Female Political Representation – the use of Electoral Gender Quotas

Written by Irene Hennigan In almost 100 countries throughout the world, parties and parliaments have responded to growing national and international pressure to increase women’s political representation by introducing electoral gender quotas. Those in favour of gender quotas believe it is an effective tool for ‘fast tracking’ the achievement of gender balance in political institutions,… Read More Female Political Representation – the use of Electoral Gender Quotas

February 28, 2014 Members' Research Service7 Comments

Electoral thresholds in European elections. Developments in Germany

The procedure for elections to the European Parliament (EP) features only a limited set of principles common to all Member States (MS). There is no ‘harmonisation’ of electoral thresholds, but MS may establish thresholds of no more than 5%. In November 2012, the European Parliament adopted a resolution inter alia calling on MS to establish… Read More Electoral thresholds in European elections. Developments in Germany

February 28, 2014 EPRSauthor3 Comments

Women in politics, business and public administration in the EU

The EU-28 average share of women occupying ministerial positions in national politics reached 25% in 2013, increasing from 19% in 2005. Furthermore in 2013, women represent 32% of the College in the European Commission. For most countries, women’s presence in the European Parliament is higher than in national assemblies. The EU-28 share of female members… Read More Women in politics, business and public administration in the EU

February 28, 2014 EPRSauthorLeave a comment

Intelligent Transport Systems in urban areas

The urban dimension of EU transport policy is earning more and more attention from the European Commission, given the implications and the strong impact that the transport systems play in the day to day life of the more than 70% of EU citizens living in urban areas. Promotion of sustainable mobility is at the core… Read More Intelligent Transport Systems in urban areas

February 27, 2014 EPRSauthor2 Comments

EU Funds for asylum, migration and borders

Migration and asylum are significant phenomena in today’s world. Traditionally, each EU Member State has built its own policies in these sensitive areas. But developments such as the removal of internal border controls across most of the EU have made the case for greater coherence. This relatively recent cooperation has resulted in the development of… Read More EU Funds for asylum, migration and borders

February 27, 2014 EPRSauthorLeave a comment

Youth unemployment in Europe

3 other language versions available in pdf: Jugendarbeitslosigkeit: Was unternimmt das Europäische Parlament? Quelles mesures le PE a-t-il prises contre le chômage des jeunes? Wat heeft het EP tegen de jeugdwerkloosheid gedaan? At present, more than 5.5 million people in Europe under the age of 25 are unemployed. Youth unemployment rates in Europe stood at… Read More Youth unemployment in Europe

February 26, 2014 Ask EP3 Comments

The EU’s policy on alcohol

In the context of the rise of non-communicable diseases, alcohol-related harm is a major public health concern for the European population. Europe has the highest proportion of drinkers in the world, the highest levels of alcohol consumption per capita and a high level of alcohol-related harm. Alcohol consumption is accountable for over 15% of all… Read More The EU’s policy on alcohol

February 25, 2014 EPRSauthorLeave a comment

Common European Sales Law

6 language versions available in PDF format Gemeinsames Europäisches Kaufrecht Normativa común de compraventa europea Droit commun européen de la vente Diritto comune europeo della vendita Wspólne europejskie przepisy dotyczące sprzedaży Common European sales law The proposed Common European Sales Law (CESL) is intended to create a uniform set of contract rules available to traders… Read More Common European Sales Law

February 24, 2014 rafalmankoLeave a comment

EU response to Iraq’s degenerating situation

Iraq is suffering from a new surge in sectarian violence. The EU and the international community have expressed their concerns over the growth in instability in the country, and stressed the importance of an inclusive political process and the holding of free and fair elections, planned for April 2014. Current situation Since the departure of… Read More EU response to Iraq’s degenerating situation

February 24, 2014 EPRSauthor1 Comment

EU-Indonesia agreement on trade in legal timber

6 language versions available in PDF format Abkommen zwischen der EU und Indonesien über den Handel mit legalem Holz Acuerdo UE-Indonesia sobre el comercio de madera legal Accord entre l’Union européenne et l’Indonésie relatif au commerce du bois d’origine légale Accordo UE-Indonesia sul commercio di legname legale Umowa między UE a Indonezją w sprawie handlu… Read More EU-Indonesia agreement on trade in legal timber

February 23, 2014 EPRSauthor1 Comment

European Parliamentary Research Service Blog

Month: February 2014