentration and extermination camp, Auschwitz Birkenau, in Poland. A major commemoration event is taking place at the former camp on International Holocaust Remembrance Day; it will be attended by numerous Heads of State or Government, and other dignitaries, in a context of growing antisemitism across Europe.

The external dimension of the EU's common fisheries policy provides a framework for the activities of EU vessels fishing beyond European waters and is structured around two types of arrangement: multilateral agreements for fishing on the high seas, and bilateral agreements with third countries for fishing in areas under their jurisdiction. This analysis reviews the main aspects of the external dimension and its evolution over time.

This study was commissioned by the European Parliament's Policy Department for Citizens, Equality and Culture at the request of the Committee on Petitions (PETI). It updates the study published in 2017, offering information on the key actors responsible for implementing and enforcing EU law. It also examines recent trends in the transposition and application of EU legislation across various policy areas, based on the latest available information. The study outlines the evolution of the EU Enforcement ...

This study explores the role and enhancement of parliamentary capacities in the European Union (EU) enlargement process, focusing on the EU’s evolving accession methodology and its emphasis on the ‘fundamentals’ approach. It examines the European Commission’s criteria for ‘functioning democratic institutions’ in accession countries and evaluates the effectiveness of support measures from EU institutions, Member States, and international organisations. Based on desk research, mapping, and over 90 ...