Dokumente - Think Tank - Europäisches Parlament

Studie - Academic Freedom Monitor 2024 : Analysis of de facto state of academic freedom in the EU - Country overview - 11-04-2025

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 11:11:23 GMT

Academic freedom is widely recognised as a fundamental value of contemporary higher education and science, and as a prerequisite for well-functioning democratic societies. However, in recent years, major concerns have been expressed by various stakeholders about the state of academic freedom in the European Union. �Ϸ��վ launched an annual EP Academic Freedom Monitor in 2022, to help improve the promotion and protection of academic freedom in the European Union. This report presents one of the two studies conducted in the 2024 edition. This study firstly provides an updated overview of recent country- specific measurements of academic freedom across the EU. Secondly, it provides a country-specific analysis of the de facto state of academic freedom in 10 EU Member States. The study was conducted as a qualitative analysis of various data, with input from stakeholder organisations and academic experts. On the basis of both studies, this report proposes EU-level policy options for possible legislative and non-legislative initiatives to support academic freedom in the EU.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2025 - EP

Studie - Academic Freedom Monitor 2024: Overview of de jure academic freedom protection - 07-04-2025

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 09:06:40 GMT

Academic freedom is widely recognised as a fundamental value of contemporary higher education and research, and is often presented as a prerequisite for well-functioning democratic societies. However, in recent years, major concerns have been expressed by various stakeholders about the state of academic freedom in the European Union. �Ϸ��վ launched an annual EP Academic Freedom Monitor in 2022, to help improve the promotion and protection of academic freedom in the European Union. This report presents one of the two studies conducted in the 2024 edition. This study firstly provides an overview of the constitutional legal provisions of academic freedom across all EU Member States. Secondly, it provides an in-depth analysis of the legal protection of academic freedom in four EU Member Stats. Thirdly, it explores the Union's scope of action on academic freedom protection at EU level. On the basis of both studies, this report proposes EU-level policy options for possible legislative and non-legislative initiatives to support academic freedom in the EU.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2025 - EP

Briefing - �Ϸ��վ in EU external action - 01-04-2025

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 22:00:00 GMT

Based on its Treaties, the European Union (EU) has developed a multifaceted external action policy, and is seen as an important actor far beyond its borders. Through its institutions and Member States, the EU is active in international trade, humanitarian assistance, economic, financial, and technical and development cooperation, as well as through its common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and common security and defence policy (CSDP). Increasingly, the external dimension of internal EU policies has also grown, notably in the economic, climate, energy, migration and digital fields. The role of the European �Ϸ��վ in the EU's external action has increased significantly since the 1990s, and especially after the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon (2009). Although �Ϸ��վ's powers remain relatively limited compared to other EU institutions involved in external action, especially with regard to CFSP and CSDP decision-making (which remain mostly intergovernmental), it nevertheless has considerable legislative, budgetary, agenda-setting and soft powers. Several of �Ϸ��վ's powers cut across all policy areas. Notably, it proactively supports multilateralism and conducts extensive parliamentary diplomacy. �Ϸ��վ contributes to policy framing through its debates, resolutions, recommendations, own-initiative reports and statements. It holds hearings, workshops, debates and organises missions. Members of the �Ϸ��վ exercise scrutiny of the executive, by holding hearings of and posing questions to the European Commission, the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU's High Representative and the Council. �Ϸ��վ co-legislates on financing the EU's external action and controls EU institutions' expenditure, including the EEAS, through the discharge procedure. The �Ϸ��վ acts on an equal footing with the Council when adopting numerous acts in the fields of trade, development and humanitarian aid, and often external dimensions of internal policies. Since 2009, �Ϸ��վ's consent to legally binding international agreements is mandated by the Treaties.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2025 - EP

Auf einen Blick - Menschenrechte und Demokratie in der Welt: Bewertung der Maßnahmen der EU im Jahr 2023 - 26-03-2025

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:06:43 GMT

Der jüngste Jahresbericht des Hohen Vertreters der Union für Außen- und Sicherheitspolitik über das auswärtige Handeln der EU zur Förderung der Menschenrechte und der Demokratie befasst sich mit dem Jahr 2023. Es wird darin darauf hingewiesen, dass das Umfeld zunehmend schwieriger wird. Zahlreiche Krisen und Konflikte, zunehmende soziale Ungleichheit und steigender Druck auf die multilaterale Governance und auf die internationale regelbasierte Zusammenarbeit prägen das Bild. Auf der Plenartagung im April soll das Europäische Parlament über seine jährliche Entschließung zu Menschenrechten und Demokratie in der Welt abstimmen. Damit reagiert es auf den Bericht des Hohen Vertreters und empfiehlt künftige EU-Maßnahmen.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2025 - EP

Briefing - Outcome of the meetings of EU leaders on 20 March 2025 - 26-03-2025

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 07:28:38 GMT

With the geopolitical situation evolving rapidly in the first months of 2025, EU leaders had already convened three times in advance of their regular March meeting. Next to competitiveness – originally due to be the central focus point – the spring European Council meeting covered issues including Ukraine, the Middle East and European defence. On competitiveness, the EU-27 outlined precise directions to accelerate the EU's economic agenda, focusing on three priorities: cutting red tape, ensuring affordable energy and turning savings into investments. Following Hungary's renewed refusal to agree to conclusions on Ukraine, a separate statement, 'firmly supported by 26 Heads of State or Government', was published, emphasising the EU's commitment to provide further comprehensive support to Ukraine and to contribute to security guarantees. As European Council President António Costa intended, the meeting concluded in one day. It started with the customary speech by �Ϸ��վ's President, Roberta Metsola, who told EU leaders that Europe had 'thrived on soft power' for decades, but with the global order now changing, 'Europe must position itself as a force to be reckoned with'. This requires 'getting serious about our security, our readiness and our competitiveness'. There was a working lunch with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, and an exchange of views with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In the afternoon, a Euro Summit in inclusive format took place in the presence of European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde and Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe. Over dinner, EU leaders held a first discussion on the next long-term EU budget and own resources.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2025 - EP

Briefing - The role of the European Council in negotiations on the multiannual financial framework: Frequently asked questions - 19-03-2025

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 23:00:00 GMT

EU Heads of State or Government will hold their first discussion on the post-2027 multiannual financial framework (MFF) at the European Council meeting on 20-21 March 2025. Since 1988, when an interinstitutional agreement introduced the first binding MFF, the European Council has played a central role in the process leading to its adoption. In 1992, the Lisbon Treaty established a new procedure whereby the MFF would come into being through the adoption of a regulation. The European Council was not assigned a formal legal role in this procedure. Due to national contributions to the EU budget and the allocation of funding being highly sensitive issues, MFF negotiations have largely been considered as Chefsache, with a strong de facto involvement of the European Council, especially during the past two rounds. This briefing, presented in the form of answers to frequently asked questions, outlines the trends that can be identified regarding the European Council's involvement in decision-making on the EU's long-term budget.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2025 - EP

Briefing - Outlook for the meetings of EU leaders on 20-21 March 2025 - 19-03-2025

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 23:00:00 GMT

The first quarter of 2025 has been a very busy one for the European Council, with EU leaders having already convened three times before their regular March meeting – once for an informal retreat on defence on 3 February, in a video-conference on 26 February and then for a special European Council meeting on 6 March. The increasingly complex geopolitical situation, as well as the current strains on the transatlantic relationship, make the regular March meeting a crucial one. According to the Leaders' Agenda, the meeting was expected to concentrate mainly on competitiveness, but due to recent events many items have been added to the agenda, including Ukraine, the Middle East and defence. As usual, the meeting will start with an exchange of views with European �Ϸ��վ President Roberta Metsola. EU leaders will also have a discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. There will be a working lunch with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, dedicated to multilateralism and other global issues. In the afternoon, a Euro Summit meeting will take place in inclusive format, with European Central Bank President, Christine Lagarde, and Eurogroup President, Paschal Donohoe, taking part in the discussions on economic issues and competitiveness.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2025 - EP

Briefing - António Costa as President of the European Council: The first 100 days - 10-03-2025

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:21:48 GMT

On 1 December 2024, António Costa became the fourth President of the European Council. He was a long-time prime minister of Portugal (2015-2024) and, before that, a Member of the European �Ϸ��վ (2004-2005). With nearly a decade of experience as a member of the European Council, he hit the ground running at the start of his term, consolidating his acquaintance with EU leaders, adjusting the European Council's working methods and improving EU interinstitutional relations. As the office of European Council President is shaped to a large degree by the person holding this position, the briefing also indicates how Costa's approach differs from that of previous Presidents.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2025 - EP

Auf einen Blick - Navigating challenges to UK data adequacy - 07-03-2025

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 23:00:00 GMT

The United Kingdom (UK) adequacy decisions are set to expire on 27 June 2025, unless the European Commission reaffirms that the UK continues to ensure an 'essentially equivalent' level of data protection to the EU's. Critics raised concerns that recent and ongoing UK reforms could jeopardise the renewal of these decisions.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2025 - EP

Auf einen Blick - Current membership of the European Council - 05-03-2025

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 23:00:00 GMT

The European Council consists of the 27 Heads of State or Government of the EU Member States, who are voting members, together with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission, who have no vote (Article 15(2) Treaty on European Union). The chart shows the current members, the national office they hold, their most recent European political affiliation, and the year their membership began.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2025 - EP

Briefing - EP Academic Freedom Monitor 2024: Key findings and policy options - 04-02-2025

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 23:00:00 GMT

The 2024 edition of the European �Ϸ��վ's Academic Freedom Monitor consists of two studies, to be published shortly, with joint key findings and policy options that are summarised in this briefing. The first study, 'Analysis of the state of de facto academic freedom in the EU', examines various measurements of academic freedom across the EU Member States. It also analyses the main threats to academic freedom and their impacts in 10 Member States through a qualitative data analysis, with input from stakeholder organisations and academic experts. The second study, 'Overview of de jure academic freedom protection', gives an overview of constitutional provisions on academic freedom protection in all Member States. It also offers an in-depth analysis of constitutional protection of academic freedom in four Member States and examines the EU's scope of action on academic freedom.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2025 - EP

Briefing - The right to petition the European �Ϸ��վ - 03-02-2025

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 09:36:01 GMT

The right to petition the European �Ϸ��վ was formally set out in the Maastricht Treaty as one of the rights of European Union citizenship. �Ϸ��վ's predecessors, from the beginnings of the Communities in the 1950s, had already recognised the importance of receiving petitions from citizens, and this has become a major expression of �Ϸ��վ's role as the direct representative of EU citizens. �Ϸ��վ's practice is based on those of national parliaments, but is often more extensive in terms of scope. The right of petition has developed substantially over time. In particular, petitions addressed to the European �Ϸ��վ's Committee on Petitions (PETI committee) and then transferred to the European Commission can potentially lead to infringement procedures against Member States. There are, however, still some problems regarding exercise of the right of petition – particularly concerning the responsiveness of the Commission and how to involve national parliaments more effectively. The PETI committee plays a key role in the election of the European Ombudsman, as it is responsible for organising the hearings of the nominees. The committee attaches paramount importance to the examination and public discussion of petitions at its meetings and petitioners have the right to present their petitions. They frequently take the floor in the discussion, thereby actively contributing to the work of the committee. In this way, efficient communication takes place between �Ϸ��վ, the Commission and citizens. This briefing modifies and further develops a briefing published in 2015.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2025 - EP

Auf einen Blick - Belarus – unverminderte Unterdrückung und anstehende Scheinwahl - 15-01-2025

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 13:45:20 GMT

Die Lage der Menschenrechte in Belarus verschlechtert sich, und das Land ist nach wie vor von allumfassender Unterdrückung geprägt. Derweil ist für den 26. Januar 2025 eine Präsidentschaftswahl anberaumt, die als Scheinwahl gilt. Die demokratischen Kräfte von Belarus bezeichnen die Abstimmung als „Selbstwiederernennung Lukaschenkas“ und fordern die internationale Gemeinschaft nachdrücklich auf, die Wahl nicht anzuerkennen. Das Europäische Parlament führt in der Januar-Plenartagung eine Aussprache über die Lage und mögliche Maßnahmen mit der Hohen Vertreter in und Vizepräsidentin der Kommission, Kaja Kallas.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2025 - EP

Briefing - Outcome of the EU leaders' meetings of 18-19 December 2024 - 13-01-2025

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 23:00:00 GMT

The focus of the December 2024 European Council meeting lay on two main issues: Ukraine and the European Union in the world. On Ukraine, the main message was that the EU will give full support to Ukraine for as long as necessary. In that context, EU leaders condemned Russia and those who support its war, and also discussed the path to peace. Regarding the EU in the world, EU leaders first examined developments in the Middle East, with a strong focus on the situation in Syria, and, over dinner, held a strategic discussion on the EU's global engagement in the current geopolitical context. Notably, they discussed EU relations with the United States after the US elections, as well as the current 'new positive energy' in relations between the EU and the United Kingdom. Additionally, based on the report by former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, EU Heads of State or Government considered ways of increasing EU resilience, preparedness and crisis prevention. They also discussed migration, reviewing progress in the implementation of past conclusions and calling for legislation with a migration component to be given priority. In addition, they endorsed the 'strategic guidelines for legislative and operational planning within the area of freedom, security and justice' for the 2024-2029 period. Finally, EU leaders discussed enlargement, developments in Moldova and Georgia, and the situation in Venezuela. The European Council meeting, which was the first one chaired by its new President, António Costa, was preceded by an EU-Western Balkans summit on 18 December.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2025 - EP

Studie - �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.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2025 - EP

Briefing - Commitments made at the confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate 2024-2029 - 10-01-2025

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Commitments made at the confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate 2024-2029

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2025 - EP

Briefing - Information integrity online and the European democracy shield - 10-12-2024

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 06:43:31 GMT

In recent decades, the digital information sphere has become the public space for debate: the place where people access information, and form and express opinions. Over the past 10 years, global information ecosystems have also increasingly become geostrategic battlegrounds. Authoritarian state actors are testing and fine-tuning techniques to manipulate public opinion and foment divisions and tension, to undermine democratic societies and open democracy as a system. At the same time, the geostrategic rivalry overlaps more and more with corporate geopolitics: the digital information sphere has become a contested territory for large corporations competing fiercely to lead the development and roll-out of new technologies – with artificial intelligence (AI) as a game changer in this quest. These innovations come with risks: information manipulation campaigns facilitated by generative AI magnify threats to democratic information ecosystems. Strategic and systemic pressures on the open information environment are set to increase. This makes efforts to uphold universal values in the digital information environment – values such as human rights and, in particular, freedom of expression – even more essential. The increased focus on information integrity by multilateral organisations makes room for coordinating actions to boost the resilience of information ecosystems more broadly, safeguarding human rights. This concept ties in with key parts of the work planned under the future 'European democracy shield'. The broad scope of information integrity covers a number of activities that are already under way in the EU – including measures and legislation launched in recent years – and offers new paths for coalitions and partnerships.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2024 - EP

Auf einen Blick - Vote of investiture for the Commission - 21-11-2024

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 23:00:00 GMT

During the November III plenary session, the European �Ϸ��վ is expected to vote on the second von der Leyen Commission as a whole. This vote should be the penultimate step in the investiture process that began after the European �Ϸ��վ elections. If the Commission obtains �Ϸ��վ's consent – by a majority of the votes cast – the European Council will then appoint its members by qualified majority, allowing the new Commission to take up its duties for the expected starting date of 1 December 2024.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2024 - EP

Briefing - Role and election of the President of the European Council: Frequently asked questions (FAQ) - 12-11-2024

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 23:00:00 GMT

The European Council consists of the Heads of State or Government of the 27 EU Member States, as well as the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission. It became a formal European Union (EU) institution with a full-time President in 2009, with the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon. Although it does not include legislative functions, the European Council's role – to 'provide the Union with the necessary impetus for its development' and to define its 'general political directions and priorities' – has developed rapidly over the past 15 years. The European Council's President plays a crucial part in the preparation, conduct and follow-up of meetings as well as in the external representation of the Union. On 1 December 2024, former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa will take over as President of the European Council. This briefing provides an overview of the functions and responsibilities of this office by answering some of the most frequently asked questions in relation to the President of the European Council. It also looks at the mandates of the previous office-holders and the President's interaction with the European �Ϸ��վ. This updates an EPRS briefing from March 2022.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2024 - EP

Briefing - Protection of journalists in the European Union - 11-11-2024

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 23:00:00 GMT

Media freedom and pluralism are among the rights enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (Article 11) and the European Convention on Human Rights (Article 10), together with freedom of expression and information. The EU is actively engaged in protecting the independence and safety of journalists, as a crucial component in the proper democratic functioning of its institutions and Member States. Nevertheless, in recent years an increasing number of attacks and threats against journalists have been documented and reported in Europe. Physical attacks against journalists as well as online threats and harassment in reprisal for journalists' work are on the rise in several EU Member States. Around the world, the number of dead and wounded journalists is still too high, as is the number of journalists who are detained, imprisoned and mistreated. The most recent Council of Europe assessment of press freedom in Europe reports that war remains a threat to press freedom and the safety of media workers. In total 18 journalists have been killed in Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Reporters without Borders confirms that the situation is particularly dangerous for journalists, who are sometimes deliberately targeted by military fire despite displaying 'Press' identification. Correspondents for foreign outlets are also targeted and some of them become victims of 'hostage diplomacy', as was the case of the Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich. Over the years, the European �Ϸ��վ has called consistently for action to ensure the safety of journalists, both inside and outside armed conflict zones; it has stressed the crucial mission of journalists in gathering and disseminating reliable information about armed conflicts; and it has underlined the importance of ensuring journalists' safe access to areas in which conflicts or human rights abuses are taking place. This briefing updates and builds on an 'At a glance' note published in October 2022.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2024 - EP

Briefing - �Ϸ��վary confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: An analysis of the portfolios of the new von der Leyen Commission - 17-10-2024

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 10:12:07 GMT

This compendium brings together a set of briefings prepared by the European �Ϸ��վary Research Service (EPRS) to guide Members of the European �Ϸ��վ through the parliamentary hearings of Commissioners-designate in early November 2024. These public confirmation hearings form the backdrop to �Ϸ��վ's confirmation vote on the College of Commissioners put forward by Ursula von der Leyen, following her re-election as Commission President by the European �Ϸ��վ in July 2024. In addition to an overview of the process, setting its historical and political context, this volume contains a briefing on each of the Commissioners-designate and their portfolios. Each of these briefings highlights some of the key issues and recent developments in the portfolio, as well as looking back on �Ϸ��վ's activity in the area in the last parliamentary term.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2024 - EP

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.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2024 - EP

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.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2024 - EP

Briefing - Outlook for the European Council meeting on 17-18 October 2024 - 04-10-2024

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 22:00:00 GMT

The provisional agenda for the 17-18 October European Council meeting has three main topics. First, EU Heads of State or Government will address Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and the EU's support to Ukraine and its people. Second, they will consider the situation in the Middle East, amid concerns over regional escalation following Israel's targeting of Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran's missile strikes on Israel. Third, EU leaders will discuss competitiveness, with a first exchange on the report by Mario Draghi on 'The future of European competitiveness'; they will also be called on to endorse the integrated country-specific recommendations, and thus conclude the 2024 European Semester cycle. In addition, EU leaders could hold a strategic debate on migration, and review progress on security and defence initiatives. Discussions could also touch upon developments in Georgia and Moldova, preparations for the COP29 on climate change and the COP16 on biological diversity, as well as the impact of the recent heavy flooding in central Europe.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2024 - EP

Auf einen Blick - Tunisia's 2024 presidential elections - 26-09-2024

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 22:00:00 GMT

In a decree issued on 1 July, Tunisian President Kais Saied called a presidential election for 6 October 2024. In doing so Saied is setting himself up for probable re-election, as all but one of the opposition candidates are in prison or have been declared ineligible by the Tunisian electoral commission. A third candidate who had been approved by the electoral commission was handed a 20-month prison sentence on 19 September. Now seeking re-election for a second 5-year term, Saied was first elected to office in 2019 as an anti establishment candidate promising to root out corruption and address poverty. He took full control of the country in 2021, dismissing the elected parliament and deciding to rule by decree, a move the opposition and international community slammed as a coup. A new constitution, approved by referendum in 2022, established a presidential system and paralysed parliament. The EU is now facing a dilemma as to how to support internal democratic processes and advance implementation of the EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which prioritises measures against irregular migration.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2024 - EP