The European Parliament and International Agreements: How They Work Together

As an international governing body, the European Parliament plays a crucial role in shaping the agreements that the European Union enters into with other countries and international organizations. These agreements cover a wide range of topics, from trade and investment to human rights and environmental protection.

But how exactly does the European Parliament get involved in these agreements, and what kind of power does it have to influence their contents?

The answer lies in the EU`s institutional framework and the balance of powers between its different bodies. While the European Commission is responsible for negotiating and signing international agreements on behalf of the EU, the European Parliament has a say in the approval and implementation of these agreements.

Specifically, the European Parliament has three main ways of influencing international agreements:

1. Consent procedure: Under the EU`s treaties, certain types of agreements require the consent of the European Parliament before they can be concluded. These include agreements that concern the EU`s common commercial policy, as well as those that involve the transfer of powers from the EU to other organizations or bodies.

In the consent procedure, the European Parliament first receives a draft text of the agreement from the European Commission. It then examines the text and can propose amendments or reject the agreement outright. If the European Parliament gives its consent, the agreement can be signed and ratified by the EU member states.

2. Consultation procedure: For other types of agreements, the European Parliament has a right to be consulted before they are concluded. This means that the European Commission must provide the Parliament with information about the negotiations and take its views into account.

While the Parliament cannot block an agreement in the consultation procedure, its opinions can influence the final text and the negotiating position of the EU.

3. Monitoring procedure: Once an international agreement has been signed and implemented, the European Parliament has a role in monitoring its compliance and effectiveness. This includes reviewing reports from the European Commission on the implementation of the agreement and holding hearings with stakeholders and experts.

Through these three procedures, the European Parliament can ensure that international agreements entered into by the EU reflect its values and priorities, such as democracy, human rights, and environmental protection. It can also use its influence to promote sustainable development, fair trade, and social justice.

In recent years, the European Parliament has been particularly active in shaping the EU`s approach to international agreements, especially in areas such as trade and investment. It has pushed for more transparency, public participation, and environmental and social standards in these agreements, as well as stronger protection of EU citizens` data and privacy.

Overall, the European Parliament`s role in international agreements reflects its broader mission as a democratic and accountable institution that represents the interests and aspirations of EU citizens. By ensuring that the EU`s international engagement reflects these values, the Parliament contributes to a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.