Amended Comitology Decision strengthens Position of European Parliament

Abstract

Comitology committees are characterized by the fact that they are established by a basic instrument by the Council; they operate according to a specific legal procedure and deliver opinions on draft implementing measures submitted to them by the Commission. Members of the committees are civil servants of the Member States. The overall number of committees has risen significantly in recent years. Today, the environmental sector has become one of the most prominent fields in terms of the application of comitology decisions. After intensive debate and negotiation, an amended Comitology Decision came into force on 23 July 2006. The enacted Decision differs considerably from the Commission’s original proposal, as well as from the modified Commission’s proposal of 2004. According to the author, the amendment that was ultimately adopted has to be considered as a substantial step forward in putting the Parliament on an “equal footing” with the Council in the comitology procedure. The Parliament now disposes of a real veto right, at least in cases of “excès de pouvoir”.