Last week's CoR plenary session provided representatives of Europe's regional and local authorities a chance to reflect on improving the functioning of the European Union. Together with prominent speakers of the European Parliament, including EPP's Elmar Brok, CoR Members: Jesus Gamallo Aller and Herwig Van Staa debated improving EU's output within the current Lisbon Treaty framework and beyond.
MEP Elmar Brok (EPP/DE) expressed concern that the federal nature of Europe is not reflected in its decision making processes - We're supporters of Community method rather than intergovernmental Europe. We also support strengthened transparency. We should consider changing the statutes of the Council so it can meet and take decisions publicly, becoming a true second chamber – proposed the Chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs. Brok also advocated in favour of strengthening cooperation between the CoR and EP rapporteurs but suggested that the timing of CoR's input needs to be improved.
Jesus Gamallo Aller (EPP/ES) underlined that improvement of the functioning of the EU remains a top priority and suggested further analysis on how the CoR could contribute to the potential future Union's architecture - We want to see improvements in financial governance and transparency – beginning of a new narrative with citizens at the heart of Europe's future – he concluded.
Herwig Van Staa (EPP/AT) suggested that the CoR could be more closely involved in the legislation planning – Most of the EU's decisions have an impact on local authorities and regions. They should have a right to influence legislation, they are held accountable for implementation later – he argued. The President of the Tyrol Regional Parliament also suggested increased transparency in the legislative process and an observer's seat for the CoR both in the Council and the European Parliament's Commissions.
The plenary session debate will lead to the CoR's resolution on the future institutional set up of the European Union, to be adopted in July, in response to the European Parliament consultation.
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