The European Parliament’s role in external policies
How does the European Parliament contribute to the EU’s external policies?
The European Parliament has developed an important role in shaping how the EU engages with non-EU countries. Parliament uses a variety of tools, including formal powers and political influence, as well as some innovative initiatives, to contribute to EU diplomacy and help meet the objectives of the EU treaties.
Surveys show that EU citizens see foreign policy as important, particularly when it comes to security and defence, and this importance is reflected in Parliament’s growing involvement in all policies focusing on matters and countries beyond the EU.
The European Parliament’s formal powers in external policies
Parliament can use its legislative, supervisory and budgetary powers to shape external policies:
- Legislative power: Parliament adopts laws, jointly with the Council of the European Union, in areas such as trade and foreign aid, and in other policy areas with an important external dimension, such as migration, climate, energy and digital issues.
- Supervision of international agreements: Parliament has to approve most EU agreements with non-EU countries or regions and it then makes sure they are applied correctly.
- Parliamentary control: Parliament monitors the foreign policy activities of the European Commission and the European External Action Service and holds them to account.
- Budgetary power: Parliament approves the EU budget, jointly with the Council, and ensures that funds are used properly, including on external policies such as spending on cooperation aid through the Global Europe fund.
How does Parliament use parliamentary diplomacy to engage in external policy?
1. Political dialogue with authorities
Parliament engages with governments, parliaments and civil society in non-EU countries in several ways:
- International engagements: high-level diplomacy is led by the President and leading Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
- Committee activities: MEPs hold discussions with officials and representatives from non-EU countries, including regular exchanges with foreign ministers in Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Interparliamentary networks: official delegations of MEPs develop relations between the EU and other countries, often representing the EU in interparliamentary bodies established by international agreements.
- Official visits: MEPs visit non-EU countries, meeting a broad range of stakeholders and representatives to enhance understanding and cooperation.
- Participation in international conferences and forums: Parliament is represented at the parliamentary meetings of groups of nations like the G7 and G20.
2. Influencing foreign policy
By formally agreeing a position in its resolutions on foreign policy issues, Parliament contributes to shaping the EU’s positions and strategies on external matters. These include:
- Human rights and democracy: addressing human rights violations and promoting democratic values in specific countries or regions.
- Policy reporting: assessing progress on EU enlargement, international agreements and foreign policy objectives.
3. Supporting democracy worldwide
Parliament’s efforts to promote democracy and build strong parliamentary cultures are led by its Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group. The group’s main activities include:
- Parliamentary capacity building: supporting law-making bodies in non-EU countries.
- Election monitoring: observing elections in 6-10 locations annually.
- Mediation, facilitation and dialogue: encouraging peace and understanding through initiatives like the Jean Monnet Dialogues and the Young Political Leaders programme.
- Promotion of human rights: recognising human rights defenders through the Sakharov Prize and supporting women parliamentarians through the Simone Veil programme.
Effective cooperation among Parliament’s committees, delegations and the Democracy Support and Election Coordination group ensures that the EU’s activities in non-EU countries are impactful and coherent. Support comes from dedicated administrative staff, liaison offices in EU Member States as well as in cities like Washington and London, and Parliament staff who are seconded to EU diplomatic representations.
Why is parliamentary diplomacy important?
Parliamentary diplomacy builds trust and long-term partnerships with parliaments around the world. It helps non-EU parliaments align with EU values and laws, developing closer ties and enabling countries to progress towards EU membership. It also brings EU foreign policy closer to citizens, ensuring transparency and public debate on key issues.
Through its external policies, Parliament not only shapes the EU’s foreign relations but also strengthens the EU’s position as a global advocate for democracy, peace and human rights.