Brussels, 14/12/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 15 December, the General Affairs Council will deal with the draft inter-institutional agreement on improving European rule-making, which was approved by the negotiators of the European Commission, Parliament and Council on Tuesday 8 December.
This agreement aims to simplify the drafting of quality legislation in the framework of a legislative process which is as transparent as possible, with the European Ombudsman pushing for increased transparency of trialogue inter-institutional legislative negotiations. European rule-making must focus on areas in which the EU can add the greatest value, be as simple and clear as possible and avoid administrative burdens for citizens and enterprise.
In order to achieve these aims, the agreement improves legislative programming, tightens up the impact assessments on new initiatives, broadens the assessment of the existing EU legislation and develops public consultation, the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the EU explains.
Giving reasons for withdrawing legislative texts
Whenever it intends to withdraw a legislative proposal, the European Commission must provide reasons for this and, if possible, provide indications on the subsequent actions it intends to take, together with a precise timetable, according to a draft text of which EUROPE has had sight.
The issue of withdrawals by the Commission of legislative texts on the table, such as the proposal on the circular economy, have attracted considerable criticism from interest groups, accusing the Commission of reneging on its existing commitments.
Additionally, if the European Parliament or the Council ask it to act in a specific area, the Commission must action these requests within three months by means of a specific communication. If it decides not to submit a legislative proposal, it will have to provide reasons for this, including, where appropriate, an analysis of possible alternatives. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)