PCE/PEC — Involvement of the European Parliament in the European Semester

6.3.2014

Question for written answer E-002648-14
to the Council (President of the European Council)
Rule 117
Marije Cornelissen (Verts/ALE)

The European Semester cycle starts with the publication of the Annual Growth Survey (AGS), in which the EU's economic priorities are outlined. The European Council issues its yearly economic policy guidance on the basis of this document, which is drafted by the Commission. In the period 2011-2013 the economic priorities set by the Commission have been endorsed by the European Council without changes, despite Parliament's numerous comments.

In its resolution of 25 February 2014 on ‘The European Semester for economic policy coordination: Employment and Social Aspects in the Annual Growth Survey 2014’, Parliament calls for an interinstitutional agreement in order to involve Parliament in the drafting and approval of the AGS.

1. How and when is the President going to follow up on Parliament's request to enter into an interinstitutional agreement in order to ensure sufficient democratic legitimacy of the policies pursued in the European Semester?

2. In the President's view, what is the best way to ensure that Parliament has the de facto power to amend the economic priorities proposed by the Commission in the Annual Growth Survey before they are discussed by the Council and the European Council?

OJ C 21, 22/01/2015