Substances used to suppress, eradicate and prevent organisms that are considered harmful are grouped under the term 'pesticide'. The term includes both plant protection products (used on plants in agriculture, horticulture, parks and gardens) and biocidal products (used in other applications,...

Biodiversity, the diversity of life on earth at all levels, is declining, mainly as a result of human-induced pressures such as over-exploitation of natural resources, loss of viable habitats, pollution, climate change or invasive alien species. EU biodiversity policy is based on the Birds and...

The preparation process for an EU framework programme for research and innovation includes a variety of activities: evaluation of the previous programme; expert studies to define the scope and priorities of the new programme; and proposals for new instruments. The EU institutions, the advisory...

This rolling check-list presents an overview of the Special Reports of the European Court of Auditors (ECA), concentrating on those relevant for the 2016 discharge procedure. It strives to link the research topics of the Special Reports to relevant debates and positions within the European...

The most important factors for successful e-participation identified in the comparison of 22 case studies are: a close and clear link of e-participation processes to a concrete formal decision-making process; the participatory process and the contribution of its outputs to the overall...

It is still believed by many that the perceived democratic deficit of the European Union indicates the need for fostering a European public sphere as a space for debate across national public spheres. Moreover, there is a consensus that new modes of political communication and participation via...

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) constitutes a significant step, marking a paradigm shift in the way people with disabilities are seen and leading to important legislative and policy changes. This report analyses first the regulatory frameworks...

Assistive technologies (ATs) are designed to improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. Some are relatively low-tech and very familiar, such as such as reading glasses, crutches and hearing aids. Others are more advanced, using cutting-edge science and technology, with...

The odometer readings of second-hand cars traded across the EU are manipulated more frequently than those of vehicles traded on national markets. Odometer fraud is difficult to track and leaves no trace. This incurs costs and creates challenges on the EU internal market. It can also impact EU...