Parliaments must play a central role in the European Semester
National parliaments must play a central role in the European Semester. Parliaments must control the European Semester and develop a sustainable and effective relationship with the European Parliament. This was the main conclusion from atwo-day meeting of MEPs and over 100 MPs.
Parliaments must play a central role in the European Semester, “because although it shapes recommendations in almost all policy fields, it is elected representatives who ultimately must take responsibility for decisions” said EP Vice-President Othmar Karas (EPP, AT) kicking off the "European Parliamentary Week on the European Semester".
By strengthening Parliament’s role in the European Semester, people will understand “why reforms are necessary” Commissioner Olli Rehn told the assembly. Commissioner Laszlo Andor said that the issue of unemployment will be high on this year’s Semester Agenda. Many MPs and MEPs called on the European Commission to rejig its austerity policy.
MPs and MEPs also discussed on how to improve collaboration among parliaments. Many argued that this meeting was a good way to negotiate and share opinion but the “system would need to be developed further to strengthen democratic legitimacy”. Others stressed that although parliaments should pursue common goals, should not disregard their national specificities.
A summing-up plenary session on Wednesday morning will be attended by the presidents of Parliament, the European Council and the European Commission, and also the Speaker of the Irish Parliament.
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