How can a third country access EU financial services markets? What is the difference between the passporting rights enjoyed by the Member States and the equivalence recognition of external frameworks? Source: © European Union - EP

This briefing provides insights into the objectives, priorities and measures of the EU Rural Development Policy 2014-2020 that can offer support to rural communities in the process of the integration of the migrants who settle in rural Europe. The projects launched by rural communities to assist the integration of migrants illustrate that integration is a two-way process with implications for both...

This briefing provides insights into the objectives, priorities and measures of the EU Rural Development Policy 2014-2020 that can offer support to rural communities in the process of the integration of the migrants who settle in rural Europe. The projects launched by rural communities to assist the integration of migrants illustrate that integration is a two-way process with implications for both...

What will be the relations between the EU and ACP countries after 2020? There is a lot to discuss and it might be difficult for all parties to find convergence of interests. Source: © European Union - EP

What will be the relations between the EU and ACP countries after 2020? There is a lot to discuss and it might be difficult for all parties to find convergence of interests. Source: © European Union - EP

A number of major issues are set to colour the year 2017, some in ways that seem relatively clear already and others unpredictably. This in-depth analysis looks at 10 of the main issues likely to be on the table for EU policy-makers throughout 2017. Some are entirely internal concerns while others are global issues. And for some, the EU and its leaders will be able to make the running whereas they...

A number of major issues are set to colour the year 2017, some in ways that seem relatively clear already and others unpredictably. This in-depth analysis looks at 10 of the main issues likely to be on the table for EU policy-makers throughout 2017. Some are entirely internal concerns while others are global issues. And for some, the EU and its leaders will be able to make the running whereas they...

Damiano Scordamaglia. The vote in plenary on the market pillar of the fourth railway package scheduled for December 2016 puts the spotlight on a set of policy measures to improve the competitiveness of EU rail and the quality of its services. Indeed, the measures on markets and governance aim to enhance the level playing field between operators, including for domestic operations, and cost-efficien...

Damiano Scordamaglia. The vote in plenary on the market pillar of the fourth railway package scheduled for December 2016 puts the spotlight on a set of policy measures to improve the competitiveness of EU rail and the quality of its services. Indeed, the measures on markets and governance aim to enhance the level playing field between operators, including for domestic operations, and cost-efficien...

James McEldowney. Over the years, the Common Agricultural Policy has been subject to several reforms. Often described as being incremental in nature, these reforms have progressively resulted in significant changes in both the orientation and architecture of the CAP. Source: © European Union - EP

James McEldowney. Over the years, the Common Agricultural Policy has been subject to several reforms. Often described as being incremental in nature, these reforms have progressively resulted in significant changes in both the orientation and architecture of the CAP. Source: © European Union - EP

Wilhelm SCHOELLMANN (XPOL). EU-Canada negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) started in May 2009 and were declared concluded in September 2014. The agreement's overall aim is to increase flows of goods, services and investment to the benefit of both partners. For the EU, CETA represents the first comprehensive economic agreement with a highly industrialised Western ec...

Wilhelm SCHOELLMANN (XPOL). EU-Canada negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) started in May 2009 and were declared concluded in September 2014. The agreement's overall aim is to increase flows of goods, services and investment to the benefit of both partners. For the EU, CETA represents the first comprehensive economic agreement with a highly industrialised Western ec...

Laura Puccio (XPOL). The EU has been negotiating trade agreements since the 1970s, then as the European Communities. Over time it has diversified its trading partners, and is now negotiating trade agreements with partners from every continent. The content of trade agreements has also evolved as EU trade competences have developed. This briefing looks at how trade negotiations are conducted and con...

Laura Puccio (XPOL). The EU has been negotiating trade agreements since the 1970s, then as the European Communities. Over time it has diversified its trading partners, and is now negotiating trade agreements with partners from every continent. The content of trade agreements has also evolved as EU trade competences have developed. This briefing looks at how trade negotiations are conducted and con...

The Cohesion Fund supports large-scale investments in environmental sustainability and in transport infrastructure. The Fund allocation for 2014-2020 is €63 396.06 million, this is almost 7% of the total Multiannual Financial Framework. It is an important contributor to public investment in (particularly underdeveloped) infrastructure of the eligible Member States. Source : © European Union - EP

Scientific knowledge has become a key element in the policy-making process, alongside societal values and political considerations. As a consequence, stronger science advice systems have been developed to provide timely and useful scientific advice to policy-makers in both legislative and executive bodies. Source : © European Union - EP

Despite significant progress made, the Single Market for services is not fully integrated yet. Trade in services has been more resilient to the economic crisis than trade in goods and many see further potential for its delivery of economic growth in the EU. Find out about the main current issues and possible steps towards further integration in our podcast. Source : © European Union - EP

The European Commission's first outline for a Pillar of Social Rights should help to foster upward convergence in the social and employment field across EU. The twenty principles defined in the outline should in their final form support member states to create equal opportunities on the labour market, fair working conditions and well as social protection for all. Tapping into the EU's economic gov...

Despite the EU's calls to protect vulnerable consumers, energy poverty affects nearly 11% of the EU's population! And without robust energy efficiency measures, the transition to smart markets and grids could aggravate the situation. This is why the European Parliament has asked the Commission and Member States to put in place measures to avoid having more EU citizens not being able to pay their e...

Towns and cities are home to nearly three quarters of the EU's population. This concentration poses both challenges and opportunities which call for closer cooperation between the local and the European level. This is the spirit of the Urban Agenda for the EU, designed to give towns and cities a greater say in EU policies. Source : © European Union - EP

Strategic communication is not a new concept, but its significance for the EU's foreign and security policy is increasing, particularly following the propaganda and disinformation practices in relation to the Ukraine conflict, and recruitment practices by jihadi groups. So the European Union is designing a more strategic vision for engaging with stakeholders in its neighbourhood, find out more in...

In this EPRS Policy podcast we're going to talk money, helicopter money! This term refers to additional free money distributed to citizens to re-launch stagnating economies. A partial cure for what ails of the European economy? While some experts argue it would help jump-start the EU economy, others are more sceptical, and warn about the dangers. Find out more in this Policy podcast. Source : © Eu...

To ensure the smooth functioning of the EU's internal energy market, individual EU countries negotiating energy agreements with third countries must ensure these deals comply with EU law. But in February 2016, the European Commission proposed an update to the current rules. Find out more in this EPRS Policy podcast. Source : © European Union - EP

Taking over one-third of the Union's budget, cohesion policy is one of the EU's main investment tool, and one the EU feels especially proud of! It has helped less well-off regions catch up with the rest, create growth and jobs across Europe. But could it be more effective? Find out more in this EPRS Policy podcast. Source : © European Union - EP