Western Europe

This page highlights some of the current parliamentary material available on Western Europe. This includes select committee reports, briefing papers on current legislation and other subjects produced by the parliamentary research services, and the latest Early Day Motions put down by MPs.

Standard Notes

DateDescription
01.05.2012In brief: Hollande or Sarkozy for President?
In the run-up to the second and final round of voting in France's presidential elections on Sunday 6 May 2012, the Socialist François Hollande still appears to be the favourite to win.
28.02.2012In brief: French presidential elections 2012
France is holding Presidential elections in April and May 2012. The current favourite to win the elections is the Socialist Party's candidate, Francois Hollande.
05.02.2010Where 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.
27.01.2010Turkey'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
22.12.2009Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Turkey's charismatic Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip ErdoÃ??an, has had some impressive achievements, both domestically and in the international sphere, but has also been a controversial figure particularly for his attitude towards religion and for his sometimes intemperate outbursts. This note looks at ErdoÃ??an's personal and professional profile in an attempt to unmask the new path of Turkey from Kemalist-elitist to 'Non-threatening Muslim'/mass politics.

Research Papers

DateDescription
20.12.2005Germany: elections, the new government and Anglo-German relations
22.05.2002Gibraltars constitutional future
Gibraltars constitutional future. House of Commons Library Research Paper 02/37.
18.06.1999Kosovo: KFOR and Reconstruction
Kosovo: KFOR and reconstruction. House of Commons Library Research Paper 99/66
29.04.1999Kosovo: operation Allied Force
Kosovo: operation 'Allied force'. House of Commons Library Research Paper 99/48.
24.03.1999Kosovo: NATO and Military Action
Kosovo: NATO and military action. House of Commons Research Paper 99/34.

Early Day Motions

DateDescription
21.11.2011SWANSEA, DEMOCRACY AND THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR
That this House recognises the courage of all those who served in the International Brigades defending Spanish democracy during 1936 to 1938; welcomes the memorial to be unveiled on ...
04.11.2010WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCE AND BRITISH CITIZENS LIVING ABROAD
That this House notes that British citizens living in Spain can claim the winter fuel allowance; believes this defeats the point of the winter fuel allowance; and calls on the Government ...
19.10.2010MORPHOU CYPRUS ANNUAL RALLY
That this House warmly congratulates the Mayor of Morphou and the members of the Morphou municipality on again holding their annual rally to remind the United Nations, the European ...
18.10.2010CYPRUS CROSSING
That this House welcomes the opening of the crossing in north west Cyprus, between Kato Pyrgos/Asagi Pirgo and Limnitis/Yesilirmak, promised in May 2008 between the leaders of the Cypriot ...
07.09.2010GREECE AND THE EUROZONE
That this House notes the comments by Professor Hans-Werner Sinn, head of the prestigious German IFO Institute, reported on 6 September 2010, that Greece abandoning the euro and re-establishing ...

Glossary

  • Research Papers (RP) - briefings produced by the House of Commons Library on Bills, topical issues and regular statistics
  • Standard Notes (SN) - shorter, topical briefings from the Commons Library
  • Early Day Motions (EDMs) - formal motions submitted by MPs in the House of Commons
  • POST Notes - short briefing notes produced by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
  • Lords Library Notes (LLN) - an occasional series of papers compiled by the House of Lords Library