What is the principle of sincere cooperation in EU interinstitutional relations?
Sincere cooperation (Article 13 TEU) requires EU institutions to cooperate loyally and in good faith, helping each other fulfil their tasks rather than obstructing one another.
This principle is fundamental for effective collaboration among EU institutions.
What is the principle of institutional balance?
Institutional balance means that each EU institution must respect the powers and competences of the others and must not encroach on their prerogatives.
This ensures that no single institution dominates the decision-making process.
What is meant by a “funnel-based approach” to EU decision-making?
It refers to a process where discussions start at technical level to resolve as many issues as possible, then escalate stepwise to higher political levels only for unresolved or sensitive questions.
This approach aims to streamline decision-making.
In what types of areas do Council and Parliament insist on being on an equal footing?
Especially in areas covered by the Ordinary Legislative Procedure (OLP), where they are co-legislators.
The OLP is primarily defined in Article 294 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
Why has the Commission developed a complex internal decision-making system for interinstitutional relations?
Because of its right of initiative, its role in implementing EU law, and the principle of collegiality, which requires collective responsibility of the College.
This complexity helps manage interactions with other institutions effectively.
What is collegiality in the European Commission?
Collegiality (Article 17(6) TEU) means that the College of Commissioners takes decisions collectively, and all Commissioners are jointly responsible for those decisions.
This principle fosters collective accountability.
How does collegiality influence the Commission’s internal rules for interinstitutional work?
It requires structured internal coordination, consultation and collective endorsement (via GRI/EXCO/HEBDO and the College) before the Commission speaks or acts externally.
This ensures a unified approach in external communications.
Which document sets out the political “Working Methods” of the European Commission?
The Working Methods of the European Commission (a Commission decision and communication defining how the College and services work).
This document outlines operational procedures for the Commission.
Which legal act contains the Commission’s formal Rules of Procedure?
The Commission’s Rules of Procedure (currently Decision (EU) 2024/3080).
These rules govern the internal functioning of the Commission.
Where are the European Parliament’s internal decision-making rules codified?
In the European Parliament’s Rules of Procedure (especially chapters 2, 3, 4 and 8).
These chapters detail the legislative process and internal governance.
What is the Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA) on Better Law-Making?
In response to the Single European Act (1987), the first Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA) on Better Law-Making (1993) was adopted, codifying cooperation principles, including transparency, planning, and information exchange.
This agreement aims to improve legislative processes among institutions.
What is the main purpose of the EP–Commission Framework Agreement?
To regulate political cooperation between the European Parliament and the Commission, especially information rights, Commissioners’ participation, and programming; it is currently being revised.
This agreement facilitates collaboration on legislative matters.
Which Treaty article is the main legal basis for sincere cooperation and institutional balance?
Article 13 TEU.
This article establishes foundational principles for interinstitutional relations.
Which Treaty article defines collegiality in the Commission?
Article 17(6) TEU.
This article outlines the collective decision-making structure of the Commission.
Which Treaty article is the legal basis for delegated acts?
Article 290 TFEU.
This article provides the framework for the delegation of powers to the Commission.
Which Treaty article is the legal basis for implementing acts?
Article 291 TFEU.
This article outlines the procedures for implementing acts within the EU.
Which Regulation structures comitology (procedures for implementing acts)?
Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.
This regulation governs the oversight of implementing acts.
How were early European Communities’ decisions characterised institutionally?
As largely intergovernmental and executive driven, with the Council holding decisive power and the Commission mainly initiating and overseeing.
This structure reflects the balance of power in early EU governance.
What was the role of the European Parliament (then Assembly) in the early Communities?
It had a consultative role only, with no co-decision power.
This limited role has evolved significantly over time.
Which Treaty first significantly expanded the Parliament’s role in legislation?
The Single European Act (1987).
This act marked a turning point in the legislative powers of the Parliament.
What did the Single European Act introduce in terms of decision-making procedures?
The Single European Act marked the first significant reform of decision-making procedures as it introduced the cooperation procedure giving Parliament more influence, though not equality with the Council, in areas related to the Internal Market.
This reform was crucial for enhancing parliamentary involvement.
Which Treaty formally created the co-decision procedure?
The Maastricht Treaty (1993).
This treaty established the framework for joint legislative decision-making.
Why did co-decision increase the need for interinstitutional coordination?
Because Parliament became a true co-legislator, requiring systematic coordination with Council and Commission to reconcile positions.
This necessity for coordination reflects the complexity of legislative processes.
When was the first Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making adopted?
This agreement aimed to enhance the legislative process among EU institutions.