Activities

The activity of the Bureau of European Policy Advisers is organised into three main policy areas: political, economic and societal.

1. In the political area the main items covered are, amongst others, external relations, EU institutional issues,  trends in EU political forces, emerging actors in the world, dialogue with communities of faith and conviction.

2. The economic area covers macro and micro policy analysis with particular emphasis on economic reform issues, as well as policy analysis in specific sectors with special relevance such as energy, telecommunications, or tourism.

3. The societal area includes matters related with social cohesion, employment, science, new technology and ethics, trends in public opinion, information society, equal rights, European culture and values, ageing, migration, social security, etc.

Responsibilities

• Within this framework it shall be the duty and the function of BEPA:

• - To assist and advise the President at his demand;
  - To appraise policy options for the consideration of the President and the Commissioners;
  - To assist and advise the Commissioners when requested;
  - To timely analyse and interpret information concerning economic, political and social developments and trends, both current and prospective, and to submit to the President the corresponding studies, conclusions, and recommendations;
  - At the President's request to monitor and appraise the effects of programs and policy decisions and to put forward recommendations;
  - To advise and assist the President and the Commissioners on the implementation of the Lisbon agenda and its effects;
  - To promote and analyse surveys on the business community – in cooperation with the appropriate Commission services – in order to identify needs and opportunities to improve the Union's economic climate;
  - To assist and advise the President in the preparation of speeches and public reports;
  - In cooperation with the appropriate Commission services to promote and organise public events on economic, political and social issues aimed at disseminating European policies and thinking in the member countries;
  - To ensure a continuous dialogue between the Commission and the Communities of Faith and Conviction;
  - To ensure the co-ordination of cross-cutting Commission activities in specific entrusted policy issues.
  - To provide support to the Sec Gen in matters where BEPA's capabilities may be complementary, notably in the impact assessment process.