Документи - Think Tank - Европейски парламент

Briefing - Stock-taking of the European Elections 2024 - 13-03-2025

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 23:00:00 GMT

The European Electoral Act decrees that the Members of the European �Ϸ��վ shall be elected on the basis of proportional representation, using the list system or the single transferable vote. There is much leeway for a Member State to turn terms like “proportional representation” or “the list system” into executable rules. As a result, Member States differ considerably as to their electoral provisions. The briefing presents an overview of the vote patterns used by the Member States, of the apportionment methods to convert the votes of a domestic electorate into seats for the competing parties, and of the ways in which the seats of a party are assigned to this party's candidates.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2025 - ЕП

Накратко - Fact-checking and content moderation - 17-02-2025

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Fact-checking of content on online platforms has so far played an important role in protecting democracy, by verifying statements and making sure trustworthy sources are used. Many social media platforms use fact-checkers to help them enforce content moderation policies, with the aim of protecting their users from harm. The EU's Digital Services Act – a binding legal instrument – strengthens content moderation obligations for online platforms, while the voluntary EU Code of Practice on Disinformation encourages signatories to use fact-checking services consistently. However, some major platforms have recently challenged this approach.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2025 - ЕП

Briefing - India's �Ϸ��վ and other political institutions - 13-02-2025

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 23:00:00 GMT

India is a pluralistic, multi-faith, multilingual (with 22 recognised languages), and multi-ethnic country. In April 2023 it overtook China as the world's most populous country (it had a population of 1.44 billion in 2024). India's 1950 Constitution provides for a quasi-federal set-up, with powers separated between the central union and the 28 state governments. Competences are distributed by administrative level – between the Union (the Centre), the states, or 'concurrently'. The Prime Minister possesses the country's effective executive power. As 'Leader of the House' in the lower chamber, the Prime Minister also holds decisive power in deciding the House's agenda. However, the real power of initiating legislation belongs to the government, and the �Ϸ��վ has no say on foreign affairs. India's �Ϸ��վ is bicameral: it includes the Lok Sabha – the lower house – and the Rajya Sabha – the upper house. The two houses are equal, but the Lok Sabha dominates in deciding certain financial matters and on the collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers. General elections take place for Lok Sabha members every five years. The last elections took place in April-May 2024, when Narendra Modi obtained his third mandate as Prime Minister. The Rajva Sabha is a permanent body consisting of members indirectly elected by the states, and it is not subject to dissolution. India has a common law legal system. The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal, headed by the Chief Justice of India. It arbitrates on any dispute between the Union and the states, as well as between states, and on the enforcement of fundamental rights. It has powers of judicial review over legislation adopted by both the Union and the states. This is an update of a briefing published in March 2020.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2025 - ЕП

Накратко - Belarus: Continued oppression and fake elections - 15-01-2025

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 13:45:20 GMT

The human rights situation is worsening in Belarus, with a continued climate of oppression in the country. Meanwhile, presidential 'elections' are due to take place on 26 January 2025. The democratic forces of Belarus call this vote a 'self-reappointment of Lukashenka' and urge the international community not to recognise it. �Ϸ��վ will hold a debate on the situation and possible actions with the High Representative /Vice-President of the Commission, Kaja Kallas, during the January plenary session.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2025 - ЕП

Проучване - �Ϸ��վs in the EU enlargement process: Strengthening capacities of accession country parliaments under the evolving enlargement methodology - 10-01-2025

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 23:00:00 GMT

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 expert and stakeholder interviews, the study analyses EU democracy support initiatives for parliaments in 10 enlargement countries, namely Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine, and Kosovo. The study highlights best practices and identifies challenges that require increased attention from the European �Ϸ��վ and the core actors involved in parliamentary capacity-building. While past efforts by the European �Ϸ��վ, Member States, and international organisations have strengthened parliaments in these countries, ongoing democratic backsliding calls for more coherent and concerted action. �Ϸ��վ and its Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group (DEG) play a crucial role in addressing these challenges.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2025 - ЕП

Briefing - The Polish �Ϸ��վ and EU affairs - 07-01-2025

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 10:03:54 GMT

The Constitution of the Republic of Poland, in force since 1997, sets out a unitary, democratic state ruled by law and implementing the principles of social justice. The President of the Republic and the Council of Ministers (government) serve as the executive, while the Sejm (lower house) and the Senate (upper house) are vested with legislative power (Article 10). The Senate is considered a repository of democratic legitimacy on an equal footing with the Sejm, but the dominance of the Sejm in the legislative process is constitutionally guaranteed. The Sejm alone ultimately decides on the appointment of the government, on the wording of legislation, and on the acceptance or rejection of a presidential veto, among other things.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2025 - ЕП

Накратко - Recent legislation targeting LGBTI persons - 20-11-2024

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 10:25:04 GMT

During the European �Ϸ��վ's November II plenary session, the European Commission is scheduled to make a statement, and �Ϸ��վ to hold a debate, on recent legislation targeting LGBTI persons and the need for protecting the rule of law and a discrimination-free EU.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Briefing - Performance-based Programmes under the post-2027 MFF - 31-10-2024

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 23:00:00 GMT

The expected shift towards a performance-oriented budget presupposes a careful choice and definition of indicators clearly linked to the funding objectives, as well as standardised reporting and fully integrated and interoperable IT solutions to collect the required amount of data. Ensuring the full protection of the Union’s financial interest under performance-based budgeting will require careful balancing of auditing and control requirements with the administrative burden imposed on Member States and beneficiaries, and for the European �Ϸ��վ, a form of �Ϸ��վary Budget Office, drawing on best practices from Member States.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Briefing - Japan towards 2024 general elections - 24-10-2024

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Shortly after having been elected Japan's Prime Minister in September 2024, Ishiba Shigeru called elections to the house of representatives (the lower house) to be held on 27 October. The vote will follow an intensive 12-day electoral campaign, against a backdrop of scandals involving members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), rising consumer prices, staple food shortages and security concerns over regional tensions. While this may weaken the LDP's majority, a divided opposition might find it hard to take over the reins, held by the LDP almost uninterruptedly since its foundation in 1955. Under the leadership of Ishiba's predecessor, Kishida Fumio, a former foreign affairs minister, Japan continued to place itself as a key player in international diplomacy, with a renewed emphasis on multilateralism. This gained Ishiba the praise and respect of United States (US) President Joe Biden, in particular for successfully adopting major changes to Japan's defence policy, maintaining global attention on Ukraine and exerting pressure on Russia while holding the G7 presidency, and contributing to a new era in the Japan-South Korea-US relationship. On the domestic front, however, the Kishida administration was unable to deliver the changes promised. The European Union (EU) and Japan have been strategic partners since 2003. Bilateral relations are based on two milestone agreements signed in July 2018: the Economic Partnership Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement. EU-Japan cooperation includes a Green Alliance, a Connectivity Partnership and a Digital Partnership. The two parties have also been deepening their cooperation on security and defence. �Ϸ��վ has previously emphasised the EU's interest in deepening and broadening the EU-Japan partnership, not only bilaterally but also in multilateral contexts.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Briefing - Georgia at a crossroads: October 2024 parliamentary elections - 21-10-2024

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Georgia will hold parliamentary elections on 26 October 2024, for the first time under a fully proportional election system. The results of this vote will be highly consequential, potentially determining Georgia's EU and North-Atlantic integration trajectory for years to come. The election campaign environment has become increasingly tense and polarised. The party in government since 2012, Georgian Dream, led by party founder and billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, has described the elections as a choice between 'peace and war'. Meanwhile, the opposition has framed them as a choice between the democratic West and authoritarian Russia. Opinion polls give contradictory results, but those considered more reliable forecast that none of the parties will be able to form a government on its own and that a coalition will be necessary. Georgia was granted EU candidate status on 14 December 2023, on the condition that the country made progress in nine key areas. Since then, however, the ruling party has introduced a number of legislative acts considered contrary to EU values and obstructing the continuation of accession negotiations. Recent amendments to Georgia's electoral laws have been criticised by both international and local organisations. In the coming weeks, the Commission is expected to adopt the 2024 enlargement package, assessing progress made by candidate countries, including Georgia. The elections will be monitored closely by domestic and international observers, including a long term election observation mission from the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), joined by a delegation of Members of the European �Ϸ��վ.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Briefing - Russia's strategy for Latin America: Strengthening ties in the light of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan (Russia) - 18-10-2024

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Since Russia started its war of aggression against Ukraine by illegally annexing the Crimean peninsula, it has been seeking to foster relations with countries in the Global South that are not firmly aligned with the Western world. In 2023, a change in Russia's foreign policy of 2016 placed a greater emphasis on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and Africa, where the Kremlin has been building influence since the Soviet era. Russia's strategic goal is to counter the United States presence in the neighbourhood and to ensure that Latin America and the Caribbean remain geopolitically neutral. Russia is also pursuing the goal of building a new multipolar world order. Russia's longstanding political and security partners in LAC are Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela, each under an authoritarian regime. Russia is also trying to strengthen its political ties with other LAC countries such as Bolivia, Brazil and El Salvador. With all LAC countries, Russia works through bilateral agreements and intergovernmental forums, in particular BRICS and the G20. From an economic perspective, Russia's footprint in the region is very limited: its trade with LAC countries accounts for a mere 2 % of its global trade. Nevertheless, Russia has gained political leverage through its economic ties, especially due to key LAC countries' reliance on Russian fertilisers and diesel. In addition to political and economic relations, Russia has signed several military cooperation agreements with Latin American countries over the past two decades. Currently, military cooperation is primarily limited to Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Russian arms sales to the region have steadily declined since Russia's invasion of Crimea and are now insignificant. Alongside political, economic and military ties, Russia employs disinformation campaigns to undermine liberal democracies and promote Russian propaganda narratives.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Briefing - Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Henna Virkkunen – Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy - 15-10-2024

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 08:30:09 GMT

Henna Virkkunen is a Finnish politician and member of the National Coalition Party, which is affiliated with the European People's Party group in the European �Ϸ��վ. She has been a Member of the European �Ϸ��վ since 2014, serving inter alia on the Committees on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), and Transport and Tourism (TRAN). She was also a member of the Committee of Inquiry investigating the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware (PEGA) and the Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence in a Digital Age (AIDA). In �Ϸ��վ, Virkkunen has worked on various technology and cybersecurity dossiers such as the Digital Services Act, the Cyber-Resilience Act and the Connecting Europe Facility. Before her election to the European �Ϸ��վ, Virkkunen was a member of the Finnish �Ϸ��վ (2007-2014) and was part of the Finnish government as minister for education and science, minister for public administration and local government, and transport minister. Born in 1972 in Joutsa, Finland, Virkkunen holds master's (2001) and bachelor's degrees (2000) from the University of Jyväskylä. This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Briefing - Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Kaja Kallas – High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission - 15-10-2024

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 08:28:55 GMT

Kaja Kallas served as the prime minister of Estonia from 2021 to 2024. In 2024, she was awarded the Walther Rathenau Prize in recognition of outstanding lifetime achievement in foreign policy. Having joined the Estonian Reform Party in 2011, Kallas has been its leader since April 2018. From 2011 to 2014, she was a member of the Estonian �Ϸ��վ (12th Riigikogu) and served as chair of its Economic Affairs Committee (2011). She was also a member of the 14th Riigikogu (2019 to 2021). As a Member of the European �Ϸ��վ from 2014 to 2018, Kallas belonged to the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE, now Renew Europe) political group. During this term, Kallas was Vice-Chair of �Ϸ��վ's Delegation to the EU-Ukraine �Ϸ��վary Association Committee. Kallas was born in 1977 in Tallinn. She graduated from the University of Tartu in 1999 with a degree in law and pursued postgraduate studies at the Estonian Business School in 2007. Before entering politics, Kallas worked as an attorney at law. This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Briefing - Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Michael McGrath – Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law - 15-10-2024

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 08:16:34 GMT

Michael McGrath (born in 1976), is an Irish politician, a member of the Fianna Fáil party, which belongs to the Renew Europe group in the European �Ϸ��վ. He holds a bachelor's degree in commerce from University College Cork (1997). Most recently, he was minister for finance (2022-2024) and before that, minister for public expenditure and reform (2020-2022). McGrath has been a member of the lower house of the Irish �Ϸ��վ (the Oireachtas) for the Cork South-Central constituency since 2007. Between 2011 and 2020 he was lead opposition spokesperson on finance on behalf of Fianna Fáil. Before joining the Irish �Ϸ��վ, McGrath was an elected local government representative on Cork County Council (2004-2007) and Passage West Town Council (1999-2007). McGrath's professional experience includes being head of management information and systems at University College Cork (2003-2005), financial controller at RedFM (2001-2003), and a chartered accountant at KPMG (1997-2001), as well as a board member of Léargas (2000-2007). This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Накратко - Moldova: Presidential elections and referendum on EU membership - 15-10-2024

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 22:00:00 GMT

The European Union (EU) opened accession negotiations with Moldova in June 2024. The country will soon hold its presidential elections, the first round of which will take place on 20 October 2024 along with a constitutional referendum on EU accession. The two votes, which will determine the future of the country, are being targeted by Russian hybrid operations, including electoral bribery campaigns.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Briefing - Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Roxana Mînzatu – Executive Vice-President for People, Skills and Preparedness - 15-10-2024

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Roxana Mînzatu became a Member of the European �Ϸ��վ in July 2024. She belongs to the Social Democratic Party in Romania, which is affiliated with the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European �Ϸ��վ. Mînzatu served as secretary of state in Bucharest, first at the Ministry of European Investments and Projects, then at the government's General Secretariat, where she had been coordinator for the Department for the integrated evaluation and monitoring of programmes financed from public and EU funds. Mînzatu was a member of the Romanian �Ϸ��վ from 2016 to 2020 and served as secretary of state at the Ministry of European Funds, and later as minister for European funds. She was also the president of the National Agency for Public Procurement. Mînzatu had previously served as Deputy Prefect in Brașov County. Born in 1980, Mînzatu has a master's degree in European Integration from the Christian University Dimitrie Cantemir in Bucharest. Before entering politics, she gained professional experience in various roles, including within the Romanian Business School Foundation of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Briefing - Setting the European political priorities 2024-2029 - 14-10-2024

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 22:00:00 GMT

The EU's priorities for the 5-year institutional cycle are outlined in the European Council's Strategic Agenda. Subsequently, the European Commission sets its priorities in the president's political guidelines, which are a first step in operationalising the EU priorities outlined in the Strategic Agenda. These priorities will then be translated into concrete initiatives included in the Commission's annual work programmes, before being submitted to the European �Ϸ��վ and the Council of the EU in the form of legislative (and non-legislative) proposals. This briefing outlines the main policy priorities for the EU in the coming years, and analyses the differences in views of the European Council and the European Commission. With some exceptions, the European Council's and the Commission's policy priorities generally converge, as both documents, although organised differently, focus on three main priorities: democracy, security and competitiveness. When comparing them with the political priorities of the previous institutional cycle, it becomes evident that democracy and defence have gained in importance, while climate and energy are less salient than before. The analysis shows that the political guidelines pay significantly more attention to social issues than the Strategic Agenda. Conversely, the two policy clusters 'external policies' and 'climate and energy' receive more attention in the Strategic Agenda. However, external policy in general now feeds into all policy areas, intertwining with internal policies. While this is more explicit in the Strategic Agenda, the emphasis on Europe's role in the word runs like a red thread through both documents, reflecting a major shift away from past political priorities. The comparison identifies the topics that are missing from one or the other document, points out where different approaches are being taken on specific policy issues and where particular concepts have changed since the last institutional cycle. The briefing also outlines the specific initiatives mentioned in the political guidelines by policy cluster, notably those with a timeline.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Briefing - Participatory budgeting: A pathway to inclusive and transparent governance - 26-09-2024

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Across the world and especially in developed countries, there has been a decline in trust in democratic institutions, an increase in political discontent and citizen dissatisfaction, and a resulting decrease in voter turnout. Economic crises, climate disruptions and the COVID-19 pandemic have only exacerbated these sentiments. In the late 1980s, participatory budgeting – an approach that allows citizens to directly engage in budgetary decisions – emerged as one of the most promising solutions to this global democratic malaise. By involving citizens in the allocation of public funds, this approach enhances public trust and accountability in governance. It is best described as a co-production process that not only allows citizens and professionals to cooperate and deliberate but also counters populist narratives and educates younger generations on resource prioritisation. Broad public involvement and deliberation are the rule, with the aim being to make budgetary processes inclusive, transparent and democratic. What makes participatory budgeting different from other participatory methods is its focus on financial processes, openness to the public, cyclical nature, reliance on public deliberation and accountability. It is applied in thousands of towns, cities and regions across the world and enjoys the support of governments, civil society and international organisations. It addresses both socio-economic and democratic goals and seeks to enhance public infrastructure and services while promoting political equality and transparency. This democratic innovation allows citizens to shape the space in which they live. Additionally, it reconfigures public governance by redefining the roles and relationships of citizens, civil servants and politicians. It is particularly effective in local governance, but also has a growing application in communities, in schools, community groups and even prisons, for instance. Some of the challenges facing public budgeting include limited participation of marginalised groups, the risk of co-optation by political interests and difficulties in implementation. However, its potential to revitalise democratic engagement and foster inclusive governance makes participatory budgeting a crucial tool in addressing some of the issues that are currently eroding the global democratic order. This briefing updates a 2016 briefing by Gianluca Sgueo.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Briefing - Priority dossiers under the Hungarian EU Council Presidency - 10-09-2024

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Hungary assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July, and will stay in office until 31 December 2024. This is the second time Hungary has played this role, following its first-ever presidency in 2011. Hungary is the last member of the presidency trio made up together with Spain (in the second half of 2023) and Belgium (in the first half of 2024). It will hand the baton over to Poland.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Проучване - Mapping threats to peace and democracy worldwide: Normandy Index 2024 - 09-09-2024

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 09:31:34 GMT

Conflict is rarely confined to the geographical space in which wars take place. The increasingly global effects – human, material and political – of wars and conflicts make a view of the level of threats to peace, security and democracy around the world more important than ever. The 'Normandy Index' has presented an annual measurement of these threats since the 2019 Normandy Peace Forum. The results of the 2024 exercise suggest the level of threats to peace is the highest since the Index began, confirming declining trends in global security resulting from conflict, geopolitical rivalry, growing militarisation and hybrid threats. The findings of the 2024 exercise draw on data compiled in 2023-2024 to compare peace – defined on the basis of a given country's performance against a range of predetermined threats – across countries and regions. A series of 63 individual country case studies To complete the picture of the state of peace today. Designed and prepared by the European �Ϸ��վary Research Service (EPRS), in conjunction with and on the basis of data provided by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the Normandy Index is produced in partnership with the Region of Normandy. The paper forms part of the EPRS contribution to the 2024 Normandy World Peace Forum.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Briefing - EU-Mongolia relations: Possible critical raw materials partnership - 02-09-2024

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Mongolia is a geographically remote and resource-rich country with a peculiar location in northeast Asia. An 'oasis of democracy', it is sandwiched between its two expansionist authoritarian neighbours, China and Russia. This has required it to walk a delicate geopolitical tightrope of non alignment and a 'third neighbour' foreign policy to preserve its sovereignty and independence. During the past 35 years of bilateral diplomatic relations Mongolia has not been particularly high on the EU's foreign policy agenda, with only a handful of EU Member States having an embassy there. Since the 1990s, Mongolia has nonetheless benefited from EU development cooperation programmes aimed at supporting its sustainable economic and democratic development and from EU disaster relief for the increasingly harsh socioeconomic implications of its exposure to climate change. Classified as a lower-middle income country, Mongolia has also been a beneficiary of unilateral preferential access to the EU market, first under the generalised scheme of preferences (GSP) and later under the GSP+ scheme, and has been able to draw on additional EU funding programmes to bolster the diversification of its trade towards non-mining products. Currently, an EU-Mongolia agreement on geographical indications is under negotiation with the same objective. The EU-Mongolia political and cooperation agreement (PCA), which entered into force in 2017, has significantly broadened the scope for bilateral, regional and international cooperation to policy areas that were previously not covered by the 1993 trade and economic cooperation agreement. Joint Committee meetings under the PCA have taken place regularly, with strands on political dialogue, human rights, trade and investment, and development cooperation. EU reliance on resilient supply chains for critical raw materials (CRMs) to implement its green and digital transitions and Mongolian efforts to sustainably diversify its economic relations could draw the two partners closer. As the scramble for CRMs is in full swing and major CRM-importing countries have designed economic de-risking policies to find alternatives to China's current quasi export monopoly on processed CRMs such as rare earths, the EU and Mongolia could enter into a CRM partnership, despite the geographical and geopolitical constraints and concerns that may arise over the environment and the investment climate owing to increased sourcing of CRMs from Mongolia.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Briefing - The Hungarian �Ϸ��վ and EU affairs - 03-07-2024

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 13:16:16 GMT

Hungary is a parliamentary democracy with a unicameral parliament, the Országgyűlés (National Assembly). The structure and functioning of Hungary's political system are determined by the Fundamental Law of 25 April 2011, which has been amended 12 times since its entry into force in 2012. The National Assembly elects the President of the Republic (head of state), whose role is primarily representative but entails some complementary and controlling competences vis-à-vis the legislative, executive and judicial powers. The executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister, proposed by the President and elected by the National Assembly. The Prime Minister chooses the ministers, who together with him/her, compose the government. The Prime Minister also defines the government's general policy. Ministers are accountable for their actions to both the National Assembly and the Prime Minister. Only the Prime Minister can dismiss them, and the government's mandate is linked to that of the Prime Minister. This briefing is part of an EPRS series on national parliaments and EU affairs. It offers an overview of the way the EU Member States' national parliaments are structured and how they process, scrutinise and engage with EU legislation. It also refers to relevant publications by national parliaments.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Briefing - European �Ϸ��վ's scrutiny of the European Council: The use of �Ϸ��վ resolutions - 27-06-2024

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Resolutions are an essential way for the European �Ϸ��վ to express its views on political processes, EU policies and developments in the world. �Ϸ��վ also uses them to scrutinise other EU institutions, including the European Council. The need for accountability and increased scrutiny of the European Council has been a constant theme in the European �Ϸ��վ's resolutions throughout the 2019-2024 legislative term. The increased need to scrutinise the European Council also results from the changing role of the institution over recent years. Based on an analysis of �Ϸ��վ's resolutions, this briefing will present the need for democratic oversight of the European Council and outline the different tools at �Ϸ��վ's disposal to do so. It provides a unique overview of the content of �Ϸ��վ's resolutions addressing the European Council and the messages it sends to EU leaders. Finally, the briefing identifies potential ways of further strengthening �Ϸ��վ's scrutiny of the European Council.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Briefing - �Ϸ��վ and the development of European citizenship: From Tindemans to Spinelli (1972-1984) - 24-06-2024

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 22:00:00 GMT

The concept of European Union (EU) citizenship was formally introduced into the EU constitutional order by Article 8 of the Treaty of Maastricht (today Article 20 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, TFEU). This form of citizenship is additional to national citizenship and does not replace it. However, the introduction of European citizenship took over two decades to reach fruition – from discussions in the early 1970s up to the 1992 Maastricht Treaty. This briefing examines the formative phase in the development of European citizenship, from the early 1970s to the 1984 Draft Treaty establishing the European Union. It highlights key milestones, including the 1975 Tindemans Report, the 1979 European elections, and the Spinelli Project of the early 1980s, emphasising the European �Ϸ��վ's role in this process. Despite lacking substantial legislative power at the time, �Ϸ��վ introduced crucial ideas that shifted the discourse from a market-centred to a politically oriented concept of citizenship. Leaders like Tindemans and Spinelli were instrumental in this transformation, striving relentlessly – though only partially successfully – to move beyond the nation-state and market integration as the ultimate reference points for European citizenship. Their efforts laid the groundwork for the more comprehensive notion of European citizenship that would eventually emerge during the Maastricht negotiations, indicating how these early debates marked a significant step towards democratising European integration and enriching the debate on European citizenship. This is the first in a series of briefings looking at the role of the European �Ϸ��վ in the development of European citizenship, ranging from the 1972 Paris Summit to the 2003 Draft Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Briefing - Standards for equality bodies: Equal treatment between women and men in employment (ordinary legislative procedure) - 19-06-2024

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Several EU directives dealing with equality require EU Member States to establish equality bodies to assist victims of discrimination and to fight discrimination more broadly. However, their rules are general and do not define these bodies' duties and operation, leading to disparities among Member States. Additionally, some Member States' bodies have experienced a lack of resources, limited independence or a narrow remit. To address this situation, in December 2022 the European Commission published a proposal, under the ordinary legislative procedure, setting standards for equality bodies involved in fighting discrimination on grounds of sex in the area of employment, in parallel to another proposal, under the consent procedure, on fighting discrimination on other grounds. The proposal focusing on equality bodies also sought to reinforce their independence, resources and mandate. Overall, stakeholders welcomed the proposal but suggested changes. In trilogue negotiations, the co-legislators agreed on an amended text affording more flexibility to Member States by taking into account their institutional and legal setups. �Ϸ��վ endorsed the agreement in its April I 2024 plenary. Council adopted the act on 7 May. The act was published in the Official Journal on 29 May and entered into force on 18 June 2024. The transposition deadline is set for June 2026. Third edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП