Commission des affaires constitutionnelles

At its meeting of 25 May 2021, AFCO endorsed the draft report on the Statute of the European Ombudsman with 24 votes for, none against and two abstentions. Once formally adopted by the plenary of 23-24 June 2021, the new statute will update the rules governing the performance of the Ombudsman’s duties, which have remained unaltered since before the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon.

AFCO, in cooperation with the Legislative Dialogue Unit of the Directorate for Relations with national Parliaments, is inviting Members of national Parliaments of the EU Member States to attend a virtual Interparliamentary Committee Meeting (ICM) to exchange views and reflect on the European electoral law and on the provisions governing the right of inquiry.

During this hearing, AFCO members will reflect on the current legislative process in the EU and on means for improving it. Among the issues that AFCO members will debate are Parliament's right of initiative, 'passerelle' clauses for extending the application of the ordinary legislative procedure and qualified majority voting, the transparency in the Council's working methods as legislator and the functioning of the different types of legislative procedures.

At its upcoming meeting, the committee will consider the draft legislative initiative report on the modification of the EU electoral act. It proposes substantial overhaul of the current procedure for the elections to the European Parliament, by replacing the current legal framework with a modernised procedure that aims to enhance the democratic and pan-European character of the elections and at increasing citizens’ political awareness on European issues and participation in the same elections.

AFCO Members will vote on the this draft report which looks at ways to give citizens a more meaningful say in EU decision-making. It suggests developing permanent participatory mechanisms, in order to allow for a regular and effective involvement of citizens in the decision-making process.

Election of fourth AFCO Vice-Chair - Public Hearing on the statute and financing of European political parties and European political foundations - Votes

Exchange of views with Mr. Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight. The exchange took place in the framework of the structured dialogue, as agreed in the Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission.