Activities of Robert STURDY related to 2013/2130(INI)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on the implementation of the Treaty of Lisbon with respect to the European Parliament
Amendments (8)
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Points out that the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) has expanded the scope of the Union’'s exclusive competences in the field of Common Commercial Policy (CCP), which now embraces not only all the aspects of trade but also foreign direct investment; highlights the fact that Parliament is now fully competent to decide together with the Council on law- making and on the approval of trade and investment agreements; n(a) Notes that since the TFEU entered into force, Parliament has proved to be a committed and responsible co-legislator and that interaction between Parliament and the Commission has, overall, been rather positive and based on fluid communication and a cooperative approach;
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the need to ensure a continuous flow of timely, accurate, comprehensive and impartial information enabling the high-quality analysis necessary to enhance the competences and sense of ownership of Parliament's policy-makers leading to greater inter- institutional synergy in the field of CCP while ensuring that Parliament is fully and accurately informed at all stages with the Commission being proactive while doing its utmost to ensure such information flow; stresses furthermore the importance of information being provided to Parliament with a view to ensuring that undesired situations should not arise leading possible misunderstandings between the institutions, appreciates in this regard the regular technical briefing sessions provided by the Commission on a number of topics; (a) Highlights the importance of the EU institutions cooperating in a loyal and effective manner, within their respective competences, when considering legislation and international agreements with a view to anticipating trade and economic trends, identifying priorities and options, establishing mid- and long-term strategies, determining mandates for international agreements, analysing/drafting and adopting legislation and monitoring long- term initiatives in the field of CCP; u(b) Underlines the importance of continuing the process of developing effective capacities, including the allocation of the necessary staff and financial resources, in order to achieve political objectives in the field of trade and investment while ensuring legal certainty, the consistencyeffectiveness of the EU’'s external action and respect for the principles and objectives enshrined in the Treaties; in this context, a(c) Attaches great importance to the inclusion of human rights clauses in international agreements and of sustainable development chapters in trade and investment agreements, and expresses satisfaction with Parliament’s key role regarding the adoption of the accompanying roadmaps; reminds the Commission of the need to take into account Parliament’'s views and resolutions and to provide feedbackcontinuous dialogue on how they have been incorporated into international agreements and legislation; regrets that the instruments for developing the Union’s new investment policy are not yet operative;
Amendment 8 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates the need for the institutions to work together in the implementation of the Treaties, secondary legislation and the Framework Agreement1 (FA); stresses the need to ensure a continuous flow of timely, accurate, comprehensive and impartial information enabling the high- quality analysis necessary to enhance the competences and sense of ownership of Parliament’s policy-makers and to lead to greater inter-institutional synergy in the field of CCP; reaffirms and the need for the Commission to work in an independent and transparent manner throughout the preparation, adoption and implementation of legislation in the field of CCP and considers that its role is key throughout the process; __________________ 1 OJ L 304, 20.11.2010, p. 47.
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Invites the Commission to reflect constructively with Parliament on the existing FA and its implementation, paying particular attention to the negotiation, adoption and implementation of international agreements; considers it essential to ensure that Parliament be fully and accurately informed at all stages and that the Commission should be proactive and do its utmost to ensure such information flow; regrets the fact that on a number of occasions relevant information has reached Parliament through alternative channels rather than from the Commission;
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Urges the institutions to work closely together as regards delegated and implementing acts; understands that delegated acts can be a flexible and effective tool, but stresses the need to respect fully Parliament’'s prerogatives and responsibilities, including through compliance with the basic act and the provision of timely and complete information to Parliament to allow for proper scrutiny of delegated acts; in this context, points out that the adoption of delegated acts without proper information, or under time constraints or as a block could undermine Parliament’'s scrutiny; on the other hand, welcomes Parliament’'s attendance at expert meetings as foreseen in the FA with a view to ensuring that all draft acts adopted by the Commission take an appropriate form so as to avoid possible technical objections from the legislator; insists that the use of implementing acts be limited to cases where they are legally justified and not used as an alternative to delegated acts; regrets the long delays in adapting commercial legislation to the new delegated/implementing acts regime;
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Warns against the risk of circumventing Parliament’'s right to legislate by including provisions which should be subject to the ordinary legislative procedure in proposals for Council acts, by using mere Commission guidelines or non-applicable implementing or delegated acts or by failing to propose the legislation necessary for the implementation of CCP or international trade and investment agreements;
Amendment 16 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Regarding international agreements, recalls the prerogative of Parliament to ask the Council not to authorise the opening of negotiations until Parliament has stated its position on a proposed negotiating mandate, and believes that consideration should be given to an FA with the Council; reminds the Commission of the need to abstain from provisional application of trade agreements before Parliament has given its consent to the conclusion thereof, except in cases where the Parliament has given its express permission, in order to fully comply with the principle of loyal cooperation and avoid legal uncertainty for operators; believes that Parliament shcould adopt the necessary measures to monitor the implementation of international agreements and the fulfilment of the obligations established therein on a regular basis.
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 – point a (new)
Paragraph 7 – point a (new)
(a) Considers that, given the interests of both sides in exchanging information and best practices concerning mixed agreements and scrutiny of the executive, serious thought should be given to involving national parliaments and national experts more in the work of Parliament;