The EPRS philosophy is to provide independent, objective and authoritative analysis of, and research on, policy issues relating to the European Union, in order to assist Members in their parliamentary work.
[2] EPRS products and services include research for members, ‘EU Legislation in progress’ briefings, and tailored training courses.
It recommended that the provision of ‘independent scientific advice’ to Members and analytical support in exercising scrutiny and oversight of the executive should both be enhanced.
The aim was also to increase the practical capacity of Members and committees to scrutinise and oversee the European Commission and other executive bodies during successive stages of the EU policy cycle.
Research for Members EPRS produces a range of publications on major EU policies, issues and legislation, in the form of short ‘at a glance’ notes, briefings, analyses and studies.
In 2019, EPRS won the European Ombudsman’s 2019 Award for Good Administration in the category of ‘Excellence in communications’ for the ‘What Europe Does For Me’ initiative.
Its main objectives consist of assisting the Director-General in overseeing horizontal issues within the DG, coordinating services for Members and their staff, delivering a coherent internal and external communication strategy for the DG, enhancing cooperation with European and international think tanks and research institutions, and ensuring inter-DG cooperation within the Parliament's administration.
[12][13] The Directorate is organised into five units dealing with various aspects of ex-ante or ex-post evaluation of EU legislation and policies, and scientific foresight.
Its task is to carry out expert, independent assessments of the impact of new technologies and to identify long-term, strategic policy options useful for the Parliament's committees in their policy-making role.
The panel consists of the vice-president of the Parliament responsible for STOA, and six Members of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE); three members each from a further five Committees: Environment, Public Health and Food safety (ENVI), Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), Transport and Tourism (TRAN), Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) and an additional Member from each of the following six Committees: Civil Liberties, Justice & Home Affairs (LIBE), Legal Affairs (JURI), Culture and Education (CULT), Regional Development (REGI), and International Trade (INTA).
It operates the Library Reading Rooms in Brussels and Strasbourg, housing the Parliament’s extensive physical and digital collection of books and journals, which it acquires and manages.