1. Introduction
When in 1952 the European Coal and Steal Community "Assembly" met for the first time it was a "relatively powerless" institution of 78 delegated representatives. When the "European Parliament" meets today, almost 50 years later, it is not only the name that has changed in the meantime, but also the size, the powers and, above all, the whole idea behind it. Especially by establishing direct elections in 1978 and establishing the co-decision procedure in 1996 the Parliament's role has changed towards a more and more influential institution. However, these were hard-won gains, reflecting the longstanding scepticism or even distaste of governments in most EEC member states for any increase of the powers of the European Parliament. Moreover, the Parliament had to struggle for years with a bad public perception (if it was perceived at all), for example that it was not more than a waste of taxpayer's money. And particularly due to this bad perception, the elections for the EP still suffer from a remarkable low participation. Nevertheless, the Parliament has become an important institution within the EU, that has to be taken seriously. In March 1999, for example, by threatening to sack the Commission and demanding an independent report on alleged fraud and lack of accountability within it, it became the moving power behind the resignation of the entire European Commission. Moreover, the EP has become a forum for speeches of many world leaders and the committees of the Parliament have produced highly influential reports. However, the new role of the EP within the EU and Europe at all is best shown in another, much more significant area, namely it's legislative competence.
[...]
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The evolution of the legislative role of the EP
2.1. The evolution before 1986
2.2. The Single European Act
2.3. The Maastricht and Amsterdam Treaties - the co-decision procedure
3. The EP's role today
3.1. co-decision - a brief evaluation
3.2. the legislative process as a whole - evaluation
3.2.1. The complex shaping of the process
3.2.2. legislative initiatives
4. quo vadis, EP? - the EP's role in the future
4.1. The Treaty of Nice and its changes regarding the European Parliament
4.1.1. the Parliaments resolution of 13 April 2000
4.1.2. the Treaty of Nice itself
4.2. General expectation about the future role of the EP
Objectives and Core Topics
This essay examines the historical development and current legislative standing of the European Parliament (EP) within the European Union. The central research objective is to analyze how the transition from consultative roles to the co-decision procedure has shaped the EP’s influence and to discuss the ongoing challenges regarding its democratic legitimacy and future potential.
- Historical evolution of the EP’s legislative powers from 1952 to the present.
- Evaluation of the co-decision procedure as a mechanism for inter-institutional compromise.
- Structural analysis of the legislative process and the "democratic deficit" within the EU.
- Impact of the Treaties of Maastricht, Amsterdam, and Nice on the EP's legal competence.
- Future prospects of the EP, focusing on budgetary power and its role in an enlarged Union.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Introduction
When in 1952 the European Coal and Steal Community "Assembly" met for the first time it was a "relatively powerless" institution of 78 delegated representatives. When the "European Parliament" meets today, almost 50 years later, it is not only the name that has changed in the meantime, but also the size, the powers and, above all, the whole idea behind it. Especially by establishing direct elections in 1978 and establishing the co-decision procedure in 1996 the Parliament's role has changed towards a more and more influential institution.
However, these were hard-won gains, reflecting the longstanding scepticism or even distaste of governments in most EEC member states for any increase of the powers of the European Parliament. Moreover, the Parliament had to struggle for years with a bad public perception (if it was perceived at all), for example that it was not more than a waste of taxpayer's money. And particularly due to this bad perception, the elections for the EP still suffer from a remarkable low participation.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Provides an overview of the European Parliament's transformation from a powerless assembly in 1952 to an influential EU institution.
2. The evolution of the legislative role of the EP: Traces the historical developments, specifically the Single European Act and the Maastricht and Amsterdam Treaties, that expanded the EP's legislative scope.
3. The EP's role today: Critically evaluates the current co-decision process and the broader legislative framework, highlighting both its successes and persistent procedural complexities.
4. quo vadis, EP? - the EP's role in the future: Explores the impact of the Treaty of Nice and identifies future challenges, such as accountability and the need to address the democratic deficit.
Keywords
European Parliament, European Union, Legislative Process, Co-decision Procedure, Treaty of Nice, Treaty of Amsterdam, Democratic Deficit, Legislative Competence, European Integration, Consultative Process, Budgetary Powers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this essay?
The essay explores the evolution of the European Parliament's legislative powers and its shifting role within the institutional structure of the European Union over the last 50 years.
What are the central themes of the work?
The core themes include the impact of major EU treaties on parliamentary power, the effectiveness of the co-decision procedure, and the persistent challenge of the democratic deficit.
What is the ultimate goal of the research?
The objective is to analyze how the Parliament has successfully gained formal legislative influence and to assess its potential future trajectory as a democratic representative body in a supra-national entity.
Which methodology is used in the study?
The study employs a historical and legal analytical approach, examining treaty provisions, institutional developments, and scholarly commentary to evaluate the growth of the EP’s influence.
What does the main body address?
The main body details the historical timeline of the EP, starting from the ECSC Assembly, and evaluates current procedures like co-decision, while comparing them to previous models like the consultation procedure.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include European Parliament, co-decision procedure, legislative process, Treaty of Nice, and democratic deficit.
How has the co-decision procedure changed the Parliament's position?
The co-decision procedure transformed the EP from a body with limited advisory or delaying power into a co-legislator, allowing it to actively participate in the shaping of European law alongside the Council.
What role does the "democratic deficit" play in the author's argument?
The author argues that despite gaining powers, the EP faces a democratic deficit due to complex, non-transparent procedures and low voter participation, which threatens to undermine the legitimacy of the institution.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Guido Brinkel (Autor:in), 2001, The legislative role of the European Parliament, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/925
