Výbor pro ústavní záležitosti

On 25 February AFCO will discuss a study analysing possible avenues for further EU political integration. Members will also vote on an opinion on the guidelines for the 2022 budget for the European Commission. Moreover, three AFCO working documents on different thematic areas & which are being drafted in the context of the anticipated Conference on the Future of Europe will be discussed. Finally, Members will also consider an opinion on the report on Better Law Making covering 2017, 2018 & 2019.

A hearing on the implementation of Art. 50 TEU was held. The adequacy of the length of the negotiations period and whether there are enough safeguards for citizens were among the issues raised by Members. Invited experts considered that Art. 50 TEU strikes a balance between providing sufficient time & not protracting a process giving rise to a limited EU membership status, & that the right to withdraw should be decoupled from the citizens' rights' issue.

On 4 February 2021, AFCO will hold a public hearing on the assessment of the implementation of Article 50 TEU. This is the ‘exit-clause’ providing the provisions for a member state’s withdrawal from the EU. Brexit was the first time that Article 50 TEU was implemented. Members will discuss with experts how the said provisions were applied and reflect on the conclusions drawn. The hearing will feed into the preparation of the implementation report by Ms. Danuta Hübner (EPP).

The Portuguese Council Presidency presented its priorities. Members asked about its position on the planned Conference on the Future of Europe (COFE). The Presidency informed that it will proceed with the interinstitutional negotiations to reach an agreement on a Joint Declaration and of its commitment to launching the COFE soon. Members stressed the need for launching COFE a.s.a.p, the importance of ensuring citizens’ participation, & the inclusion of the institutional questions on the agenda.