Highlights

BUDG and CONT are the acronyms behind two parliamentary committees dealing with budgetary issues. Monika Hohlmeier and Johan Van Overtveldt, Chairs of Committee on Budgetary Control and Committee on Budgets, respectively, present the two committees in the latest edition of the Monthly Highlights newsletter.

At the start of the second half of its 9th legislative term, the European Parliament will decide on the composition of its standing committees and subcommittees during its constituent plenary session in Strasbourg. It will vote on a proposal determining the numerical composition of each committee and subcommittee, on 19 January. This will be followed by appointing their individual members, on 19 or 20 January.

The Fact Sheets on the EU provide an overview of European integration and of Parliament's contribution to that process. They present a brief overview of the EU's institutions and policies, and of Parliament's role in their development. Available in 24 languages, they cover five main areas: how the EU works; economy, science and quality of life; cohesion, growth and jobs; fundamental rights, security and justice; and the EU's external relations. The online version is updated regularly.

Studies, in-depth analyses and briefings produced by Parliament's policy departments and the Economic Governance Support Unit are available online in the dedicated section for Supporting Analyses. Apart from searching specific publications, a selection of papers and upcoming events can be found under "Highlights". A monthly overview of the work of policy departments is given in "Periodicals", with key studies on thematic issues.

Parliament's committees deal with EU legislative proposals by adopting reports, which then are referred to plenary for voting by all Members, and appoint negotiation teams to conduct talks with Council. They adopt non-legislative reports, organise hearings with experts and scrutinise other EU bodies and institutions. Parliament can set up sub-committees and special committees to deal with specific issues. Each committee elects a chair and up to four vice-chairs for a two and a half year mandate.

The European Parliament’s calendar of activities for 2022 is available through the link below. Parliament decides its annual calendar of work on the basis of a proposal by the Conference of Presidents. The calendar is divided into plenary sittings (part-sessions) and meetings.