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U.S. Sanctions on Russia [Updated January 17, 2020]
From the Document: "Sanctions are a central element of U.S. policy to counter and deter malign Russian behavior. The United States has imposed sanctions on Russia mainly in response to Russia's 2014 invasion of Ukraine, to reverse and deter further Russian aggression in Ukraine, and to deter Russian aggression against other countries. The United States also has imposed sanctions on Russia in response to (and to deter) election interference and other malicious cyber-enabled activities, human rights abuses, the use of a chemical weapon, weapons proliferation, illicit trade with North Korea, and support to Syria and Venezuela. Most Members of Congress support a robust use of sanctions amid concerns about Russia's international behavior and geostrategic intentions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Welt, Cory; Archick, Kristin; Nelson, Rebecca M. . . .
2020-01-17
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Brexit: Status and Outlook [Updated January 13, 2020]
From the Document: "After the 2016 referendum in which 52% of voters in the United Kingdom (UK) favored leaving the European Union (EU), 'Brexit' was originally scheduled to occur on March 29, 2019. In early 2019, Parliament repeatedly rejected the withdrawal agreement negotiated between then-Prime Minister Theresa May's government and the EU. Boris Johnson became prime minister in July 2019, following May's resignation. Given continued political deadlock over Brexit in the UK, the EU granted the UK three deadline extensions, with the most recent lasting until January 31, 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.; Archick, Kristin; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2020-01-13
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Brexit: Status and Outlook [Updated February 13, 2020]
From the Document: "The United Kingdom (UK) formally withdrew from membership in the European Union (EU) on January 31, 2020. Under the withdrawal agreement negotiated by the two sides, the UK is to continue applying EU rules during a transition period scheduled to run through the end of 2020. During the transition period, the UK and the EU are expected to begin negotiating the terms of their future relationship, including trade and economic relations as well as cooperation on foreign policy, security, and a range of other issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.; Archick, Kristin; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2020-02-13
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U.S.-European Relations in the 116th Congress [Updated February 5, 2020]
From the Document: "Since the end of the Second World War, successive U.S. Administrations and many Members of Congress have supported a close U.S. partnership with Europe. Often termed the 'transatlantic relationship', the U.S.-European partnership encompasses NATO, the European Union (EU), and extensive bilateral political and economic ties. Over the past 70 years, political tensions, trade disputes, and changes in the security landscape have tested U.S.-European relations. Despite periodic difficulties, U.S. and European policymakers have valued the transatlantic partnership as serving their respective geostrategic and economic interests. President Trump and some officials in his Administration have questioned the tenets of the post-World War II transatlantic security and economic architecture to an unprecedented extent. President Trump's criticisms of NATO, the EU, and key European countries have prompted significant concerns in Europe. The Administration contends that it is committed to NATO and supports close U.S.-European ties, but some Europeans question whether the United States will remain a reliable, credible partner. Policy divergences on a wide range of regional and global issues also pose challenges to U.S.-European relations. The second session of the 116th Congress may wish to consider the implications of Trump Administration policies for U.S. interests in Europe and U.S.-European cooperation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2020-02-05
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U.S.-European Relations in the 116th Congress [Updated December 3, 2019]
From the Document: "Since the end of the Second World War, successive U.S. Administrations and many Members of Congress have supported a close U.S. partnership with Europe. [...] President Trump and some in his Administration have questioned the fundamental tenets of the post-World War II transatlantic security and economic architecture to an unprecedented extent. President Trump's criticisms of NATO, the EU, and some key European countries have prompted concerns about the trajectory of transatlantic relations. The Administration contends that it is committed to NATO and supports close U.S.-European ties, but some Europeans question whether the United States will remain a reliable, credible partner. Policy divergences on a wide range of regional and global issues also pose challenges to U.S.-European relations. The 116th Congress may wish to consider the implications of Trump Administration policies for U.S. interests in Europe and U.S.-European cooperation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2019-12-03
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European Union: Current Challenges and Future Prospects [June 21, 2016]
"The European Union (EU) is a unique partnership in which member states have pooled sovereignty in certain policy areas and harmonized laws on a wide range of economic, social, and political issues. The EU is the latest stage in a process of European integration begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to promote peace, security, and economic development. Today, the EU is composed of 28 member states, including most of the formerly communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe. EU members share a customs union, a single market (in which goods, people, and capital move freely), a common trade policy, a common agricultural policy, and a common currency (the euro) that is used by 19 member states (collectively referred to as 'the Eurozone'). Twenty-two EU members participate in the Schengen area of free movement, in which individuals may travel without passport checks. In addition, the EU has taken steps to develop common foreign and security policies, has sought to build common internal security measures, and remains committed to enlargement, especially to the countries of the Western Balkans."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2016-06-21
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European Security and Islamist Terrorism [July 18, 2016]
"Over the last two years, European governments and the European Union (EU) have grown increasingly alarmed by the rise of the Islamic State terrorist organization, its ability to attract European citizens to join the fighting in the Syria-Iraq region, and its use of violent extremist propaganda to inspire others. Security experts view the November 13, 2015, attacks in Paris (which killed 130 people) and the March 22, 2016, bombings in Brussels (in which 32 people died) as indications that the Islamic State's capacity to direct large-scale, coordinated attacks elsewhere in the world, especially in Europe, has increased. Many of those identified as directly responsible for the Paris and Brussels attacks reportedly fought in Syria and were connected to a 'European Branch' of the Islamic State. Some observers suggest that there could be many potential European recruits among the estimated 5,000 Europeans who have traveled to Syria and Iraq to join the Islamic State and other extremist groups. […] European governments have employed various measures to combat Islamist terrorism and the foreign fighter phenomenon, including increasing surveillance, prohibiting travel, and arresting returning fighters and terrorism recruiters. Some countries have bolstered existing counterterrorism laws, especially to ensure that individuals who travel abroad for terrorist purposes may be prosecuted (as required by U.N. Security Council Resolution 2178 of September 2014). European officials are also working to more aggressively counter radicalization and extremist propaganda, especially via the Internet and social media. Some have called on U.S. technology companies to assist these efforts by preemptively removing terrorist content from their sites."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Belkin, Paul
2016-07-18
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After Brexit: A Diminished or Enhanced EU? [June 29, 2016]
"On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom (UK) held a public referendum on whether to remain a member of the European Union (EU). Voters favored leaving by 51.9% to 48.1%. This decision is unprecedented and will have significant political and economic repercussions for both the UK and the EU. The UK is the second-largest economy in the 28-member EU and a key diplomatic and military power. A British exit (dubbed 'Brexit') raises serious questions about the future shape and character of the European integration project.[…]The EU is generally regarded as a cornerstone of European security, stability, and prosperity. Over the last few years, however, the EU has faced sluggish growth and persistently high unemployment. Economic dissatisfaction, antiestablishment sentiments, and fears about immigration and globalization have fueled the rise of anti-EU or 'euroskeptic' political parties. These issues have complicated the EU's ability to deal with simultaneous challenges, from the Greek debt crisis to increased migrant flows to a resurgent Russia and a heightened terrorism threat. Two key pillars of the European integration project--the eurozone (the 19 members of the EU that use the euro as their currency) and the Schengen area of free movement (in which internal passport checks have been abolished among 22 EU countries and four others)--have come under considerable pressure. While these challenges have all threatened EU solidarity, the UK's decision to leave the bloc may be the most profound setback to the European integration project in its more than 60-year history."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2016-06-29
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European Union Efforts to Counter Disinformation [December 1, 2016]
From the Document: "The European Union (EU) is increasingly concerned about the use of propaganda by both state and non-state actors and has sought to devise new strategies to combat disinformation. On November 23, the European Parliament (EP) adopted a resolution entitled 'EU Strategic Communication to Counteract Anti-EU Propaganda by Third Parties.' In passing this non-binding resolution (by a vote of 304 to 179, with 208 abstentions), the EP added its support to European Union efforts to counter what Brussels believes are propaganda and disinformation campaigns against the EU and its member states by Russia and non-state actors such as the Islamic State terrorist organization. In adopting the resolution, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) expressed the view that propaganda and disinformation campaigns seek to distort the truth, incite fear, provoke doubt, discredit the EU institutions, divide the EU and its North American partners, and paralyze decision-making. According to the main author of the resolution, MEP Anna Fotyga (from Poland), even the preparation of the text was a target of hostile propaganda."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morelli, Vincent L.; Archick, Kristin
2016-12-01
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U.S. Sanctions on Russia [November 28, 2018]
"Sanctions are considered by many to be a central element of U.S. policy to counter Russian malign behavior, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2014, election interference and cyberattacks, human rights abuses, illicit trade with North Korea, support to the government of Syria, and use of a chemical weapon. The United States also employs sanctions in an effort to deter further objectionable activities by Russia (e.g., expanding the war in Ukraine or launching new attacks in neighboring countries). Most Members of Congress support a robust use of sanctions amid concerns about Russia's international behavior and geostrategic intentions. Most Russia-related sanctions implemented by the United States have been levied in response to Russia's 2014 invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions are based on national emergency authorities granted the office of the President in the National Emergencies Act (NEA; P.L. 94-412; 50 U.S.C. 1621) and International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA; P.L. 95-223; 50 U.S.C. 1701) and were exercised by President Barack Obama in 2014 in a series of executive orders (EOs 13660, 13661, 13662, and 13685). The Obama and Trump Administrations have used these EOs to impose sanctions on approximately 650 Russian individuals and entities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Welt, Cory; Archick, Kristin; Nelson, Rebecca M. . . .
2018-11-28
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European Union: Ongoing Challenges and Future Prospects [December 3, 2018]
"The European Union (EU) is a unique partnership in which member states have pooled sovereignty in certain policy areas and harmonized laws on a wide range of economic and political issues. The EU is the latest stage in a process of European integration begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to promote peace, security, and economic development. The EU currently consists of 28 member states, including most of the formerly communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The EU is largely viewed as a cornerstone of European stability and prosperity. For much of the last decade, however, many EU countries have faced considerable economic difficulties. Despite an improved economic situation in the EU since 2017, economic pressures and societal changes have contributed to the rise of populist and antiestablishment political parties, at least some of which harbor anti-EU or 'euroskeptic' sentiments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2018-12-03
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Northern Ireland: Current Issues and Ongoing Challenges in the Peace Process [March 12, 2018]
"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). On April 10, 1998, the two governments and the Northern Ireland political parties participating in peace talks reached a political settlement. The resulting Good Friday Agreement (also known as the Belfast Agreement) recognized the 'consent principle' (i.e., a change in Northern Ireland's status can come about only with the consent of a majority of its people). It called for devolved government--the transfer of power from London to Belfast--with a Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive Committee in which unionist and nationalist parties would share power; it also contained provisions on decommissioning (disarmament) of paramilitary weapons, policing, human rights, UK security normalization (demilitarization), and the status of prisoners."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2018-03-12
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The European Union: Questions and Answers [February 23, 2018]
"The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership that represents a unique form of cooperation among sovereign countries. The EU 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. The EU currently consists 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."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2018-02-23
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Transatlantic Relations in 2018 [January 10, 2018]
"As the second year of the Trump Administration begins, a degree of uncertainty lingers over transatlantic relations. The U.S.-European partnership could face challenges in 2018. Following the election of President Trump, numerous European officials and analysts expressed concern about the future trajectory of U.S.-European relations, particularly the U.S. commitment to NATO, the European Union (EU), and the multilateral trading system. Although the Trump Administration has not altered or withdrawn from the fundamental aspects of the transatlantic relationship, many European leaders appear uneasy with key parts of the Trump Administration's 'America First' foreign policy and some question whether the United States will remain a reliable partner in 2018."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morelli, Vincent L.; Archick, Kristin
2018-01-10
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Northern Ireland, Brexit, and the Irish Border [March 12, 2018]
"As the 20th anniversary of the April 1998 peace accord for Northern Ireland (known as the Good Friday Agreement or the Belfast Agreement) approaches, concerns are increasing about how the expected exit of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU)--or 'Brexit'--might affect Northern Ireland. The future of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland has become a central issue in the UK's withdrawal negotiations with the EU. Once the UK ceases to be a member of the EU--likely in March 2019-- Northern Ireland will be the only part of the UK to share a land border with an EU member state (Ireland and the UK both joined the EU in 1973). Agreeing upon arrangements for the post-Brexit UK-Irish border is particularly challenging because of Northern Ireland's history of political violence. Roughly 3,500 people died during 'the Troubles,' the 30-year sectarian conflict between unionists (Protestants who largely define themselves as British and support remaining part of the UK) and nationalists (Catholics who consider themselves Irish and may desire a united Ireland)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Mix, Derek E.
2018-03-12
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Brexit: Status and Outlook [Updated January 9, 2020]
From the Document: "After the 2016 referendum in which 52% of voters in the United Kingdom (UK) favored leaving the European Union (EU), 'Brexit' was originally scheduled to occur on March 29, 2019. In early 2019, Parliament repeatedly rejected the withdrawal agreement negotiated between then-Prime Minister Theresa May's government and the EU. Boris Johnson became prime minister in July 2019, following May's resignation. Given continued political deadlock over Brexit in the UK, the EU granted the UK three deadline extensions, with the most recent lasting until January 31, 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Archick, Kristin
2020-01-09
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Brexit: Status and Outlook [Updated October 30, 2019]
From the Document: "After the 2016 referendum in which 52% of voters in the United Kingdom (UK) favored leaving the European Union (EU), 'Brexit' was originally scheduled to occur on March 29, 2019. In early 2019, however, Parliament repeatedly rejected the withdrawal agreement negotiated between Prime Minister Theresa May's government and the EU without supporting any alternative. Given continued political deadlock over Brexit in the UK, the EU has granted the UK three deadline extensions. The most recent extension lasts until January 31, 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Archick, Kristin
2019-10-30
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European Parliament and U.S. Interests [Updated October 25, 2019]
From the Document: "The European Parliament (EP) is the only directly elected institution of the 28-country European Union (EU). The EP's 751 members represent the EU's roughly 513 million citizens. The most recent EP elections were in May 2019. The EP has accumulated more power over time as part of EU efforts to improve democratic accountability and transparency in EU policymaking. Enhanced powers since the 2009 Lisbon Treaty have made the EP a more important actor on several issues of U.S. concern, including trade, data privacy, and counterterrorism. Congress-EP ties are long-standing, and Congress may be increasingly interested in EP activities given the EP's potential to influence key aspects of U.S.-EU relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2019-10-25
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European Fighters in Syria and Iraq: Assessments, Responses, and Issues for the United States [April 27, 2015]
From the Document: "The rising number of U.S. and European citizens traveling to fight with rebel and terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq has emerged as a growing concern for U.S. and European leaders, including Members of Congress. Several deadly terrorist attacks in Europe over the past year--including the killing of 17 people in Paris in January 2015--have heightened the perception that these individuals could pose a serious security threat. Increasingly, terrorist suspects in Europe appear to have spent time with groups fighting in the Middle East, especially with the Islamic State organization (also known as ISIL or ISIS). Others, like the gunman who murdered two individuals in Copenhagen in February 2015, seem to have been inspired by Islamist extremist propaganda. U.S. intelligence suggests that more than 20,000 foreign fighters have traveled to the Syria-Iraq region, including at least 3,400 Westerners, since 2011. The vast majority of Western fighters are thought to be from Europe, although roughly 150 Americans have traveled or attempted to travel to Syria. U.S. authorities estimate that a handful of Americans have died in the conflict; they also assert that military operations against the Islamic State group since August 2014 have killed thousands of fighters, including an unknown number of foreigners."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Belkin, Paul; Blanchard, Christopher M. . . .
2015-04-27
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European Security and Islamist Terrorism [June 8, 2017]
"The June 3, 2017 attack in London--in which eight people were killed and nearly 50 injured--was the third terrorist incident in the United Kingdom in the last few months. Five people were killed outside the UK parliament in March in a similar car and knife attack, and in May, a suicide bomber killed 22 people and wounded 116 at a music concert in Manchester. These incidents are among a string of terrorist attacks in Europe connected to or inspired by violent Islamist extremism, with many since 2014 linked to the Islamic State group (also known as ISIS or ISIL)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Belkin, Paul; Mix, Derek E.
2017-06-08
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U.S. Sanctions on Russia [January 11, 2019]
"The executive branch also has used a variety of EOs [executive order]and legislation to impose sanctions on Russian individuals and entities in response to a number of other concerns. Legislation that established specifically Russia-related sanctions includes the following: [1] The Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-208, Title IV; 22 U.S.C. 5811 note); [2] Support for the Sovereignty, Integrity, Democracy, and Economic Stability of Ukraine Act of 2014, as amended (SSIDES; P.L. 113-95; 22 U.S.C. 8901 et seq.); [3] Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014, as amended (UFSA; P.L. 113-272; 22 U.S.C. 8921 et seq.); [4] Countering Russian Influence in Europe and Eurasia Act of 2017, as amended (CRIEEA; P.L. 115-44, Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act [CAATSA], Title II; 22 U.S.C. 9501 et seq.)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Welt, Cory; Archick, Kristin; Nelson, Rebecca M. . . .
2019-01-11
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U.S.-European Relations in the 116th Congress [February 4, 2019]
"Since the end of the Second World War, successive U.S. Administrations and many Members of Congress have supported a close U.S. partnership with Europe. Often termed the 'transatlantic relationship', the U.S.-European partnership encompasses NATO, the European Union (EU), and extensive bilateral political and economic ties. Over the past 70 years, political tensions, trade disputes, and changes in the security landscape have tested U.S.-European relations. Despite periodic difficulties, U.S. and European policymakers have valued the transatlantic partnership as serving their respective geostrategic and economic interests."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2019-02-04
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European Union: Questions and Answers [January 19, 2016]
From the Summary: "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. […] This report serves as a primer on the EU. It also briefly describes U.S.-EU political and economic relations that may be of interest in the 114th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2016-01-19
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European Union: Current Challenges and Future Prospects [February 15, 2016]
"The European Union (EU) is a unique partnership in which member states have pooled sovereignty in certain policy areas and harmonized laws on a wide range of economic, social, and political issues. The EU is the latest stage in a process of European integration begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to promote peace, security, and economic development. Today, the EU is composed of 28 member states, including most of the formerly communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe. EU members share a customs union, a single market (in which goods, people, and capital move freely), a common trade policy, a common agricultural policy, and a common currency (the euro) that is used by 19 member states (collectively referred to as 'the Eurozone'). Twenty-two EU members participate in the Schengen area of free movement, in which individuals may travel without passport checks. In addition, the EU has taken steps to develop common foreign and security policies, has sought to build common internal security measures, and remains committed to enlargement, especially to the countries of the Western Balkans."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2016-02-15
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U.S.-EU Data Privacy: From Safe Harbor to Privacy Shield [May 19, 2016]
"This report provides background on U.S. and EU data protection policies and the Safe Harbor Agreement, discusses the CJEU [Court of Justice of the European Union] ruling, and reviews the key elements of the newly-proposed Privacy Shield. It also explores various issues for Congress, including implications for U.S. firms of Safe Harbor's invalidation and the role of the Judicial Redress Act in helping to ameliorate U.S.-EU tensions on data privacy and protection issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weiss, Martin A.; Archick, Kristin
2016-05-19
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
