Advanced search Help
Clear all search criteria
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
European Union: Questions and Answers [September 4, 2015]
"The EU has been built through a series of binding treaties, and over the years, EU member states have sought to harmonize laws and adopt common policies on an increasing number of economic, social, and political issues. EU member states share a customs union; a single market in which goods, people, and capital move freely; a common trade policy; and a common agricultural policy. Nineteen EU member states use a common currency (the euro). […] The United States has strongly supported the European integration project since its inception as a means to foster democratic states and strong trading partners in Europe. The United States and the EU have a dynamic political partnership and share a huge trade and investment relationship. To expand and strengthen the transatlantic economy even further, the United States and the EU are pursuing a comprehensive free trade agreement, known as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP). At the same time, some long-standing U.S.-EU trade disputes remain, as do tensions on issues such as climate change and data protection. Many U.S. officials, including some Members of Congress, are also concerned that the multiple challenges currently facing the EU--from the Greek debt crisis and the upcoming UK referendum on EU membership to migration and the rise of anti-EU populist political parties--may have significant implications for the EU's future and its ability to be a robust and effective U.S. partner in the years ahead. This report serves as a primer on the EU and provides a brief description of U.S.-EU relations that may be of interest in the 114th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2015-09-04
-
European Union: Questions and Answers [July 24, 2015]
"The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership that represents a unique form of cooperation among sovereign countries. The Union is the latest stage in a process of integration begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to foster interdependence and make another war in Europe unthinkable. Today, the EU is composed of 28 member states, including most of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and has helped to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity throughout the European continent. The EU has been built through a series of binding treaties, and over the years, EU member states have sought to harmonize laws and adopt common policies on an increasing number of economic, social, and political issues. EU member states share a customs union; a single market in which goods, people, and capital move freely; a common trade policy; and a common agricultural policy. Nineteen EU member states use a common currency (the euro). In addition, the EU has been developing a Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), which includes a Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), and pursuing cooperation in the area of Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) to forge common internal security measures. […] This report serves as a primer on the EU and provides a brief description of U.S.-EU relations that may be of interest in the 114th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2015-07-24
-
European Union: Questions and Answers [January 13, 2015]
"The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership that represents a unique form of cooperation among sovereign countries. The Union is the latest stage in a process of integration begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to foster interdependence and make another war in Europe unthinkable. Today, the EU is composed of 28 member states, including most of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and has helped to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity throughout the European continent. The EU has been built through a series of binding treaties, and over the years, EU member states have sought to harmonize laws and adopt common policies on an increasing number of economic, social, and political issues. EU member states share a customs union; a single market in which goods, people, and capital move freely; a common trade policy; and a common agricultural policy. Nineteen EU member states use a common currency (the euro). […] The United States and the EU have a dynamic political partnership and share a huge trade and investment relationship. To expand and strengthen the transatlantic economy even further, the United States and the EU are pursuing a comprehensive and ambitious free trade agreement, known as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). Nevertheless, some tensions remain, ranging from longstanding U.S.-EU trade disputes to climate change. […] This report serves as a primer on the EU and provides a brief description of U.S.-EU relations that may be of interest in the 114th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2015-01-13
-
European Security and Islamist Terrorism [March 23, 2016]
"On March 22, 2016, coordinated bombings in Brussels, Belgium, left at least 31 people dead at the city's international airport and a metro station in the downtown area, near the headquarters of the European Union (EU). Roughly 250 people were injured, including at least 9 Americans, according to press reports. Belgian officials have declared the bombings acts of terrorism, and the Islamic State organization has claimed responsibility. Two of the assailants, identified as brothers, died during the attacks. The bombings follow the March 18 capture in Brussels of Salah Abdeslam, who is believed to have been directly involved in the November 13, 2015, terrorist attacks in Paris that killed 130 people. Abdeslam may also have helped to plan the Brussels attacks. […]French and EU authorities warn that the ability of the Islamic State to direct and/or carry out operations in Europe appears to be increasing. Reports suggest that the individuals involved in the Paris and Brussels attacks may have relied on larger networks of accomplices and supporters to carry out the attacks and evade security services. The uptick in terrorist activity has reinforced long-standing concerns about the integration of Muslims in Europe and the potential for radicalization among some segments of Europe's Muslim populations. European leaders thus also worry about attacks by self-radicalized extremists who may not have traveled abroad but who have been inspired by Islamist propaganda to commit violence at home, such as the Danish gunman who killed two individuals in Copenhagen in February 2015. Many of the recent attacks have exposed weaknesses in European domestic security, intelligence sharing, and border controls."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Belkin, Paul
2016-03-23
-
European Security and Islamist Terrorism [March 29, 2016]
"On March 22, 2016, coordinated bombings in Brussels, Belgium, left at least 35 people dead and more than 300 injured at the city's international airport and a downtown metro station near the headquarters of the European Union (EU). Four Americans were killed and a dozen injured. Belgian officials declared the bombings acts of terrorism, and the Islamic State organization claimed responsibility. The bombings follow the March 18 capture in Brussels of Salah Abdeslam, who is believed to have been directly involved in the November 13, 2015, terrorist attacks in Paris that killed 130 people. Authorities have linked Abdeslam to the three identified Brussels suicide bombers, including Najim Laachraoui, who may have constructed the explosive devices used in both the Brussels and Paris attacks. […]French and EU authorities warn that the Islamic State's ability to direct and/or carry out operations in Europe appears to be increasing. Reports suggest that the individuals involved in the Paris and Brussels attacks may have relied on larger networks of accomplices and supporters to carry out the attacks and evade security services. Following the Brussels attacks, French police foiled another terrorist plot and several suspects were arrested on terrorism charges in Belgium, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. The uptick in terrorist activity has reinforced long-standing concerns about the integration of Muslims in Europe and the potential for radicalization among some segments of Europe's Muslim populations. Worries also persist about attacks by self-radicalized individuals who may not have traveled abroad but have been inspired by Islamist extremist propaganda, such as the Danish gunman who killed two individuals in Copenhagen in February 2015."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Belkin, Paul
2016-03-29
-
European Security and Islamist Terrorism [April 18, 2016]
"On March 22, 2016, coordinated bombings in Brussels, Belgium, killed at least 32 people and injured more than 300 at the city's international airport and a downtown metro station near the headquarters of the European Union (EU). Four Americans were killed and a dozen injured. Belgian officials declared the bombings acts of terrorism, and the Islamic State organization claimed responsibility. The bombings followed the March 18 capture in Brussels of Salah Abdeslam, who is believed to have been directly involved in the November 13, 2015, terrorist attacks in Paris that killed 130 people. Authorities have linked Abdeslam to the three identified Brussels suicide bombers--including Najim Laachraoui, who may have constructed the explosive devices used in both the Brussels and Paris attacks, and Mohamed Abrini, arrested in early April in connection with both attacks. These incidents are the latest in a number of Islamist terrorist attacks in Europe. Over the past two years, many attacks and thwarted plots appear connected to the Islamic State and were perpetrated by European citizens of Muslim background who have trained or fought in Syria and Iraq."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Belkin, Paul
2016-04-18
-
U.S. - Nordic Relations [May 10, 2016]
This report published on May 10, 2016 discusses past and present U.S. - Nordic relations in light of the upcoming U.S. - Nordic Summit. The report states that "On May 13, 2016, President Obama will host the five Nordic countries-Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden-for a U.S.-Nordic Leaders Summit in Washington, DC. The Nordics have long been U.S. strategic and economic partners. U.S. interest in enhancing cooperation has increased in light of Russia's resurgence and changes in the Arctic. The formal agenda is expected to focus on several key issues, including countering terrorism and violent extremism; the migration and refugee crisis; climate change and the environment; the Arctic; nuclear and energy security; sustainable development; and transatlantic trade. According to the Nordic ambassadors to the United States, 'these are all global themes where Nordic and American views, policies, and actions often coincide.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2016-05-10
-
Data Protection Law: An Overview [March 25, 2019]
From the Document: "Recent high-profile data breaches and other concerns about how third parties protect the privacy of individuals in the digital age have raised national concerns over legal protections of Americans' electronic data. Intentional intrusions into government and private computer networks and inadequate corporate privacy and cybersecurity practices have exposed the personal information of millions of Americans to unwanted recipients. At the same time, internet connectivity has increased and varied in form in recent years. Americans now transmit their personal data on the internet at an exponentially higher rate than in the past, and their data are collected, cultivated, and maintained by a growing number of both 'consumer facing' and 'behind the scenes' actors such as data brokers. As a consequence, the privacy, cybersecurity and protection of personal data have emerged as a major issue for congressional consideration."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mulligan, Stephen P.; Freeman, Wilson C.; Linebaugh, Chris D.
2019-03-25
-
Northern Ireland: Current Issues and Ongoing Challenges in the Peace Process [Updated March 8, 2019]
From the Document: "Between 1969 and 1999, almost 3,500 people died as a result of political violence in Northern Ireland, which is one of four component 'nations' of the United Kingdom (UK). The conflict, often referred to as 'the Troubles,' has its origins in the 1921 division of Ireland and has reflected a struggle between different national, cultural, and religious identities. Protestants in Northern Ireland (48%) largely define themselves as British and support remaining part of the UK ('unionists'). Most Catholics in Northern Ireland (45%) consider themselves Irish, and many desire a united Ireland ('nationalists')."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2019-03-08
-
Frequently Asked Questions About the Julian Assange Charges [April 22, 2019]
From the Document: "After spending nearly seven years in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, Julian Assange was arrested by British police, was convicted for violating the terms of his bail in the U.K., and had an indictment against him unsealed in the United States--all in a single day. Despite the swiftness of the recent action, the charges against Assange raise a host of complex questions that are unlikely to be resolved in the near future. This Sidebar examines the international and domestic legal issues implicated in the criminal cases against Assange."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mulligan, Stephen P.
2019-04-22
-
Europe's Refugee and Migration Flows [Updated March 20, 2019]
From the Document: "Over the past several years, Europe has experienced significant refugee and migrant flows as people have fled conflict and poverty in bordering regions. Although 2015 is considered the height of the crisis, refugee and migrant arrivals have continued (see Table 1). The war in Syria has created millions of refugees in neighboring countries and driven some to leave for Europe. Other refugees and migrants originate from elsewhere in the Middle East, as well as Afghanistan, Africa, South Asia, and some Western Balkan countries. Experts characterize these flows as 'mixed migration', defined as different groups of people--such as economic migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless persons, trafficked persons, and unaccompanied children-- who travel the same routes and use the same modes of transportation (see text box). Many of these individuals do not have the required documentation, such as passports and visas, and often use smugglers and unauthorized border crossings."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Margesson, Rhoda
2019-03-20
-
EU Data Protection Rules and U.S. Implications [Updated February 7, 2019]
From the Document: "U.S. and European citizens are increasingly concerned about ensuring the protection of personal data, especially online. A string of high-profile data breaches at companies such as Facebook and Google have contributed to heightened public awareness. The European Union's (EU) new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)--which took effect on May 25, 2018--has drawn the attention of U.S. businesses and other stakeholders, prompting debate on U.S. data privacy and protection policies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.; Archick, Kristin
2019-02-07
-
European Union's Arms Embargo on China: Implications and Options for U.S. Policy [April 15, 2005]
From the Document: "The European Union (EU) is considering lifting its arms embargo on China, which was imposed in response to the June 1989 Tiananmen Crackdown. France, Germany, and other EU members claim that the embargo hinders the development of a "strategic partnership" with China. The Bush Administration and Members of Congress strongly oppose an end to the EU's arms embargo and urge stronger arms export controls. The United States contends that engagement with China need not send the wrong signals on China's human rights record and military buildup that threatens a peaceful resolution of Taiwan and other Asian issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Grimmett, Richard F.; Kan, Shirley; Archick, Kristin
2005-04-15
-
European Views and Policies Toward the Middle East [Updated March 9, 2005]
From the Summary: "Many analysts assert that the United States and Europe share common vital interests in the Middle East: combating terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; promoting Middle East peace and stability; ensuring a reliable flow of oil; and curtailing Islamic extremism. U.S. and European policies to promote these goals often differ considerably. Although the European governments are not monolithic in their opinions on the Middle East, European perspectives have been shaped over time by common elements unique to Europe's history and geo-strategic position. Many Europeans believe the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should be a priority. They view it as a key driver of terrorism, Islamic extremism, and political unrest among Europe's growing Muslim populations. In contrast, the U.S. Administration stresses that terrorism and weapons proliferation are the primary threats and must be pro-actively confronted; peace and stability in the region will not be possible until these twin threats are removed. A number of other factors, such as divergent perceptions of the appropriate role of the use of force and growing European Union (EU) ambitions to play a larger role on the world stage, also contribute to the policy gaps that have emerged."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2005-03-09
-
European Views and Policies Toward the Middle East [Updated December 21, 2004]
From the Summary: "Managing policy differences on a range of issues emanating from the Middle East poses serious challenges for the United States and its European allies and friends. The most vitriolic dispute has centered on the conflict in Iraq. However, divisions over how best to approach the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, manage Iran, and combat terrorism also persist. The Bush Administration and Members of Congress are concerned that continued disagreements between the two sides of the Atlantic could both constrain U.S. policy choices in the region and erode the broader transatlantic relationship and counterterrorism cooperation over the longer term. The U.S.-initiated Broader Middle East and North Africa partnership project, unveiled at the June 2004 G8 Summit, seeks to encourage reforms in the region and U.S.-European cooperation in tackling Mideast problems. This initiative was welcomed by the 9/11 Commission, which recommended that the United States 'should engage other nations in developing a comprehensive coalition strategy against Islamist terrorism.' The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (P.L. [Public Law] 108-458) contains elements that seek to promote Middle East development and reform and enhance international cooperation against terrorism.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2004-12-21
-
United States and Europe: Possible Options for U.S. Policy [Updated March 8, 2005]
From the Summary: "The United States and Europe share a long and intertwined history, replete with
many ups and downs. The modern transatlantic relationship was forged in the
aftermath of World War II to deter the Soviet threat and to promote security and
stability in Europe. NATO and the European Union (EU), the latest stage in a
process of European integration begun in the 1950s, are the two key pillars upon
which the U.S.-European partnership still rests. The U.S. Congress and successive
U.S. administrations have supported both organizations as means to nourish
democracy, foster reliable military allies, and create strong trading partners. Nevertheless, the transatlantic partnership has been fundamentally challenged
in recent years as numerous trade and foreign policy conflicts have emerged. The
crisis over Iraq is most notable, but the list of disagreements is wide and varied. It
includes the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the role of multilateral institutions and the
use of force, missile defense, the U.S. treatment of prisoners in Iraq and at
Guantánamo Bay, aircraft subsidies, and trade in genetically-modified food. These
disputes have been driven partly by leadership frictions and European perceptions of
U.S. unilateralism, and partly by structural issues -- different policy preferences for
managing threats, the U.S.-European defense capabilities gap, and the EU's political
evolution -- set in motion by the end of the Cold War and September 11. These
factors are also prompting some Americans and Europeans to question whether the
two sides of the Atlantic still share the same values and interests, and whether
enough commonality remains to make the partnership work.
This report assesses the present state of the U.S.-European relationship and the
reasons for current frictions. To stimulate debate and for the purposes of analysis,
it also offers a spectrum of possible options for U.S. policymakers in considering the
future shape of the political and strategic dimensions of the transatlantic partnership.
These selected options should be viewed as illustrative guideposts, however, rather
than definitive, exhaustive predictions or stark choices."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2005-03-08
-
United States and Europe: Possible Options for U.S. Policy [Updated December 28, 2004]
"The United States and Europe share a long and intertwined history, replete with
many ups and downs. The modern transatlantic relationship was forged in the
aftermath of World War II to deter the Soviet threat and to promote security and
stability in Europe. NATO and the European Union (EU), the latest stage in a
process of European integration begun in the 1950s, are the two key pillars upon
which the U.S.-European partnership still rests. The U.S. Congress and successive
U.S. administrations have supported both organizations as means to nourish
democracy, foster reliable military allies, and create strong trading partners. Nevertheless, the transatlantic partnership has been fundamentally challenged
in recent years as numerous trade and foreign policy conflicts have emerged. The
crisis over Iraq is most notable, but the list of disagreements is wide and varied. It
includes the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the role of multilateral institutions and the
use of force, missile defense, the U.S. treatment of prisoners in Iraq and at
Guantánamo Bay, aircraft subsidies, and trade in genetically-modified food. These
disputes have been driven partly by leadership frictions and European perceptions of
U.S. unilateralism, and partly by structural issues -- different policy preferences for
managing threats, the U.S.-European defense capabilities gap, and the EU's political
evolution -- set in motion by the end of the Cold War and September 11. These
factors are also prompting some Americans and Europeans to question whether the
two sides of the Atlantic still share the same values and interests, and whether
enough commonality remains to make the partnership work.
This report assesses the present state of the U.S.-European relationship and the
reasons for current frictions. To stimulate debate and for the purposes of analysis,
it also offers a spectrum of possible options for U.S. policymakers in considering the
future shape of the political and strategic dimensions of the transatlantic partnership.
These selected options should be viewed as illustrative guideposts, however, rather
than definitive, exhaustive predictions or stark choices."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2004-12-28
-
NATO and the European Union [Updated May 12, 2005]
"This report addresses several questions central to the debate over European security and the future of the broader transatlantic relationship. These include: What are the specific security missions of NATO and the European Union, and what is the appropriate relationship between the two organizations? What types of military forces are necessary for NATOs role in collective defense, and for the EUs role in crisis management? Are NATO and EU decision-making structures and procedures appropriate and compatible to ensure that there is an adequate and timely response to emerging threats? What is the proper balance between political and military tools for defending Europe and the United States from terrorism and weapons proliferation?. Since the end of the Cold War, both NATO and the European Union (EU) have evolved along with Europes changed strategic landscape...The evolution of NATO and the EU, however, has generated some friction between the United States and several of its allies over the security responsibilities of the two organizations. U.S.-European differences center around threat assessment, defense institutions, and military capabilities...Most EU member states support close NATO-EU links, but also view ESDP as a means to give themselves more options for dealing with future crises, especially in cases in which the United States may be reluctant to become involved. A minority of EU countries, spearheaded by France, continue to favor a more autonomous EU defense identity" From Summary
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gallis, Paul E.; Archick, Kristin
2005-05-12
-
China's Nuclear Force Modernization
"The three chapters that follow examine the pace of Chinas nuclear modernization under the sea and in space, as well as its relationship to U.S. missile defense initiatives. This chapter will systematically evaluate the overall strategic integration of Chinas nuclear forces, focusing on the issue of nuclear command and control (NC2). Perhaps even more than the companion papers in this volume, such an effort necessarily relies on a highly circumscribed data set. Nonetheless, there is broad consensus in security studies on the need for defense analyses that probe the people, institutions, and doctrines that stand behind the weapons themselves. Indeed, at a time when there are dramatically diverging estimates concerning the future dimensions of Chinas nuclear forces, such a 'software' approach may be most appropriate."
Naval War College (U.S.). Press
Goldstein, Lyle; Erickson, Andrew S.
2005
-
Islamist Extremism in Europe [July 29, 2005]
"Although the vast majority of Muslims in Europe are not involved in radical activities, Islamist extremists and vocal fringe communities that advocate terrorism exist and reportedly have provided cover for terrorist cells. Germany and Spain were identified as key logistical and planning bases for the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. The March 2004 terrorist bombings in Madrid have been attributed to an Al Qaeda-inspired group of North Africans. And UK authorities suspect four young British nationals with possible Al Qaeda ties of carrying out the July 7, 2005 terrorist attacks on London. This report provides an overview of Islamist extremism in Europe, possible terrorist links, European responses, and implications for the United States. It will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Rollins, John; Woehrel, Steven J.
2005-07-29
-
United States and Europe: Current Issues [June 10, 2005]
"The United States and Europe share a long and intertwined history. Despite the end of the Cold War, both sides of the Atlantic continue to face a common set of international concerns, have few other comparable partners, and share a huge economic relationship. Nevertheless, numerous foreign policy and trade conflicts have seriously challenged U.S.-European relations in recent years. This report examines the current state of the transatlantic relationship and key issues in Europe and beyond that have implications for U.S. interests. It will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2005-06-10
-
European Union Enlargement [Updated January 23, 2008]
From the Summary: "The European Union (EU) views the enlargement process as a historic opportunity to promote stability and prosperity in Europe. On January 1, 2007, Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU, enlarging the Union to 27 countries. The EU's previous enlargement in May 2004 brought in Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In 2005, the EU agreed to open accession negotiations with Turkey and Croatia, and named Macedonia as an official EU candidate; in December 2006, the EU partially suspended talks with Turkey over ongoing disputes over Cyprus. Although the EU maintains that the enlargement door remains open, 'enlargement fatigue' has become a serious issue in Europe and some experts believe that EU enlargement may be reaching its limits. The status of EU enlargement is one of many transatlantic issues likely to be of interest to the second session of the 110th Congress. This report will be updated as necessary. See also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS21372, 'The European Union: Questions and Answers', by Kristin Archick."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Kim, Julie
2008-01-23
-
U.S.-EU Cooperation Against Terrorism [January 28, 2008]
"The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks gave new momentum to European Union (EU) initiatives to improve law enforcement cooperation against terrorism both among its member states and with the United States. Washington has largely welcomed these efforts, recognizing that they may help root out terrorist cells and prevent future attacks. However, the United States and the EU continue to face several challenges as they seek to promote closer cooperation in the police, judicial, and border control fields. This report examines the evolution of U.S.-EU counterterrorism cooperation and the ongoing challenges that may be of interest in the second session of the 110th Congress. This report will be updated as needed. Also see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL31509, 'Europe and Counterterrorism: Strengthening Police and Judicial Cooperation', by Kristin Archick."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2008-01-28
-
U.S.-EU Cooperation Against Terrorism [January 19, 2005]
"The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks gave new momentum to European Union (EU) initiatives to improve law enforcement cooperation against terrorism both among its 25 member states and with the United States. Washington has largely welcomed these efforts, recognizing that they may help root out terrorist cells and prevent future attacks. However, the United States and the EU continue to face several challenges as they seek to promote closer cooperation in the police, judicial, and border control fields. This report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2005-01-19
-
European Parliament [Updated January 23, 2008]
From the Summary: "The 785-member, directly-elected European Parliament (EP) is a key institution of the 27-member European Union (EU). Once limited to being a consultative assembly, the EP has accumulated more power over time. Currently, it plays a role in the EU's legislative and budgeting processes, and exercises general supervision over other EU bodies. Ties between the EP and the U.S. Congress are long-standing, and EP-Congressional exchanges are expected to continue in the second session of the 110th Congress. This report will be updated as events warrant. Also see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS21372, 'The European Union: Questions and Answers', by Kristin Archick."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2008-01-23
-
European Parliament [Updated May 21, 2007]
From the Summary: "The 785-member, directly-elected European Parliament (EP) is a key institution of the 27-member European Union (EU). Once limited to being a consultative assembly, the EP has accumulated more power over time. Currently, it plays a role in the EU's legislative and budgeting processes, and exercises general supervision over other EU bodies. Ties between the EP and the U.S. Congress are long-standing, and EP-Congressional exchanges are expected to continue in the 110th Congress. This report will be updated as events warrant. Also see CRS Report RS21372, 'The European Union: Questions and Answers', by Kristin Archick."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2007-05-21
-
European Union: Questions and Answers [Updated January 23, 2008]
From the Summary: "This report describes the European Union (EU), its evolution, governing institutions, trade policy, and efforts to forge common foreign and defense policies. The report also addresses the EU-U.S. and EU-NATO [European Union-North Atlantic Treaty Organization] relationships, which may be of interest to the second session of the 110th Congress. It will be updated as events warrant. For more information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS21344, 'European Union Enlargement', by Kristin Archick and Julie Kim, and CRS Report RS21618, 'The European Union's Reform Process: The Lisbon Treaty', by Kristin Archick."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2008-01-23
-
Cybercrime: The Council of Europe Convention [April 26, 2002]
From the Summary: "Thirty-three countries--including the United States--have signed the Council of Europe's Convention on Cybercrime of November 2001. The Convention seeks to better combat cybercrime by harmonizing national laws, improving investigative abilities, and boosting international cooperation. Supporters argue that the Convention will enhance deterrence, while critics counter it will have little effect without participation by countries in which cybercriminals operate freely. Others warn it will endanger privacy and civil liberties."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2002-04-26
-
European Parliament [February 25, 2010]
"The European Parliament (EP) is one of the three key institutions of the 27-member European Union (EU), and the only EU institution whose members are directly elected. The current EP has 736 members. The most recent EP elections were held on June 4-7, 2009. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) serve five-year terms. Once limited to being a consultative assembly, the EP has accumulated more power over time. It performs important functions in the EU's legislative and budgeting processes, and exercises a degree of supervision over the two other main EU institutions, the Council of the European Union (Council of Ministers) and the European Commission. Although the EP does not formally initiate EU legislation, it shares 'co-decision' power with the Council of Ministers in many policy areas, giving it the right to amend or reject proposed EU legislation. The recently ratified Lisbon Treaty increases the EP's role further, giving it amendment and veto authority over the vast majority of EU legislation (with some exceptions, such as tax matters and foreign policy). Moreover, supporters argue, as the only directly elected EU institution, the EP increasingly plays an important checks-and-balances role on behalf of Europe's citizens."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Mix, Derek E.
2010-02-25
-
European Union: Questions and Answers [August 25, 2010]
"EU member states work together through common institutions to set policy and to promote their collective interests. The three main institutions of the EU are the European Commission (essentially the EU's executive), the Council of the European Union (representing the national governments), and the European Parliament (representing the citizens of the EU). The Lisbon Treaty is the EU's latest attempt to reform its institutional arrangements and decision-making procedures in order to enable an enlarged EU to function more effectively. The treaty creates two important new leadership positions in the EU: President of the European Council (held by Herman Van Rompuy) and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (Catherine Ashton). The EU has a strong common trade policy, and a developing Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) for a more united voice in global affairs. It has also been seeking to build a Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) in order to improve its military capabilities and capacity to act independently. Although some shortcomings exist in EU-NATO relations, the two institutions continue to seek a more cooperative and complementary relationship. Over the last decade especially, the EU has also been working to forge common internal security measures in the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) field, including by boosting police and judicial cooperation and enhancing the Union's ability to combat terrorism and other cross-border crimes. The United States and the EU share a large, mutually beneficial trade and investment relationship. The global financial crisis and recession has challenged both sides to forge a common response. The United States and EU have a number of lingering trade disputes, but have led the push to liberalize world trade, and have sought to reduce non-tariff and regulatory barriers in the transatlantic marketplace. This report provides a summary overview of these issues, many of which may be of interest to the second session of the 111th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Mix, Derek E.
2010-08-25
