In September, Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen sealed a so-called framework agreement on the nature of their institutions’ relationship after nine months of arduous negotiations.Romeo Boetzle/AFP via Getty Images

EU countries threaten to take Commission to court for giving Parliament extra powers – POLITICO

by · POLITICO

BRUSSELS — EU countries are threatening legal action over the amount of power being given to the European Parliament, according to a letter obtained by POLITICO.

The letter, the final wording of which will be approved by EU countries on Wednesday, takes issue with an agreement struck between the Parliament and the Commission last year that grants the legislature a greater say in the decision-making process.

The Council, representing the national capitals, and the Parliament, composed of lawmakers directly elected by citizens, together shape laws proposed by the Commission, the executive branch of the EU. Often treated as the junior partner, the Parliament has over the years pushed to expand its influence over the legislative process — striking deals with the Commission and forcefully defending its role in court whenever it believes it has been unfairly sidelined.