MEP proposes greater role for national parliaments

New measures to secure a greater role for national parliaments in EU law making have been proposed.

By Martin Banks

Martin Banks is a senior reporter at the Parliament Magazine

07 Apr 2016

Currently a subsidiarity and proportionality check takes place when legislation begins its passage through Parliament. 

However, the new measures foresee a mid-term evaluation to take place and a further assessment introduced prior to adoption of the final text, which may have been substantially changed.

The idea has been tabled by UK Conservative legal affairs spokesperson Sajjad Karim in his annual report to the European Parliament on subsidiarity.


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This is the process by which decisions are taken at the most appropriate level, whether European, national or local.

In tabling the proposals, Karim has suggested an extra test be applied to all EU legislation.

He said: "Subsidiarity and proportionality are fundamental guiding principles of the EU. It is vital that there is a thorough assessment of whether action at EU level is more appropriate than national or regional initiatives.

"The EU should not be afraid of subsidiarity. It increases dialogue with national parliaments and ultimately makes for better, more responsive legislation."

His other proposals, which have already been backed by the legal affairs committee and will be voted on by the European Parliament in Strasbourg next week, include:

  •  A greater involvement of national parliaments in the preparation of EU legislation;
  • More time for member states to comment on EU legislative proposals;
  • An annual debate between the European Commission and each national parliament.
  • A revision of the Commission's guidelines to better assess subsidiarity.

Karim added: "Conservative MEPs are leading the way in reforming the EU and reducing the democratic deficit. 

"My report supports this reform agenda by promoting a greater respect for national parliaments and subsidiarity in the legislative process."

 

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