Parliament adopts new Framework Agreement with the Commission.

On 11 March, Members of the European Parliament adopted the revised Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission. The Framework Agreement sets out the rules governing cooperation between Parliament and the Commission in legislative, budgetary and political matters. Negotiations on updating the previous Framework Agreement of 2010 were launched in 2024, shortly after the European elections, by the Presidents of the two institutions, Roberta Metsola and Ursula von der Leyen. The revision aims to take account of more than a decade of practical application, as well as evolving institutional requirements and the strengthened role of the Parliament.

Strengthening of Parliament’s right of initiative

A key change in the revised Framework Agreement concerns the strengthening of the European Parliament’s right of initiative. While the formal right of initiative remains with the Commission, Parliament’s de facto influence is enhanced. In the future, the Commission is expected to respond more systematically to Parliament’s requests to submit legislative proposals (Article 225 TFEU), in particular where amendments to or the repeal of existing legislation are concerned. Cooperation between the two institutions in this procedure is also clarified. In addition, the Commission is placed under a stronger obligation to justify its decisions – for example when withdrawing proposals or relying on legal bases that limit Parliament’s involvement.

Improved information flow and stronger parliamentary scrutiny

The new agreement also provides for a significantly enhanced flow of information from the Commission to the Parliament. This is to be more comprehensive, timely and detailed, thereby facilitating Parliament’s exercise of its legislative, budgetary and scrutiny functions. This applies in particular to legislative procedures, international agreements and the use of emergency instruments, under which the Commission may, in certain crisis situations, propose measures without involving Parliament in the ordinary legislative procedure (Article 122 TFEU). New transparency requirements are also introduced for urgency procedures: requests from the Commission must in future be submitted in writing and duly reasoned, where appropriate complemented by explanations in plenary.

Strengthening of the Commission’s political accountability

Another focus lies on strengthening the Commission’s political accountability to Parliament. The presence of the responsible Commissioners in plenary and committee debates is made more binding, as is their participation in other parliamentary formats upon request. Members of the Commission are expected to be regularly available for parliamentary hearings and may be specifically invited by Parliament. Their ability to be replaced in committees is also restricted and subject to clear conditions. In addition, in the case of sensitive decisions – such as the withdrawal of legislative proposals – they are required to provide personal explanations.

Criticism from the Council regarding the institutional balance

However, the agreement has been criticised by the Council. This is due in particular to the enshrined principle of equal treatment of Parliament and the Council in the legislative process, which Member States consider not to be in line with the EU Treaties, as these assign a stronger role to the Council. Member States therefore called for amendments to the text and at times considered legal action before the Court of Justice of the European Union. While an immediate action has since been ruled out, the Council has announced that it will closely monitor the implementation of the agreement and reserves the right to take further steps to safeguard its institutional prerogatives.