Paskutiniai dokumentai

Santrauka : This European implementation assessment supports the European Parliament's implementation report on the EU Youth Strategy (EUYS) 2019-2027 prepared by the European Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education (CULT). Part I of this study examines recent European Commission developments on the EUYS, Parliament's oversight of the EUYS, and the results of consultations. Part II of the study examines EUYS implementation at the EU level and in six selected Member States, drawing on the most recent evidence from a literature review, stakeholder interviews, and a survey. It analyses the 11 European Youth Goals and their implementation and relevance, before assessing the extent to which the EUYS has promoted youth mainstreaming across policy areas. It further explores youth participation, focusing on social inclusion, equality and young people with fewer opportunities (case study 1), and examines the EUYS's role in improving access to quality education and training (case study 2). It concludes with recommendations to enhance the EUYS, thereby informing its update and future implementation beyond 2027.

Autoriai : IOANNIDES Isabelle, HUEMER MARIE-ASTRID

Santrauka : This briefing examines whether the Commission’s 16 July 2025 MFF package can credibly support social mainstreaming in the EU budget and a results-oriented approach aligned with the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR). It benchmarks the proposal against recent BUDG and CONT studies and briefings and flags gaps relevant for parliamentary oversight and legislative scrutiny. It argues that the proposed tracking logic conflates tagged spending and narrow delivery metrics with “results on the ground.” To better capture service outcomes and distributional and quality effects, it proposes adding an AAAQ layer (Availability, Accessibility, Acceptability, Quality). The briefing ends by identifying priority questions for a targeted follow-up study ahead of forthcoming legislative work.

Autoriai : PADILLA OLIVARES FRANCISCO JAVIE, LIVIANO D'ARCANGELO MARIA CHIARA

Santrauka : The Commission’s proposed Performance Regulation for the 2028–2034 MFF would replace the current fragmented system (thousands of programme indicators and multiple portals) with a single horizontal framework for expenditure tracking and performance reporting. The briefing argues this is politically consequential because standardisation defines what “counts” as EU budget performance. It may improve comparability and oversight, but risks forcing comparability across very different areas, favouring outputs over results and impacts, and potentially weakening parliamentary control since key parameters are set in annexes amendable by delegated acts or are left to the Commission's discretion such as the DNSH principle. It also flags methodological sensitivity in the 35% climate target, limited ambition in gender tracking, and the limits of a new social tracking approach that is output-oriented.

Autoriai : PADILLA OLIVARES Francisco Javier, JAMES Eleanor Remo, POUWELS Alexandra Cynthia Jana

Santrauka : Non-cash payments constitute the lifeblood of the developed economies, and a threat to their resilience is automatically a threat to wider economic resilience. The ECON Committee has commissioned two papers from members of its academic expert panel for Banking Union scrutiny in order to analyse threats to the resilience of non-cash payments and possible measures to strengthen resilience. This briefing reviews the two papers and puts forward the main lessons they offer.

Autoriai : SPITZER Kai Gereon

Santrauka : In order to provide an overview of the debate on own resources in the context of the forthcoming negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034, this mapping exercise aims to capture the EU’s overall revenue landscape. It covers existing EU own resources, proposed new own resources put forward by the European Commission as part of the MFF 2028–2034 package, own resources provided for in the 2020 Interinstitutional Agreement, as well as alternative new resources outlined in European Parliament reports and referenced in recent public debates.

Autoriai : SCHWARCZ András, GHIRAN-MERVEILLE Anda-Diana

Santrauka : In June 2025, EU Member States that are members of NATO committed to a significant increase in spending on defence to 5% of GDP to be reached withing a decade. 3.5% of GDP would be spent on core defence items, 1.5% on defence-related items. Obviously, such commitments come on top of already tight public finances in most of the economies concerned. Against this background, in autumn 2025, the ECON Committee requested external expertise to better understand the potential synergies and tensions between security-oriented measures and competitiveness objectives, with a view to fostering effective policy scrutiny in light of the European Parliament's economic oversight responsibilities. The experts were asked to examine the economic implications of reducing dependencies in critical supply chains—including raw materials, energy, semiconductors, and defence—identifying where security-motivated investments can simultaneously enhance innovation and productivity. They were further tasked with evaluating policy frameworks to maximise positive spillovers between resilience-building and competitiveness, assessing innovative approaches to industrial policy, and providing concrete recommendations for policy design that leverages synergies whilst offering pragmatic solutions for managing unavoidable tensions. Three papers have been received: one by Maria DEMERTZIS, Alejandro FIORITO and Konstantinos PANITSAS for The Conference Board Europe and European University Institute, one by Erik JONES and Richard YOUNGS for Carnegie Europe and the Robert Schuman Centre, and one by Stefan THURNER and Peter KLIMEK for the Complexity Science Hub and Supply Chain Intelligence Institute Austria (for a comparative overview and links to the papers see the table at the end of this briefing). This briefing offers an overview of all three papers with key takeaways.

Autoriai : DE LEMOS PEIXOTO SAMUEL, STIEBER Harald

Santrauka : This study explores the competitiveness gap faced by the EU’s seafood sector. Five case studies illustrate how high input costs and relatively low productivity mean that imports, now supply over 80% of the EU’s consumption of fisheries and aquaculture products (FAPs). The policy recommendations provided aim to help secure a more self-sufficient, sustainable, and resilient seafood system. This document was prepared at the request of the Committee on Fisheries (PECH).

Santrauka : This study explores the competitiveness gap faced by the EU’s seafood sector. Five case studies illustrate how high input costs and relatively low productivity mean that imports, now supply over 80% of the EU’s consumption of fisheries and aquaculture products (FAPs). The policy recommendations provided aim to help secure a more self-sufficient, sustainable, and resilient seafood system. This document was prepared at the request of the Committee on Fisheries (PECH).

Santrauka : This study examines how the European Commission and the European Investment Bank measure the impact of their external action programmes and investments on decent and sustainable job creation in Sub Saharan Africa, with particular attention to the Global Gateway. This paper summarises current employment impact assessment practices, recognising their capacity to capture high level direct and indirect employment effects while also identifying clear limitations, especially in harmonising job quality metrics. The paper identifies solid foundations alongside clear shortcomings in the EC and EIB appraisal, monitoring and evaluation systems for measuring decent jobs impacts. It finds that shifts under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe have underscored the importance of adopting robust job creation metrics and for embedding these systematically across EU external action. Finally, the paper showcases good practices in EU programmes and partner multilateral development banks and development finance institutions that have strengthened clarity and commitment to monitoring decent job impacts through country jobs diagnostics, adopting employment markers, reinforcing environmental, social and governance due diligence frameworks and policies promoting responsible business conduct.

Santrauka : This study examines the perpetrators and methods of transnational repression within the European Union (EU) and suggests possible counter-strategies for EU institutions. The study explains how transnational repression relates to associated issues faced by the EU, such as foreign interference, disinformation, abuse of migration frameworks and hybrid threats. Whilst the scale, scope and methods of transnational repression comprise a global phenomenon, this problem is specifically prevalent within the EU. Three case studies feature perpetrator states active inside the EU: Russia, Iran and China. In response, legal frameworks and policy responses have been developed in relevant political contexts, including the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and various EU Member States. The study concludes by providing recommendations for European institutions to address transnational repression.

Santrauka : This briefing has been prepared for the exchange of views with the Chair of the European Fiscal Board (EFB), scheduled for 29 January 2026. It provides background information on the EFB’s mandate, and summarises the Board’s two main annual publications - the Annual Report and the Assessment of the euro area fiscal stance - as well as other relevant contributions recently published by the EFB. Further information on the EFB’s revised role within the reformed governance framework is available in a dedicated EGOV briefing.

Autoriai : MAZZOCCHI Ronny, LOI GIACOMO, BECKER ĐURIČIĆ RUDI

Santrauka : The development of European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs) represents a decisive step towards strengthening the EU’s crisis response, economic competitiveness and strategic autonomy. EDPCIs aim to overcome fragmented national defence efforts by promoting joint development, production and procurement of key military capabilities, enhancing the EU’s governance structure for defence investment. While earlier frameworks like the EDF, PESCO and CARD have achieved limited integration, EDPCIs could enable large-scale collaboration by pooling demand, streamlining supply chains and reinforcing the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. Proposed flagship projects such as the Drone Initiative, Eastern Flank Watch, Air Shield, and Space Shield address urgent needs but face challenges of funding, technology gaps and diverging national planning cycles. Other potential EDPCIs, such as a Cyber Defence Shield, a Combat Cloud, Military Mobility Network or EU Command and Control could expand into critical enabler domains but also depend on balancing EU-level regulation and intergovernmental ownership and ensuring sustained financial and political backing. This study recommends a coherent governance framework, harmonised standards and inclusive industrial participation to sustain innovation. Ultimately, success will hinge on EDPCIs’ capacity to deliver credible capabilities and advance Europe’s goal of a resilient, autonomous and integrated defence posture.

Santrauka : The briefing analyses the Commission’s proposed National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs) as a “hybrid” between Cohesion Policy shared management and the RRF’s performance-based disbursement (milestones and targets). It finds the model a workable template in principle, but one that requires redesign to ensure fair and comparable assessments and scrutiny, meaningful stakeholder participation, and monitoring that supports learning without excessive administrative burden. While verifiability is strengthened (clearer criteria, ex-ante payout values, recovery rules, monitoring committees), gaps remain, including vague links to EU Country Specifc Recommendations, weaknesses in the “regional test”, and an output-heavy indicator set that is ill-suited for real-time, effect-oriented monitoring of the EU long-term budget.

Autoriai : PADILLA OLIVARES FRANCISCO JAVIE

Santrauka : The briefing argues that the RRF’s broad legal framework, confidentiality, and “financing not linked to costs” gave the Commission and Member States wide discretion, allowing large sums to fund national projects with limited EU-level relevance and weak scrutiny. It stresses that reforms are especially hard to measure, so disbursements often hinge on procedural milestones rather than substantive performance. On this basis, it criticises the Commission’s MFF package for importing the model without clearly defining EU priorities or setting operational requirements that constrain discretion. The core fix is legislative: tighten priority-setting, reconsider the centrality of national plans, and reduce built-in information asymmetries, rather than relying on ex post oversight alone.

Autoriai : PADILLA OLIVARES FRANCISCO JAVIE

Santrauka : This study examines transparency in the context of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, with a particular focus on data and information availability, quality, granularity, accessibility, comparability and comprehensibility. Lessons learnt are drawn from the positive examples and shortcomings in transparency identified across National Resilience and Recovery Plans and at EU level. The study puts forward some recommendations, including the adoption of an accessible, consistent and interoperable transparency ecosystem, to enhance the accountability of future EU funding instruments. This document was provided by the Economic Governance and EMU Scrutiny Unit at the request of the ECON Committee.

Santrauka : This study examines the extent to which the EU’s legal framework and Member States’ practices on dual-use export controls align with their respective legal obligations, particularly as they relate to conflict-affected regions. There is a lack of high-quality data on EU trade in dual-use goods. While the EU’s annual report has improved in recent years, it continues to lack granularity regarding what is actually exported. Some Member States produce annual reports, including a few that offer a good level of data granularity. Customs trade data including from Eurostat COMEXT is also examined. However, the limited correlation between this data and specific dual-use goods means that it does not significantly close the gap. Despite this, the current dual-use Regulation 2021/821 does provide Member States with a sufficient basis to implement their international commitments for listed items. The situation is different for non-listed items. Many conflict-affected countries are not subject to UN or EU arms embargoes. While sanctions issues are usually considered separately from dual-use export control issues, there is an important provision in Regulation 2021/821 which allows for the control of non-listed goods to military end uses which is only available to Member States when the country is subject to an arms embargo. The study concludes that the EU should improve reporting so that trade in dual-use goods with conflict-affected regions can be monitored, should discourage the use of open and general licences for conflict-affected regions, should solidify its ability to add items to the EU list outside of the multilateral export control regimes, and should issue additional guidance on interpreting licensing criteria when assessing exports to conflict-affected regions, including how to integrate IHL considerations. Overall, the EU should shift to a more proactive approach to risks associated with dual-use trade with conflict-affected regions.

Santrauka : Cross-border parental child abductions in the EU are governed by The 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and (except for Denmark) the Brussels II-ter Regulation. Countries outside of the EU may or may not be Contracting States to ‘the Convention’, but will not be bound by Brussels II-ter. Research has found that the often negative, long-lasting impact of abduction may continue throughout the lifecycle of those who have been abducted. It may also affect future generations of society. This means that every effort to deter abduction should be made. Where that is not possible, the 1980 Hague Child Abduction Convention should be nurtured to support its application in contemporary society. Specialist mediation should be encouraged in relation to international child abduction generally, and specifically in relation to Third Countries which are not Contracting States to ‘the Convention’. This study was commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the JURI Committee.

Santrauka : This study analyses the role of EU instruments, in particular Cohesion Policy, in supporting the quality of essential services in remote, rural and depopulated areas. The study focuses on essential services tied to the provision of healthcare, childcare and services to people. Challenges and drivers of loss of service provision are identified. The contribution of EU instruments is assessed, including case studies illustrating their contribution to mitigating depopulation dynamics and improving access to essential services.

Santrauka : This study provides an overview of the EU policy instruments, including Cohesion Policy Funds, that are used in disaster response and recovery. It assesses their contribution to strengthening resilience to climate change and to meeting disaster-relief and reconstruction needs. The study also examines how the ‘Build Back Better’ approach can be integrated into future Cohesion Policy to ensure that disaster-affected areas are rebuilt in a more resilient and sustainable manner. Recommendations are provided on how Cohesion Policy can be improved to support EU regions in responding to disasters.

Santrauka : This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the adoption, design, and impact of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Contracts for Difference (CfD) across the EU. It assesses current trends, market effects, and policy frameworks, and proposes actionable recommendations to resolve barriers to wider uptake. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Transformation, Innovation and Health at the request of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE).

Santrauka : This document is a briefing that examines the budgetary and control aspects of the National and Regional Partnership Plan (NRPP) proposal, which forms part of the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework package. It outlines the main concerns raised about the proposal, including weak impact assessment evidence, overlaps between the new horizontal conditions and existing regulations, the limited role of Parliament in the governance of the EU Facility, and accountability risks linked to the use of a performance-based model.

Autoriai : MUNARI Ludovica

Autoriai : SANDERSKI ANDRZEJ, SERPIERI Margherita

Santrauka : This document provides an overview of the European Parliament’s committee-level Economic Dialogues with other institutions of the European Union under the European Semester for economic policy coordination. It also lists the Recovery and Resilience Dialogues with the European Commission as undertaken by the competent committee(s) since the start of the current legislative term in June 2024, and includes an overview of the respective legal bases. During the 10th legislative term, the competent committees have so far held 6 Recovery and Resilience Dialogues and 4 Economic Dialogues with the European Commission, 3 Economic Dialogues with the Council, and 1 Economic Dialogue with the Eurogroup.

Autoriai : LOI GIACOMO, BECKER ĐURIČIĆ RUDI

Santrauka : This digest provides a collection of documents prepared by the academia, think tanks, other EU institutions and bodies, as well as stakeholders that can be useful for Members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgets to stay informed about the debate concerning the next Multiannual Financial Framework, starting in 2028. The document is produced monthly by the Budgetary Support Unit of DG BUDG and the European .

Autoriai : SCHWARCZ András, HOPP Balazs

Santrauka : In autumn 2025, the ECON Committee requested external expertise to better understand the evolving EU-US macroeconomic dynamics to foster effective policy scrutiny in light of the European Parliament's economic oversight responsibilities. Three papers have been received: one by Natacha VALLA and François MIGUET (Sciences Po and New York University), one by Cinzia ALCIDI (Centre for European Policy Studies, CEPS), and one by Daniela GABOR (SOAS University of London). This briefing presents the main takeaways from the three studies and, in the following sections, provides an overview of the authors’ analyses and findings structured around four key questions.

Autoriai : MAZZOCCHI Ronny, LOI GIACOMO

Santrauka : The European Cybersecurity Act adopted in 2019 established a permanent mandate for the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and introduced a European cybersecurity certification framework to strengthen trust and resilience across the Union. Its implementation faced a fast-evolving cybersecurity landscape since the Act’s adoption, marked by a 150% increase in cyberattacks in 2024 and an expanding regulatory landscape, including the network and information systems Directive, the Cyber Resilience Act, and the Cyber Solidarity Act. These parallel developments have expanded ENISA’s responsibilities putting strains on its resources and coordination capacity. Over recent years, ENISA has become an established actor within the EU’s cybersecurity landscape. It has supported Member States in policy development, contributed to building technical and operational capabilities, and promoted exchanges of good practice and awareness-raising initiatives. Its role in facilitating cooperation and providing expertise has been widely acknowledged. At the same time, the broadening of ENISA’s mandate has created challenges in defining priorities, allocating resources and coordinating with other EU and national bodies. Stakeholders have underlined the need for clearer task definition, more systematic planning and stronger coordination mechanisms to avoid overlaps. The European Cybersecurity Certification Framework has advanced more slowly than initially foreseen. According to stakeholders, progress in developing certification schemes has been limited, with several delays and concerns regarding process transparency and predictability. The absence of a regularly updated Union Rolling Work Programme has made long-term planning more difficult for both public authorities and industry.

Autoriai : DALLI HUBERT, LOTITO Alexandre

Santrauka : The ECB’s Governing Council set up a High-Level Task Force to recommend simplifications of banking regulation and supervision, chaired by Vice-President Luis De Guindos. On 11 December 2025, the ECB published the task force’ report. This briefing reviews and analyses the proposals and provides context in view of the ECON committee exchange of views with Vice-President De Guindos on 15 January 2026.

Autoriai : MAZZOCCHI Ronny, SPITZER Kai Gereon

Santrauka : This study assesses the evolving structural divergence between the US and EU economies, driven by widening productivity gaps and asymmetric financial integration. It identifies a “Competitiveness Trilemma” constraining EU policy responses to US industrial activism. The paper analyses new transmission channels of economic shocks and proposes a strategic playbook for the European Parliament to enhance industrial sovereignty and rebalance the transatlantic partnership.

Santrauka : The proposal for a regulation on the establishment of European business wallets fits into the broader context of modernising the single market, as well as simplifying and digitalising administrative procedures. Currently, economic operators in the EU face incompatible national systems, complex administrative procedures and a lack of reliable, standardised and legally recognised ways for businesses and public administrations to exchange data and documents which have already been verified. Although the updated digital identity framework regulation allowed companies to be identified and share verified information, it was not tailored to business contexts. The proposal on the establishment of business wallets is designed to fill this gap by providing an interoperable digital tool that allows economic operators to securely identify, authenticate and exchange data and documents with full legal effect across EU borders. It aims to facilitate business-to-business, business-to-government and government-to-government interactions. It should simplify complex administrative tasks, lower compliance costs and improve interoperability, enabling businesses and organisations to operate more efficiently across Europe's digital single market.

Autoriai : Niestadt Maria, EISELE Katharina

Santrauka : Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals and materials which have received particular attention in recent years for chemical and environmental regulation. The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) took early regulatory steps to reduce PFAS use by developing a Restriction on the use of PFAS in firefighting foams (FFF). This Restriction was first proposed on 1 October 2020 and will ban the placing on the market and formulation of FFF containing over 1 mg/L of total PFAS (ECHA, 2023a). This Restriction is currently awaiting the decision of the European Commission before being enacted into law. This study was prepared at the request of the ITRE Committee.

Santrauka : This study examines how PFAS support European industrial competitiveness and the potential impact of a full or partial restriction. Focusing on six key fluoropolymers and F-gases used in aerospace, defence, green energy, and semiconductor sectors, it finds that substitution is often unfeasible, particularly in aerospace, defence and semiconductors. Substantial economic losses and job impacts are predicted under both above restriction options, with risks to Europe’s global competitiveness. The study recommends permanent or long-term derogations for critical sectors, extending transition periods for green technologies, and excluding F-gases from the restriction. Further research and an innovation fund to develop alternatives are recommended. Overall, a balanced approach that protects the environment while preserving industrial and technological strength is proposed. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Transformation, Innovation and Health at the request of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee.

Santrauka : This European implementation assessment of the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive 2014/89/EU in regard to fisheries in selected fishing areas and sea basins aims to inform the ongoing work of the European Parliament's Committee on Fisheries (PECH) on an own-initiative implementation report, ' The impact of the implementation of the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive 2014/89/EU on fisheries in selected fishing areas and sea basins (2024/2126 (INI)), ahead of the Directive’s planned revision at the end of 2026. The assessment is composed of two parts. The first part, an introduction by the European Parliamentary Research Service provides historical background to the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive and presents the European Parliament’s position, setting the scope of the external evaluation study. The second part is an evaluation study undertaken by a team of external experts that assesses the implementation and effects of the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive on the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, based on five evaluation criteria - effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, relevance and EU added value - and drawing on desk research, interviews and six regional case studies (Baltic Sea, Channel, Bay of Biscay, North Coast Portugal, Adriatic Sea, Aegean Sea).

Autoriai : DALLI HUBERT, JANSEN Talander Hugo

Santrauka : This European implementation assessment of the 2020 Council Recommendation on A Bridge to Jobs – Reinforcing the Youth Guarantee and replacing the Council Recommendation of 22 April 2013 on establishing a Youth Guarantee (the 'reinforced Youth Guarantee' or 'RYG') aims to inform the ongoing work of the European Parliament's Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) on an own-initiative implementation report on the RYG (2025/2184(INI)). The assessment is composed of two parts. The first part is an introduction by the European Parliamentary Research Service that provides the essential historical background, including an overview of selected evaluations, Parliament's position and a complementary analysis on young people not in education, employment or training. The second part is an evaluation study undertaken by a team of external experts that aims to provide an updated assessment of the RYG's implementation. It is guided by three core objectives: (i) to assess current trends in implementation at Member State level; (ii) to analyse the impact of the 2020 reinforcement in addressing previously identified challenges; and (iii) to examine the role of EU funding and governance mechanisms. Based on interviews, a survey, desk research, and extended national research in 10 selected Member States, the study provides key findings and policy recommendations to tackle the implementation gaps identified.

Autoriai : HAHNKAMPER-VANDENBULCKE Nora, EISELE Katharina

Santrauka : This study examines housing needs across the EU, focusing on inequalities in affordability, accessibility, and quality. It provides a mapping of the current housing needs in the EU across territories, including across Member States, rural and urban areas, outermost regions, and islands and across population groups. The study analyses key factors affecting housing demand and supply challenges, and the impacts of housing scarcity on health, education and employment. It also reviews how EU legislation and funding shape and support national policies in the area of decent, sustainable and affordable housing.

Santrauka : This study examines the political, economic, and regulatory barriers hindering the creation of a European single market for defence. Despite growing recognition within EU institutions of the need for integration to enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and readiness, progress remains constrained. Political obstacles — diverging threat perceptions, sovereignty concerns, reliance on the United States, and lessons from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine — emerge as the primary impediments, shaping downstream economic fragmentation and limiting the impact of existing regulatory tools. Economically, the persistence of nationally segmented industries, duplication, and reluctance to aggregate demand undermine scale and interoperability, while many industrial actors remain neutral or sceptical of deeper integration. Regulatory frameworks such as the Defence Procurement Directive exist but are inconsistently applied due to Member States’ discretion and exemptions. The study highlights conceptual ambiguities surrounding the very definition of a 'single market for defence', which further complicates consensus–building. It concludes that political convergence is a prerequisite for meaningful progress and recommends mapping stakeholder perspectives, clarifying strategic priorities, harmonising standards, engaging stakeholders transparently, and incentivising demand aggregation as essential steps toward advancing integration.

Santrauka : Europe’s digital ecosystem remains heavily dependent on non-EU software and cloud providers. This study maps these dependencies, as well the geopolitical and economic risks they raise. It finds that US firms dominate all major software layers, exposing Europe to strategic vulnerabilities. The report also outlines policy options and areas of action to strengthen Europe’s technological autonomy and resilience. This report was prepared for the Policy Department for Transformation, Innovation and Health at the request of the ITRE Committee.

Santrauka : Europe’s digital ecosystem remains heavily dependent on non-EU software and cloud providers. This study maps these dependencies, as well the geopolitical and economic risks they raise. It finds that US firms dominate all major software layers, exposing Europe to strategic vulnerabilities. The report also outlines policy options and areas of action to strengthen Europe’s technological autonomy and resilience. This report was prepared for the Policy Department for Transformation, Innovation and Health at the request of the ITRE Committee.

Santrauka : In this background paper, the authors trace regulatory and policy proposals for further EU action for an added role of the EU in solving some aspects of the health workforce challenge. The authors sketch the legal competences of the EU in this sphere to take legislative action, list and analyse the proposals that have been put forward at various levels including the European Parliament. The authors also present the different policy and legal options that can be considered for adoption.

Santrauka : The present impact assessment (IA) is part of the Commission proposals for the EU spending programmes under the post-2027 multiannual financial framework (MFF). It acknowledges from the start that it deviates from the scope and depth of a standard IA by invoking Tool #9 of the Better Regulation toolbox, which governs the law-making process for spending programmes and financial instruments, including the MFF. While recognising the applicability of BRG Tool #9, the Regulatory Scrutiny Board delivered a critical opinion on the draft IA, pointing to significant shortcomings across all sections. In view of those shortcomings, the Board exceptionally issued an opinion without qualification. Based on a dynamic baseline scenario, the IA identifies three policy options in response to the problem definition, of which one (the option envisaging a single Preparedness Fund) is discarded at an early stage as non-viable. However, only the discarded option would have reflected the wide and cross-cutting scope of the all-hazard approach set out in the intervention logic (in particular, the problem definition and objectives). The two retained policy options are narrower in scope. The assessment of the expected impacts of the remaining policy options falls short of Better Regulation standards. Similarly, the choice of the preferred option appears not to be sufficiently substantiated. The evidence base of the initiative seems to be pertinent and is well-referenced throughout the IA, where qualitative data prevails. An open public consultation regarding EU funding for civil protection, preparedness and crisis response was carried out, running over the required period of 12 weeks. No targeted consultation activities were undertaken, nor was a call for evidence launched. With the exception of the legal basis, the proposal appears to be coherent with the preferred policy option. In the context of national parliaments' subsidiarity check, the French Senate issued a reasoned opinion on the proposal, raising concerns regarding compliance with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality and the broad scope of the initiative.

Autoriai : ANGLMAYER Irmgard

Santrauka : This study examines housing needs across the EU, focusing on inequalities in affordability, accessibility, and quality. It provides a mapping of the current housing needs in the EU across territories, including across Member States, rural and urban areas, outermost regions, and islands and across population groups. The study analyses key factors affecting housing demand and supply challenges, and the impacts of housing scarcity on health, education and employment. It also reviews how EU legislation and funding shape and support national policies in the area of decent, sustainable and affordable housing.

Santrauka : This briefing provides an overview of the link between energy security and the European defence industry. It examines the sector’s energy needs and risks, the operational and strategic opportunities offered by renewable energy and energy efficiency, and the role of strategic reserves and stockpiling in mitigating supply disruptions. Hybrid threats targeting energy infrastructure are also considered. Drawing on data, case studies, and expert insights, the report aims to shed light on progress, ongoing initiatives, and potential measures to enhance Europe’s energy and defence resilience. This report was prepared for the Policy Department for Transformation, Innovation and Health at the request of the ITRE Committee.

Autoriai : CIUCCI MATTEO

Autoriai : SANDERSKI ANDRZEJ, SERPIERI Margherita

Santrauka : The EU has developed a differentiated system of financial supervision, distributing powers among bodies such as the ECB, ESMA, SRB and AMLA. Each authority operates with distinct mandates, governance structures and accountability mechanisms. Their combined roles illustrate how the Union balances centralisation, coordination and independence to address systemic risks, cross-border challenges and financial innovation.

Autoriai : IGLESIAS ESCUDERO Santiago, BECKER ĐURIČIĆ RUDI

Santrauka : This briefing analyses the implementation of the new economic governance framework in its second year of application. In particular, after discussing recent economic developments, it assesses results and roll-out of the new framework of fiscal coordination and surveillance as reported by the Commission in its 2026 Autumn Package. It also describes the current state of play on the implementation of the national escape clause for defence spending before focusing on the current excessive deficit procedures and finally assessing the governance of the new framework.

Autoriai : DE LEMOS PEIXOTO SAMUEL, MAZZOCCHI Ronny, LOI GIACOMO, BECKER ĐURIČIĆ RUDI

Santrauka : This briefing reviews the initial implementation of the National Escape Clause (NEC), operationalised for defence purposes in 2025 to help accommodate higher defence spending within the EU fiscal framework. Using the evidence released in the European Semester Autumn package, it assesses how Member States responded to the new instrument, both in terms of activation and actual use of the additional fiscal room. These early developments offer preliminary insights into how such clauses operate in practice, and into their effectiveness in encouraging higher spending in specific policy areas within clearly defined rules and over relatively short implementation periods.

Autoriai : MAZZOCCHI Ronny, BECKER ĐURIČIĆ RUDI

Santrauka : In preparation of the Economic Dialogue on the launch of the 2026 European Semester for economic policy coordination with Executive Vice-President Mînzatu and Commissioner Dombrovskis on 15 December 2025, this briefing note covers the main elements of the 2026 European Semester Package proposed by the Commission, notably the Macroeconomic Imbalances Procedure, the Joint Employment Report, the Euro Area policy recommendations and on-going work to strengthen the EU’s global competitiveness.

Autoriai : MARTINEZ GARZON VICTOR MANUEL, LOI GIACOMO, STIEBER Harald, BECKER ĐURIČIĆ RUDI, MEHMEDI MENTOR

Santrauka : On 17 July 2025, the Commission released its proposal for the MFF for the 2028-2034 period.The European Parliament’s Committee for Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI Committee) has requested this briefing to analyse how the proposed 2028-2034 MFF would provide funding for climate and environment objectives. The proposed MFF introduce a horizontal 35% spending target for climate and environment, and streamlined 'do no significant harm' principle.The proposed NRP Fund and European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) would replace the LIFE programme as the principal source of funding for climate and environmental initiatives. Horizon Europe would support the ECF regarding collaborative research activities. The Connecting Euroope Facility would continue to support the transition to decarbonised transportation networks and renewable energy supply. Global Europe would remain the main instrument to support EU external action in the fields of climate, environment and sustainable development.

Santrauka : The nationally pre-allocated envelopes proposal is included in the post-2027 multiannual financial framework package (2028-2034 MFF). It aims to bring together current MFF programmes or strands and regroup them into a single national and regional partnership plan (NRPP) for each Member State. The IA refers to Tool #9 of the Better Regulation Toolbox, acknowledging that the 'special case of preparing a new multiannual financial framework is a unique process requiring a specific approach as regards scope and depth of analysis'. Therefore, it explains that budget assumptions for each programme are unreliable at this stage, hence the assessment is only qualitative. The IA provides an intervention logic to present the problems, drivers, objectives and two different strands of policy options. However, the description of the problems and their drivers, as well as their comparative relevance, could have been more structured and clearer. The IA describes the legal basis and explains the need for and added value of EU action. The IA should have established a clear link between the specific objectives, the problems identified and their drivers. The description of the options would have benefited from more detailed explanations, as it is not quite clear what kind of measures each option would comprise. In general, a series of shortcomings have been identified concerning the range and assessment of options. The feedback from the consultation activities could have been better reflected and considered in the IA, particularly regarding the available policy options and their potential impact. The IA does not assess the economic, social and environmental impacts of the policy options, including any territorial impact, while it briefly touches upon the issue of fundamental rights. Its qualitative analysis only includes a very limited reference to associated impacts, and it does not adequately assess the costs and benefits of the options. The IA does not provide concrete information on the monitoring and evaluation plans, such as monitoring indicators, data sources or the evaluation timeline. The Regulatory Scrutiny Board decided to issue an opinion without qualification due to significant shortcomings in the draft IA. The revised IA appears to have made an effort to improve the quality of the assessment; however, not all points were addressed.

Autoriai : EFTHYMIADOU Andriana

Santrauka : In 2007, the EU adopted the INSPIRE Directive, which – together with the 2003 Directive on public access to environmental information – created a framework for Member States to make existing spatial environment data ('green data') available in a harmonised way. INSPIRE had several implementation steps up until 2021. Implementation of the INSPIRE Directive has been constantly monitored and supported by EU institutions. The European Commission's first implementation report of 2016 showed that, despite local successes, most Member States were behind schedule on the planned steps. This triggered renewed coordination efforts, infringement procedures, and a new monitoring and indicator framework. The 2022 Commission implementation report showed a more positive situation. The framework was deemed effective and increasingly relevant; nonetheless, efficiency remained an issue, as datasets were found to require further prioritisation, and the use of implementing acts to define standards was seen as cumbersome. The 2020 European strategy for data, the 2022 Data Governance Act, the 2023 Data Act, and the 2025 European data union strategy create a new EU legal backbone for sectoral data legislation such as the INSPIRE Directive. According to the Commission, the forthcoming proposals for a revision of INSPIRE through the announced EUGreenData4All initiative, originally expected at the end of 2022 as part of the 2022 Commission work programme, will be an opportunity to simplify the EU's approach to the sharing of green spatial data, and to adapt the green data rules to the modernised legal framework.

Autoriai : MEGNE SIMONA, JANSEN Talander Hugo

Santrauka : The IA is part of the second package of Commission proposals for programmes under the 2028 2034 multiannual financial framework (MFF). It acknowledges from the start that it deviates from the scope and standard IA methods defined by the Commission's better regulation guidelines and toolbox, which affects all parts of the IA. Another particularity is the fact that the IA is entirely qualitative and does not provide any quantified estimates, either for the problem definition, or for the impacts, or for the 'one in, one out' approach. The problem definition lacks coherence and substantiation. It describes in short sections a panoply of problems in the design of the broad range of current programmes and policies covered by this initiative, without clearly indicating the link between these problems, the drivers causing them, their consequences or, for that matter, the overall magnitude (and relevance) of the problems. Furthermore, the IA's objectives do not fulfil the better regulation 'SMART' criteria – they are relevant, but not specific, measurable, achievable or time-bound. The description of the limited range of options (two) is vague, because the IA does not present any specific implementation or governing measures for them. Therefore, the assessment of their impacts is also vague, as the difference between the options remains blurred. The IA focuses on regulatory impacts and does not assess economic, social or environmental impacts, or other potentially relevant impacts, such as budgetary implications or impacts on third countries. The IA does not assess proportionality. Nor does it provide monitoring or evaluation indicators in relation to the initiative's objectives. The critical comments of the Regulatory Scrutiny Board on the draft IA were only partially taken into account, at best, in the final IA. Finally, the evidence base of the IA seems limited and often unspecific, with several of the most cited sources (interim evaluations) not publicly available. The methodology and the IA's underlying assumptions are not explained, nor are potential uncertainties or limitations with the analysis, which limits the IA's transparency significantly. The legislative proposal is in line with the IA's preferred option but goes beyond the IA, which takes a general approach overall.

Autoriai : KRAMER Esther

Santrauka : This briefing provides a comparative overview of how six Member States have designed their medium-term fiscal-structural plans in the first application cycle of the reformed EU economic governance framework. Through a set of country case studies, it highlights the main approaches, methodological choices and emerging implementation issues that characterise the 2025 exercise across different institutional and macro-fiscal contexts.

Autoriai : MAZZOCCHI Ronny, LOI GIACOMO, BECKER ĐURIČIĆ RUDI

Santrauka : Escalating security threats have revealed defence dependencies that constrain choices and allow for coercion. While there has been progress on the competitiveness agenda, the EU must increase military and economic autonomy further. Industrial policy should move centre stage, drawing past lessons to gain scale and productivity and, with multilateralism stalled, bilateral trade deals are vital. Organising swiftly is needed to strengthen Europe’s standing and enable increased competitiveness. Economic security is now a first order priority for the European Union.

Santrauka : State of play - December 2025 This document provides an overview of the public hearings of the Chair of the Supervisory Board of the European Central Bank and the Chair of the Single Resolution Board in the ECON Committee during the 10th parliamentary term (since July 2024). The briefing lists all research papers requested by the ECON Committee, which are usually provided by a standing panel of banking experts, and lists all EGOV briefings related to the Banking Union. The annex gives an overview of the respective legal bases for those hearings, which form part of the accountability framework of the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) and the Single Resolution Mechanism (SRM). For an overview of public hearings during the 9th parliamentary term, please see here and here.

Autoriai : MAZZOCCHI Ronny

Santrauka : This briefing provides an overview of the EU’s climate and biodiversity mainstreaming architecture in the 2021-2027 MFF, providing information for Members in the context of the 2024 Commission discharge procedure. It discusses the EU’s climate and biodiversity spending targets and provides an update on progress, explaining the methodologies developed by the Commission to track spending towards these goals and assessing their strengths and weaknesses. The briefing places a specific focus on the state of play of climate and biodiversity mainstreaming in 2024, presenting spending on climate and biodiversity objectives by programme and zooming in on the RRF, CAP, cohesion funds and NDICI-Global Europe in particular.

Autoriai : JAMES Eleanor Remo

Santrauka : This digest provides a collection of documents prepared by academia, think tanks, other EU institutions and bodies, as well as stakeholders that could be useful for Members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgets to stay informed about the debate concerning the next Multiannual Financial Framework, due to start in 2028. It is one in a series produced monthly by the Budgetary Support Unit in the Directorate-General for Budgetary Affairs (DG BUDG) and the Members' Research Service in the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS).

Autoriai : SCHWARCZ András, HOPP Balazs

Santrauka : This EPRS 'European implementation assessment' study aims to inform the ongoing work of the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development on an own-initiative report (2025/2089(INI)) on the implementation of Regulation No 1144/2014 on the EU agricultural promotion policy. The study is composed of two parts. The first part is an introduction by EPRS's Ex-post Evaluation Unit that provides the context, methodology and contribution of the study to parliamentary and EU policymaking and the EU's better regulation agenda. The second part is a comprehensive study of the regulation undertaken by a team of external experts, evaluating the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added value of the policy in the EU and third markets over the period 2015-2025. It concludes that the policy should continue, with recommendations relevant in the context of the post-2027 common agricultural policy and for the better functioning of the EU agri-food promotion policy.

Autoriai : KARAMFILOVA Ekaterina, AHAMAD MADATALI HANNAH NAFIZE, MONDA Mafalda

Santrauka : This in-depth analysis, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Justice, Civil Liberties and Institutional Affairs at the request of the Committee on Legal Affairs, examines how copyright policy should respond to artificial intelligence (AI). It combines historical lessons from digital markets, insight on the economic value of data, and a formal model to study welfare effects. It assesses economic effects of various policy options, including an exception, an exception with opt-out, licencing market (“opt-out”) and statutory licencing, in a search for optimal policy.

Santrauka : The main objective of European Union regulation of drug precursors is to strike a balance between preserving the legitimate interests of businesses that commercialise chemical substances for licit economic activities, and the need for controls to prevent their diversion to illicit narcotic drugs production. However, measures to control the trade in drug precursors only partially prevent their illicit use. Despite reforms to apply controls to new substances more rapidly, criminal networks have demonstrated their ability to circumvent the rules by using unscheduled (see below) and ever-emerging substances to further produce narcotic drugs and psychoactive substances. They also seize opportunities provided by new global trade modus operandi via postal or online platforms. The inclusion of substances submitted to strict control on a list is no longer sufficient; drug precursor regulations have become only one of the tools available to prevent, reduce and eventually end their misuse. The need to revise the drug precursors regulations as envisaged in the European Commission's 2025 work programme is not put into question; however, the revision needs to be understood and conceived within the broader policy framework on the fight against drugs trafficking and be supported by operational measures, such as innovative technologies to detect drug precursors within the EU and across its borders. The Commission is expected to publish the new proposal on 3 December 2025.

Autoriai : HUEMER MARIE-ASTRID

Santrauka : Technology now allows for complete, firm-level mapping of supply chains. The European Union can use this to build a Digital Twin of its economy, enabling it to simulate shocks, identify vulnerabilities, and enhance resilience. Developing this capability is essential for the EU’s strategic autonomy as global competitors advance similar tools. We recommend establishing a dedicated legal and institutional framework to secure the Union’s economic preparedness and competitive advantage. This document was provided by the Economic Governance and EMU Scrutiny Unit at the request of the ECON Committee.

Santrauka : The proposal for a Global Europe instrument is included in the post-2027 multiannual financial framework (MFF) package, which aims to be simpler than previous regulations and to provide additional flexibility (over and above MFF ceilings). The new instrument merges the Neighbourhood, Development, International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe; the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance, humanitarian aid; the Ukraine Facility, the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans; and the Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova. The impact assessment (IA) focuses on the six corresponding regulations. It falls under the Better Regulation Tool #9 (special case of preparing a new MFF); the scope and depth of analysis are therefore different compared with a non-MFF IA. Although the IA provides an intervention logic and defines the drivers, the problem definition remains vague and unclear. Moreover, the interlinks with objectives and drivers are not detailed in the intervention logic. In accordance with the Better Regulation Requirements, the IA assesses the expected economic, social and environmental impacts for the three policy options. It also compares and rates them against the Better Regulation criteria of effectiveness, efficiency and coherence. Proportionality and subsidiarity are not assessed in the IA, not even in the policy options. In terms of monitoring and evaluation, the IA is limited on data collection methods and on how progress will be measured. The evidence from previous evaluations could have been better integrated in the IA and be used to provide quantitative estimates. The Regulatory Scrutiny Board decided to issue an opinion without qualification given the lack of fundamental elements in this IA. The legislative proposal is aligned with the IA's preferred option.

Autoriai : CAPDEVILA PENALVA Josefina

Santrauka : This paper assesses the European Central Bank’s country-specific market-stabilisation instruments (SMP, OMT, PEPP flexibility and TPI) with a focus on the balance between rules and discretion in their design and use. While this study does not aim to provide an overall assessment of these instruments, it examines the clarity of access criteria, the impact of ambiguity in shaping market expectations, and the extent to which deployment of these tools has succeeded in reducing sovereign stress and thereby safeguarding monetary policy transmission. This document was provided by the Economic Governance and EMU Scrutiny Unit at the request of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 3 December 2025.

Santrauka : In this issue: ECB keeps the key policy rates unchanged, for the third consecutive time; Monetary Policy Expert Panel overall deems latest ECB’s decision adequate; ECB’s Financial Stability Review underscores that financial stability vulnerabilities remain elevated, given uncertainty over geoeconomic trends and tariff impacts; Bulgaria is set to join euro area on 1 January 2026, following the Council’s formal approval of the final three legal acts for its accession

Autoriai : MAZZOCCHI Ronny, SABOL MAJA, MEHMEDI MENTOR

Santrauka : This paper analyses the ECB’s treatment of sovereign debt in its collateral framework and market stabilisation instruments. The ECB’s treatment of sovereign debt sits at the core of Europe’s financial stability, yet its legal mandate leaves the central bank with wide discretion. This paper analyses the political stakes and design choices in the ECB’s sovereign debt policies and how the European Parliament can respond. The European Parliament can enhance the democratic legitimacy of the ECB’s approach to sovereign debt by demanding more transparency, ensuring presence in key fora shaping sovereign-debt governance, as well as by deepening its guidance on the secondary mandate. This document was provided by the Economic Governance and EMU Scrutiny Unit at the request of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 3 December 2025.

Santrauka : The fight against impunity remains a key challenge for the international community, as efforts to hold perpetrators of serious international crimes accountable are increasingly strained by geopolitical rivalries, fragmented enforcement and weak political will. This paper examines three accountability mechanisms – international criminal tribunals, universal jurisdiction and transitional justice – through comparative analysis and case studies. International criminal tribunals, from ad hoc tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda to the International Criminal Court, have advanced legal norms and secured landmark convictions. Yet, their legitimacy is weakened by high costs, slow trials, selective enforcement and limited cooperation from states. Universal jurisdiction allows national courts to prosecute atrocities irrespective of territorial or personal links. Its growing use in Europe, especially in cases linked to Syria and Ukraine, demonstrates potential, although inconsistent application and political frictions limit its effectiveness. Transitional justice, through truth commissions, reparations and institutional reforms, offers societies pathways to reconciliation and peace, but faces recurring challenges of political interference, resource scarcity and insufficient victim participation. Case studies from the Balkans, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Colombia, Syria and Israel-Palestine highlight that no single mechanism is sufficient. Instead, effective accountability requires context-sensitive and context-specific combinations of tools. The paper concludes with recommendations for strengthening the European Union’s global role.

Santrauka : Persistent reliance of European financial institutions on non-EU payment networks highlights a critical vulnerability in the Union’s financial architecture. In an era of deglobalisation, sanctions warfare, and contested multilateralism, access to cross-border payment infrastructures may become a vector of geopolitical leverage. This in-depth analysis explores this emerging risk and argues that, while long-term strategies should aim at strategic autonomy, extending the extra-territorial reach of EU law could strengthen systemic resilience in the interim.

Santrauka : This paper presents the aggregated results of a survey conducted among Members of the Monetary Policy Expert Panel (MPEP) ahead of the December 2025 Monetary Dialogue with ECB President Christine Lagarde. The opinions expressed in this document are the sole responsibility of the survey respondents and should not be attributed to the European Parliament or its services.

Autoriai : MAZZOCCHI Ronny, SABOL MAJA, LOI GIACOMO, BECKER ĐURIČIĆ RUDI, MEHMEDI MENTOR

Santrauka : This briefing considers the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2025 concluding observations to the European Union. The briefing assesses their relevance to the issues raised in petitions submitted to the European Parliament.

Santrauka : The EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 allocates significant funding (EUR 522 billion) to its Heading 2: 'Competitiveness, prosperity and security'. It proposes three key instruments which directly impact ITRE core areas of responsibility : - The European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), which serves as the MFF’s main instrument to boost EU competitiveness. It merges 14 programmes into a flexible fund, aiming to enhance coherence and EU added value, but raises concerns over centralised oversight and governance. - Horizon Europe, which supports research and innovation with a 63% budget increase, yet remains below the Draghi report’s recommendation, raising concerns about underfunding, excessive centralisation as well as eligibility of dual-use. - Connecting Europe Facility, which funds Trans-European Networks in transport (including military mobility) and energy. Unresolved challenges — governance, EU versus national priority alignment, and practical implementation new funding mechanisms — will play a central role in determining ITRE’s policy influence in the years ahead.

Autoriai : MAQUET Marianne Simonne Eva

Santrauka : The EU institutions are required to take into account the Charter of Fundamental Rights in the design and implementation of legislation or of policies, both within law- and policymaking internal to the Union and in the external relations of the EU. This study was commissioned by the European Parliament's Policy Department for Justice, Civil Liberties and Institutional Affairs at the request of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs of the European Parliament, to examine how they discharge this duty: it looks into the role of the Charter in the legislative process; in the economic governance of the Union; in the work of EU agencies; in the implementation of EU law by EU Member States; and, in the external relations of the Union, both in trade and investment policies and in the Common Foreign and Security Policy. It also analyses certain gaps in the judicial protection of the Charter and identifies measures through which the potential of the Charter could be further realised

Santrauka : On 21 October 2025, the European Commission under Ursula von der Leyen's second mandate adopted its work programme for 2026 (2026 CWP). In line with the Commission President's political guidelines and letter of intent and highlighting the need for full implementation of Mario Draghi's competitiveness report, the 2026 CWP places a strong emphasis on competitiveness, innovation and collective security. In parallel, the Commission commits to advancing simplification, implementation, and this year, also to strengthening enforcement. These three areas will remain key horizontal priorities for the entire Commission mandate. Just like last year's CWP, the 2026 CWP adheres to the seven headline ambitions put forward in the political guidelines. It is accompanied by a report on implementation, simplification and enforcement, the first of its kind. This new annual report is set to replace the annual burden survey. Annex I of the 2026 CWP puts forward 70 major new legislative and non-legislative initiatives, 44 % of which fall under the competitiveness headline ambition. (Up to) 48 of the new initiatives are legislative, including three sector-specific omnibus packages (on energy product legislation, taxation and citizens). Of the forthcoming legislative initiatives, 67 % are likely revisions of existing legislation, while more than half have a strong simplification dimension. Unlike previous CWPs, the 2026 CWP does not indicate whether a legislative initiative will be accompanied by an impact assessment; this lack of transparency runs counter to the spirit of the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making. Information on the Commission's 'Have your say' portal shows that, at the time of writing, two thirds of the up to 48 legislative initiatives were expected to be accompanied by an impact assessment (though the final number may be higher). The annual evaluation plan presented in Annex II of the CWP, comprising 20 evaluations, does not appear exhaustive. Finally, the communication on Better Regulation, expected in Q2 2026, may entail a revision of the Better Regulation Guidelines, the first since 2021.

Autoriai : ANGLMAYER Irmgard, DALLI HUBERT, IOANNIDES Isabelle

Santrauka : This paper is prepared in view of a regular public hearing with the Chair of the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB), Christine Lagarde, which will take place on 3 December 2025. It covers the ESRB’s report on crypto-assets and decentralised finance, recent conclusions from the ESRB General Board meeting, the financial sector’s current risk outlook and broader systemic-risk and financial-stability concerns. The paper also analyses the role of money market funds (MMFs), the Commission’s proposed securitisation package, and the related ESRB recommendations and opinions.

Autoriai : MAZZOCCHI Ronny, SABOL MAJA, IGLESIAS ESCUDERO Santiago, MEHMEDI MENTOR

Santrauka : This briefing provides background on digital assets ahead of the ECON public hearing on 3 December 2025. In addition to providing quantitative and qualitative background information on digital assets including stablecoins, the briefing also aims to clarify how the decentralized and centralized parts of crypto assets interact. It offers two main take-aways: First, since the creation of Bitcoin as the first genuine digital asset, alternatives have in general re-introduced risks by imitating business models of traditional centralized financial institutions. Second, stablecoins, as a manifestation of this trend, combine elements of decentralized and centralized finance. While they use services of decentralized public ledgers (such as Ethereum) they are (highly) centralized when it comes to corporate decisions (such as minting) or the management of reserve assets and resemble Money Market Funds (MMFs) but with increased operational and cyber risks.

Autoriai : VERBEKEN Dirk, SABOL MAJA, IGLESIAS ESCUDERO Santiago, STIEBER Harald, BECKER ĐURIČIĆ RUDI

Santrauka : We analyse the euro area economic outlook, the European Central Bank’s monetary policy stance and its communication strategy. We offer suggestions for complementing monetary policy statements: including additional indicators, publishing scenario analyses, and being more explicit about secondary objective considerations. We indicate guidelines for future policy analysis, like how structural changes in the economy influence monetary policy, trade-offs between different roles of the ECB, the impact of rate setting on the green transition, and additional scenarios for digital euro introduction. This document was provided by the Economic Governance and EMU Scrutiny Unit at the request of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 3 December 2025.

Santrauka : Executive Vice-President Ribera, charged with the Competition portfolio, has been invited to a structured dialogue in ECON on 4 December 2025. This briefing outlines key principles of competition policy, and elaborates on the available State aid data, to illustrate its size (exceeding the EU budget) and use.

Autoriai : MAGNUS Marcel, SPITZER Kai Gereon

Santrauka : In response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the European Union (EU) has adopted 19 sanctions packages against Russia in close coordination with its Group of Seven partners. As part of these measures, the EU has immobilised around EUR 210 billion of Russia’s sovereign assets and froze around EUR 28 billion of private assets within its jurisdiction, while actively addressing possible utilisation of these funds as reparations owed to Ukraine by Russia under international law. Although significant steps have been taken in terms of private assets and windfall profits, many legal issues concerning the confiscation or management of state assets remain unaddressed. Hence, this paper aims to map current arguments and developments, in order to propose viable options for the use of these three asset types as reparations under EU and international law. At the EU level, proposals under the Common Foreign and Security Policy, especially those relating to the Central Bank of Russia’s (CBR) assets, are hindered by unanimity decision-making processes and the possible use of veto powers by Member States. At the international level, CBR assets are protected by the laws of state immunity. It therefore remains questionable under what circumstances such assets could lawfully be utilised for reparations. This paper argues that currently the most viable legal option, which addresses internal and international challenges, is the establishment of an EU Instrument (Reparations Loan). This could be achieved through carefully designated steps, allowing a qualified majority vote to prolong restrictive measures concerning immobilisation of CBR assets, ensuring temporality and reversibility while connecting this instrument to existing reparations and compensation mechanisms that adjudicate upon Russia’s violations and its obligation to pay reparations or compensation. At an international level, this paper argues that an EU Instrument can be justified in terms of central bank assets’ immunity by offering a new interpretation of the relationship between procedural rules on immunities and secondary rules on countermeasures. Such argumentation does, however, involve important legal risks highlighted throughout the paper.