10 important European Parliament decisions that will soon affect your life

European Parliament adopted 134 new legislation in 2018, including in order to strengthen the safety of European citizens online and offline and to combat terrorism more effectively; reduce climate change, strengthen EU economic growth and raise the quality of life of citizens. This is the concluding “full” year of work for the current - 8. EP name. In general, by this time (07.2014-12.2018), it adopted 971 acts. On 25 May 2019, European elections will be held when EU citizens will elect the new European Parliament (705 Members from 27 EU Member States). This (EP 9 th parliamentary term) will begin in July 2019. The European Parliament's office in Latvia has compiled THE EP decisions adopted in 2018, which are essential for every citizen OF THE EU and Latvia, in areas such as security, quality of life, economy and business, combating climate change and young people. Security THE EP has supported a number of rules on combating terrorism and strengthening security:

1. Towards a new EU strategy to combat terrorism. THE EP Special Committee on Terrorism Matters (TERR) established in 2017, carefully assessing counter-terrorism measures and policy gaps IN THE EU, has prepared concrete proposals for a new EU strategy: a more effective fight against radicalisation, better data sharing and support for victims of terrorism.

2. Modern Schengen Information System - the most widely used database for security and border management in Europe. In 2018, THE EP approved three EU laws to improve it and to help combat terrorism, cross-border crime and illegal migration.

• Should also be mentioned IN THE EP supported new EU Travel Information and Permissions System (ETIAS), which will allow travellers to be checked before entering THE EU. Travellers who might cause security, illegal immigration or epidemiological threats will not be authorised. Enter into force in 2021.

3. New EU rules in the fight against terrorist financing. Where differences IN eu Member States' legislation make it difficult to cross-border cooperation and create gaps that criminals and terrorists can use, the new rules on the prevention of money laundering and the control of cash flows will improve the situation.

Quality of life of the population

4. End of geoblocking era - > lighter cross-border online shopping! With the new rules OF THE EP, consumers are free to choose home page for purchase of goods or services - more opportunities to buy, reserve accommodation, buy music festival tickets, etc. The seller can no longer block access to the page or redirect the buyer to another page because of his place of residence or location.

5. Price ceilings FOR EU telephone conversations and emergency warning systems. THE EP's new telecoms rules determine THE EU's domestic call price ceiling: from 15 May 2019, calls will not be more expensive than 19 cents per minute, SMS for 6 cents. Similarly, all EU countries will have to implement a “reverse 112 system” which will allow the citizens to inform citizens in the area concerned via sms or mobile applications. The rules also provide for greater predictability for telecommunications operators to promote investment in infrastructure and the construction of 5G networks.

EU economy, business 6. EP gives “Green light” to EU-Japan trade agreement. To date, the most ambitious EU bilateral trade agreement will abolish almost all customs duties, reducing the cost of European producers and service providers by eur ~ 1 billion annually. Major beneficiaries IN THE EU: wine, spirit drinks, meat, dairy products, textile products, leather goods traders, rail service providers and small and medium-sized enterprises. The Treaty, which will enter into force on 1 February 2019, will create a trade area of 600 million people, covering a third of world GDP and 40% worldwide trade.

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Combating climate change: environmental and energy efficiency

7. Circular economy: more recycling, less landfill. THE EP adopted 4 laws on the circular economy or system, reducing the amount of waste, ensuring as long as possible the use of materials and products and promoting their recycling and restoration. Certain ambitious recycling targets: from 44% to 55% 2025; 65% - 2035 Landfills: not more than 10% waste 2035 THE EP also calls on Member States to reduce food waste by 2030. Better waste management can improve the environmental and health situation and contribute to the fight against climate change.

8. Prohibit disposable plastic products! THE position adopted BY THE EP on the negotiations with THE COUNCIL of THE EU (responsible ministers OF EU Member States) intends to ban the circulation OF disposable plastic products such as plates, dining tools, straw, cotton wool or balloon stalks IN THE EU market - generally, they constitute 70% of sea-pinning in Europe. The ban will enter into force in 2021.

• It is worth adding that THE EP supported concrete proposals to promote citizens' confidence and the consumption of drinking tap water. - it is significantly cheaper and more environmentally friendly than bottled drinking water. THE EP recommended measures to reduce pollutants and increase the quality of tap water, as well as to promote its availability in public places, restaurants and general. THE EP will begin negotiations with THE COUNCIL of THE EU when it has supported its position on this Directive.

9. THE EP sets ambitious targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency, which will play a key role in THE implementation OF EU climate policy. By 2030, energy efficiency IN THE EU should be improved by 32.51 TP1T, which will reduce bills, dependence on oil and gas suppliers, improve air quality and protect the climate. The share of renewable energy in consumption should be at least 32%. Both targets are expected to be revised in 2023, but their level can be increased or reduced. The new rules will give EU citizens the right to produce renewable energy for their own consumption and to sell unused energy.

• It is worth mentioning that THE EP supported the setting of Member States' targets for climate protection and forestry development, the deforestation is fully compensated by new plantations. National targets are part of THE EU's commitment to reduce CO2 emissions by 2030 (compared to 2005).

• in Russian EP updated the Energy Efficiency Directive (one of 'Clean energy for all European citizens“Package Bills”). Objective: to promote the construction of buildings with energy consumption near zero by 2050. There are also electromobility requirements for new and renovated buildings.

For young people

10. Opportunities for young people to volunteer or work on projects across THE EU. THE EP gave the Green light to the European Solidarity Corps - volunteering opportunities across Europe 18 to 30 years of age. From 2018 to 2020, €375.6 million are allocated to projects for environmental, education, immigrant integration and other areas.

Source: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/latvia