Podcasts about ep plenary session

Intergovernmental organisations need money to finance their activities, realise their goals and maintain their own structures. But where does this money come from? How big are the budgets? And how much do citizens of different countries contribute? Let’s try to answer these questions by comparing the numbers of three of the world’s largest intergovernmental organisations: The United Nations, the World Trade Organization and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)652084 https://youtu.be/gY3555eD1cQ Source: © European Union - EP

As governments scramble to protect their populations from COVID-19 many of the personal freedoms and rights we take for granted are being –temporarily- taken away… Although certain rights enshrined in the European Convention of Human Rights can be suspended in situations of emergency, an extra effort is needed to prevent abuse and protect the most vulnerable. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)652085 https://youtu.be/2mVYyharO1U Source: © European Union - EP

The EU is set to review the way it has implemented the so-called permanent structured cooperation in the field of security and defence - PESCO for short - before the end of the year. It’ll be an opportunity to review strengths and weaknesses and see how to better match ambitions with capabilities to pursue its own security interests and become a strategic global security provide… but without clear purpose and direction, the EU’s quest for “strategic autonomy” could end up being little more than a catchphrase… https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)652051 https://youtu.be/3PsHCnpkqHM Source: © European Union - EP

With a population of around 150 million, there are more pigs than any other livestock category in the EU! The sector is supported by the Common Agricultural Policy, but it is facing serious challenges… Its negative impact on the environment, concerns about animal health and an uncertain international context need to be addressed if the sector is to become more sustainable in the future and match the EU’s green ambitions. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)652044 https://youtu.be/wDIfNDq1tvM Source: © European Union - EP

As the world’s second largest economy and with an ever-expanding domestic market, including a growing wealthy middle-class with a taste for high-quality products with foreign labels, China is an opportunity European businesses and investors cannot afford to ignore… But it’s a difficult market to access! And not a very fair nor transparent one… So, what is the EU doing to achieve a real level playing field for EU investors in China? https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)652066 https://youtu.be/oFxIoMtz2ms Source: © European Union - EP

Globally one out of eight million species are threatened with extinction, and Europe is no exception to this trend… The EU’s 2030 diversity strategy wants to put nature on the path to recovery. But what if one of the ways to do that was to let nature take care of itself? It’s called rewilding! Let’s take a walk on the wild side! http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_ATA(2020)641556 https://youtu.be/PAqjv74slhI Source: © European Union - EP

Torn by climate change, food insecurity, uncontrolled population growth, political instability and terrorism, the Sahel poses an evolving threat on Europe’s doorstep, as the August coup in Mali has once again shown. With more or less success, the EU’s strategy for the region has tried to address the multiple factors of instability but the new action plan for the region will need to take the EU’s and Africa’s new geopolitical interests on board if it is to be more successful than its predecessor… http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)652050 https://youtu.be/gxKNSSl5LlQ Source: © European Union - EP

Following the post-Cold War reset, EU-Russia relations have been strained, not least by Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, to which the EU responded with hard-hitting sanctions. Putin’s support for rebel groups in eastern Ukraine, his policies in the neighbourhood, disinformation campaigns and Russia’s intervention in Syria just added fuel to the fire... And yet, the two remain closely interdependent… So, how to deal with Putin’s Russia? http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)652030 Source: © European Union - EP

Organised crime is a growing threat to the EU and its citizens. And new digital technologies, combined with open borders and free trade, only make it easier for criminals… But the EU is stepping up police and judicial cooperation, as well as information-sharing, in order to stay one step ahead of them and make sure that crime does not pay! http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)652043 Source: © European Union - EP

The coronavirus has taken a heavy toll on our lives, our economies, our societies but also on electoral processes around the world, with many elections being postponed in order to protect citizens’ health. But this involves a delicate balancing act between ensuring the democratic right to vote and a government’s responsibility to protect public health. So, what can we learn from experience? http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)652017 Source: © European Union - EP

To help consumers to make healthier food choices, the European Commission wants producers of foods and drinks to display clear nutritional information on the front-of-pack. But this may not be so simple… Some Member States have already introduced their own labelling schemes to mark “healthy” products but will the EU win the battle at European scale? http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)652028 Source: © European Union - EP

An efficient and modern public system is a pre-condition for smart societies and economies. But how do we foster public sector innovation? The EU doesn’t have a direct role here, but it can definitely provide direction! So, stay with us… as we spell out a new vision for the public sector in Europe! https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)651954 Source: © European Union - EP

While commonly consumed in many parts of the world, insects have long been off the menu in Europe…but they could soon be creeping their way onto our plates! With Europe’s focus shifting towards a more sustainable agri-food sector, entomophagy, the practice of eating insects, is now gaining serious interest… But are Europeans ready for an insect-based diet?https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_ATA(2020)641551 Source: © European Union - EP

As more and more European countries went into lockdown, trade within the EU and the foundations of its single market were hit hard! The EU was quick to respond, but the effects of the pandemic on both European and world economies will be deep and long-lasting… https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)651974 Source: © European Union - EP

The digital age has had a profound impact on many sectors, and culture is no exception! It has opened new and exciting opportunities for cultural industries… but it has also raised new challenges, related to skills, accessibility or affordability. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)651942 Source: © European Union - EP

Demography matters… it matters for the economy, for the labour market, for healthcare and pensions, even for election results! But future demographic trends in the EU are not encouraging… No, they’re not! A number of demographic challenges, such as a declining birth rate, an ageing population, and depopulation of some of its regions, threaten the future demographic stability of the continent. So, what are the EU and its member states doing about it? https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)651939 Source: © European Union - EP

We shop ‘til we drop, and chuck out just as fast… But this fast fashion, throwaway consumer culture is destroying our planet and creating huge social problems. So, if the EU is serious about achieving its green objectives, it will need to find a way to turn fast fashion into clean, ethical fashion…https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_ATA(2020)656296 Source: © European Union - EP

The EU has some of the strongest rules on consumer protection in the world! But sometimes, it can be difficult to enforce them… So, what can you do, as European consumer, if you’re not getting value for money? Get to know your rights! https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)651962 Source: © European Union - EP

Malicious cyber activities pose an increasing threat to our societies, our economies and our political systems. And no one is safe from virtual, yet very real… attacks. So, what tools does the EU have to respond to such threats? And what is its strategy? Join us in the world of cyberspace! https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)651937 Source: © European Union - EP

In the digital era, data is the new currency… And data protection, an increasingly important social, legal and political matter for the EU! But how well protected is our data? And what challenges lie ahead? https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)651923 Source: © European Union - EP

The coronavirus crisis has made life even more difficult for the most deprived people in our society… To protect them, as well the workers and volunteers delivering aid to them, and ensure no one falls through the net, the EU has had to take some exceptional measures… https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)651943 Source: © European Union - EP

With no reliable prognosis or effective treatment, dementia is a growing public health concern in Europe and world-wide...But what if artificial intelligence applications could help advance the science on dementia? https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_ATA(2020)641546 Source: © European Union - EP

Declining yields due to warmer temperatures and less rain, biodiversity loss, increased risk of floods… the impacts of climate change on European agriculture are irrefutable… But what impact does agriculture have on climate change? And what role can it play in helping address this challenge? https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)651922 Source: © European Union - EP

The coronavirus pandemic forced most of the world’s population into lockdown… But thanks to digital technologies, we were mostly able to keep on working, studying, shopping and chatting with our loved ones without leaving our homes! But the crisis has also highlighted some painful truths about our digital world… https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)651927 Source: © European Union - EP

Apart from taking thousands of lives… COVID-19 has revealed one hard truth: the EU’s dependency on other countries for essential medical equipment such as protective masks and gloves, but also respiratory ventilators. The EU and its Member States have acted swiftly to counter these shortages… but Europe may need to re-think its production and trade priorities if it doesn’t want to find itself in the same situation when the next pandemic strikes! https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)649387 Source: © European Union - EP

Images of half-empty supermarket shelves are becoming all too common as European countries struggle to limit the effects of the coronavirus, a pandemic that has changed what everyday life looks like for everyone… So, what is the EU doing to protect the agri-food supply chain and ensure food security during the pandemic? http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)649360 Source: © European Union - EP

Organ donation and transplantation saves lives… thousands of lives! And while some countries have seen encouraging increases in donation rates, in others transplantation rates have been stagnating or even decreasing…Responsibility for heath policies lies primarily with the Member States, but how can the EU bolster cooperation to save even more lives? http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)649363 Source: © European Union - EP

Our longtime use - and abuse…- of antibiotics in humans, agricultural livestock management, and food production has led to an increased threat of antimicrobial resistance, making us all more vulnerable to infectious diseases… But what if the answer lied in probiotics? https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_ATA(2020)641545 Source: © European Union - EP

Despite the Commission’s assurances that the long-term work on the European Green Deal will continue in parallel to the coronavirus firefighting… the COVID-19 emergency and the need to deal with its socio-economic consequences is raising concerns that decarbonisation strategies could be derailed… But is this a real threat or could it also be an opportunity? There’s no lack of voices arguing that green investments need to play a central role in any economic recovery plan. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)649371 Source: © European Union - EP

As COVID-19 has proved once again, diseases do not recognise borders… So, with labs around the world on the race to find a vaccine, it is time to ask ourselves the question: What can the EU do to help? Is there a European added value concerning vaccination? https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)642828 Source: © European Union - EP

The coronavirus crisis has highlighted the EU’s dependency on countries outside its borders for the production of many active pharmaceutical ingredients and medicines. It is not a new problem… but it has become painfully exposed in the past weeks. So, why is that? And what can the EU do about it? Never a debate has been timelier! http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)649402 Source: © European Union - EP

While the world population keeps on growing, the EU’s population is growing only slowly and is even expected to decline in the longer term! So, how will these demographic changes impact on food and nutrition? Even if improving food quality and healthier eating habits lead to higher life expectancy, the EU still has to tackle the harmful consequences and prevent the causes of diet-related chronic conditions, such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_STU(2020)646181 Source: © European Union - EP

As the new coronavirus spreads massively across the globe, it’s not only human lives which are at risk… but also our economies and our way of life. Trade, health, transportation, agriculture, tourism, education… no sector remains untouched! So, what can the EU do in such situations? How well-equipped is it to deal with the effects of epidemics and pandemics? http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)646195 Source: © European Union - EP

The European Union is determined to clamp down on the dissemination of terrorist content online, to prevent radicalisation and keep European citizens safe online, as much as offline. But this is a sensitive area, with a fine line to tread. Let’s look into some of the finer details of the proposed measures! http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)649326 Source: © European Union - EP

As more and more European cities go into lockdown to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, international organisations and scientists are using artificial intelligence to track the epidemic in real time… to be able to predict where it will hit next and prepare a response. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_ATA(2020)641538 Source: © European Union - EP

The EU aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. But the green transition 2050 won’t happen without making some financial investments… hence, the Just Transition Fund, to support those regions most affected by the transition to a low carbon economy. But how big will this Fund be? And how will it work? https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)646180 Source: © European Union - EP

Transport is a cornerstone of European integration. It helps keep the European economy moving and allows us to move around quickly and safely… but also sustainably! The new Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has put transport on a fast track towards becoming decarbonised and digital! But it won’t be an easy journey… http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)646177 Source: © European Union - EP

The new Commission wants to “unite and strengthen” Europe to better protect citizens against both internal and external threats. But this won’t happen if we don’t have the necessary infrastructure and procedures in place that ensure a rapid and joint European response in case of a crisis. Here, the key word is “military mobility”. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)646188 Source: © European Union - EP

From mass production to word processing, technological innovations have always transformed the way we work, and live… But what would happen if artificial intelligence worked just as well as humans - or perhaps even better - without taking holidays, getting sick, joining unions or drawing salaries…? https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_ATA(2020)641537 Source: © European Union - EP

Synthetic pesticides used to control pests such as fungi, bacteria, insects or weeds have proved to be rather effective, but they are coming under increasing scrutiny, as they have come to have worrying consequences for human health and the environment. What alternatives are the possible alternatives to help protect plant health and boost crop yields? https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_ATA(2020)641529 Source: © European Union - EP

Serious health threats do not respect borders … Efficient cross-border cooperation and a coordinated response are therefore essential to prevent the spread of diseases or contain public health emergencies. How well prepared is the EU to tackle such a public health emergency? https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)646123 Source: © European Union - EP

Is data really the new oil? And if so, how do we regulate this market and ensure a level-playing field? The global debate on the extent to which current competition policy rules are sufficient to deal with the fast-moving digital economy has never been more pertinent! https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2020)646117 Source: © European Union - EP

The Alpine region is home to 80 million European citizens. And while it’s one of the largest economic regions in Europe, it also faces major challenges … That’s why the 7 countries and 48 regions involved in the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region are working together to overcome the challenges and secure the region’s sustainable development. Want to know more? Tour the Alps with us! https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)646109 Source: © European Union - EP

The poultry and egg sector is one of the most intensive farming systems in the EU. There are more than 400 million laying hens in the EU, which produce close to 7.5 million tonnes of eggs each year. Will the sector continue to thrive? What are the challenges it faces? And how does the EU support and regulate the sector to make it more humane and environmentally-friendly? https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_IDA(2019)644195 Source: © European Union - EP

A record number of fires – many intentionally set – swept through the Amazon rainforest in the summer of 2019, reducing large chunks of the world's largest tropical rainforest to piles of ash. How has the international community responded to protect this precious 'global good'? And what are the plans to ensure that this ecological disaster isn’t repeated? https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)644198 Source: © European Union - EP

Agriculture is one of the largest water-consuming sectors, using it in particular for irrigation. But water scarcity is an increasing problem, both globally and in the EU, and the situation is expected to worsen with climate change… How will the EU deal with this challenge in the future? https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)644216 Source: © European Union - EP

To preserve and promote our shared cultural heritage, two European cities are chosen each year to be Europe's cultural capitals. How are they chosen? And how do cities benefit from the experience? Listen to this podcast! http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)644196 Source: © European Union - EP

In Europe, better healthcare, social and technological improvements are allowing us to live longer, and longer. If we link this to another trend, declining fertility rate… this could radically change the way our societies look and function! Want to know more? Let’s peek into the future! https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_ATA(2019)641510 Source: © European Union - EP

The United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for sustainable development includes a strong commitment by all states to respect human rights. This covers the rights of the child. No action to implement the SDGs can be detrimental to the rights of the child. Healthy, well-nourished, well-educated children, who are protected from violence and abuse, are the best guarantee of long-term sustainable development. The EU prioritises children's rights and relevant SDGs in its external action. The European Parliament has repeatedly defended the need to protect and promote children's rights through EU external action, and has asked the Commission to propose a strategy and action plan in this sense. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)642285 Source: © European Union - EP

Poverty affects more than a quarter of the world's population, and that is why erasing it is a principal objective for humanity, enshrined as the first of a number of goals (SDGs) in the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Poverty is more than just having insufficient income – it is a multidimensional phenomenon closely related to unequal access to education, health and other basic services. Poverty eradication is an ongoing objective of EU development policy. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2019)644181 Source: © European Union - EP

Tackling climate change is becoming increasingly urgent, yet the majority of our transport still runs on fossil fuels. While electric battery cars provide a response, batteries are too heavy to use in ships or aeroplanes. Could using hydrogen gas and fuel cells to produce electricity on board provide the answer? http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_ATA(2019)634453 Source: © European Union - EP