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1. Towards common accord? The European Union contemplates treaty change

Author:
Andrew Duff
Publication Date:
10-2023
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
European Policy Centre (EPC)
Abstract:
Numerous events have conspired to tempt the European Union to reform the way it is governed. Present constitutional arrangements were laid down in the Treaty of Lisbon in 2007 and are long overdue for revision. In recent months, parallel efforts have been made by the European Parliament and European Commission to articulate a prospectus for treaty amendment. The Council remains fearful and inarticulate, divided over the content and timing of any such reform. Andrew Duff returns to the current debate with a Discussion Paper analysing the EU treaty change. He previews emerging proposals from the European Parliament and European Commission, referring to the recent report of the Franco-German experts as well as other relevant contributions.
Topic:
Treaties and Agreements, European Union, Regional Integration, European Parliament, and European Commission
Political Geography:
Europe

2. Raising the stakes on constitutional reform: The European Parliament triggers treaty change

Author:
Andrew Duff
Publication Date:
03-2023
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
European Policy Centre (EPC)
Abstract:
The European Parliament, for the first time, has used its powers to trigger a revision of the EU treaties. Its central demand is to change the decision-making procedure behind the passerelle clause from unanimity to qualified majority voting. However, the EU Council has so far refused to submit Parliament’s request to the European Council — in breach of its treaty obligations. At the same time, MEPs continue to develop wider reform proposals to make the government of the EU more robust, decisive, and democratic. With the European Parliamentary elections taking place next year, now is a good time for parliamentarians to take stock of their own performance, review their place in the governing system of the Union, and, other things being equal, prepare for future reform. In this Discussion Paper, Andrew Duff explains that, in an ideal world, more could be achieved under the existing treaties, and the EU could avoid the always complex, often unpopular, and usually protracted task of revising them. With another treaty change on the cards, the Paper analyses the current state of affairs and suggests that the heads of government need the assistance of a reflection group to prepare for a new Convention.
Topic:
Treaties and Agreements, Reform, European Union, Constitution, and European Parliament
Political Geography:
Europe

3. The European Union makes a new push for democracy

Author:
Andrew Duff
Publication Date:
11-2019
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
European Policy Centre (EPC)
Abstract:
European Union leaders will not be able to dodge the growing constitutional crisis. They are bound to improve the way the Commission president is chosen by reforming the electoral procedure of the European Parliament and by advancing federal political parties. Angela Merkel has dropped her opposition to transnational lists and now agrees with Emmanuel Macron to return to the EU’s institutional agenda. This means treaty change. President von der Leyen promises to help MEPs initiate the reforms and broker the deal in the European Council. Andrew Duff explains what these reforms mean for the balance of power within the Union, and in annexes to this paper, he sets out proposals. He argues that the Conference on the Future of Europe is the right forum to plan how to rectify the weak government of the Union and to strengthen its democratic legitimacy. But he urges swift progress on the related items of Spitzenkandidaten, transnational lists and seat apportionment. Duff favours a direct role for citizens in the work of the Conference, but warns against using this as an excuse for evading tough and complex constitutional questions. The Conference will only succeed if it has a clear and meaningful mandate backed throughout by the three EU institutions.
Topic:
European Union, Institutions, and European Parliament
Political Geography:
Europe