29 January 2013

ECON Committee: Parliaments must control European Semester

National parliaments need to take better ownership of the European Semester and develop an effective working relationship with the EP if the EU's ever-widening democratic deficit on economic governance is to be reversed.

This was a key message from the opening session of a two-day meeting of MEPs and over 100 MPs. Many also argued that the European Commission's approach is too tightly focused on austerity, and must be rejigged.

National parliaments must play a much more active 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'. The Parliamentary Week could serve as a first step in shaping the structure for parliamentary collaboration required by the EU Fiscal Compact, he added.

National parliamentary involvement in the Semester is paramount for people to understand why reform efforts are necessary, Commissioner Olli Rehn told the assembly. Commissioner Laszlo Andor said that the EU's "dramatically worsening" unemployment would be high on the agenda at this year's Semester. The issue of jobs and solidarity was taken up by various MPs and MEPs, many of whom called on the Commission to rework its policy mix, away from austerity and towards growth incentives, jobs and more solidarity.

MPs and MEPs also debated how best to improve coordination among parliaments. Many felt that whilst this forum was a good way to share concerns and best practices, the system would need to be developed further to strengthen democratic legitimacy. Others stressed that although parliaments should push for common goals in the Semester, their national specificities should not be disregarded. Some said that in future, the conference should aim to deliver more concrete measures.

The Parliamentary Week continues today with separate meetings of the committees on Economic and Monetary Affairs, Budgetary Affairs and on Employment and Social Affairs. 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.

Press release

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