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...

Digital tools could create stronger connections between European citizens and the EU decision-making process and, by doing so, might contribute to reducing the EU democratic deficit. This report investigates what lessons can be drawn from local, national and European experiences of the use of...

In order to make e-participation tools at the EU level more successful, this report provides four policy options: 1) Stimulate experiments with participatory budgeting in relation to the regional and social funds, since e-budgeting produces the strongest results when it comes to impact on...

This report focuses on assistive technologies (ATs) for people with disabilities covering perceptions and specific needs related to ATs, as well as complementary measures by the public sector. Three comprehensive empirical studies were carried out: a quantitative European-wide online survey...

This report focuses on Assistive Technology (AT) for three specific conditions of disability: 1) blindness and visual impairment; 2) deafness and auditory impairment; 3) autism spectrum disorders (ASD). These three groups of disability affect different body organs and functions, and have very...

The scope of this study is to assess the costs and benefits of retrofitting smart tachographs in heavy-duty vehicles operating in international transport by January 2020. Specifically, it addresses economic consequences of a technological upgrade of these vehicles. Moreover, it considers the...

This is the second edition of an annual EPRS publication designed to identify key issues and policy areas that are likely to feature prominently on the political agenda of the European Union over the coming year. Topics presented include: the implications for the EU of the terrorism threat, the...

Based on a large range of newly accessible archival sources, this study explores the European Parliament's policies on the institutional reform of the European Communities between 1979 and 1989. It demonstrates how the Parliament fulfilled key functions in the process of constitutionalization of...