European Parliamentary Research Service Blog
Laura Tilindyte
The powers of the European Parliament
Since its inception in 1951, the European Parliament has come a long way. Initially a consultative body composed of delegations of national parliaments, it became a directly elected institution, obtained budgetary and legislative powers, and now exercises influence over most aspects of EU affairs. Continue reading
(Non-)replacement of Commissioners elected to EP
Having been elected to the European Parliament, two current members of the College of Commissioners have resigned as Commissioners in order to take up their seats. As a general rule, a vacancy caused in this way needs to be filled by a new Commissioner of the same nationality – unless the Council unanimously decides otherwise. Continue reading
Rules on political groups in the EP [Policy Podcast]
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) may form political groups; these are organised not by nationality, but by political affiliation. Since the first direct elections in 1979, the number of political groups has fluctuated between seven and ten. Continue reading
Election of the President of the European Commission: Understanding the Spitzenkandidaten process [Policy Podcast]
What became known as the ‘Spitzenkandidaten process’ is a procedure whereby European political parties, ahead of European elections, appoint lead candidates for the role of Commission President, with the presidency of the Commission then going to the candidate of the political party capable of marshalling sufficient parliamentary support. Continue reading
The EU-UK withdrawal agreement: Progress to date and remaining difficulties
With less than one year to go before the planned Brexit date of 30 March 2019, talks are continuing as regards the terms of the United Kingdom’s (UK) withdrawal from the European Union (EU). Continue reading
Revising the European Citizens’ Initiative [EU Legislation in Progress] [Policy Podcast]
The European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) enables European citizens to invite the Commission to table a proposal for a legal act. Continue reading
Electoral rights of EU citizens [What is Europe doing for its citizens?]
Written by Laura Tilindyte, EU Treaties establish the right of every Union citizen to participate in the democratic life of the Union (Article 10 TEU). This includes those who have made use of their rights of free movement and reside in a Member State other than that of their nationality. Such citizens can vote and … Continue reading
EU and UK positions on citizens’ rights: First phase of Brexit negotiations
Written by Eva-Maria Poptcheva and Laura Tilindyte, Negotiations on the arrangements for the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU started on 19 June 2017, with citizens’ rights being one of the top priorities. However, the EU and the UK positions differ considerably. The EU aims at a withdrawal agreement which safeguards the existing right to … Continue reading
The Brexit negotiations: Issues for the first phase
Written by Alessandro D’Alfonso, Eva-Maria Poptcheva, James McEldowney and Laura Tilindyte, Negotiations on the arrangements for the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union started on 19 June 2017. The European Commission is negotiating on behalf of the EU, on the basis of the European Council’s guidelines and the subsequent mandate from the Council. The … Continue reading
Better Law-Making in Practice, 2-3 February 2017
Written by Eva Casalprim and Laura Tilindyte, The implementation and the broader implications of the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making (which entered into force on 13 April 2016), were a common thread of the joint seminar devoted to better law-making in practice on 2-3 February 2017, jointly organised by the European Parliament’s Legal Service and … Continue reading
Hearing of Commissioner-designate Sir Julian King
On 12 September, Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee will hold a hearing of Commissioner-designate Sir Julian King (Security Union). He has been nominated as a result of the resignation of Lord Hill following the outcome of the UK referendum on withdrawal from the Union. Continue reading
Referendums on EU issues
Written by Laura Tilindyte, Referendums give citizens a direct say over matters which would otherwise be decided by elected (or non-elected) representatives. Thus, as instruments of direct democracy, they may foster citizens’ involvement and legitimise important decisions. In fact, referendums have been on the rise in Europe and elsewhere in the world in recent decades, … Continue reading
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