European Parliament - EPRS Policy podcasts

Latest Episodes:

Road transport: Enforcement and special provisions for posted workers Dec 08, 2017

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The EU has established a range of social measures applying to the road transport sector, which aim at improving drivers' working conditions, road safety and competition between road operators. To give real substance to these social measures, compliance is key. The 2006 Enforcement Directive was therefore adopted to effectively implement the social provisions of the 'Driving time' Regulation. The current proposal, published in the context of the 2017 European Commission 'Europe on the move' initiative, seeks to remedy some shortcomings of the Enforcement Directive, such as non-uniform implementation. Additionally, it puts forward specific rules on the posting of workers applying to the road sector, with a view to responding to concerns raised regarding the inadequacy of the Posting of Workers Directive provisions and administrative requirements, when applied to the road transport sector.
Source: © European Union - EP

European Citizens' Initiative Dec 08, 2017

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The introduction of the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) equipped European citizens with a new right to participate in EU affairs by asking the Commission to table new legislation. Since the ECI became operational in 2012, the Commission received 66 initiatives, out of which 4 were successful in collecting the required number of signatures. Various stakeholders suggested that the performance of this new tool remained below expectations as it is complex and difficult to use. To address these and other concerns, on 13 September, the Commission tabled a proposal to reform the ECI.
Source: © European Union - EP

A renewed Industrial Policy Strategy Nov 22, 2017

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EU industry seems to be on a solid path to recovery from the crisis with growth in both employment and value added. Industry creates jobs across the economy and is responsible for the bulk of investment in private research and development. Similarly to other developed parts of the world, European industry is undergoing a transformation based, among others, on increasing the convergence between traditional industries and the digital sector. This change creates both opportunities and challenges. In order to maintain the global competitiveness of European industry, many current shortcomings, such as insufficient investment levels, widening productivity and innovation gaps or skills shortages, must be addressed.
Source: © European Union - EP

Arts, culture, and cultural awareness in education Nov 22, 2017

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Cultural and educational policies can contribute to the development of skills needed to cope with the complexity of contemporary multicultural societies, and to qualify for jobs in the fast-growing creative and cultural industries. In the EU, competence for culture and education policies lies with the Member States, though the EU plays a role too, by supporting them financially and supplementing and coordinating their efforts in this field.
Source: © European Union - EP

Implementing the Aarhus Convention, Access to justice in environmental matters Nov 22, 2017

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The UN Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters is in the focus of two major documents issued in 2017. Both papers focus on access to justice. One has been published by the European Commission and examines the implementation of the convention in the EU-Member States. The other document has been published by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee and takes a critical look at implementation at EU Level. Both papers point to shortcomings, in particular with regard to the rights of non-governmental organisations.
Source: © European Union - EP

The reintegration of returning migrants Nov 22, 2017

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Returning more and more migrants with irregular status to their countries of origin has become a key European Union aim in efforts to reduce illegal migration. Despite its high political priority, reiterated in European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker's 2017 State of the Union address, the effective implementation of this objective is problematic, mainly due to resistance at the individual level, but also from the countries of origin. To make the return option more attractive for migrants with irregular status, the EU's return policy promotes voluntary returns through reintegration assistance packages. No less than 90 specific assisted voluntary return and reintegration programmes (AVRR) have been established by EU Member States, co-financed by the European Union, and implemented mainly by the International Organization on Migration (IOM).
Source: © European Union - EP

Understanding the EU customs union Sep 28, 2017

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The EU customs union has become the world's largest trading bloc. While customs rules are the same across the EU, national customs authorities do not always apply them in a consistent manner. Therefore, the European Commission adopted its long-term plan to strengthen the governance and management of the EU customs union (December 2016). The Commission proposes structural and administrative changes, inter alia, on customs policy monitoring, formulation, and implementation. In addition, the Commission proposes to tackle administrative issues (e.g. application of EU law, competency building for custom officials, aligning new EU-wide IT systems on customs procedures), and border management coordination. Besides governance and administrative issues, the Briefing is also analysing the evolution of the customs union and Intra-EU trade, the new Union Customs Code (UCC) and the arrangements with participating third countries.
Source: © European Union - EP

Introducing a European services e-card Sep 28, 2017

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Cross-border provision of services in the EU is relatively common, and is undertaken by an increasing number of entities, especially in sectors such as construction and business. Despite this fact, many service-providers still face obstacles which stop them benefitting from comparable business opportunities available to local persons and organisations. The European Commission has a proposed a new regulation and accompanying directive aimed at tackling these remaining obstacles in EU markets, through the introduction of a European services e-card. This would increase and simplify cooperation between home and host Member States, as well as simplifying the procedures applicable to cross-border service-providers.
Source: © European Union - EP

Reform of the e-Privacy Directive Sep 07, 2017

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The Commission published a proposal in January 2017 for a new e-Privacy 'regulation. The aim is to reform the existing 2002 legislation to adapt the e-Privacy rules to the new technological reality, and to align them to the 2016 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Stakeholders are divided on certain issues, including on the basic need for a new measure to protect confidentiality in e-communications.
Source: © European Union - EP

EU sustainability criteria for bioenergy Sep 07, 2017

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The Bioenergy is generally produced from plants such as agricultural crops or trees, Et is a renewable but finite energy source, and considered as climate-friendly, However, its production and use has environmental impacts and the climate benefits may vary. To ensure the sustainability of bioenergy, the Commission proposed a revised Renewable Energy Directive which includes mandatory sustainability criteria.
Source: © European Union - EP