Economy

All about trade agreements

The EU is an old hand at negotiating trade agreements, but who exactly does the negotiating, who decides, and what are the agreements for, anyway?

E-commerce: same rights for all keep rogues at bay

While many consumers are enjoying bolstered rights for a safer online shopping experience, success has been tainted as some fall victim to counterfeits and hidden costs.

European Semester: the tool to keep EU countries in the all clear

The 2008 crisis unveiled high deficit and public debt levels in many States. How does Europe orchestrate the various national budgets? A picture is worth 1000 words.

Inside the euro

All EU countries - or almost all - have to join the Eurozone. But what are the rules of the common currency? Journey into the inner workings of the euro.

Energy & Environment

An ocean of plastic to eradicate

Find yourself swimming in plastic carrier bags? While some countries are steaming ahead in reducing use, others remain big consumers. Find out how Europe is incentivising change.

Buy, use, throw away: breaking the cycle

MEPs advocate an overhaul of the traditional economy with the circular economy concept aimed at conserving resources through innovative product design and re-use.

CO2 in motion!

How do the different forms of transport we take rank against each other in the fight against carbon emissions?

Energy Union: investing in renewables, efficiency and a secure future

Will the new Energy Union increase efficiency and release Europe from reliance on high-carbon economies and dependency on Russia?

Power to the people (and their domestic appliances)

Giant efficiencies in the power consumption of electrical goods mean it’s time to change the energy efficiency labelling system.

Migration

Bringing down barriers: 20 years of Schengen

Now covering most of Europe and embodying people's right to free movement, the Schengen area was born from the dreams of a few in a village in Luxembourg.

Europeans' views on immigration

According to a new European Parliament Eurobarometer survey, Europeans identify immigration as one of the EU's main challenges and a majority favour a better distribution of asylum seekers. But national opinions vary.

Seeking asylum in the EU

What exactly happens when someone applies for asylum in the EU? Find out the definition of an asylum seeker, what their rights and obligations are, and what the process is like.

Youth

Erasmus+

The EU's Erasmus+ programme is about students, but not only: there are opportunities also for trainees, teachers, staff, volunteers and more.

Oiling the job machine for Europe's young people

Europe's current job machine has left its young people between a rock and a hard place, but the EU hopes the new tools it is now adding will reserve the trend.

Traineeships: Experience the EU at first hand

Did you know the Parliament offers traineeships to young people? Find out with Adela and Freddie how to apply and what kind of an experience could be in store for you too.