Towards introduction of question time for CFSP High Representative

13/01/2000 (Agence Europe)

A proposal has been submitted to the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, which is also responsible for the EP Rules of Procedure, for amendment of these Rules so as to enable Members of the EP to put questions, during question time, to either the President-in-Office of the Council or the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy.

The proposal was drawn up by Belgian Radical Olivier Dupuis, elected on the Bonino list. It represents an effort by Parliament to try to organise the confused situation that could arise owing to the absence of a clear breakdown of powers between the Council Presidency and the CFSP High Representative. Mr Dupuis also believes it will help reinforce democratic legitimacy and give the High Representative greater visibility at a time when Member States are developing new foreign policy instruments, but too often on an intergovernmental basis. In practical terms, this could result in a question time for the CFSP High Representative during EP plenary sessions.