European Parliament - EPRS Plenary podcasts

In July 2015, the European Commission proposed a reform of the EU emissions trading system (ETS) for the 2021-2030 period. The proposed directive introduces tighter limits on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to achieve the EU's 2030 climate targets, while protecting energy-intensive industries from the risk of 'carbon leakage'. The Parliament is expected to vote on it during the February II session.

In July 2015, the European Commission proposed a reform of the EU emissions trading system (ETS) for the 2021-2030 period. The proposed directive introduces tighter limits on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to achieve the EU's 2030 climate targets, while protecting energy-intensive industries from the risk of 'carbon leakage'. The Parliament is expected to vote on it during the February II session.

The Legal Affairs Committee has tabled a report with recommendations to the Commission on the civil-law and ethical aspects of robotics. The report calls for EU legislation introducing a register of robots, setting up an EU Agency for Robotics and laying down principles of civil liability for damages caused by robots. Such legislation should be complemented by ethical codes of conduct.

The Legal Affairs Committee has tabled a report with recommendations to the Commission on the civil-law and ethical aspects of robotics. The report calls for EU legislation introducing a register of robots, setting up an EU Agency for Robotics and laying down principles of civil liability for damages caused by robots. Such legislation should be complemented by ethical codes of conduct.

At the January plenary sitting, the European Parliament is due to elect its 30th President, to hold the office until the next European parliamentary elections, due in 2019. The President has an important and increasingly visible function in the EU institutional and international setting, mirroring the influential role of the Parliament as a shaper of EU policies and co-legislator.

At the January plenary sitting, the European Parliament is due to elect its 30th President, to hold the office until the next European parliamentary elections, due in 2019. The President has an important and increasingly visible function in the EU institutional and international setting, mirroring the influential role of the Parliament as a shaper of EU policies and co-legislator.

The EU is committed to protect human rights in its external policy through its treaties. Since it is the largest world’s trade bloc, it is in a prime position to use the significant leverage provided by its commercial power for protecting and promoting human rights in third countries. Actually, all components of EU trade policy recognise respect of human rights as a fundamental principle. EU's free trade agreements integrate a human rights clause stipulating that respect for democracy, human rights and rule of law constitute an essential element of the agreement, whose breach can lead to its suspension. The unilateral trade preferences the EU grants to developing countries are conditional on the respect of core human rights and labour rights norms. Additional preferences are provided to developing countries that fully comply with relevant international conventions. Other unilateral measures ban trade in certain goods that can be used to violate human rights or whose production has been linked to conflict and massive human rights breaches.

The EU is committed to protect human rights in its external policy through its treaties. Since it is the largest world’s trade bloc, it is in a prime position to use the significant leverage provided by its commercial power for protecting and promoting human rights in third countries. Actually, all components of EU trade policy recognise respect of human rights as a fundamental principle. EU's free trade agreements integrate a human rights clause stipulating that respect for democracy, human rights and rule of law constitute an essential element of the agreement, whose breach can lead to its suspension. The unilateral trade preferences the EU grants to developing countries are conditional on the respect of core human rights and labour rights norms. Additional preferences are provided to developing countries that fully comply with relevant international conventions. Other unilateral measures ban trade in certain goods that can be used to violate human rights or whose production has been linked to conflict and massive human rights breaches.

Jean Weissenberger. Deep-sea species and marine ecosystems are particularly sensitive to human activities. The European Parliament is now to finalise the adoption of a regulation aimed at sustainable deep-sea fishing activities, while freezing their zonal footprint and protecting vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems.Think Tank - "At a glance" product

Jean Weissenberger. Deep-sea species and marine ecosystems are particularly sensitive to human activities. The European Parliament is now to finalise the adoption of a regulation aimed at sustainable deep-sea fishing activities, while freezing their zonal footprint and protecting vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems.Think Tank - "At a glance" product

Marketa Pape. To improve commercial efficiency and increase the financial transparency of the major EU seaports, the European Commission proposed a new regulation in 2013. Following agreement with the Council in trilogue the new regulation is now to be voted in plenary in December. In contrast to previous, rejected proposals on ports, this one will not affect Member States' social and employment rules.Think Tank - "At a glance" product

Marketa Pape. To improve commercial efficiency and increase the financial transparency of the major EU seaports, the European Commission proposed a new regulation in 2013. Following agreement with the Council in trilogue the new regulation is now to be voted in plenary in December. In contrast to previous, rejected proposals on ports, this one will not affect Member States' social and employment rules.Think Tank - "At a glance" product

Monika Kiss (EPOL).Surveys reveal that 70 million adults have insufficient basic skills, which can lead to problems at individual and societal levels. The Skills Guarantee aims to encourage upskilling pathways at national level, with implementation and monitoring supported by the European Commission. The European Parliament highlights the importance of the involvement of social partners, the recognition of informal learning outcomes, the appropriate use of funds, synergies with other tools and more action at EU level.Think Tank - "At a glance" product

Monika Kiss (EPOL).Surveys reveal that 70 million adults have insufficient basic skills, which can lead to problems at individual and societal levels. The Skills Guarantee aims to encourage upskilling pathways at national level, with implementation and monitoring supported by the European Commission. The European Parliament highlights the importance of the involvement of social partners, the recognition of informal learning outcomes, the appropriate use of funds, synergies with other tools and more action at EU level.Think Tank - "At a glance" product

Didier Bourguignon (EPOL).Parliament and Council have agreed on new national ceilings for the emission of key air pollutants. This includes particulate matter (PM), which estimated to cause 400 000 premature deaths (and cost €330-940 bn) every year in the EU. The new targets would halve the number of premature deaths by 2030.Think Tank - "At a glance" product