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The European Union's Energy Security Challenges

Description: This report examines some of Europe's critical energy security challenges and EU efforts to coordinate a common European energy strategy. It also includes an overview of broader transatlantic energy security cooperation and will be updated as needed.
Date: January 30, 2008
Creator: Belkin, Paul
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The United Kingdom: Issues for the United States

Description: This report assesses the current state of U.S.-UK relations. It examines the pressures confronting London as it attempts to balance its interests between the United States and the EU, and the prospects for the future of the U.S.-UK partnership, especially in the unfolding Brown era. It also describes UK views on political, security, and economic issues of particular importance to the United States, and their implications for U.S. policy that may be of interest in the second session of the 110th… more
Date: February 28, 2008
Creator: Archick, Kristin
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Kosovo and U.S. Policy: Background and Current Issues

Description: This report provides background information about the war in Kosovo and discusses issues regarding Kosovo's future status and U. S. policy.
Date: May 2, 2008
Creator: Kim, Julie & Woehrel, Steven J.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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U.N. Convention Against Torture (CAT): Overview and Application to Interrogation Techniques

Description: This report examines The United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) requires signatory parties to take measures to end torture within their territorial jurisdiction and to criminalize all acts of torture. Unlike many other international agreements and declarations prohibiting torture, CAT provides a general definition of the term. CAT generally defines torture as the infliction of severe physical and/or mental suffering committ… more
Date: January 25, 2008
Creator: Garcia, Michael John
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Enlargement Issues at NATO's Bucharest Summit

Description: This report reviews the process by which candidate states are selected, including a sketch of the responsibilities of Congress and allied governments in final approval or disapproval of Albania and Croatia. The report reviews general political factors for qualification, as well as external issues such as the views of Russia and regional geopolitical considerations. Then follows an analysis of current conditions in the two states nominated to join, as well as in Macedonia. In addition, there is … more
Date: April 18, 2008
Creator: Gallis, Paul; Belkin, Paul; Ek, Carl; Kim, Julie; Nichol, Jim & Woehrel, Steven
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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France: Factors Shaping Foreign Policy, and Issues in U.S.-French Relations

Description: This report examines the key factors that shape French foreign policy. From that context, it analyzes some of the reasons for the tensions in and the accomplishments of U.S.-French relations. The report is illustrative, rather than exhaustive. Instead, the report reviews issues selected because they exemplify some of the essential features of the U.S.-French relationship. Some issues, such as the effort by the United States and the EU-3 (France, Britain, and Germany) to curb Iran's military nuc… more
Date: May 21, 2008
Creator: Gallis, Paul
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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A Parliamentary-Style Question Period: Proposals and Issues for Congress

Description: This report surveys how question periods are conducted in Britain and other parliamentary democracies, examines previous proposals for question periods in the United States, considers potential advantages and disadvantages of a question period, and outlines some legislative considerations for policymakers considering a question period for Congress.
Date: July 29, 2008
Creator: Glassman, Matthew E.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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War Powers Resolution: Presidential Compliance

Description: This report gives a summary of the usage of the War Powers Resolution (WPR) and various issues related to proposals to modify or repeal the resolution. The report summarizes most recent developments and background, and gives an overview of United Nations actions, and WPR activities in former Yugoslavia/Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq (post-1991), Haiti, and Somalia. It also includes commentary on the instances formally reported under the WPR, consultation with Congress, and the current issues which Congre… more
Date: June 11, 2008
Creator: Grimmett, Richard F.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Bulgaria: Current Issues and U.S. Policy

Description: This short report provides information on Bulgaria's current political and economic situation, and foreign policy. It also discusses U.S. policy towards Bulgaria.
Date: March 13, 2008
Creator: Woehrel, Steven
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Enlargement Issues at NATO’s Bucharest Summit

Description: No Description Available.
Date: March 12, 2008
Creator: Gallis, Paul; Belkin, Paul; Ek, Carl; Kim, Julie; Nichol, Jim & Woehrel, Steven J.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Kosovo and U.S. Policy: Background to Independence

Description: This report discusses the current political state of Kosovo, which declared its independence from Serbia on February 7, 2008. Since then, Serbia has contested Kosovo's declaration of independence, leading to parallel governing institutions and ongoing talks between the two nations. This report discusses challenges that Kosovo faces regarding international recognition and the status of its ethnic minorities, Kosovo's relationship with the United States, and U.S. foreign aid efforts to Kosovo.
Date: June 20, 2008
Creator: Kim, Julie & Woehrel, Steven
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Future of the Balkans and U.S. Policy Concerns

Description: This report discusses the U.S. relations and policy with Balkans. It discusses the remaining challenges including dealing with the impact of Kosovo's independence; fighting organized crime, corruption, and enforcing the rule of law; bringing war criminals to justice; and reforming the economies of the region.
Date: May 22, 2008
Creator: Woehrel, Steven
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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German Foreign and Security Policy: Trends and Transatlantic Implications

Description: This report provides an introduction to German foreign and security policy. The report discusses the foundations of German foreign policy, Germany in the European Union (EU), evolving security and defense policy, and transatalantic implications.
Date: July 21, 2008
Creator: Belkin, Paul
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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German Foreign and Security Policy: Trends and Transatlantic Implications

Description: This report provides an introduction to German foreign and security policy. The report discusses the foundations of German foreign policy, Germany in the European Union (EU), evolving security and defense policy, and transatalantic implications.
Date: April 29, 2008
Creator: Belkin, Paul
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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U.S.-French Commercial Ties

Description: This report discusses the U.S. commercial ties with France, which are extensive, mutually profitable, and growing. With over $1.2 billion in commercial transactions taking place between the two countries every day of the year, each country has an increasingly large stake in the health and openness of the other's economy
Date: May 19, 2008
Creator: Ahearn, Raymond J.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The U.S. Financial Crisis: Lessons from Sweden

Description: In the early 1990s, Sweden faced a large banking and exchange rate crisis which it eventually resolved. Four lessons that emerged from Sweden's experience are: 1) the resolution process must be transparent; 2) the resolution agency must be politically and financially independent; 3) market discipline must be maintained; and 4) there must be a plan to jump-start credit flows in the financial system. This report provides an overview of the Swedish banking crisis and an explanation of the measures… more
Date: September 29, 2008
Creator: Jackson, James K.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Iceland's Financial Crisis

Description: On November 19, 2008, Iceland and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) finalized an agreement on a $6 billion economic stabilization program supported by a $2.1 billion loan from the IMF. Iceland's banking system had collapsed as a culmination of a series of decisions the banks made that left them highly exposed to disruptions in financial markets. The collapse of the banks also raises questions for U.S. leaders and others about supervising banks that operate across national borders, especiall… more
Date: November 20, 2008
Creator: Jackson, James K.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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European Union Englargement

Description: The European Union (EU) views the enlargement process as a historic opportunity to promote stability and prosperity in Europe. Although the EU maintains that the enlargement door remains open, "enlargement fatigue" has become a serious issue in Europe and some experts believe that EU enlargement may be reaching its limits. The status of EU enlargement is one of many transatlantic issues likely to be of interest to the second session of the 110th Congress. This report lists the various nations a… more
Date: July 3, 2008
Creator: Archick, Kristin
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The European Union: Questions and Answers

Description: This report describes the European Union (EU), its evolution, governing institutions, trade policy, and efforts to forge common foreign and defense policies. The report also addresses the EU-U.S. and EU-NATO relationships, which may be of interest to the second session of the 110th Congress. It will be updated as events warrant. For more information, see CRS Report RS21344, European Union Enlargement, by Kristin Archick, and CRS Report RL34381, European Union-U.S. Trade and Investment Relations… more
Date: July 3, 2008
Creator: Archick, Kristin
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The European Union's Reform Process: The Lisbon Treaty

Description: In December 2007, leaders of the European Union (EU) signed the Lisbon Treaty, which seeks to reform the EU's governing institutions and decisionmaking processes to enable a larger EU to operate more effectively. This new treaty represents the latest stage in a reform process begun in 2002 and essentially replaces the proposed EU "constitution" that foundered after French and Dutch voters rejected it in referendums in 2005. In June 2008, Irish voters rejected the Lisbon Treaty, and have thrown … more
Date: July 3, 2008
Creator: Archick, Kristin
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Kosovo's Independence and U.S. Policy

Description: On February 17, 2008, Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia. On February 18, the United States recognized Kosovo as an independent state. Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and most other European Union countries have also recognized Kosovo. Serbia and Russia have heatedly objected to the recognition of Kosovo's independence. Independent Kosovo faces many challenges, including its relations with Serbia and Serbs in Kosovo, as well as weak institutions and an underdeveloped economy.
Date: June 17, 2008
Creator: Woehrel, Steven
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Moldova: Background and U.S. Policy

Description: This report provides information and analysis on Moldova, including its political and economic situation, foreign policy, and on U.S. policy toward Moldova.
Date: September 30, 2008
Creator: Woehrel, Steven
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The European Parliament

Description: The 785-member, directly elected European Parliament (EP) is a key institution of the 27-member European Union (EU). Once limited to being a consultative assembly, the EP has accumulated more power over time. Currently, it plays a role in the EU's legislative and budgeting processes, and exercises general supervision over other EU bodies. Ties between the EP and the U.S. Congress are long-standing, and EPCongressional exchanges are expected to continue in the second session of the 110th Congres… more
Date: July 3, 2008
Creator: Archick, Kristin
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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