The European Parliament — Working for You

The European Parliament 2 Contents ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Contents European Parliament addresses inEuropeanMilestones integration 41 EU keywords How theEU’s annualbudgetisadopted European —how doesitwork? lawmaking An o ce nearyou oftheEuropeanThe workings Parliament 25 Defending human rights 23 The European Parliament ontheworld stage The European Parliament andEUenlargements 5 anddemocracy Guardian ofliberties Managing theEuropean budget The European Parliament for —working you Welcome to theEuropean Parliament 56 53 46 44 37 33 29 17 11 3 Welcome to the European Parliament

Since 1979, millions of European citizens have elected their representatives to the European Parliament every fi ve years. Who are its Members, what do they do in Stras- bourg and Brussels and what powers do they have? Given the impact that decisions made by the European Parliament have on the daily lives of citizens across Europe, this brochure aims to provide the answers.

The European Parliament is the only multinational parliamentary assembly in the world, and the only EU institution directly elected by Europe’s citizens. It represents approximately 500 million people in the EU’s 27 Member States. Elections are held every fi ve years. The June 2009 election marked the 30th anniversary of elections by universal suff rage. Following the election, 736 Members were elected to Parliament. They join together in political groups on the basis of political affi liation rather than nationality.

The European Parliament’s offi cial seat is in Strasbourg, on the border between France and Ger- many, a city that symbolises the reconciliation of Europe after the two world wars. As decided by the Member States of the EU, every year Parliament holds 12 plenary sessions in Strasbourg. Its Members meet in parliamentary committees in Brussels, where additional plenary sessions are also held. Debates are conducted in all the EU’s offi cial languages, refl ecting its commitment to a varied and multicultural Union which is ‘united in diversity’. 3 An increasingly important role

Since 1979, successive European treaties have increased the powers of the European Parliament when it comes to drafting the EU budget and laws. MEPs’ political control of the EU’s other institutions and bodies has also been strengthened.

The Lisbon Treaty, which entered into force on 1 December 2009, extends Parliament’s budgetary powers to cover all EU expenditure, including common agricultural policy spending, on which the Council (representing the Member States’ governments) previously had the last word.

Parliament’s legislative role has grown considerably: it now has as much weight as the Council when it comes to lawmaking in almost all of the European Union’s areas of responsibility. Previ- ously, MEPs adopted laws designed principally to facilitate the movement of persons, goods, services and capital within the EU or to protect the environment and consumers. Now their approval is also required for laws to be adopted in areas such as agriculture, ﬁ sheries, energy, tourism, control of the external borders, police and judicial cooperation and civil protection.

A candidate for the position of European Commission President is proposed by the Member States’ governments on the basis of the results of the European elections. That candidate is then

WELCOME TO THE THE EUROPEAN TO PARLIAMENT WELCOME elected by Parliament. The Commission as a whole, including the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Aﬀ airs and Security Policy as its Vice-President, is then subject to a vote of approval by Parliament. The Commission can be forced to resign if MEPs adopt a motion of censure.

Citizens can petition Parliament with complaints concerning the application of European law. MEPs elect a European Ombudsman, who is responsible for investigating claims of maladministration on the part of the Union’s institutions and bodies. They can also set up a committee of inquiry if they believe EU law has been broken.

The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights brings together in a single document the civil, political, economic and social rights hitherto dispersed over a number of national, European and international acts. The Lisbon Treaty’s entry into force made the charter binding, and MEPs now invoke it when denouncing human rights violations in the EU.

Parliament also brings its inﬂ uence to bear on the Union’s foreign policy. All international agreements and any EU enlargement now requires the approval of MEPs. Decisions on the implementation of trade policy, development cooperation policy and humanitarian aid policy must be taken jointly by Parliament and the Council. MEPs regularly debate human rights issues and send monitors around the world to check that elections are conducted freely and fairly. 4 ■ The European Parliament — working for you

All of us, whatever our situation — young or not so young, students, workers or pensioners — are affected by European laws, sometimes without realising it. In many areas — such as healthier food on our plates, freedom of movement and freedom to work anywhere in the EU and protection of the environment — Europe’s elected representatives play a crucial role. European laws are, above all, about making people’s lives easier within the Euro- pean Union and promoting equal opportunities, rights and obligations.

In common with all parliaments, the European Parliament debates and adopts laws. In the early days, MEPs provided opinions on the legislative proposals of the European Commission, and it was the Council, representing the Member States’ governments, which had the last word on adopted laws.

Over the years, with the adoption of successive treaties, the role and powers of the European Parliament have grown substantially, to the point where it is now a key player in the process of making EU law. Nowadays, if a European regulation or directive is to come into being, Parliament and the Council must usually first agree on its content in a procedure known generally as ‘co- decision’. 5 6 THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT — WORKING FOR YOU moting publichealth. research,grammes educationandculture supporting andpro- safety, andtransport protection, consumerrights andto pro- EU’s alsoappliesinfi It singlemarket. elds suchasenvironmental capitalandpersonswithinthe movement ofgoods, services, ofEuropean laws,jority includingthoserelating to thefree isthelegislative procedureCo-decision usedfor thevastma- a fullyfl The European Parliament, number ofkilobytes. to adecreasingis alsosubject tariff computer ing theInternetfrom amobilephoneorportable at EUR0.11. andphotos andsurf- The cost ofsendinge-mails since July 2009thecost ofaroaming hasbeencapped text minute for incoming calls(exclusive of VAT). Furthermore, EUR 0.35perminute for outgoing callsandEUR0.11per these roaming costs charged by operators would notexceed country. MEPs secured anagreement that,from July2011, costs charged for callsmadefrom orreceived inanotherEU ceilings intended to gradually bringdown theadditional European ruleswhichcameinto force in2007have imposed ■ ment andthePresident oftheCouncil. it mustfi rst besigned bythePresident oftheEuropean Parlia- Before aEuropean law canbeappliedintheEU’s States, Member Mobile phones:cheapertouseabr edged legislator ceiling dependingonthe oad THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT — WORKING FOR YOU 77 s ’ The European Parliament has enhanced the rights of air and rail Parliament The European the elderly and people with reduced not least for passengers, And come the sum- who can now obtain assistance. mobility, swim mertime, pleasant than a refreshing what could be more is cleaner that the water can be sure You in the sea or a lake? made which were standards European to thanks than before stricter Parliament. of action as a result by the European In recent years, MEPs have helped make it easier to have pro- helped make have it easier to have MEPs In years, recent in other Member States, qualifications recognised fessional pursue a to it is far easier than it once was meaning that today also been involved have MEPs EU country. in another profession stricterin developing and labelling standards, product safety so that in the supermarket choose between it is now easier to Now everyone can choose which Europe. all over products from buy with all the facts products to at their fingertipsfood ex- ; for buy products containing GMOs. whether or not to ample, Examples of the European Parliament Examples of the European legislative activity legislative With the latest treaty reform, the co-decision with reform, treaty the latest procedure, With pro- legislative ‘ordinary the has become exceptions, some rare It that were laws. adopting EU in areas now applies for cedure’ such as agriculture, alone, the Council reservedtraditionally for and judicial cooperation. It and police immigration fisheries, is previ- in which Parliament used in areas also now the procedure accept or reject to power the (i.e. powers ously only had veto develop- a text and regional in its entirety), such as cohesion of EU action, new areas also covers This procedure ment policy. and sport,such as youth the fight against major civil protection, tourism and space policy. energy, health scourges, MEPs also contributed to the adoption of a package of measures to tackle the economic crisis and increase the transparency and improve the supervision of the European fi nancial system. Parliament was also involved in defi ning the rules to make cross-border payments simpler and cheaper, and increased to EUR 100 000 the bank deposit guarantee in the event of the bankruptcy of a bank.

The European Union has adopted an initial package of measures to limit the eﬀ ects of climate change worldwide by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from cars, industry and power sta- tions. Parliament is thus supporting the objectives of lowering greenhouse gas emissions by 20 %, improving energy eﬃ ciency by 20 % and increasing to 20 % the share of renewable energy in the EU’s energy mix by 2020.

■ MEPs at your service

If you are a service provider — a tourist guide, perhaps, or a

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT — WORKING FOR YOU FOR WORKING — PARLIAMENT EUROPEAN THE travel agent — the services directive now makes it easier for you to work abroad. Much disputed at the outset, this legislation would probably never have come to fruition had it not been for the compromise hammered out by the European Parliament after MEPs found a fair way to balance confl ict- ing national interests, the rights of service providers and consumers and the needs of employees and employers. 8 THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT — WORKING FOR YOU 9 en into account? en into The examples mentioned above show that European laws are are laws show that European The examples mentioned above Union easier within the European lives about making people’s equal opportunities, and promoting rights for and obligations of goods and the exchange They also promote all Europeans. services in companies by establishing equivalent conditions for citizens European So when, everyall Member years, States. ﬁve they are Parliament the European to elect their representatives that concernparticipating laws them of creating in the process directly. Do you want your opinions your want Do you to be tak With the new Treaty, one million European citizens from a sig- from citizens one million European Treaty, the new With the right ask to niﬁcant number of Member now have States issue on on any proposal submit a legislative to the Commission should legislate. the EU which they believe ... and citizens too ... and citizens MEPs also have the right the make to policy also have by suggesting initiatives MEPs proposal submit a legislative that it should the Commission to and ask the Commission They regularly on a particular subject. example, For existing or new policies. develop to the Council which asked the Commission Parliament it was the European and facilitating transnational submit a draft regulating to law of detailed recommenda- on the basis inheritance procedures, tions. If Parliament considers a draft law to be inappropriate and does inappropriate be a draft considers to If law Parliament the reject to it has the power be improved, it can not believe with a example, for what happened, This is textits entirety. in on liberalising portdirective services, concerning and another software patents. MEPS showing initiative ... initiative MEPS showing ■ Using chemicals in complete safety

Chemical products are everywhere in our lives. While there is no doubting their usefulness, questions persist over their safety for our health and for the environment. Recognising this, the EU has adopted a regulation (called ‘REACH’) requiring a reassessment of the thousands of chemical products on the market and the withdrawal of the most dangerous ones. Thanks to MEPs’ persistence, the emphasis was put on developing new and less harmful substances, and in doing so min- imising the use of animal testing.

For more information, see ‘European lawmaking — how does it work?’ on page 41. THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT — WORKING FOR YOU FOR WORKING — PARLIAMENT EUROPEAN THE 10 ■ Managing the European budget

New motorways, cleaner beaches, medical research, studying abroad: we all benefit in one way or another from activities funded by the European Union. And who decides on the framework for programmes and actions to be financed at European level? The answer is the Euro- pean Parliament, with the agreement of the Member States’ governments. Here are some examples of activities supported by your MEPs.

Every year MEPs spend long months negotiating with the Council (representing the Member States’ governments), on the basis of proposals from the Commission, to fix the Union’s rev- enues and expenditure for the following year. The budget finally agreed on, which must comply with multiannual ceilings, is very important because it determines the level of financial support given by the EU to all its areas of activity to ensure solidarity, sustainable economic growth and social cohesion. Parliament has the power to reject the budget and demand a new draft if it does not believe sufficient consideration has been given to its priorities.

The latest reform of the treaties has extended Parliament’s budgetary powers to cover all EU expenditure, including common agricultural policy spending, on which previously the Council had the last word. The procedure for adopting the annual budget has been simplified. 11 12 MANAGING THE EUROPEAN BUDGET Interinstitutional AgreementInterinstitutional 2006;2004prices) of17May EU fi 2007–13(roundednancial framework fi gures from the Where doestheUnion EUR 51billion(6%) including administration expenditure,Other EUR 382billion(44%) employment competitiveness and to promote growth, development, action regional economic Sustainable growth: player: external action, action, external player: development policy, The EUasaglobal EUR 49billion(6%) humanitarian aid humanitarian ’ s money go? EUR 11billion(1%) combating terrorism police andjudicialcooperation, free movement ofpeople, protection ofcitizens’ rights, andjustice: security Citizenship, freedom, sustainable development management ofnatural resources: agriculture, and theenvironment EUR 371billion(43%) Conservation and Conservation Promoting sustainable economic development …

A large part of the EU budget is used to boost economic growth and reduce disparities between Europe’s various regions: con- structing motorways and railways linking Member States, MANAGING THE EUROPEAN BUDGET helping small ﬁrms and supporting technological research and innovation projects (e.g. for developing renewable energies).

The common agricultural policy also beneﬁts from a large share of the budget. However, with the European Parliament’s support, other areas are growing in importance, such as preserva- tion of the environment through the creation of regional natural parks, the conservation of protected species, the management of water resources and eﬀorts to combat climate change.

Some of the EU budget is also spent on funding economic development in other parts of the world and on humanitarian aid to help countries aﬄicted by natural disasters and crises.

… and the interests of citizens

The fight against global epidemics such as AIDS or avian influ- enza can be more effectively waged by countries acting together. The EU, encouraged by its Parliament, is therefore play- ing an increasingly active role in the area of public health, including financing numerous research projects to develop new medicines.

In recent years, MEPs have made use of their powers to expand programmes promoting European cultural diversity, which aim to encourage the distribution of artistic and cultural works and products in areas such as cinema, music, painting, photography and theatre. 13 14 MANAGING THE EUROPEAN BUDGET procedure) requiring theapproval ofParliament. now decidedbyaregulation (adopted inaspeciallegislative Under theLisbon Treaty, themultiannualfi is nancial framework to researchattaches great importance anddevelopment. panies located throughout Europe. More generally, Parliament motes professional trainingthrough apprenticeships incom- theLeonardoalso supported da Vinci programme, whichpro- 180 000studentsto studyataforeign eachyear. university It such exampleistheErasmusprogramme, whichallowsover aboutothercultures. andlearn including languageskills, One programmes, whichallowyoung peopleto acquire newskills, particular,In Parliament fought for European youth mobility for projectswhichEuropean citizens seeasimportant. fight hard States to withtheMember secure additionalfunding upuntil2013.MEPsceilings ineacharea ofEUpolicy hadto the multiannualfi whichsettheexpenditure nancial framework, The European Parliament alsobrought itsinfl uence to bearon Investing inthe future criteria. intervention approved ofthefund’s anextension scopeandarelaxing ofthe the2009economiccrisis, MEPs Andduring context. international whoare laidoffworkers inan restructuring dueto industrial Fund withabudgetofEUR500millionyear intended to help liament approved thecreation ofaGlobalisationAdjustment 2006,Par- In The economicsituationisalsoamajorconcern. MANAGING THE EUROPEAN BUDGET 15

BUDGET s money come from? come s money ’ Where does the Union Where The EU budget is financed mainly by contributions from from contributions by mainly is financed EU budget The the basis of their national on calculated the Member States VAT part from Somecomes of the money also wealth. of the on goods and services the EU levied throughout and from on in- external borders the Union’s duties levied at customs products importeddustrial and agricultural outside the from is Parliament resources’. ‘own known are as the EU’s These EU. a would establish of financing that a new system pushing for tax- Union and European direct the European link between their taxes. increasing however, without, payers, ■ Expenditure under the microscope

With the help of the European Court of Auditors, Parliament constantly checks that the budget is being properly managed and ensures that action is taken should any fraud be discovered.

Every year the European Commission and the other EU institutions are required to demonstrate to Parliament that they have made appropriate use of the EU money made available to them. This is known as the ‘budget discharge’ procedure. The Commis- sion must take into account any recommendations made by MEPs.

■ Is Europe expensive?

MANAGING THE EUROPEAN BUDGET EUROPEAN THE MANAGING Barely 1 % of the Union’s gross income, equivalent to around EUR 240 per inhabitant, comes into the EU’s annual budget. The total amount, approximately EUR 120 billion, is very small compared with the amounts paid in national taxes. Neverthe- less, this money makes it possible to fi nance important policies designed to help European citizens. The activities of the European Parliament cost around EUR 3 a year for each EU citizen.

For more information, see ‘How the EU’s annual budget is adopted’ on page 44. 16 17 y c is primarily to represent the citi- task is primarily to represent ’ ertiedian of lib s es very seriously its role as a guardian of as a guardian es very seriously its role uar

espect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equal- democracy, freedom, human dignity, espect for G

With the principle of human dignity at the core of their political of their political the principle of human dignityWith at the core this charter invoke they denounceaction, whenever MEPs Union.human rights violations in the European Drafted in 2000 by a convention including MEPs and members including MEPs Drafted in 2000 by a convention Rights the EU Charter of national parliaments, of Fundamental economic political, brings document the civil, in a single together and social rights hitherto a number of national, dispersed over The charter became legally bind- and international acts. European of the with the entry by Parliament, force into as requested ing, Member on 1 December States three 2009, although Treaty latest ‘opt-outs’. and the UK — secured Poland Republic, — the Czech ity and respect for human rights, including those of minorities. including those human rights, ity and respect for a society in ‘in the Member common to States These values are which pluralism, non-discrimination, solidarity justice, tolerance, the Moreover, and equality prevail’. and men between women its values and the well-being peace, promote is to ‘aim Union’s of its peoples’.

As the only elected institution of the European Union, As the only elected institution of the European tak Parliament and throughout both in Europe liberties and democracy, MEPs The the world. on the that the Union is founded stipulates Treaty The Lisbon values of r ■ cra and demo to EU leaders their interests and defend EU level at zens and the institutions of the Union. Parliament is particularly sensitive to the issue of tolerance, and ﬁ ghts determinedly against all forms of discrimination, whether on the basis of sex, race, ethnic or social origin, language, religion, political opinion, handicap, age or sexual orientation. It takes a stand against racism and xenophobia and constantly highlights the need for compliance with European gender equality standards. MEPs also use their full power to ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are respected and the rights of children are protected.

■ Combating all forms of exploitation of women

Eff orts to combat all forms of violence against women, combat traffi cking in human beings for sexual exploitation and help women out of poverty are in many cases initiated by the European Parliament. Parliament also does all it can to promote gender equality, and was instrumental in the creation GUARDIAN OF LIBERTIES AND DEMOCRACY AND LIBERTIES OF GUARDIAN of the European Institute for Gender Equality, based in Vil- nius, Lithuania, which is responsible for monitoring progress in this area. Through its plenary resolutions Parliament keeps up pressure on EU governments and institutions to improve the lot of all women.

Protecting freedoms in all circumstances

Following the terrorist attacks in the United States in September 2001, Madrid in March 2004 and London in July 2005, EU Member States stepped up their cooperation in the fi ght against terrorism. While Parliament supports the eff orts to coordinate police and judicial action, which is the only eff ective way of countering these cross-border threats, it refuses to allow citizens’ rights to bear the brunt of a policy based entirely on security considerations.

MEPs believe that the fi ght against terrorism must respect individual liberties, so as not to jeopardise the core values of Euro- pean democracy. This is their constant message on every issue 18 GUARDIAN OF LIBERTIES AND DEMOCRACY 19 Address to which you can send your petitions: page 56. send your can to which you Address Many petitions highlight difficulties associated with the specific with petitions highlight difficulties associated Many notably in the areas of EU directives, application at national level of qualifications recognition social security, of the environment, and some aspects of the functioning of the EU single market. these problems. resolve to helps Parliament Any citizen of the European Union or resident of an EU Member Union or resident of the European citizen Any on a Parliament the European submit a petition to may State fields of activity and which subject which comes within the EU’s them directly. affects Replying to petitions from citizens Replying to petitions from Parliament also played a major role in the creation of the new in the creation a major role also played Parliament Vienna which is based in Rights Agency, Fundamental European ensuring pro- that fundamental rights are for and is responsible It in the Membertected States. also maintains contact with the whose based in Brussels, Supervisor, Data Protection European of personal data and privacy the protection monitor to is role the Union. throughout they deal with, from agreements with the United States on the States with the United agreements from they deal with, by call data retention to personal data, of air passengers’ transfer data. At bank transfer of or the exchange companies telephone supported they the same time, the extension the money laun- of in this Laws the financing of terrorism. include dering to directive the Council and jointly by Parliament now adopted are area under the co-decision procedure. ■ Silicone implants: petitions lead to stricter legislation

Two petitions were submitted to the European Parliament in 1998 highlighting the negative health eff ects of silicone breast implants and calling for them to be banned immedi- ately. The ensuing debates in Parliament, its resolutions on the subject and a study commissioned by MEPs led the Commis- sion to clarify and strengthen the provisions on information for patients, tracking and surveillance. A directive adopted in 2003 substantially enhanced the quality and safety checks to be carried out before breast implants can be placed on the European market.

Supervising the European Commission

The Commission President can only be appointed with the agreement of the European Parliament. A candidate is proposed by GUARDIAN OF LIBERTIES AND DEMOCRACY AND LIBERTIES OF GUARDIAN the Member States’ governments on the basis of the results of the European elections, and must then be elected by the MEPs. The Commissioners’ delegates nominated by the governments are questioned by MEPs on their skills. The same procedure is followed for the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Aﬀ airs and Security Policy in his or her role as Vice-President of the Commission.

MEPs approve the Commission en bloc in a vote of conﬁ dence. They may also force the Commission to resign, again en bloc, by means of a vote of censure. However, a censure is viewed as a ‘last resort’ and has never been applied, although in 1999 the prospect of Parliament passing a vote of no-conﬁ dence in the Commission under the presidency of Jacques Santer led to it resigning.

Parliament keeps a close eye on the Commission’s work, scrutin- ising the small print of its reports on EU policies, legislation and the budget. Commissioners are often required to appear before MEPs, at committee meetings or in plenary, to defend their policies, explain what action they intend to take and answer questions. At every plenary session, the President of the Commission is present for Question Hour, during which MEPs question him or her on current aﬀ airs. 20 GUARDIAN OF LIBERTIES AND DEMOCRACY 21 k s wor ’ And the euro? And At a plenary session or in writing, MEPs may put questions to the put questions to At a plenary may MEPs session or in writing, action including the need for topic, on any Presidency EU Council democracy of human rights, breaches and the rule of remedy to law. The Presidency of the Council, which is held by national ministers of the Council, The Presidency political groups often meets the chairs of Parliament’s in rotation, and re- plenaryand attends its programme present sessions to The Presidency port and discuss them with MEPs. on its results takesalso frequently part meetings. in committee Parliament’s President states its key states policy at recommendations President Parliament’s the Council’), where ‘European the start of each EU summit (or policy on overall guidelines. leaders of the Member agree States and the High Council Rep- of the European The President Security Aﬀairs and — Policy Foreign of the Union for resentative — report to regularly Treaty by the Lisbon two new posts created activities. on their MEPs Monitoring the Council ■ single currency of Europe’s scrutinise the management MEPs Bank (ECB) Central of the European the President inviting by and its Economic before his or her policies and explain come to President the ECB MonetaryMoreover, Committee. Affairs can board executive of the Bank’s and all the other members Fol- has been consulted. after Parliament only be appointed Parliament Treaty, of the Lisbon the entrylowing force into necessary use of the the adopt the measures can now for with the Council. together euro ■ European Ombudsman

Parliament elects a European Ombudsman to examine cases of ‘maladministration’ by EU institutions which are brought to his or her attention by citizens and companies with a view to reaching a settlement. MEPs determine the rules and general conditions governing the performance of the Ombudsman’s duties. He or she works from offi ces on Parliament’s premises.

Cooperating closely with national parliaments

The European Parliament is also involved in building and maintaining close links with national parliaments in the European Union. This interparliamentary cooperation is intended essentially to extend democratic control and accountability over decisions taken at EU level, thus ensuring more transparency and openness in the decision-making process. GUARDIAN OF LIBERTIES AND DEMOCRACY AND LIBERTIES OF GUARDIAN

The treaty reform has brought the national parliaments even more closely into the institutional process, especially at the legislative level. They are now real participants in the process of adopting European laws, being called on to assess, in particular, compliance with the subsidiarity principle, according to which action at EU level should be taken only when the objectives envisaged cannot be achieved suﬃ ciently at national or local level. If a suﬃ cient number of national parliaments raise objec- tions on the issue of conformity with the subsidiarity principle, the proposal is re-examined and the European institutions must give reasons for any decision to pursue the procedure.

The national parliaments also contribute actively to the good functioning of the Union by taking part in the treaty revision procedures and by being notiﬁ ed of applications for accession to the Union. 22 23 s approval. MEPs check MEPs s approval. ’ pean uro he E ed to promoting them may apply to become a mem- to apply them may promoting ed to

the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection and protection human rights and respect for the rule of law, of minorities; Speciﬁcally, to become a member of the EU an applicant coun- to Speciﬁcally, try criteria: three must meet the following political: stability democracy, of institutions guaranteeing — Any countryAny seeking Union must membership of the European named after the city criteria’, ‘Copenhagen the to conform or Government established in 1993, the Heads of State where, been since conditions have accession (those the conditions for tightened). It is up to the Council and the Commission to negotiate with negotiate It to and the Commission the Council is up to of accession, but the applicant countries set the date and to until the very of the accession the procedure day monitor MEPs are Treaty that all the conditions laid down in the maketo sure met. ber of the Union. The application is made to the Council, which the Council, application is made to The ber of the Union. acts and receiv- unanimously after consulting the Commission approval. ing Parliament’s The European Union cannot accept new Member States States Member new Union cannot accept European The Parliament without the European s enlargement ■ d EU an Parliament Any European country European Any which respects the values of the EU and is committ that the applicant countries fulfil the political and eco- fulfil the political and countries the applicant that great attaching in the treaties, nomic criteria laid down importance to the issue of human rights. 24 THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND EU ENLARGEMENTS viding itgoesthrough theaccessionprocedure onceagain. approval. involved willstillbeabletoThe country rejoin theEU, pro- States’Member governments, which will require Parliament’s prior drawal willneedto inanagreement bedetermined the between to withdraw from theEUifitsowishes. forThe arrangements with- The Lisbon Treaty nowprovidesfor State thepossibility aMember ‘Voluntary withdrawal rom 6MemberStates to27 — acceptance ofthe economy— and market economic: existence ofafunctioning ■ oftheformer the candidacy Yugoslav RepublicofMacedonia. for openingnegotiationswith Turkey andCroatia, andsupported on anumberofoccasionsinrecent years. They gave thego-ahead the Union’s capacity. absorption MEPs have debated theseissues both to the applicantcountries’ preparations for joiningandto addition,ParliamentIn hascalledfor considerationto begiven No forces withintheUnion; to copewithcompetitivethe capacity pressure andmarket aims of political, economic and monetary union. aims ofpolitical, economicandmonetary the obligationsofmembership, includingadherence to the J J J J J v 2007 anuary 1995 anuary 1986 anuary 1981 anuary 1973 anuary ember 1990 M ar M F ch 1957 ay 2004 Bulgaria andRomania Slovenia andSlovakia Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Malta, Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Austria, Finland andSweden of theformer EastGermany Reunifi Portugal andSpain Greece the United Kingdom Ireland and Denmark, Luxembourg andtheNetherlands Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, acquis communautaire on to take : ability cation ofGermany, integration ’ from theUnion ■ The European Parliament on the world stage

The European Parliament’s approval is required for most international agreements concluded by the EU, and Par- liament is also involved in shaping the EU’s development and humanitarian aid policy. MEPs are increasingly bringing their influence to bear on European foreign policy and maintain close links with lawmakers around the world. The European Parliament’s chamber is also an important stage for international leaders and personalities.

In its relations with the wider world, the Union promotes its values and interests and contributes to the protection of its citizens. It works for peace, security, the sustainable development of the planet, solidarity between peoples, free and fair trade, the eradication of poverty, protection of human rights and the strict observance and development of international law. 2 5 26 THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON THE WORLD STAGE man-made andnaturaldisasters. protection for whoareof peopleinnon-EU countries victims aid policy, whichisintended to provide assistance, relief and MEPs have acquired alegislative role intheEU’s humanitarian andhumanrights. governance, democracy areThe mainobjectives fi andpromoting good ghting poverty procedure.Parliament andtheCouncil undertheco-decision arecooperation withothernon-EUcountries nowdecidedby veloping andoneconomic, countries fi nancial andtechnical onaidforThe measures neededto de- implementthepolicy and humanitarianaidpolicy An enhanced role indevelopment plementation ofthecommoncommercial policy. and theCouncil together thatadoptlegislative ontheim- acts of thenegotiations. UndertheLisbon Treaty, itisnowParliament great dealofweight asParliament hasto approve theoutcome a those negotiations, MEPs recommendations make whichcarry of thecontext bilateral negotiations withnon-EUcountries. In under theauspicesof World andin Trade Organisation (WTO) about progress inmultilateral tradenegotiationsconducted Furthermore, theCommission isrequired to inform Parliament grounds.rights havenon-EU countries beenrejected byParliament onhuman which theEUenters into —anumberoffinancial protocols with MEPs’ assentisrequired for agreements mostoftheinternational without theEuropean Parliament No international agreements THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON THE WORLD STAGE 27 the EuroMed Parlia- ; the EuroMed European voluntary corps, voluntary corps, European Towards a European Voluntary Voluntary a European Towards Corps Aid Humanitarian Parliament and the Council are required to determine the determine to required are and the Council Parliament a new for operating arrangements from contributions joint for a framework establishing thereby the humanitarian actions to of the Union. Europeans young The European Parliament is constantly trying Parliament build political, to The European the economic and cultural links with other parliaments around Members participateworld. in the Africa, Caribbean, Pacific–EU Joint Parliamentary (ACP–EU) Assembly Authority including the Palestinian mentary (EMPA), Assembly and Israel; the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly ; and the EU-NeighbourhoodParliamentary East (EuroLat) (Euronest). Assembly Parliament also has the right also conduct the new of to full scrutiny Parliament Treaty. ExternalEuropean Action Service by the Lisbon created for- This diplomatic service that the EU’s ensure to is intended policy economic and eign in political, is conducted coherently military terms. Parliament is consulted by the Council on major foreign policy on major foreign by the Council is consulted Parliament policies and ask questions about foreign can MEPs decisions. the Union of HighThe Representative make recommendations. Vice-Pres- Affairs and Security (who is also a Policy Foreign for report to the to invited is regularly ident of the Commission) activities the world. around plenary on the EU’s EU foreign policy MEPs scrutinised by closely EU foreign ■ Leaders from around the world received at the European Parliament

The European Parliament regularly invites heads of state, prime ministers and other personalities from around the world to address MEPs at a plenary session. In recent years visitors to Par- liament have included King Abdullah II of Jordan, President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority, President Viktor Yushchenko of Ukraine, President Ellen Sirleaf Johnson of Li- beria, President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan, President Evo Morales of Bolivia, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines, President Mikhail Saakashvili of Georgia and Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin of Israel. THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON THE WORLD STAGE WORLD THE ON PARLIAMENT EUROPEAN THE 28 ■ Defending human rights

In Europe and around the world, Parliament acts to up- hold human rights, freedoms and democracy. It sends observers to the four corners of the Earth to monitor elections for irregularities. MEPs also ensure that human rights are protected in the EU’s external economic and trade agreements, and each year they award the Sakharov Prize to people who fight for ‘freedom of thought’.

Parliament ensures that human rights are at the top of the European agenda. It takes initiatives in a range of areas, such as preventing torture, the protection of minorities, conﬂict preven- tion, promoting women’s and children’s rights, the protection of human rights activists and the rights of indigenous peoples.

Parliament also actively supports the establishment and work of international tribunals, such as the International Criminal Court or the tribunals specially set up to judge the perpetrators of war crimes in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. 29 Condemning violations of human rights

At each plenary session in Strasbourg, MEPs examine critical human rights situations in various parts of the world. Parliament regularly adopts resolutions calling on the EU institutions or governments to take immediate action to put an end to violations of fundamental rights.

Every year the European Parliament publishes an annual report on the human rights situation in the world, maintaining the focus of EU and world attention on the most serious cases by means of its denouncements. In these reports it has condemned cases such as the genocide in Darfur, violations of freedoms in China and the crimes committed in Chechnya. DEFENDING HUMAN RIGHTS HUMAN DEFENDING

■ Parliament strongly opposed to the death penalty

The European Parliament strongly condemns the use of the death penalty in all cases and under all circumstances. Its Members have repeatedly called for a worldwide, uncondition- al moratorium on executions, to be established through a UN resolution. By means of such a moratorium, Parliament wishes to affi rm the universal value of human life and dignity. 30 DEFENDING HUMAN RIGHTS 31

DEMOCRACY e account of human rights of human e account Parliament has the power to refuse the conclusion of important refuse to the power has Parliament countries with non-member evidence of if it ﬁnds agreements of human rights Byprinciples. and democratic breaches the same token, on strict it insists human compliance with the included in such agree- systematically rights clauses that are be terminated to an agreement for ments and which provide in extreme cases. Ensuring that international agreements agreements international Ensuring that tak Delegations of MEPs are often sent on election are observationDelegations of MEPs election the entire They monitor countries. non-EU missions to rights the atten- to of citizens’ breaches any and draw process authorities and the international commu- tion of the relevant participated example, in election for observa- have, MEPs nity. the tion missions in Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ukraine. Territories Palestinian Guaranteeing democratic elections democratic Guaranteeing Asylum policy and combating human traffi cking

The Lisbon Treaty calls on the EU to develop a common asylum policy aimed at giving an appropriate status to all political refugees by laying down common procedures for granting and withdrawing protection, as well as standards relating to the re- ception conditions for asylum-seekers.

One of the aims of the EU’s common immigration policy is to ensure fair treatment of non-EU nationals who are staying legally in the EU. In that context, Parliament is now involved in adopting measures to combat human traﬃ cking, and especially the traﬃ cking of women and children. DEFENDING HUMAN RIGHTS HUMAN DEFENDING

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named after Russian scientist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is intended to honour individuals or organisations who defend human rights, democracy and freedom of expression and combat intolerance and oppression anywhere in the world.

Established in 1988, the prize is awarded each year by the European Parliament at a formal sitting in Strasbourg. The parliamentary calendar permitting, it is awarded as closely as possible to 10 December, the anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

Previous winners include Nelson Mandela (South Africa), Alex- ander Dubček (Czechoslovakia), Las Madres de la Plaza de Mayo (The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo — Argentina), Aung San Suu Kyi (Burma), Ibrahim Rugova (Kosovo), the United Nations Organisation and its then Secretary-General, Koﬁ Annan, Hu Jia (China) and Memorial, an association defending human rights in Russia. 32 33 k erent coloured coloured erent nows their role and nothing their role nows k orkings of the , red, blue and turquoise, each corresponding each corresponding and turquoise, blue , red, s for parliamentaryks for committees he w

of the European Parliament is structured ac- Parliament k of the European erent type of parliamentary activity. For the wor For type of parliamentary activity. erent T ff

ks: pink k wee pean Parliament uro In committee meetings MEPs hold a series of debates and votes hold a series and votes of debates In MEPs meetings committee laws their opinion on proposed expressing on reports, thereby They also draw year. the following or on the draft budget for EU action they recommend to in which reports’ ‘own-initiative up be taken in a particular or the Member by the Commission area governments. States’ Pin each has 20 standing committees, Parliament The European trans- specialising in a particular such as the environment, field, port,The make-up industry of these committees the budget. or and the number in Parliament reflects the various political trends They committee. to committee contain varies they from of MEPs plenary the work for preparing sessions. for responsible are E The wor The diff a calendar divided up into to cording ■ wee to a di needs to be there possible, as smoothly as to proceed ma- The support. and administrative good organisation everyone chinery runs well, is left to chance. 34 THE WORKINGS OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ment andpersonalitiesfrom allover theworld. sessionsmay alsobeattended by HeadsofState orGovern- ary Commission orCouncil representatives ontopical issues. Plen- As well MEPs asreports, adoptresolutions anddirectlyquestion and adopted to refl Parliament’sect offi adopted incommittee are onceagaindebated,ports amended Strasbourg or, for sessions, additional, inBrussels. shorter The re- This iswhenalltheMEPs assemble eitherinthechamber month. sessionisthehighlightofparliamentary The plenary Red wee sessions ks for plenary economic andsocialcrisis. more soundand stableinresponse to theglobalfi in 2009to propose measures to makethefi responses to climate change. Aspecialcommittee wassetup committee wassetupto examinepossible 2007 atemporary a numberofEuropean countries by theUSsecret In services. rendition terrorists andillegaldetention ofsuspected dinary in ities inEurope following press revelations abouttheextraor- safety. Andin2006acommittee investigated theCIA’s activ- a committee in2003to look into ways to improve maritime Following oftheoiltankerPrestige, thesinking MEPs setup governments hadproperly handledthe ‘mad cow’ epidemic. wasaskedto checkwhether theCommission andthe inquiry committees ofinquiry. For example, in1996acommittee of necessary,If Parliament cansetupspecialcommittees and ■ Special committees andcommittees ofinquiry cial position. nancial markets nancial nancial, THE WORKINGS OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 35

WEEKS 31 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 29 30 31 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 06 09 12 03 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 10 11 12 13 14 15 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 8 9 8 9 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 10 11 12 13 14 1 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

49 50 51 52 1 22 23 24 25 26 27 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 26 27 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 11 08 02 05 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 5 6 7 8 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 10 1 2 3 4 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 44 45 46 47 48 18 19 20 21 22 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 28 29 30 31 27 28 29 30 31 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 01 10 04 07 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 10 11 12 13 10 11 12 13 10 11 12 13 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 9 10 11 12 13 14 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 40 41 42 43 44 27 28 29 30 31 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 14 15 16 17 18 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 li- W ecting and promoting the EU’s cultural diversity and mak- cultural diversity ecting the EU’s and promoting ing MEPs’ work accessible to everyone. to accessible work ing MEPs’ plenary fully multi- sittings and meetings are All Parliament’s EU, cial language of the offi lingual: Members can speak in any speak? languagedoyou hat Thanks and everything is simultaneously interpreted. they say working documents are translation service, the to Parliament’s Union, European cial languages of the in all the offi available refl ■ A number of weeks a year are set aside for MEPs to carry to MEPs out set aside for are a year A number of weeks on mis- constituency travel work or to electorate and meet their other partssion to of the world. ks: wee Turquoise or on mission constituencies in their MEPs During ‘group weeks’, which weeks’, ‘group During the plenary before session, each politicalgenerally come the week the positions it will take in the and formulates coordinates group assembly on each of the subjects on the agenda. ation rather than nationality. than nationality. ation rather MEPs A minimum number of least one quarter at from of the Memberis re- States a political form to quired who do not be- MEPs group. auto- are group any long to together matically grouped Members. as ‘non-attached’ MEPs are grouped together grouped are MEPs of political aﬃ on the basis s for the political groups ks for Blue wee Who does what in the European Parliament?

Elected to serve a two-and-a-half-year term by the MEPs, the President of the European Parliament plays a key role: he or she directs Parliament’s activities, chairs plenary sessions and signs the budget and laws adopted together with the Council. The President represents Parliament in international relations and in its relations with the other EU institutions. Parliament has 14 Vice-Presidents, each with a speciﬁ c area of responsibility.

The Conference of Presidents is made up of the chairs of the political groups and the President of the European Parliament. It organises and schedules the work of Parliament, including the timetable and agenda for plenary sessions and the composition of committees and delegations.

The Bureau is the body responsible for dealing with Parliament’s administrative, staﬃ ng and organisational matters. It comprises the President of Parliament, the Vice-Presidents and the Quaes- tors, who are elected by MEPs. The Bureau is also responsible for

THE WORKINGS OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT EUROPEAN THE OF WORKINGS THE Parliament’s budget.

MEPs and Parliament are assisted by a large administration. The Secretariat has the task of assisting all MEPs in the performance of their offi cial duties. It consists of almost 5 400 people — a quarter of whom are translators and interpreters — who work in Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg and in the information offi ces in the Member States. Including the staff of the political groups and the MEPs’ assistants, a total of about 7 000 people keep Parliament’s wheels turning. 36 ■ An offi ce near you

Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg are the European Parliament’s ‘places of work’, but you can keep an eye on its activities wherever you are. From your computer you can follow a plenary session, consult documents and press releases and ask Europe-related questions on line. Not only that, but there are information offi ces at your service in all the EU’s capital cities.

The website: a window on the European Parliament

Parliament’s website — the address is easy to remember: www.europarl.europa.eu — is a mine of interesting information in all the oﬃ cial languages. Whether you want to know about Parliament’s most recent work, follow committee and plenary debates and votes as they happen, get to know who the MEPs are and ﬁ nd out what they do, submit a petition or sim- ply discover how the institution works, it’s all on the website. INTERNET 37 To ensure that its work is known and understood by the public, Parliament provides access to its documents via an online regis- ter. Historical archives are also available.

Europarltv: Parliament’s web television

Follow EU news, see the MEPs in action, go ‘behind the scenes’ at Parliament or watch a live transmission of its work — it’s all possible at www.europarltv.eu. Parliament’s web television oﬀ ers a package of four channels each aimed at a diﬀ erent AN OFFICE NEAR YOU NEAR OFFICE AN audience, from schoolchildren to professionals, as well as anyone interested in European politics.

Any questions? Drop a line to Parliament’s mailbox

Parliament’s website is certainly comprehensive, but it is sometimes diﬃ cult to ﬁ nd your way through the EU labyrinth. So the European Parliament provides a mailbox to which anyone can send questions, requests for information or suggestions concerning areas of EU activity. Each year Parliament replies to tens of thousands of messages from the public.

As well informed as the journalists

The media plays an important role in bringing citizens closer to the institutions representing them. Parliament has a Press Service which informs journalists about the day’s parliamentary debates and the outcome of votes. This information is available to the general public in real time on Parliament’s multilingual website. Journalists can also make use of logistical and technical support and audiovisual material (photos, videos, audio archives, etc.). In addition, the Press Service organises press conferences and seminars on topical European issues. 38 AN OFFICE NEAR YOU 39 A new Visitors’ Centre in Brussels will soon open an interactive in Brussels will soon open an interactive Centre Visitors’ A new exhibition on the workings and the impact its de- of Parliament A multimedia citizens. of Europe’s on the daily life cisions have a day’. for ‘MEPs be role-play let visitors even game will Europe Day (9 May) is ‘open day’ at the European Parliament, Parliament, the European at day’ ‘open (9 May) is Day Europe the open to and Brussels are Strasbourg when its chambers in Every 60 000 people takegeneral public. around advantage year and learn about its activities. visit Parliament of the occasion to Perhaps you have found a lot of information on the website and on the website a lot of information found have you Perhaps like Parliament see in practice to how the European now you’d Nearly people visit Par- 300 000 you. works what it does for and Luxembourg Brussels and places of work in Strasbourg, liament’s plenary attend to ses- either individually or in groups, each year, If like gain a deeper would to you MEPs. sions and meet their the workings Parliament insight into of the European and role do is contact to have all you questions answered, your and have in all guided tours and Seminars Unit, which organises Visits the languages. oﬃcial the EU’s Visiting Parliament Visiting Information offi ces providing a service to European citizens

The European Parliament has an information oﬃ ce in all EU cap- itals, as well as regional oﬃ ces in certain Member States. They serve as a point of contact between European citizens and the institution which represents them.

The information oﬃ ces run information campaigns on various European issues. They organise seminars and conferences, in particular for students, opinion multipliers and the media. AN OFFICE NEAR YOU NEAR OFFICE AN The information oﬃ ces also organise decentralised forums at which MEPs, local authorities, individual citizens and representatives of various occupations debate the most important issues in the regions concerned. They also organise meetings between MEPs and national and local representatives, the press and the public.

Contacting your MEP

Parliament, above all else, is the MEPs. Backed by the mandate given to them in European elections, it is MEPs who pass laws and take political initiatives which have an impact on our daily lives and provide the inspiration for a European approach to the major international issues.

The names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of every MEP can be found under their MEP proﬁ le in the ‘Your MEPs’ menu on Parliament’s website. There are also details of their curriculum vitae, constituency and political aﬃ liation, as well as the positions they hold and the work they have per- formed in Parliament.

See pages 56–59 for contact details. 40 41 wmaking — ork? pean la uro

E w does it w

A second reading then begins. The legislative process is completed if, within three months, months, within three if, is completed process The legislative then begins. A second reading the however, position, reject it or do not take a decision. If, the Council’s approve the MEPs examine those to is required position, the Council the Council’s amendments to propose MEPs all the approves text if the Council is adopted The legislative amendments in a second reading. amendments. At first reading (the first stage of deliberation of the text) Parliament adopts or does not adopt of deliberation of the text) (the first stage Parliament At first reading does not adopt amendments If Parliament proposal. the Commission amendments (changes) to It is adopted. is proposal the legislative proposal, also accepts the Commission and if the Council into can then enter The new law amendments. accepts Parliament’s if the Council also adopted text it submits an alternative to amendments, all the MEPs’ If does not approve the Council force. position in first reading. out the Member setting States’ Parliament The Commission submits a legislative proposal to the European Parliament and the Council. and the Council. Parliament the European to proposal submits a legislative The Commission The ordinary legislative procedure is divided into three stages. The general outline of this pro- The general outline of this stages. three is divided into The ordinary procedure legislative is as follows. cedure In policy addition to traditionally subject co-decision to areas trans- — such as the environment, has port, of goods and workers movement procedure — the free and the consumer protection been extended a further It 86. to to the total bringing is now also applied in areas 50 legal bases, fisheries, responsibility (such as agriculture, the Council’s almost exclusively were that previously of action, tourism, new areas such as as the EU’s as well and justice and home affairs initiatives) and sport.youth Co-decision, which puts the European Parliament on an equal footing with the Council, has the Council, with on an equal footing Co-decision, Parliament which puts the European In the Council principle, the adoption of EU laws. for procedure’ legislative ‘ordinary become the the Lisbon before unanimity where was required including in areas acts by qualified majority, was adopted. Treaty ■ ho 42 EUROPEAN LAWMAKING — HOW DOES IT WORK? to pursue theprocedure. institutions are theproposal required and, ifnecessary, substantiate to theirdecision re-examine onthosegrounds, raiseobjections asufficientnumberofparliaments proportionality. theEU If ments, and whohave ofsubsidiarity eightweeks withtheprinciples to assessitscompatibility beginning ofthelegislativeAt thevery procedure theproposal isalsosentto thenationalparlia- deemed notto have beenadopted. isthenapprovedCouncil. thetext itbecomeslaw. If theproposedis nodecisionistaken, act If issubmitted,text inathird andfinalreading, sessionofParliament andto to the aplenary If, however, therepresentatives institutionsreach ofthetwo anagreement that onajointtext, the conciliationcommittee doesnotapprove theproposal ajointtext, falls. institutions.two The Commission isalsoinvolved throughout theprocedure. If, within sixweeks, as conciliation. This taskisgiven to aconciliationcommittee, composedofrepresentatives ofthe itdoesnotapproveIf alltheamendments, aconsensusmustbereached: thisisthestageknown Special legislative procedures

All procedures other than that described above are known as ‘special’ procedures, including the ad hoc procedure required for adopting the budget, which is described in detail in the following chapter. EUROPEAN LAWMAKING — HOW DOES IT WORK?

Some acts must be adopted unanimously by the Council, with Parliament’s prior approval. MEPs thus have a kind of veto, allowing them to reject or accept a proposal as a whole, without the possibility of proposing amendments. This is the case with the multiannual ﬁ nancial framework and measures to combat discrimination or extend the rights associated with citizenship (which also require national ratiﬁ cation).

Other acts are adopted by the Council unanimously or by qualiﬁ ed majority after Parliament has been ‘consulted’. In such cases the MEPs’ opinion is not binding and it is the governments that have the ﬁ nal word. This procedure applies, for example, to social security and protection acts, tax-related provisions in the area of energy and harmonisation of turnover taxes and indirect taxation. It also applies to operational police cooperation and to measures governing intervention by a Member State’s authorities in the territory of another EU country.

The rules on the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in municipal and European elections in the Member State of residence are also subject to this procedure, although the Council may choose — by unanimous decision taken after consulting Parliament — to apply the ordinary legislative procedure. 43 ■ How the EU’s annual budget is adopted

Parliament and the Council, using a special legislative procedure, establish the EU’s annual budget on the basis of the ﬁve-year multiannual ﬁnancial framework, which is established by a regulation adopted by the two arms of the budgetary authority — Parliament and the Council.

With the exception of the European Central Bank, each institution draws up, before 1 July, esti- mates of its expenditure for the following ﬁnancial year. The Commission consolidates these esti- mates in a draft budget, which contains an estimate of revenue and an estimate of expenditure. It submits this draft to the European Parliament and the Council not later than 1 September. The Council is required to adopt its position on the draft budget and forward it to Parliament, with explanations, not later than 1 October.

The budget is adopted if, within 42 days of such communication, Parliament approves the Coun- cil’s position or has not taken a decision. If, however, Parliament adopts amendments, its draft budget is forwarded to the Council and the Commission. The budget is adopted if, within 10 days, the Council approves all the amendments.

If the Council does not approve all the amendments, the President of the European Parliament, in agreement with the President of the Council, convenes a meeting of the conciliation committee — composed of representatives of the two arms of the budgetary authority — with the task of reaching agreement on a joint draft. The Commission takes part in proceedings and tries to reconcile the positions of Parliament and the Council. If, within 21 days, the conciliation committee does not agree on a joint text, a new draft budget must be submitted by the Commis- sion. However, if the committee reaches an agreement, Parliament and the Council each have a period of 14 days in which to approve the joint text.

The budget is definitively adopted if, within that 14-day period, Parliament and the Council both approve the joint text or fail to take a decision, or if one of these institutions approves the joint text while the other one fails to take a decision. 44 HOW THE EU’S ANNUAL BUDGET IS ADOPTED 45 If Parliament approves the joint text while the Council rejects it, Parliament may — acting may by a the joint text it, Parliament rejects while the Council approves If Parliament confirmmajority cast — decide to all fifths votes of the component members and three of its position the amendment is not confirmed, a Parliament Where or some of the amendments. which is the subject on the budget heading conciliation committee in the of the amend- agreed on this basis. adopted be definitively The budget is deemed to ment is retained. Conversely, a new draft budget is submitted by the Commission if Parliament and the Council and the Council if Parliament draft a new by the Commission budget is submitted Conversely, the joint text,both reject rejects the joint text one of these institutions or if one while the other the joint text rejects the Council while applies if Parliament The same takefails to a decision. it. approves 46 headquarters are in Brussels,headquarters butitalso meetsinLuxembourg. tional ministers anditisthustheinstitution whichrepresents States. theMember The Council’s (CFSP)andonthecoordinationmeetingsare ofeconomic policies. attended byna- policy Its onthecommonforeignCouncil isalsotheleadinstitutionfor decision-making andsecurity Treaty hassubstantiallyincreased thenumberofareasbyqualified majority. inwhichitacts The The Council, alongwithParliament, exercises functions. legislative andbudgetary The Lisbon Council States.been nominated bytheMember bers, whoare regional officials, orlocalelected appointed bytheCouncil for five years, having appearsto have principle sulted, beenviolated. thesubsidiarity The Committee has344mem- before ofJusticeincaseswhere, theCourt inrespectoflegislative onwhichitmustbecon- acts the environment andtransport. The Lisbon Treaty gives proceedings to theCoR bring theright sion, trans-European health,educationandculture, infrastructurenetworks, employmentpolicy, that have repercussions atregional orlocallevel. These areas includeeconomicandsocialcohe- required to consulttheCommittee oftheRegions whenever newproposals are madeinareas and regional bodieswithavoice inthe European Union. The Commission andtheCouncil are Established in1994,theCommittee oftheRegions (CoR) isapoliticalassemblyproviding local Committee oftheRegions oftheirownnationallaw.law part haveUnion. Candidate countries to accepttheacquis before theycanjointheEU, EU andmake agreements onEUaffairsandthejudgments ofJusticetheEuropean given bytheCourt The This isaFrench covering, term essentially, share. andobligations thatallEUcountries therights communautaire Acquis ■ acquis includesalltheEU’s treaties andlaws, declarationsandresolutions, international EU key w or ds EU KEYWORDS 47 ; ; performs the and Education, ; and Education, ; Environment and Fisheries ; Agriculture Employment, Social Policy, Health and Health Social Policy, ; Employment, Affairs and Financial ; Economic quished all possibility of taking union, competition rules, the customs to mainly action, relate monetary policy. commercial and the common policy area in the euro transport, policy public health, social energy, and fisheries, agriculture consumer protection, cooperation and humanitarian development aid and the and territorial cohesion, research, security of freedom, and justice. area — Shared competences (the most common case) concern, for example, the internal market, example, (the most common case) concern, competences for Shared — The competences of the European Union and its Member States are divided into three different different three divided into Union and its Member are States of the European The competences categories: relin- irrevocably the Member have States where of the Union, competences The exclusive — Division of competences Court of Justice of the European Union of the European Court of Justice and the interpretation compliance with ensures The Court based in Luxembourg, of Justice, It are is composed of the same number of judges as there treaties. application of the founding six for appointed who are by eight advocates-general, assisted The judges are Member States. It among the Member States. has two principal by agreement functions:years check whether to compatible with the treaties institutions and of governments are instruments of the European court, of a national at the request or the validity rulings, on the interpretation of give and to The Court also comprises a General Court, composed of at least contained in EU law. provisions and specialised courts.one judge per Member State, The Council meets in various configurations bringing together the relevant Member min- State the relevant in various meets together The Council bringing configurations Affairs General isters: ; Trans- and Home Affairs of Justice the Fields in ; Cooperation ; Competitiveness Affairs Consumer Energy and Telecommunications port, The General Affairs Council, however, is chaired by the High Representative of the Union for of the Union for by the High is chaired Representative however, The General Affairs Council, The High Representative Treaty. by the Lisbon a post created Affairs and Security Policy, Foreign and securitypolicy the consistency common foreign ensures and of the conducts the Union’s external of the CFSP and implements it as in- action the development ; contributes to Union’s External the aid of the new European with Action Servicestructed by the Council, Youth and Culture. These configurations are headed, on a rotating six-monthly basis, by the basis, six-monthly on a rotating headed, These configurations are Culture. and Youth presidency period. an 18-month countries of the EU over the rotating holding three takes and part the common security policy, to and defence in meetings with regard same role Council. of the European 48 EU KEYWORDS cing ofalltheUnion’s institutionsandbodieswithabsolute operational independence. fraud againsttheEuropean Unionbudget. investigatesThe Office themanagementandfinan- The European Anti-Fraud (OLAF)hasbeenresponsible, Office since1June1999,for combating European Anti-Fraud Office States —theCzech someMember Republic,Nevertheless, Poland andtheUK—secured ‘opt-outs’. intoing, force ascalledfor byParliament.finallybecame bindingwiththeentry oftheLisbon It Treaty. devoted to institutionalreform, theEU’s HeadsofState orGovernmentagreed itlegallybind- to make 2007inLisbon,atasummit October ly proclaimed 2000ataEuropean inDecember In SummitinNice. byaconventionDrafted includingMEPs wasformal- andmembersofnationalparliaments, thecharter dispersedover anumberofnational, European hitherto nomic andsocialrights acts. andinternational ofFundamentalThe EUCharter together inasingledocumentthecivil, brings political, Rights eco- ofFundamentalEU Charter Rights within EMUisbalancedanddoesnotgive to any rise States. tensions theMember between once theymeetalltheconvergence whichaimto ensure criteria, thateconomicdevelopment States 2004are 1May whichjoinedtheEUonorafter The 12Member required to adopttheeuro States have adopted thesinglecurrency. 2002euro notes andcoinsreplaced theoldnationalcurrencies.On 1January NotallMember inEMU. participating duced inthecountries 1999theexchangethe euro. rates were On1January wasintro- fixed andthesinglecurrency States oftheUnion,includingintroductiona single currency, policiesoftheMember etary union(EMU)istheprocess theeconomicandmon- ofharmonising Economic andmonetary union Economic andmonetary this division. asregulators act to ensure compliance with andproportionality ofsubsidiarity The principles where action, theEU’s competences orareas ofsupporting Supporting taskisto encourage,— civil protection. industry, culture,tection, educationandprofessional tourism, and training, youth andsport, States,coordinate bytheMember include, andcomplementaction inparticular, healthpro- EU KEYWORDS 49 k The European Commission President, proposed by the national governments on the basis of proposed President, Commission The European majority. by absolute election, Parliament of the European is elected the European by the results the President’s except each Member State, from — one The other members of the Commission of the Mem- with the agreement by the Council years five country for nominated — are of origin the Union for of also holds the post of High Representative Vice-Presidents One of the ber States. by of approval subject as a whole is a vote The Commission to Affairs and Security Policy. Foreign which it is answerable. to Parliament, the European European Commission European of the Union. It embodies and upholds the general interest has the Commission The European in- the legislative It and then implements virtually legislation. right initiate to prepares exclusive in connection with EU policies. Parliament and the European by the Council struments adopted It control. is respon- of implementation, management and also has powers The Commission managing the budget and executing common policies, planning and implementing sible for applied in the is law that European it also ensures of the treaties’, ‘Guardian As EU programmes. Member States. Citizens of the Union have the right to move and reside freely within the territory freely and reside the right move of the Member to of the Union have Citizens in elections the European stand as candidates to and to the right vote to They also have States. under the same condi- in municipal elections and in their Member of residence, State Parliament is no represen- Intions as nationals of that Member there countries State. outside the EU where tation of a particular the diplomatic enjoy nationals of that Member may Member State State, other Member State. of any and consular protection European citizenship European Every is add- of the Union of the Union. Citizenship national of a Member is a citizen State that in all its stipulates Treaty The Lisbon it. and does not replace national citizenship itional to activities the Union must observe who must receive the principle of the equality of its citizens, Treaty, under the Moreover, offices and agencies. bodies, its institutions, from equal attention directly are ‘citizens and democracy’ on representative ‘ founded the functioning of the Union is Parliament’. in the European at Union level represented Founded on 30 June 1998 in Frankfurt, the European Central Bank (ECB) is responsible for mon- for Bank (ECB) is responsible Central the European Frankfurt, on 30 June 1998 in Founded etary policy 1 January Since area. in the member countries of the euro have 1999 its main tasks monetary the European implement and to price maintain been to area stability in the euro The ECB acts independ- totally Banks (ESCB). policy of Central System defined by the European of an EU institution. the ECB the status gives Treaty The Lisbon ently. European Central Ban Central European 50 EU KEYWORDS appointed bytheCouncil for arenewable ofoffice. term five-year has344members whoare nominatedhas consulted bynationalgovernmentsand theEESC.It policy, the Treaty theCouncil stipulates onlyafter orCommission that adecisionmay betaken education, publichealth,consumerprotection, economicandsocialcohesion andagricultural representative areas,parties ofcivilsociety. includingemploymentpolicy, certain socialpolicy, In is aconsultative assemblyrepresenting organisations ofemployers, theemployed andother The European establishedbythe Economic andSocialCommittee (EESC), Treaty ofRome(1957), European Economic Committee and Social and theCouncil. ofAuditors any alsohasthepowerThe Court to to irregularities theEuropean report Parliament transactions. oftheunderlying andregularity as to thereliability oftheaccountsandlegality alsosuppliestheEuropeansound. Parliament It andtheCouncil withastatement ofassurance body created andensures bytheEU)for andregularity thatitsfinancialmanagementis legality State.Member checkstherevenue andexpenditureThe Court oftheEuropean Union(andany ofAuditors,The European Court basedinLuxembourg, iscomposedofonenationalfrom each European ofAuditors Court representation oftheUnion,without prejudice Representative. to thepowers oftheHigh European Parliament eachofthemeetings oftheEuropean after Council andensures theexternal and endeavours to facilitate cohesionandconsensus. The President to presents the areport oftheEuropean ofthework Counciltinuity incooperationwiththePresident oftheCommission, half-year term. The President, whomay notholdnationaloffice, ensures thepreparation andcon- Under theLisbon Treaty, theEuropean itsPresident Council elects for arenewable two-and-a- byconsensus.taken to hasnolegislative lay downgeneral politicalguidelines. role It anditsdecisions, asarule, are impetusfor role States. istoMember itsdevelopment provide and Its theEUwithnecessary sixmonthstheHeadsofState orGovernmentoftheEuropean Union every together twice The Lisbon Treaty haselevated theEuropean brings Council to thestatusofEUinstitution.It European Council EU KEYWORDS 51 k The Lisbon Treaty combined the European Community and the European Union into a single Union into Community and the European combined the European Treaty The Lisbon entity legal personality: a single having Union. In with the the European so doing it did away (the two intergovernmental of which had been essentially pillars’, ‘three of old system is now a single institu- There ‘justice and home affairs’). and and security policy’ foreign ‘common in the case of the except generally applies, method’ ‘community tional framework the in which security policy. and defence the foreign, particular laid down for procedures European Union European democracy, freedom, human dignity, on the values of respect for Union is founded The European including the rights human rights, of persons belonging and respect for the rule of law equality, the Member in a society common to States in which pluralism, These values are minorities. to non-discrimination, solidarity justice, and equality and men prevail. tolerance, between women European Ombudsman European complaints concerning maladministration receive to Ombudsman is empowered The European the Court of (with the exception by EU institutions or bodies Court) of Justice and the General associations businesses, in a Member or from State individual residing or any EU citizen any from be based on lack complaints may example, For office in the EU. or other bodies with a registered unfairness or discrimination delays, unjustified administrative information, or denial of access to or lack of transparency. The task of the European Investment Bank (EIB), which is based in Luxembourg, is to contribute is to in Luxembourg, (EIB), which is based Bank Investment the European The task of terri- of the EU development the balanced and territorial social through cohesion economic, to environ- technical, practical It whose economic, projects tory. long-term for financing provides Union, the EIB supports Outside the European mental and financial viability the is guaranteed. countries Balkans.pre-accession of the candidate and of the western It strategies also manages aid and development under European concluded of the agreements the financial dimension cooperation policies. European Investment Ban Investment European 52 EU KEYWORDS adopted. againstlegislative whichrequire principle acts consultationinordersubsidiarity itsprior to be tion. The Committee oftheRegionsfor hasacquired action to violationofthe bring theright require theEUinstitutionsto reconsider theappropriateness ofthelegislative proposal inques- atthebeginningprinciples ofalegislative procedure. may Asufficientnumberofparliaments Under theLisbon Treaty, areto verifycompliancewiththese thenationalparliaments asked to achieve ofthe theobjectives Union shouldnotgobeyond whatisnecessary Treaty. ofproportionality,is closelyboundupwiththeprinciple whichrequires bythe thatany action competence) unlessitismoreatnational, effectivetaken regional thanaction orlocallevel. It (exceptciple wherebyaction intheareas theUniondoesnottake whichfallwithin itsexclusive light ofthepossibilitiesavailable atnational, regional orlocallevel. Specifically, itistheprin- the citizen andthatconstantchecksare atEUlevel madeasto isjustifiedinthe whetheraction is intended to principle ensure thatdecisionsareascloselypossibletoThe subsidiarity taken Subsidiarity andproportionality ‘single market’ wasinplace. to tradealsotook alongwhiletobarriers remove, anditwasnotuntiltheendof1992that Customs were EECcountries dutiesbetween notcompletely abolisheduntil1July1968.Other outattheborders andnocustomscarried dutiespaid. However, thistook awhileto achieve. move around States freely asiftheywere theMember between allonecountry, withnochecks The European Unionisalarge area where, andcapitalcan inprinciple, persons, goods, services Single mar no bindingforce. form andmethods. Adecisionisbindinginitsentirety. Recommendationsandopinionshave State toeach Member whichitisaddressed, butleaves thechoiceof to thenationalauthorities States. applicableinallMember Adirectiveectly isbinding, asto theresult to beachieved, upon recommendations andopinions. Aregulation isgeneralinscope, bindinginitsentiretyanddir- To exercise theUnion’s competences, theinstitutionsadoptregulations, directives, decisions, oftheUnion Legal acts k et ■ Milestones in European integration

9 May 1950 — Robert Schuman, French Foreign Minister, proposes a coal and steel union between France and Germany, a plan based on the ideas of Jean Monnet. The date of Schuman’s speech has since then been celebrated annually as ‘Europe Day’.

April 1951 — Based on the Schuman Plan, Belgium, West Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands establish the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in the Treaty of Paris.

March 1957 — The six founding members sign the Treaties of Rome, creating the European Economic Community (EEC), or ‘common market’, and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). The treaties enter into force on 1 January 1958.

March 1958 — Constituent session of the European Parliamentary Assembly.

March 1962 — The European Parliamentary Assembly is renamed the European Parliament.

July 1968 — Customs duties on industrial goods are completely abolished 18 months ahead of schedule and a Common External Tariﬀ is introduced.

January 1973 — The ﬁrst enlargement of the Community: Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom join the EEC.

June 1979 — The ﬁrst direct elections to the European Parliament are held. Members were previously delegated by national parliaments. Nine countries elect 410 MEPs.

January 1981 — Greece joins the EEC.

June 1984 — European Parliament elections: 10 countries elect 441 MEPs.

January 1986 — Spain and Portugal join the EEC.

July 1987 — The Single European Act enters into force, enhancing Parliament’s legislative powers.

June 1989 — European Parliament elections: 12 countries elect 525 MEPs.

November 1989 — Fall of the Berlin Wall, the Cold War ends and Europe’s divisions can begin to be removed. 5 3 54 MILESTONES IN EUROPEAN INTEGRATION Declaration togetherDeclaration withtheCouncil and Commission. M adopts theeuro. J Netherlands. M for Europe. Oc June 2004—European 732MEPs. Parliament elect 25countries elections: jointheEU.Slovenia and Slovakia M Constitution. July 2003— The Convention ontheFuture ofEurope European completes onthedraft itswork members thefollowing year. ofFundamentalThe Charter isadopted. Rights F national currencies. J aEuropeanto draft constitution. Union. This openstheway for amajorreform oftheEUandestablishmentaconvention Dec June 1999—European 626MEPs. Parliament elect 15countries elections: ofcitizens.ment andtherights tions, give Europe astronger voice andconcentrate intheworld more resources onemploy- M J June 1994—European 567MEPs. Parliament elect 12countries elections: to theEuropean Parliament. of ‘European Community’. procedure isintroduced,The co-decision giving real legislative power closer cooperationinjusticeandhomeaﬀairs. The name ‘European Union’ oﬃciallyreplaces that sets outplansfor theintroductionofafuture singlecurrency, and aforeign policy andsecurity No peopleandmoneyisnowreality.goods, services, J — Bulgaria andRomaniajointheEU. 2007—Bulgaria anuary The numberofMEPs to 785. Slovenia rises 2002—Euro notes andcoinsenteranuary circulation in12countries, replacing theprevious 1995—Austria, Finlandanuary andSweden jointheEU. 1993— anuary anditsfour freedomsThe singlemarket are established:free movement of 2003— ebruary The Treaty enters into force, ofNice of10new preparing theEUfor theentry ar ay ay ay to v ember 2001— EuropeanThe Laeken Council adoptsadeclarationonthefuture ofthe ch 2007— To ofthe the50thanniversary mark Treaty ofRome, Parliament signs theBerlin ember 1993— The Treaty onEuropean comesinto force. Unionsigned atMaastricht It —J 2004 1999— The Treaty ofAmsterdam enters into force. lays downplansto reform It EUinstitu- ber 2004—EUHeadsofState orGovernmentsign the Treaty establishingaConstitution — Rejection of the draft Constitution inreferendums ofthedraft une 2005—Rejection heldinFrance andthe — The Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Poland, Lithuania,Hungary, Malta, Latvia, October 2007 — At the Lisbon Summit the EU’s Heads of State or Government reach agreement on the reform of the treaties.

December 2007 — The Presidents of Parliament, the Commission and the EU Council formally sign the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and the Heads of State or Government sign the Lisbon Treaty. MILESTONES IN EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

January 2008 — Cyprus and Malta adopt the euro.

January 2009 — Slovakia adopts the euro to become the 16th member of the euro area.

June 2009 — European Parliament elections: 27 countries elect 736 MEPs.

December 2009 — The Lisbon Treaty enters into force. The European Union acquires legal personality and the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights assumes binding legal force. Parliament gains broader legislative, budgetary and control powers. Co-decision — with qualiﬁ ed majority voting in the Council — becomes the ordinary legislative procedure for adopting European laws and is extended to almost all the EU’s areas of competence. 55 56 addre ■ You canﬁllinaform electronicallyviaParliament’s website: www. BELGIQUE/BELGIË 1047 Bruxelles/Brussel 60 Rue Wiertz/Wiertzstraat Visits andSeminars E BELGIQUE/BELGIË 1047 Bruxelles/Brussel 60 Rue Wiertz/Wiertzstraat The President oftheEuropean Parliament E Petitions BELGIQUE/BELGIË 1047 Bruxelles/Brussel 60 Rue Wiertz/Wiertzstraat E uropean Parliament uropean Parliament uropean Parliament +3222842111 +3222842111 +3222843530 +3222306933 E uropean Parliament sses FRANCE 67070 Strasbourg Cedex BP 1024F Bureau deStrasbourg Visits andSeminars E LUXEMBOURG 2929 Luxembourg BP 1601 Plateau duKirchberg E uropean Parliament uropean Parliament Visits andSeminars

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This publication was produced by the European Parliament‘s Directorate-General for Communication.

Manuscript completed in April 2010.

■

Photographic credits Bernard Rou gnac/Architect: Architecture Studio, pages 2, 3, 43, 55; ccvision.de, page 15; Corbis, pages 10, 12, 16, 20; Phovoir, pages 14; European Union, pages 8, 18, 24, 28, 31, 32; European Union/ECHO/ Daniel Dickinson, page 26; European Union/Pietro Naj-Oleari, pages 6, 18, 30; European Union/Architect: Architecture Studio, cover, pages 36, 42; European Union/Pietro Naj-Oleari/Architect: Architecture Studio, page 40; European Union/Pietro Naj-Oleari/Architect: Association des architectes du CIC: Vanden Bossche sprl, C.R.V. s.a., CDG sprl, Studiegroep D. Bontinck, Façade and Hemicycle Interior Design- Arch. Michel Bouquillon, pages 18, 34.

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