The European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) advocates granting the European Parliament a direct right of legislative initiative in a future revision of the EU treaties, adopting the draft report by Paulo Rangel (EPP, Portugal), on Thursday 28 April, by a large majority (22 votes in favour, 5 against, 1 abstention).
Restoring a balance in the institutional architecture, this right of legislative initiative of the Parliament would be exclusive on issues related to the democratic legitimacy and sovereignty of the European Union, say the MEPs. On the other hand, the Commission would retain a monopoly on legislative initiative, notably on budgetary matters. Even the EU Council could have the right of initiative, according to the committee.
MEPs are also calling for a new interinstitutional Agreement, in particular to avoid blockages when the European Parliament is already using its right of initiative to revise the EU’s electoral law, which will be on the agenda of the plenary session starting Monday 2 May (see EUROPE 12921/20).
The aim is also to take greater account of the European Parliament’s position when it activates the so-called ‘Article 7’ procedure on respect for the Rule of law in a Member State, as the MEPs’ proposal to create a European mechanism on the EU’s fundamental values has not been followed up on.
“The existing rights of initiative and monopolies demonstrate that the institutional architecture of the EU is ready for rights to be distributed in a different way. It is possible and desirable to establish Parliament’s general direct right of initiative”, Mr Rangel said in a statement.
The draft report will be on the agenda of the June European Parliament plenary session. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)