Euorpean Parliament and Commission sign revised framework

Euorpean Parliament and Commission sign revised framework

2010-10-20 18:49:21 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) -- European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek and European Commission President José Manuel Barroso on Wednesday signed the revised Framework Agreement governing the working relations between the two institutions.

The process of the new framework began almost one year ago, with the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty.

Both Buzek and Barroso expressed confidence that the revised framework, which adapts the existing accord from 2005 to the new Treaty framework, will deepen the relations between the two institutions and offer practical solutions in line with the increased competences of Parliament under the Lisbon Treaty.

Important elements of the agreement have been implemented already, even before it comes into force, including progress on preparing the Commission's work program for 2011.

"I welcome in particular that the Commission has undertaken to report on the concrete follow-up given to any legislative initiative requests by Parliament and the acceptance of the principle of equal treatment by the Commission of Parliament and the Council of Ministers in legislative and budgetary matters,"Buzek said.

"This agreement marks a new departure following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty which reinforces the roles of the Commission and the European Parliament in driving forward the European agenda. I'm confident our work together will now go from strength to strength," Barroso added.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-10-20