In April 2017 the EU Affairs Committee (SUE) held 7 meetings: no. 121-127. During these meetings the Committee:

• scrutinised 67 EU documents:
  • pursuant to Art. 7(4) of the Cooperation Act – 8 EU draft legislative acts concerning i.a.: internal market for electricity, promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and European business statistics,
  • pursuant to Art. 151(1) of the Sejm Standing Orders and Art. 3(2) of the Cooperation Act – 38 EC documents (8 communications, 24 reports, 2 proposals for regulations, 2 proposals for directives, 1 joint communication and 1 annual review) concerning i.a.: Facility for Refugees in Turkey, quality of fiscal data reported by Member States in 2016 and progress made in the implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement,
  • pursuant to Art. 11(1) of the Cooperation Act – EU documents, which were to be discussed by General Affairs Council,
  • pursuant to Art. 8(2) of the Cooperation Act – 8 EU draft legal acts concerning i.a.: the position to be adopted on behalf of the EU at the Eighth Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, amendment to the regulation on certain fishing opportunities and position to be adopted, on behalf of the European Union, in the Joint Committeeof the Regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin,
• took note of information of the Minister of Foreign Affairs on negotiations on the UK's withdrawal from the EU under Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon - Poland's goals (presented by Secretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Konrad Szymański) (mtg no. 121),
• scrutinized: information on the Foreign Affairs Council meeting planned for 29 April 2017 (presented by Secretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Konrad Szymański) and information on the position the Council of Ministers had taken in the EU Council pursuant to Art. 3 (2) of Protocol no. 36 on transitional provisions (presented by Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Justice Marcin Warchoł) (mtg no. 123),
• held the meeting with Michel Barnier, Chief Negotiator of the European Commission's Task Force for the Preparation and Conduct of the Negotiations with the United Kingdom under Article 50 TEU (mtg no. 124),
• heard information on the British Government's strategy for departing the European Union presented by J.E. Jonathan Knott, Ambassador of the United Kingdom (mtg no. 125),
• adopted opinion no. 20 on documents COM(2016) 759 and 860 (mtg no. 126),
• together with the Public Finances Committee and Economy and Development Committee heard information on Convergence Programme and National Reform Programme prepared by Poland in connection with the implementation of the European Semester in 2017 (presented by Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Finance Leszek Skiba and Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Development Adam Hrymszczak) (mtg no. 127).

SUBSIDIARITY SCRUTINY

COM(2016) 861 – deadline for scrutiny 17.05.2017
Proposal for a regulation European Parliament and of the Council on the internal market for electricity (recast)

EU Affairs Committee:

• 05.04.2017, mtg. 122 - opinion no. 19 on the non-compliance with the subsidiarity principle,
• 21.04.2017, mtg. 126 - the Committee draft resolution containing reasoned opinion.

***

In April 2017 information on and documents of SUE meetings no. 122-123 and 126, provided by the EU Affairs Committee secretariat, were published in the EDL-S (European Legislative Documents in the Sejm) and IPEX databases.

• 20.04.2017, considered the information presented by the Secretary of State in the Ministry of the Interior and Administration – Jarosław Zieliński on the state of play of the European Parliament and Council Directive (EU) 2016/680 of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of the crime prevention (mtg no. 57);

• 06.04.2017, considered information on Poland's fulfillment of the conditions enabling the activation, in the new financial perspective, of EU funds for waste management (mtg no. 64);

In April 2017

• the following bills implementing EU law have been referred to the first reading [paper no.]:
  
  • Government bill amending the act on promotion of employment and labour market institutions and some other acts [1494],
  • Government bill amending the act - Geological and Mining Law and some other acts [1480],
• the following acts implementing EU law have been published [paper no.]:
  
  • Act of 23 March 2017 amending the act on the collection, storage and transplantation of cells [1332],
  • Act of 23 March 2017 on mortgage credit and on the supervision of mortgage credit intermediaries and agents [1210],
  • Act of 23 March 2017 amending the act on - Penal Code and some other acts [1186],
  • Act of 24 February 2017 amending the act on the prevention of pollution from ships and some other acts [1194].

In April 2017, 18 draft legislative acts were subject to subsidiarity scrutiny. As of 8 May 2017, the national parliaments submitted 5 reasoned opinions on the non-compliance of the scrutinised draft acts with the subsidiarity principle.

* In March 2017 reasoned opinions to the documents COM(2016) 861 and COM(2016) 863 were submitted - see the previous Bulletin OIDE – March 2017. Furthermore, in March 2017 the German Bundesrat  adopted a reasoned opinion to the document COM(2016) 861, but this information appeared in the IPEX database after the March Bulletin OIDE was published.

26-28 April 2017, Malta, Interparliamentary Conference for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CFSP/CSDP)

• Meeting of the representatives of the Presidency Troika and the European Parliament
• Session I: State of play of the European Neighbourhood Policy, debate
• Session II: European Response to the Instability and Threats in the Southern Mediterranean and the Middle East, debate
• Parallel workshops (Workshop 1 - EU’s Migration Policy in 2017 and beyond, Workshop 2 - Fighting propaganda and information warfare, Workshop 3 - European Defence Action Plan and EU-NATO relations)
• Session III: Exchange of views on the priorities and the strategies of the EU in the area of CFSP and CSDP, debate
• Final Session: presentation of workshop results and adoption of the conclusions, closing remarks

23-25 May 2016, Bratislava, Conference of Speakers of the European Union Parliaments

• Meeting of Speakers of Parliaments of the Troika (Luxembourg, Slovakia, Estonia) and the European Parliament
• Presentation of achievements of the Slovak EU Council Presidency and its parliamentary dimension
• State of play of the Maltese EU Council Presidency and its parliamentary dimension
• Session I: Future of the EU as a global player in the context of the current global changes and the role of national parliaments, debate
• Session II: Bringing parliamentary agenda closer to citizens in the modern era – sharing best practices, debate
• Discussion and adoption of the conclusions
• Debate on final modalities of the JPSG on Europol
• Closing remarks

6-7 April 2017, Malta, Meeting of the Chairpersons of Economic and Environmental Affairs Committees

• Session I: The economic and social impact of climate change – the costs of doing nothing, debate
• Session II: Financing the cost of taking action – climate change as an exciting opportunity for non-state actors, part A - Public and private financing, debate
• Session III: Financing the cost of taking action – climate change as an exciting opportunity for non-state actors, part B - Practical discussion on the involvement of non-state actors, debate
• Closing of the meeting

NEW ON THE OIDE WEBSITE

In the section OIDE Notes: Brexit - documents

Following sections have been updated:

OIDE Notes: European Public Prosecutor's Office; European Semester - course of coordination cycle at the level of the Union and Poland (2011-2017); The EU Justice Scoreboard

Bibliographies: BREXIT – selected publications (since 2016)

LATEST DEBATES - COMMENTS

Selected articles on the current political and economic issues in the EU from the specialist periodicals available on-line (accessed 04.05.2017)

• Adamiec J.: Polityka regionalna Unii Europejskiej, „INFOS Zagadnienia społeczno-gospodarcze" nr 5(228), Biuro Analiz Sejmowych, 13.04.2017.
• Angerer J., Bitterlich M. T.: Thematic Overview: Member States whose 2017 Draft Budgetary Plans Were Assessed To Be „At Risk of Non-Compliance" with the Stability and Growth Pact, „Analiza", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 25.04.2017.
• Atanassov N.: European Citizens' Initiative, „W skrócie", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 10.04.2017.
• Bentzen N.: EU-Belarus people-to-people contacts, „W skrócie", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 25.04.2017.
• Bentzen N.: Understanding disinformation and fake news, „W skrócie", Biuro Analiz
• Blockmans S., Yilmaz S.: Why the EU should terminate accession negotiations with Turkey, „CEPS Commentary", Centre for European Policy Studies, 19.04.2017.
• Chopin T.: Defending Europe to Defend Real Sovereignty, „Policy paper", Notre Europe - The Jacques Delors Institute, 24.04.2017.
• Dittrich P.-J.: Social networks and populism in the EU four things you should know, „Policy paper", Notre Europe - The Jacques Delors Institute, 19.04.2017.
• Feldmann-Wojtachnia E., Tham B.: Youth and Politics in dialogue: Empowerment through the EU, „CAP Working Paper" 01/2017.
• Fischer S.: A Permanent State of Sanctions?. Proposal for a More Flexible EU Sanctions Policy toward Russia, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, „SWP Comment" 2017/C 11, April 2017.
• Gawlikowska-Fyk A., Zaręba Sz.: Negocjacje Komisji Europejskiej z Rosją w sprawie Nord Stream 2, „Biuletyn PISM" nr 41 (1483), Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych, 26.04.2017.
• Ghiles F.: This French Presidential Election is Historic, „CIDOB Opinion" 472, 04/2017.
• Jurczyszyn Ł.: Koncepcja polityki europejskiej Emmanuela Macrona, „Biuletyn PISM" nr 39 (1481), Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych, 21.04.2017.
• Kiss M.: The future of work in the EU, „Briefing", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 24.04.2017.
• Kiss M.: Revision of the Europass framework, „Briefing", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 07.04.2017.
• Klugman-Vutz C., Salm Ch.: EU support for education: Improving young people's chances on the job market, „Briefing", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 07.04.2017.
• Latek M.: New European consensus on development: Will it be fit for purpose?, „Briefing", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 20.04.2017.
• Van Lierop Ch.: Delivering the Urban Agenda for the EU, „Briefing", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 21.04.2017.
• Mańko R.: Discharge for the 2015 budget – EU decentralised agencies and joint undertakings, „W skrócie", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 21.04.2017.
• Mańko R.: Revision of EU financial rules, „Briefing", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 28.04.2017.
• Melissen J., Zweers W.: High Stakes of the Small EU Partnership Instrument on the Eve of the 2017 Mid-Term Review, „European Foreign Affairs Review" 2017, Vol. 22, Iss. 2, s. 147.
• Nuttin X.: The future of EU - ASEAN relations, „Analiza", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 20.04.2017.
• Parry M.: Partnership Instrument, „Briefing", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 19.04.2017.
• Pasikowska-Schnass M.: Celebrating European cultural heritage in 2018, „W skrócie", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 21.04.2017.
• Perchoc P.: Mapping EU-Turkey relations: State of play and options for the future, „Briefing", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 03.04.2017.
• Pertusot V.: It's midnight, let's talk about this important topic: Europe, „Clingendael Opinions", Netherlands Institute of International Relations 'Clingendael', 06.04.2017.
• Pfaltzgraff R., Shelby Cullom D.: The Trump Administration and Europe, „CEPOB - College of Europe Policy Brief series", College of Europe, April 2017.
• Prpic M.: EU measures against discrimination, „W skrócie", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 21.04.2017.
• Radjenovic A.: Resettlement of refugees: EU framework, „Briefing", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 25.04.2017.
• Remeur C.: Reduced VAT rate for e-publications, „Briefing", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 28.04.2017.
• Riddervold M., Bosilca R.-L.: Not so Humanitarian After All? Assessing EU Naval Mission Sophia, „ARENA Working Paper" no. 5/2017, ARENA, April 2017.
• Rinaldi D., Núñez Ferrer J.: The European Fund for Strategic Investments as a New Type of Budgetary Instrument, „CEPS Research report", No 7/2017,Centre for European Policy Studies, April 2017.
• Schwarzer D.: And Two Recommendations for Germany. Three Challenges for a Macron Presidency, „DGAPstandpunkt" no. 5, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Auswärtige Politik e.V. (DGAP), 25.04.2017.
• Siddi M.: The antitrust dispute between the European Commission and Gazprom: Towards an amicable deal, Finnish Institute of International Affairs, 25.04.2017.
• Szymańska J.: Unijne deklaracje jubileuszowe z Berlina (2007) i Rzymu (2017): porównanie i wnioski, „Biuletyn PISM" nr 34 (1476), Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych, 04.04.2017.
• Thillaye R.: Saving the French social model at the expense of the EU?, „Clingendael Opinions", Netherlands Institute of International Relations 'Clingendael', 18.04.2017.
• Wasilewski K.: Rozmowy zjednoczeniowe na Cyprze – wnioski dla UE, „Biuletyn PISM" nr 42 (1484), Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych, 28.04.2017.
• Widuto A.: Structural reform support programme 2017-2020, „W skrócie", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 21.04.2017.
• Wolczuk K.: EU Must Be Bolder in Driving Reform in Ukraine, „Expert comment", Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), 12.04.2017.
• Youngs R.: Shrinking space for civil society: the EU response, „Analiza", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 12.04.2017.
  

BREXIT

• Batsaikhan U., Kalcik R., Schoenmaker D.: Brexit and the European financial system, „Policy Contribution", Bruegel, 21.04.2017.
• Doherty B.: Northern Ireland and Brexit: the European Economic Area option, „Discussion paper", European Policy Centre, 07.04.2017.
• Dehousse F.: Can the British Brexit notification be withdrawn?, „In Commentaries", EGMONT – The Royal Institute for International Relations, 21.04.2017.
• Duff A.: Brexit: après May, le deluge, „Discussion paper", European Policy Centre, 12.04.2017.
• Giuli M.: Brexiting the Energy Union: what do the negotiation positions imply? „Commentary", European Policy Centre, 19.04.2017.
• Goodwin M.: Theresa May's Snap Election Isn't All About Brexit, „Expert comment", Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), 20.04.2017.
• Keating M.: The Impact of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union on Scotland, Wales and Gibraltar, „Analiza", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 26.04.2017.
• Korteweg R.: In Brexit talks, don't bargain over security, „Clingendael Opinions", Netherlands Institute of International Relations 'Clingendael', 06.04.2017.
• Major C., von Voß A.: European Defence in View of Brexit. Europe's military power might not suffer, but its political clout is at risk, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, "SWP Comment" 2017/C 10.04.2017.
• Miller V.: EU Agencies and post-Brexit options, „ Commons Briefing Paper" no. 7957, House of Commons Library, 28.04.2017.
• Olivié I., Pérez A.: Possible impacts of Brexit on EU development and humanitarian policies, study for European Parliament's Committee on Development (DEVE), April 2017.
• Springford J.: Brexiting Swiss-style: The best possible UK-EU trade deal, „Policy brief", Centre for European Reform, April 2017.
• Taylor B.: Leaving the European Union: Frontex and UK Border Security Cooperation Within Europe, House of Lords In Focus, 25.04.2017.
• Zuleeg F.: The UK's general election: Mandate for a softer Brexit or preparation for going over the cliff edge?, „Commentary", European Policy Centre, 18.04.2017.
  
  

EU CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES

Selected articles and papers
(available in the Sejm Library or on-line, accessed 04.05.2017)

• Anghel E., S., Drachenberg R.: From Bratislava to Rome: The European Council's role in shaping a common future for EU-27, „Analiza", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 18.04.2017.
• Broberg M.: The Humanitarian Law Principle of Independence Versus the European Union's Missionary Principle, „The Yearbook of European Law 2017", 23.04.2017, s. 1.
• Cebeci M., Schumacher T.: The EU's Constructions of the Mediterranean (2003-2017), „IAI Working Paper" iss. 03/17, Istituto Affari Internazionali.
• Harvey D.: Towards Process-Oriented Proportionality Review In The European Union, „European Public Law " iss. 1 (2017).
• Prutsch M. J.: Research for Cult Committee - European Identity, „Analiza", Biuro Analiz Parlamentu Europejskiego, 12.04.2017.
• Šadl U., Sankari S.: The Elusive Influence of the Advocate General on the Court of Justice: The Case of European Citizenship, „The Yearbook of European Law 2017", 10.04.2017, s. 1.