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U.S. Congress and the European Parliament: Evolving Transatlantic Legislative Cooperation [June 7, 2011]
"The United States and the European Union (EU) share an extensive, dynamic, and for many a mutually beneficial political and economic partnership. A growing element of that relationship is the role that the U.S. Congress and the European Parliament (EP)--a key EU institution--have begun to play, including in areas ranging from foreign and economic policy to regulatory reform. Consequently, some officials and experts on both sides of the Atlantic have asked whether it would be beneficial for Congress and the EP to strengthen institutional ties further and to explore the possibility of coordinating efforts to develop more complementary policies in some areas. […] While there appears to be no formal opposition within Congress to increasing contacts with the European Parliament, some point out that with the exception of a few Members with previous experience in the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue (TLD), Congress as a whole has been seen at best ambivalent to such efforts and has not demonstrated as much enthusiasm as the EP about forging closer relations. This observation had been noted by the EP itself since the beginning of the 112th Congress given that neither the new Chair nor the Vice-Chair of the USTLD were announced until early June. This report provides background on the Congress--EP relationship and the role of the TLD. It also explores potential future options should an effort to strengthen ties between the two bodies gain momentum."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Morelli, Vincent L.
2011-06-07
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European Union: Questions and Answers [February 29, 2012]
"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 states, to foster interdependence and make another war in Europe unthinkable. Today, the EU is composed of 27 member states, including most of the states in 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. Seventeen 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. EU member states work together through common institutions to set policy and to promote their collective interests. Key EU institutions include: the European Council, composed of EU Heads of State or Government, which acts as the strategic guide and driving force for EU policy; the European Commission, which upholds the common interest of the Union as a whole and functions as the EU's executive; the Council of the European Union (also known as the Council of Ministers), which represents the national governments; and the directly elected European Parliament, which represents the citizens of the EU. […] This report serves as a primer on the EU and provides a brief description of U.S.-EU relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2012-02-29
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European Parliament [January 21, 2011]
"The 736-member European Parliament (EP) is a key institution of the European Union (EU), a unique political and economic partnership composed of 27 member states. The EP is the only EU institution that is directly elected. The EP plays a role in the EU's legislative and budgeting processes, and works closely with the two other main EU bodies, the European Commission and the Council of the European Union (also known as the Council of Ministers). Although the EP does not formally initiate EU legislation, it shares legislative power with the Council of Ministers in many policy areas, giving it the right to accept, amend, or reject proposed EU laws. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) serve five-year terms. The most recent EP elections were held in June 2009. The EP currently has seven political groups, which caucus according to political ideology rather than nationality, plus a number of 'non-attached' or independent members. The EP has 20 standing committees that are key actors in the adoption of EU legislation and a total of 41 delegations that maintain international parliament-to-parliament relations. The EP is led by a President, who oversees its work and represents the EP externally. Once limited to being a consultative assembly, the EP has accumulated more power over time. Experts assert that the EU's latest effort at institutional reform--the Lisbon Treaty, which entered into force on December 1, 2009--significantly increases the relative power of the EP within the EU. The Lisbon Treaty gives the EP a say equal to that of the member states in the Council of Ministers over the vast majority of EU legislation (with some exceptions in areas such as tax matters and foreign policy), as well as the right to decide on the allocation of the EU budget jointly with the Council. The treaty also gives the EP the power to approve or reject international agreements and expands the EP's decision-making authority over trade-related issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Mix, Derek E.
2011-01-21
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U.S.-EU Cooperation Against Terrorism [May 2, 2011]
"The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks gave new momentum to European Union (EU) initiatives to combat terrorism and improve police, judicial, and intelligence cooperation among its member states. Since the 2001 attacks, the EU has sought to speed up its efforts to harmonize national laws and bring down barriers among member states' law enforcement authorities so that information can be meaningfully shared and suspects apprehended expeditiously. Among other steps, the EU has established a common definition of terrorism and a common list of terrorist groups, an EU arrest warrant, enhanced tools to stem terrorist financing, and new measures to strengthen external EU border controls and improve aviation security. [...] Despite U.S.-EU strides to foster closer counterterrorism and law enforcement cooperation, some challenges remain. Data privacy has been and continues to be a key sticking point. In February 2010, the European Parliament (EP) rejected a U.S.-EU agreement--known as the SWIFT accord--that would have continued allowing U.S. authorities access to financial data stored in Europe to help combat terrorism on the grounds that it did not contain sufficient protections to safeguard the personal data and privacy rights of EU citizens. [...] This report examines the evolution of U.S.-EU counterterrorism cooperation and the ongoing challenges that may be of interest in the 112th Congress. For additional background, also see CRS Report RL31509, Europe and Counterterrorism: Strengthening Police and Judicial Cooperation, by Kristin Archick."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2011-05-02
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U.S.-EU Cooperation against Terrorism [July 9, 2010]
"The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks gave new momentum to European Union (EU) initiatives to combat terrorism and improve police, judicial, and intelligence cooperation among its member states. Since the 2001 attacks, the EU has sought to speed up its efforts to harmonize national laws and bring down barriers among member states' law enforcement authorities so that information can be meaningfully shared and suspects apprehended expeditiously. Among other steps, the EU has established a common definition of terrorism and a common list of terrorist groups, an EU arrest warrant, enhanced tools to stem terrorist financing, and new measures to strengthen external EU border controls and improve aviation security. [...] Nevertheless, both the United States and the EU appear committed to fostering closer cooperation in the areas of counterterrorism and other homeland security issues. Congressional decisions related to improving border controls and transport security, in particular, may affect how future U.S.-EU cooperation evolves. In addition, given the European Parliament's growing influence in many of these policy areas, Members of Congress may be able to help shape Parliament's views and responses through ongoing contacts and the existing Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue (TLD). This report examines the evolution of U.S.-EU counterterrorism cooperation and the ongoing challenges that may be of interest in the 111th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2010-07-09
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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
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European Views and Policies Toward the Middle East [Updated March 9, 2005]
"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
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United States and Europe: Possible Options for U.S. Policy [Updated March 8, 2005]
"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
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United Kingdom: Issues for the United States [September 23, 2005]
"This report assesses the current state of U.S.-UK relations. It examines the pressures confronting London as it attempts to balance its interests between the United States and the EU, and the prospects for the future of the U.S.-UK partnership. It also describes UK views on political, security, and economic issues of particular importance to the United States, and their implications for U.S. policy. This report will be updated as needed. For information on broader transatlantic relations, see CRS Report RL32577, 'The United States and Europe: Possible Options for U.S. Policy, by Kristin Archick."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2005-09-23
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United States and Europe: Possible Options for U.S. Policy [Updated January 23, 2006]
"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...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
2006-01-23
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European Views and Policies Toward the Middle East [Updated December 21, 2005]
"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 Syria, 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 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. 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
2005-12-21
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European Unions Arms Embargo on China: Implications and Options for U.S. Policy [Updated May 27, 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 [...] Overall, there are two sets of questions for Congress in examining U.S. policy toward the fate of the EU's arms embargo on China. What are the implications for U.S. interests in trans-Atlantic relations and China? If U.S. interests are adversely affected, what are some options for Congress to discourage the EU from lifting its arms embargo on China and, if it is lifted, to protect U.S. national security interests in both Asia and Europe? Issues raised by these questions are the subject of this CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report. This report will be updated as warranted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Grimmett, Richard F.; Kan, Shirley; Archick, Kristin
2005-05-27
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Cybercrime: The Council of Europe Convention [Updated December 1, 2005]
From the Summary: "Forty-two 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. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2005-12-01
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Europe and Counterterrorism: Strengthening Police and Judicial Cooperation [Updated September 16, 2003] - Appendix A [audio]
"The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States have given new momentum to European Union (EU) initiatives to combat terrorism and other crossborder crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and financial fraud. For many years, EU efforts to address such challenges were hampered by national sovereignty concerns, insufficient resources, and a lack of trust among law enforcement agencies. However, the terrorist attacks and the subsequent revelation of Al Qaeda cells in Europe changed this status quo as it became increasingly evident that the EU's open borders and different legal systems allow terrorists and other criminals to move around easily and evade arrest and prosecution. Thus, EU officials have renewed their efforts to harmonize national laws and bring down traditional barriers among member states' police, intelligence, and judicial authorities. As part of this initiative, the EU is also seeking to enhance ongoing cooperation with U.S. law enforcement and judicial authorities so that information can be meaningfully shared and suspects apprehended expeditiously.' Appendix A provides key EU initiatives to improve police and judicial cooperation and combat terrorism. QuickTime is required to listen to this file on your computer. Click here to download QuickTime 7: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/win.html"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2003-09-16
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Europe and Counterterrorism: Strengthening Police and Judicial Cooperation [Updated September 16, 2003] [audio]
"The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States have given new momentum to European Union (EU) initiatives to combat terrorism and other crossborder crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and financial fraud. For many years, EU efforts to address such challenges were hampered by national sovereignty concerns, insufficient resources, and a lack of trust among law enforcement agencies. However, the terrorist attacks and the subsequent revelation of Al Qaeda cells in Europe changed this status quo as it became increasingly evident that the EU's open borders and different legal systems allow terrorists and other criminals to move around easily and evade arrest and prosecution. Thus, EU officials have renewed their efforts to harmonize national laws and bring down traditional barriers among member states' police, intelligence, and judicial authorities. As part of this initiative, the EU is also seeking to enhance ongoing cooperation with U.S. law enforcement and judicial authorities so that information can be meaningfully shared and suspects apprehended expeditiously.' QuickTime is required to listen to this file on your computer. Click here to download QuickTime 7: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/win.html"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2003-09-16
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Europe and Counter-terrorism: Strengthening Police and Judicial Cooperation [July 23, 2002]
"This report discusses Europe's counter-terrorism efforts. The September 11 terrorist attacks have given new momentum to European Union (EU) initiatives to combat terrorism and other cross-border crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and financial fraud. For many years, EU efforts to address such challenges were hampered by national sovereignty concerns, insufficient resources, and a lack of trust among law enforcement agencies. However, the terrorist attacks and the subsequent revelation of Al Qaeda cells in Europe has changed this status quo as it becomes increasingly evident that the EU's
open borders and different legal systems allow terrorists and other criminals to move around easily and evade arrest and prosecution. Thus, EU officials have renewed their efforts to harmonize national laws and bring down traditional barriers among member states' police, intelligence, and judicial authorities. As part of this initiative, the EU is also seeking to enhance active ongoing cooperation with U.S. law enforcement and judicial authorities so that information can be meaningfully shared and suspects apprehended expeditiously."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2002-07-23
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Europe and Counterterrorism: Strengthening Police and Judicial Cooperation [Updated September 16, 2003]
"The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States have given new
momentum to European Union (EU) initiatives to combat terrorism and other crossborder crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and financial fraud. For many years, EU efforts to address such challenges were hampered by national sovereignty concerns, insufficient resources, and a lack of trust among law enforcement agencies. However, the terrorist attacks and the subsequent revelation of Al Qaeda cells in Europe changed this status quo as it became increasingly evident that the EU's open borders and different legal systems allow terrorists and other criminals to move around easily and evade arrest and prosecution. Thus, EU officials have renewed their efforts to harmonize national laws and bring down traditional barriers among member states' police, intelligence, and judicial authorities. As part of this initiative, the EU is also seeking to enhance ongoing cooperation with U.S.
law enforcement and judicial authorities so that information can be meaningfully
shared and suspects apprehended expeditiously."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2003-09-16
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European Views and Policies Toward the Middle East [Updated September 14, 2004]
"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 U.S. decision to use force to oust Saddam Hussein's regime 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.' How deep and lasting the clash over Iraq and subsequent Middle East policies will be to transatlantic relations will likely depend on several factors, including whether Washington and European capitals can cooperate more robustly to rebuild Iraq; whether Europeans perceive a renewed U.S. commitment to revive the Middle East peace process; and whether differences over Mideast issues spill over into NATO, U.S.-EU trade relations, or impede EU efforts to forge a deeper Union. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2004-09-14
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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
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Europe and Counterterrorism: Strengthening Police and Judicial Cooperation [Updated October 15, 2004]
"The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States gave new momentum to European Union (EU) initiatives to combat terrorism and other crossborder crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and financial fraud. For many years, EU efforts to address such challenges were hampered by national sovereignty concerns, insufficient resources, and a lack of trust among law enforcement agencies. However, the terrorist attacks and the subsequent revelation of Al Qaeda cells in Europe changed this status quo as it became increasingly evident that the EU's open borders and different legal systems allowed terrorists and other criminals to move around easily and evade arrest and prosecution. Thus, EU officials renewed their efforts to harmonize national laws and bring down traditional barriers among member states' police, intelligence, and judicial authorities. As part of this initiative, the EU has also sought to enhance ongoing cooperation with U.S. law enforcement and judicial authorities so that information can be meaningfully shared and suspects apprehended expeditiously. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2004-10-15
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European Views and Policies Toward the Middle East [Updated December 21, 2004]
"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.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
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U.S.-EU Cooperation Against Terrorism [January 24, 2006]
"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. For more information, 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
2006-01-24
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European Parliament [April 6, 2005]
"The 732-member, directly-elected European Parliament (EP) is a key institution of the 25-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. The EP continues to face several challenges, however, especially in relation to its democratic legitimacy and operational costs. The most recent EP elections were held in June 2004. This report will be updated as events warrant. For more information, also see CRS Report RS21372, 'The European Union: Questions and Answers'."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2005-04-06
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United States and Europe: Current Issues [July 2, 2008]
"The United States and Europe share a long and intertwined history. Both sides of the Atlantic face a common set of international concerns, have few other comparable partners, and share a deep economic relationship. Despite much improvement in overall relations since the divisive debate over Iraq policy, several foreign policy and trade disputes remain. This report examines the current state of the transatlantic relationship and key issues that may have implications for U.S. interests in the second session of the 110th Congress. It will be updated as events warrant. Also see CRS Report RL32577, 'The United States and Europe: Possible Options for U.S. Policy', by Kristin Archick."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2008-07-02
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European Parliament [July 3, 2008]
"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 Report RS21372, 'The European Union: Questions and Answers', by Kristin Archick."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2008-07-03
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European Union's Constitution [December 27, 2005]
From the Document: "In June 2004, the European Union (EU) concluded work on a constitutional treaty that contains changes to the EU's governing institutions and decision-making processes. Commonly referred to as the 'constitution,' this new treaty aims to institute internal reforms to enable a larger EU to operate effectively and prevent gridlock, but it must be ratified by all member states to enter into force. The future of the EU's constitution, however, has been thrown in doubt after French and Dutch voters rejected it in separate referenda in May and June 2005. This report provides background information on the constitution, its key provisions, the current crisis, and possible implications for U.S.-EU relations. It will be updated as events warrant. For more information, see CRS Report RS21372, 'The European Union: Questions and Answers'; and CRS Report RS21344, 'European Union Enlargement', both by Kristin Archick."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2005-12-27
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Islamist Extremism in Europe [January 6, 2006]
"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 are investigating suspected Al Qaeda support to the British perpetrators of 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. See also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL31612, 'European Counterterrorist Efforts: Political Will and Diverse Responses in the First Year after September 11', and CRS Report RL33166, 'Muslims in Europe: Integration in Selected Countries', by Paul Gallis."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Rollins, John; Woehrel, Steven J.
2006-01-06
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United States and Europe: Current Issues [April 20, 2007]
"The United States and Europe share a long and intertwined history. Both sides of the Atlantic face a common set of international concerns, have few other comparable partners, and share a deep economic relationship. Despite much improvement in overall relations since the divisive debate over Iraq policy, several foreign policy and trade disputes remain. This report examines the current state of the transatlantic relationship and key issues that may have implications for U.S. interests in the 110th Congress. It will be updated as events warrant. Also see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL32577, 'The United States and Europe: Possible Options for U.S. Policy', by Kristin Archick, and CRS Report RS22645, 'U.S.-European Union Relations and the 2007 Summit', by Raymond J. Ahearn, Kristin Archick, and Paul Belkin."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2007-04-20
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U.S. Congress and the European Parliament: Evolving Transatlantic Legislative Cooperation [July 12, 2012]
"The United States and the European Union (EU) share an extensive, dynamic, and for many a mutually beneficial political and economic partnership. A growing element of that relationship is the role that the U.S. Congress and the European Parliament (EP)--a key EU institution--have begun to play, including in areas ranging from foreign and economic policy to regulatory reform. Proponents of establishing closer relations between the U.S. Congress and the EP point to the Parliament's growing influence as a result of the EU's Lisbon Treaty, which took effect in December 2009. The Lisbon Treaty has increased the relative power of the EP within the EU, and in some cases, with significant implications for U.S. interests. Consequently, some officials and experts on both sides of the Atlantic have asked whether it would be beneficial for Congress and the EP to strengthen institutional ties further and to explore the possibility of coordinating efforts to develop more complementary approaches to policies in areas of mutual interest. […] This report provides background on the Congress--EP relationship and the role of the TLD [Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue]. It also explores potential future options should an effort to strengthen ties between the two bodies gain momentum."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Morelli, Vincent L.
2012-07-12
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European Parliament [January 14, 2013]
"Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) serve five-year terms. The most recent EP [European Parliament] elections were held in June 2009. The EP currently has seven political groups, which caucus according to political ideology rather than nationality, plus a number of 'non-attached' or independent members. The EP has 20 standing committees that are key actors in the adoption of EU legislation and a total of 41 delegations that maintain international parliament-to-parliament relations. The EP is led by a President, who oversees its work and represents the EP externally. Once limited to being a consultative assembly, the EP has accumulated more power over time. Experts assert that the EU's latest effort at institutional reform--the Lisbon Treaty, which entered into force on December 1, 2009--increases the relative power of the EP within the EU considerably. The EP now shares legislative power with the Council of Ministers in most policy areas, giving the EP the right to accept, amend, or reject the vast majority of EU laws (with some exceptions in areas such as tax matters or foreign policy). The Lisbon Treaty also gives the EP the power to decide on the allocation of the EU budget jointly with the Council, the right to approve or reject international agreements, and greater decision-making authority on trade-related issues. Many analysts note that the EP has not been shy about exerting its new powers under the Lisbon Treaty, and in some areas, with implications for U.S. interests. In February 2010, the EP rejected the U.S.-EU SWIFT agreement allowing U.S. authorities access to European financial data to help counter terrorism; in July 2010, the EP approved a revised U.S.-EU SWIFT accord, but only after several EP demands related to strengthening data privacy protections were agreed to by the United States and the other EU institutions. EP data privacy concerns also necessitated a new round of U.S.-EU negotiations on another anti-terrorism measure that permits the sharing of airline Passenger Name Record (PNR) data; an updated U.S.-EU PNR accord was ultimately approved by the EP in April 2012. Meanwhile, the EU and its member states are currently unable to join a new Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA)--negotiated by the United States, the EU, and several other countries to strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights-- because the EP has rejected it due to civil liberty and free speech concerns."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2013-01-14
