Research Briefing
Implementing the Lisbon Treaty
This Note looks at how the Lisbon Treaty, which came into force on 1 December 2009, is being implemented. It also considers how the UK might scrutinise the new procedures contained in the Treaty.
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Research Briefing
Where are Turkey’s new international relations taking it?
Turkey's path in the international arena is changing, with a growing focus on its regional and eastern neighbours. However, commentators have yet to predict whether this change is deepening Turkey's relationship with the West or moving it away.
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Research Briefing
EU bibliographies: proposed equal treatment directive
Under its 'Renewed Social Agenda' the European Commission adopted on 2 July 2008 a non-discrimination package including a proposal for a new directive on equal treatment prohibiting discrimination on grounds of age, disability, sexual orientation and religion or belief outside the employment sphere. This Note brings together documents relevant to the proposed "Equal Treatment Directive" and its scrutiny in the UK and EU.
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Research Briefing
Turkey’s energy politics
Turkey and its relations with its gas-rich neighbouring countries play a predominant role in the future of European energy security. Turkey hopes to use this as leverage in its aspirations to join the European Union. The array of Eurasian gas pipeline projects
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Research Briefing
Sources of International Social Statistics
International sources of social statistics. By Kathryn Keith. SN/SG/3140.
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Research Briefing
The Lisbon Treaty: choosing a High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
This Note looks at the role of the new High Representative for EU foreign affairs and security policy, the method of appointment and possible candidates for the job. It does not consider the new European External Action Service.
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Research Briefing
The Lisbon Treaty: choosing a President of the European Council
Now that all 27 Member States have ratified the Lisbon Treaty, the Swedish EU Presidency is holding an extraordinary meeting on 19 November 2009 to decide on the post-holders for the three new top jobs created by the Treaty. This Note looks at one of these posts - that of President of the European Council.
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Research Briefing
The Lisbon Treaty: ratification by the Czech Republic
This Note looks at the ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon by the Czech Republic.
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Research Briefing
Cyprus: a political and economic overview
Cyprus has been divided between the Greek community in the south and the Turkish community in the north since 1974. 2008 brought a renew sense of optimism to those eager for a reunification settlement, but this has now receded somewhat, with suggestions that a 'window of opportunity' may close in the spring of 2010. The economic situation - slowing in the south and already poor in the north - could be further damaged if there is no settlement deal.
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Research Briefing
The Treaty of Lisbon after the Second Irish Referdum
In a referendum on 2 October 2009 the Republic of Ireland voted by 67.1% to 32.9% in favour of ratifying the Treaty of Lisbon, having voted against its ratification in June 2008. Politically, the second vote was predicated on concessions agreed by the European Council in December 2008 and confirmed in June 2009 as “guarantees” to be formalised in a protocol attached to the next accession treaty. The positive Irish vote was welcomed by the EU institutions and other Member States, but Poland and the Czech Republic still have not completed ratification. This paper looks at the background to the referendum and other ratification developments.
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Research Briefing
The 2009 Swedish Presidency of the EU
This Note looks at the Swedish European Union Presidency programme, its priorities and some of the issues and events that have dominated the first half of the Presidency. It also considers matters that are likely to occupy the Presidency until the end of 2009.
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Research Briefing
The Lisbon Treaty: ratification issues in Ireland, Germany, Poland and Czech Republic
This Note looks at ratification of the Lisbon Treaty in Ireland, Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland. It updates Standard Note 4943, "The Lisbon Treaty: the final four", 20 January 2009, and SN 4921, "The Lisbon Treaty: the European Council and prospects for Irish ratification", 18 December 2008.
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Research Briefing
European Parliament Elections 2009
Elections to the European Parliament were held across the 27 states of the European Union between 4 and 7 June 2009. The UK elections were held concurrently with the county council elections in England on 4 June. The UK now has 72 MEPs, down from 78 at the last election, distributed between 12 regions. The Conservatives won 25 seats, both UKIP and Labour 13 and the Liberal Democrats 11. The Green Party held their two seats, while the BNP won their first two seats in the European parliament. Labour lost five seats compared with the comparative pre-election position. The Conservatives won the popular vote overall, and every region in Great Britain except the North East, where Labour won, and Scotland, where the SNP won. UKIP won more votes than Labour. UK turnout was 34.5%. Across Europe, centre-right parties, whether in power or opposition, tended to perform better than those on the centre-left. The exact political balance of the new Parliament depends on the formation of Groups. The UK was not alone in seeing gains for far-right and nationalistic parties. Turnout across the EU was 43%. It was particularly low in some of the newer Member States. Part 1 of this paper presents the full results of the UK elections, including regional analysis and local-level data. Part 2 presents summary results of the results across the EU, together with country-level summaries based on data from official national sources.
Total results (page 44 of 49)