Parliament gains new powers in its relations with the Commission

MEPs leading the negotiations for the Parliament were German MEP Klaus Heiner-Lehne (EPP), who heads the group of committee chairmen; Austrian MEP Hannes Swoboda (S&D), a vice-president of the Socialists and Democrats group; Dagmar Roth-Behrendt (DE S&D), chairwoman of the Parliamentary reform working group; Diana Wallis (UK ALDE) and Rebecca Harms (DE Greens).

Barroso commited himself to a “special partnership” with the Parliament over the next five years, with closer communication and co-operation between the political leadership of the two institutions. The Commission also agreed to seek a "common understanding" of the institutions prior to adopting the Annual Work Programme, as the Parliament’s requested.

Jerzy Buzek, the president of the Parliament, will attend high-level meetings of the Commission, such as the weekly meeting of the college of commissioners, and Barroso will attend the Parliament’s twice-monthly meeting of political group leaders, when their agendas included issues of mutual interest including legislative and budgetary matters.

Some requests were refused by President Barroso, arguing that the deal could not surpass what was provided for in the Lisbon treaty. For example, Barroso did not agree to give the Parliament the power to appoint special representatives for foreign policy and heads of the EU’s delegations abroad. These positions will be appointed by Catherine Ashton, the high representative for foreign and security policy. They will appear before the Parliament’s committees, but only after their initial appointment.

Enhanced Parliament role in international negotiations

The deal between the two institutions includes a commitment by the Commission to reinforce its association with Parliament in international negotiations. Parliament will in future receive full information on the negotiations at all stages. In addition, the Commission will act as facilitator to enable the chair of the EP delegation to be granted observer status at international conferences.

President Barroso agreed that the chairman of the relevant Parliament committee would have a place in delegations to international negotiations that are led by the Commission. This would include trade negotiations, such as World Trade Organization talks. However, the Parliament would be an observer only, and not a party in the negotiations. In the case of a Council of Ministers representative leading for the EU on the talks, such as on the SWIFT deal on sharing electronic banking data with US law enforcement authorities, or the Copenhagen climate-change negotiations, it would be up for the Council to decide if an MEP could take part in the negotiations.

Equal treatment of Parliament and Council

The Parliament also received a commitment from the Commission to equal treatment by the Commission for Parliament and the Council of Ministers. This relates to access to meetings and documents on the Commission’s meetings with national experts.

The Commission guaranteed full accountability, including a transparent procedure for nominating special representatives and ambassadors in the negotiations on the European External Action Service.

A new "Question Hour" with Commissioners, including the High-Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, will be held at the Parliament’s plenary sessions in Strasbourg.

Additionally, if the Parliament asks the Commission President to withdraw his confidence in an individual Member of the College, the president must seriously consider the resignation of the Commissioner or give an explanation to the Parliament.

Stronger position for Parliament’s legislative initiatives

The Commission agreed to consider legislative initiative requests made by Parliament. The agreement provides a clear time line, within three months the Commission’s has to give an official response on the concrete follow-up to a legislative initiative report and, within one year submit the proposal to Parliament. If the Commission decides not to submit a proposal, the Commission will have to give a detailed explanation to the Parliament. The Commission also agreed to consult Parliament on the use of soft law initiatives and to enhance Parliament’s right to information on infringement procedures.

Parliament President Jerzy Buzek commented "I am happy that we have agreed this new significant document today. The Framework Agreement set outs the new rules on how the European Parliament and Commission will work together on a daily basis. This new Framework Agreement boosts the Community Method.  Agreed for 5 years, it is a foundation for solid co-operation between two important Community institutions."

Commission President José Manuel Barroso endorsed the adoption of these principles and said in plenary: "I am deeply satisfied that we found a common understanding" on how both institutions will work together in the coming years. "I propose to take our special partnership to a new level, (...) to reflect the new treaty and to shape Europe together".

The second stage of the negotiations, will start after the Commission takes office in May-June 2010, to amend Framework Agreement text that will be adopted by plenary.

For Further Information

Parliament’s Website

MEPS agree working relations with Barroso

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