Документи - Think Tank - Европейски парламент

Briefing - International Agreements in Progress: Modernisation of the trade pillar of the EU-Chile Association Agreement - 18-12-2024

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 13:41:24 GMT

On 9 December 2022, 20 years after the signature of the EU-Chile Association Agreement in 2002, the EU and Chile reached an agreement in principle on a new EU-Chile Advanced Framework Agreement, which comprises modernised trade and political and cooperation pillars. Negotiations were launched in November 2017, based on a Council negotiating mandate, which was the first-ever to have been published prior to the start of negotiations. Although the trade pillar had operated smoothly and led to an expansion of bilateral trade in goods and services and investment, Chile and the EU agreed to broaden and deepen it to unlock untapped potential, break new ground and keep pace with new trade and investment patterns in a global competitive environment that has fundamentally changed with the growing global footprint of countries such as China. As the EU-Chile Advanced Framework Agreement (AFA) comprises provisions falling under both the EU's exclusive competence and shared competence with EU Member States, an EU-Chile interim trade agreement (iTA) was copied from the EU-Chile AFA to undergo an EU-only ratification process, while the EU-Chile AFA including its trade pillar will also have to be ratified by all EU Member States in accordance with their constitutional requirements. The former will expire, once the latter has entered into force. The agreements were signed on 13 December2023. On 29 February 2024, �Ϸ��վ provided its consent to both. On 18 March 2024, the Council endorsed the EU-Chile iTA, which ends the EU-level ratification. Chile finalised the ratification of both agreements on 13 November 2024. Fourth edition. The 'International Agreements in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the process, from initial discussions through to ratification.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Briefing - EU association agreement with Andorra and San Marino - 25-11-2024

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 23:00:00 GMT

There are a number of micro-states in western Europe that do not belong to the EU: the Holy See, the Principality of Andorra, the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Principality of Monaco and the Republic of San Marino. While they exhibit differences in terms of geography, population, language, and institutional and political structure, they have close relations with EU Member States based on shared history, and political and cultural affinities. Moreover, they are like-minded partners in foreign affairs. Given a mutual interest in deepening cooperation, the EU and three of these states – the Principality of Andorra, the Principality of Monaco and the Republic of San Marino – have been engaged in dialogue since 2014. This culminated in December 2023 in the conclusion of negotiations on an association agreement with Andorra and San Marino. First edition. The 'International Agreements in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the process, from initial discussions through to ratification.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Накратко - EU–Central America Association Agreement - 07-06-2024

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 22:00:00 GMT

In April 2024, 12 years after the EU and Central America signed an association agreement (AA), the Council finally adopted a decision to conclude the agreement. Belgium was the last EU Member State to ratify the agreement, on 17 January 2024. This was the final step of the ratification process, which allows for the full implementation of the agreement (since 1 May 2024) with the Central American region consisting of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. Full entry into force could give considerable impetus to bi regional relations, as the AA's three fundamental parts – political dialogue, cooperation and trade – can now mutually reinforce each other.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Накратко - Extension of EU trade benefits to Ukraine - 16-04-2024

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 22:00:00 GMT

During its April II plenary session, �Ϸ��վ is expected to vote on the extension for an additional year of the autonomous trade measures (ATM) that liberalised Ukrainian exports to the EU, to support Ukraine's economy. The proposal includes reinforced safeguards to protect EU farmers in case of market disruption.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Накратко - Montenegro - 12-04-2024

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Montenegro began EU accession negotiations in 2012. The European Commission's latest report notes tensions leading to a blocked political system. On 2 April 2023, after securing 59 % of votes in a presidential election run-off, Montenegro's former Economy Minister Jakov Milatović declared victory over the incumbent, Milo Đukanović, who had been president or prime minister for more than three decades. The current pro-European Prime Minister, Milojko Spajić, took office in October 2023. Spajić's government replaced the technical mandate of the previous government, which faced a vote of no confidence in August 2022. This 'At a glance' note has been produced at the request of a member of the European Committee of the Regions, in the framework of the cooperation agreement between the �Ϸ��վ and the Committee.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Накратко - Bosnia and Herzegovina - 12-04-2024

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a population of 3.2 million, became independent from the former Yugoslavia on 3 March 1992, following a referendum that was boycotted by ethnic Serbs. Bosnia and Herzegovina was offered a European Union membership perspective at the EU-Western Balkans summit in Thessaloniki in 2003. Building on the European Commission's recommendation of 12 March 2024, the European Council decided on 21 March to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. This 'At a glance' note has been produced at the request of a member of the European Committee of the Regions, in the framework of the cooperation agreement between the �Ϸ��վ and the Committee.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Накратко - EU-Egypt Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership - 05-04-2024

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 22:00:00 GMT

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi of Egypt, in Cairo on 17 March 2024, joined by the prime ministers of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece and Italy. This meeting sealed the €7.4 billion EU-Egypt Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership (the Partnership) to help boost Egypt's faltering economy and avert another migration crisis in Europe. Critics have raised concerns over the declared urgency of disbursing funds under this partnership without the approval of the European �Ϸ��վ, as well as over Egypt's poor human rights record and the dubious effects of such partnerships on irregular migration.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Накратко - EU-Chile agreements - 21-02-2024

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:16:19 GMT

On 13 December 2023, the EU and Chile signed an advanced framework agreement (AFA) with a view to modernising and replacing the 2002 association agreement which currently governs their relations. During its February II plenary session, the European �Ϸ��վ will decide on whether to consent to the EU's conclusion of the AFA, which has two parts: i) political dialogue and cooperation; and ii) trade and investment. As the AFA falls under shared competence, ratification by each EU Member State is also required. �Ϸ��վ will also vote on giving consent to conclusion of an interim trade agreement (iTA), with the trade and investment provisions of the AFA under the EU's exclusive competence. The iTA would apply until the AFA's ratification is completed.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2024 - ЕП

Накратко - 2022 report on Montenegro - 11-10-2023

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 13:01:38 GMT

A multi-ethnic country, Montenegro is composed of Montenegrins (43 %), Serbs (32 %), Bosniaks (7.8 %) and Albanians (5 %). In a May 2006 referendum, 55.5 % of the electorate voted for independence. Public opinion surveys show that almost 80 % of Montenegrins are in favour of joining the EU. On 2 April 2023, after securing 59 % of votes in a presidential election run-off, Montenegro's former Economy Minister Jakov Milatović declared victory over the incumbent, Milo Đukanović, who had been president or prime minister for more than three decades. On 11 June, the pro-European movement ‘Europe Now!’ won snap parliamentary elections and is now seeking to form a government. �Ϸ��վ is due to debate the Commission's 2022 report on Montenegro during its October II plenary session.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2023 - ЕП

Накратко - 2022 report on Türkiye - 06-09-2023

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 16:46:59 GMT

Türkiye has long been a key partner for the European Union on issues such as migration, security, counter-terrorism and trade. Following the attempted coup in 2016, however, Türkiye's democratic backsliding led the Council to freeze accession negotiations in 2018. The re-election of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in May 2023, and the 100th anniversary of the Republic founded by Atatürk, point to a need to explore realistic options for future EU–Türkiye relations, within a mutually appealing framework. �Ϸ��վ is expected to vote on its position on the Commission's 2022 annual report on Türkiye during its September 2023 plenary session.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2023 - ЕП

Накратко - Amazon deforestation and the EU-Mercosur deal - 11-07-2023

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 22:00:00 GMT

The victory in the 2022 Brazilian presidential election of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the left-wing Workers' Party, who ran on a platform of – among other things – protecting the Amazon and indigenous peoples' rights, has raised hopes in the EU of completing the long-standing negotiations on an EU-Mercosur association agreement. Since January 2023, Lula has deployed a number of recycled but updated policy tools from the early 2000s, which, it is assumed, will deliver similarly positive results in curbing deforestation as in the past. However, times have changed. Amid an underwhelming economic outlook and a weak political power base, Lula and the environmentalist members of his government face an uphill battle to put Brazil on a path to zero deforestation by 2030 and to reconcile this aim with the need to boost economic growth to reduce poverty and inequality. Tangible progress will take time to emerge given the damage caused during the past four years.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2023 - ЕП

Задълбочен анализ - Latin America Outlook 2023: EU-LAC relations at a time of geopolitical upheaval - 01-03-2023

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 08:49:52 GMT

Latin America will be high on the agenda of the European Union in 2023, with the EU-CELAC Summit at Heads of State and Government level due to take place in the second half of the year. In its 2023 work programme, the European Commission announced its intention to propose a new strategy to reinvigorate relations with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). It is also striving for full ratification of the modernised Association Agreements with Chile and Mexico; the European �Ϸ��վ could start the consent procedure for the agreement with Chile this year. Significant developments in LAC, to be followed closely, include China's growing influence in the region, Brazil's return to the international stage, political turmoil in Peru and three presidential elections.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2023 - ЕП

Задълбочен анализ - Association Agreements with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova on the roads to EU Membership - 25-07-2022

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 22:00:00 GMT

This paper has been produced by the Ex-post Evaluation Unit of the Directorate for Impact Assessment and European Added Value, within the European �Ϸ��վary Research Service (EPRS) of the Secretariat of the European �Ϸ��վ, as a regional evaluation in parallel to the EPRS 2022 Peace and Security Outlook. It has been drafted as a contribution to the Normandy World Peace Forum taking place in September 2022. The paper provides the background to EU relations with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine and analyses the most recent reforms achieved through the implementation of the association agreements in each country, up to the date of their applications for membership. Through an overview of the requirements for accession and of the EU's experiences with enlargement, and within the new context of the reframing of the EU's relations with its neighbourhood, the paper assesses the potential steps each of these countries could take to advance on their roads to EU membership.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2022 - ЕП

Накратко - 2021 Report on Kosovo - 29-06-2022

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 22:00:00 GMT

With a population of 1.8 million (93 % ethnic Albanians), Kosovo* unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Kosovo's perspective of a European future was stated during summits in Thessaloniki (2003), Sofia (2018) and, recently, Zagreb (2020), Brdo (2021) and Brussels (2022), where EU leaders reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the Western Balkans' European perspective. �Ϸ��վ is expected to debate the European Commission's 2021 annual report on the country during its July 2022 plenary session. *This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2022 - ЕП

Накратко - 2021 Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina - 29-06-2022

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 22:00:00 GMT

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), with a population of 3.8 million, became independent from the former Yugoslavia on 3 March 1992, following a referendum that was boycotted by ethnic Serbs. Bosnia and Herzegovina was offered an EU membership perspective during the EU-Western Balkans summit in Thessaloniki (2003), subsequently restated in Sofia (2018), Zagreb (2020), Brdo (2021) and, most recently, Brussels (2022). The �Ϸ��վ is expected to vote on the European Commission's 2021 annual report on BiH during its July 2022 plenary session.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2022 - ЕП

Накратко - 2021 Report on Montenegro - 20-06-2022

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 22:00:00 GMT

Montenegro applied for EU membership in 2008, and accession negotiations began in June 2012. The country has opened all 33 negotiation chapters, three of which have been provisionally closed. Public opinion surveys show that 75 % of Montenegrins are in favour of joining the EU. �Ϸ��վ is expected to debate the European Commission's 2021 annual report on Montenegro during its June II plenary session.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2022 - ЕП

Накратко - 2021 Report on Turkey - 01-06-2022

Tue, 31 May 2022 22:00:00 GMT

Turkey's relations with the European Communities/EU date back to 1959, with milestones including the Ankara Association Agreement (1963) and the customs union (1995). Turkey is a key strategic partner of the EU on issues such as migration, security, counter-terrorism and trade. Yet, after democratic backsliding in the country, the Council froze its accession negotiations. Overall EU-Turkey relations have improved slightly in the past year. The �Ϸ��վ's position on the Commission's 2021 annual report is expected to be voted in plenary in June 2022.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2022 - ЕП

Проучване - Association agreement between the EU and Georgia - European Implementation Assessment (update) - 25-03-2022

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 17:48:51 GMT

In November 2021, the European �Ϸ��վ's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) requested an own-initiative annual report on the implementation of the association agreement between the EU and Georgia (2021/2236(INI)). Sven Mikser (S&D, Estonia) is the appointed rapporteur. The Ex-Post Evaluation Unit (EVAL) within the European �Ϸ��վary Research Service (EPRS) has prepared this European implementation assessment (EIA) to accompany the scrutiny work of AFET. This EIA is an update of a European implementation assessment on the association agreement between the EU and Georgia, prepared by the EPRS in April 2020.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2022 - ЕП

Накратко - Russia's war on Ukraine: EU-Ukraine trade in agri-food products - 17-03-2022

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 23:00:00 GMT

Up until the 2022 Russian invasion, Ukraine was exporting more than 40 % of its goods to the EU, making the EU the country's leading trading partner. The principal goods imported by the EU were raw materials, chemical products and machinery. With regard to the agri-food sector, Ukraine supplied almost half of the cereals and vegetable oils and a quarter of the poultry meat imported to Europe. While the full impact of the Russian invasion on Ukraine's agri-food trade has still to be assessed, some possible scenarios have already emerged.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2022 - ЕП

Briefing - EU-Ukraine relations and the security situation in the country - 03-02-2022

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 23:00:00 GMT

Since the beginning of 2021, Ukraine has struggled with Russia's attempts to further destabilise the country and intensify tensions in Europe's east, including through repetitive military build-ups along Ukraine's borders. Russia's most recent threatening troop manoeuvres, together with its unsupportable security demands, met with a united response from Western countries, making it clear that a very high price will be paid if Russia attacks Ukraine. The EU and its institutions, including the European �Ϸ��վ, have been clear in their response to Russia's aggression on Ukrainian territory. The EU does not recognise the illegal annexation of Crimea and regularly calls on Russia to de-escalate and withdraw its forces, and urges Moscow and Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine to adhere to the ceasefire agreement. Currently the situation remains very volatile. Relations between the European Union and Ukraine continue to be shaped by the 2014 Association Agreement, which includes the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area. The long-term relationship between the EU and Ukraine covers a broad range of areas including trade, providing assistance to the country's health sector, support for the country's reform agenda, and support for the fight against hybrid attacks against Ukraine that have been perpetrated by Russia ever since Ukraine made its firm pro-European choice in 2014. Russia decided to respond aggressively to the Revolution of Dignity – a revolution whose main aim was the signature of the Association Agreement – and immediately after the change of power in Ukraine in 2014 it annexed Crimea and moved to actively support Donbas separatists. Intensive fighting in Donbas in 2014 and early 2015 led to the Minsk agreements, but limited progress in implementing the agreements on the Russian side have led to the prolongation of Western sanctions against Russia. Russia continues its bullying policy towards Ukraine with a wide range of instruments, including disinformation, blackmail and cyber-attacks.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2022 - ЕП

Проучване - Trade aspects of the EU-Mercosur Association Agreement - 30-11-2021

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 23:00:00 GMT

In this study we analyse the provisions of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement (EUMETA) in its form presented by the European Commission. Our analysis covers the potential macroeconomic effects of the agreement that are based on the analysis of the extent of trade liberalisation through the lens of a computable general simulation model, as well as more detailed analysis of trade structure, tariff structure, non-tariff protection and the trade-related provisions of the agreement including trade in services and government procurement. Moreover, we analyse the institutional provisions of the EU-Mercosur Association agreement (EUMEAA) in relation to the positioning of the European �Ϸ��վ and civil society. We place a special focus on the agri-food sector and some selected sensitive subsectors. The quantitative assessments are amended by qualitative analysis, in particular with regard to the trade and sustainable development chapter of the agreement, issues related to food security and an overview of existing approaches on sustainable development in the Mercosur countries.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2021 - ЕП

Briefing - Georgia's bumpy road to democracy: On track for a European future? - 27-05-2021

Wed, 26 May 2021 22:00:00 GMT

Georgia is often considered a frontrunner among Eastern Partnership countries. Despite Russia's continued de facto occupation of one-fifth of the country's territory, until recently Georgia performed relatively well in terms of political stability, pluralism and economic growth. The country is staunchly pro-Western, with aspirations to join both the EU and NATO. Like Ukraine and Moldova, Georgia signed an association agreement with the EU in 2014. The agreement envisages a free trade area, as well as economic and political reforms that will result in far-reaching integration between Georgia and the EU. Despite this overall positive picture and Georgia's close partnership with the EU, there are many concerns about the country's progress towards democracy and the rule of law. Problems are highlighted by a political crisis, which escalated in November 2020 after opposition politicians claimed that the ruling Georgian Dream party had rigged parliamentary elections, and decided to boycott the parliament. The crisis reflects the longer-standing issue of excessive concentration of power, weakening many of the checks and balances that are necessary for a healthy democracy. Despite reform efforts, institutions that are supposed to be independent of the executive have become subservient to the often opaque interests of the ruling party. EU mediation is helping to resolve the stand-off between government and opposition, but the political landscape is still highly polarised.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2021 - ЕП

Накратко - Implementation of the EU Association Agreement with Ukraine - 04-02-2021

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 08:58:59 GMT

The Association Agreement is the main framework for EU-Ukraine relations, and promotes economic and political cooperation, as well as respect for common values. �Ϸ��վ is due to discuss an own-initiative report on its implementation during the February plenary session.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2021 - ЕП

Briefing - EU-Turkey customs union: Modernisation or suspension? - 15-12-2020

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 08:25:36 GMT

Turkey is the EU's fifth largest trading partner, while the EU is Turkey's largest. The association agreement concluded between the European Economic Community (EEC) and Turkey in 1963 was an interim step towards the country's accession to the EEC, membership of which it had applied for in 1959. The EU-Turkey customs union came into force in 1995, and Turkey obtained EU candidate status in 1999. In December 2004, the European Council decided that Turkey qualified for EU accession, making it possible to open negotiations to this end. In 2008, the Council of the EU adopted a revised accession partnership with Turkey. Since 2016, EU-Turkey relations have suffered due to a deterioration of democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law in Turkey, in the wake of a failed military coup. A European Commission recommendation of 21 December 2016 to launch talks with Turkey on modernising the EU-Turkey customs union was halted by the General Affairs Council of 26 June 2018, which concluded that no further work in this direction should be planned. In 2019 and 2020, Turkey's military operations in Syria, Libya and the eastern Mediterranean, coupled with its maritime disputes with Greece and Cyprus, further eroded its relations with the EU. Following some positive signs by Turkey, on 1 October 2020 the European Council once again gave a green light to modernising the customs union, provided that constructive efforts to stop illegal activities vis-à-vis Greece and Cyprus were sustained. The European Council also stressed that in case of renewed unilateral actions or provocations in breach of international law, the EU would use 'all the instruments and the options at its disposal', including in accordance with Article 29 of the Treaty on European Union and Article 215 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to defend its interests and those of its Member States. However, in the light of Turkey's recent conduct and given that the EU-Turkey customs union has not been modernised, but not suspended either, the EU could agree on some new sanctions, as called for in the European �Ϸ��վ's 26 November 2020 resolution on escalating tensions in Varosha.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2020 - ЕП

Проучване - Association agreement between the EU and Ukraine - 07-07-2020

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 22:00:00 GMT

The European implementation assessment (EIA) evaluates the implementation of the association agreement (EU AA), including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), between the EU and Ukraine. The evaluation forms an update of an evaluation published in July 2018. The EIA shows progress and challenges in the implementation of the agreement in Ukraine and stresses the importance of further reforms in this Eastern Partnership country. The EIA consists of two parts, an opening analysis prepared internally by the DG EPRS and a briefing paper prepared externally by the Polish Institute of International Affairs. The EIA has been prepared to accompany the European �Ϸ��վ Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) in its scrutiny work, namely on its work on the own-initiative annual implementing report on the EU association agreement with Ukraine.

Източник : © Европейски съюз, 2020 - ЕП