CommWeb

Question 1

Titles in the TEU

Answer 1

common provisions that lay down the values

democratic principles, such as the rule of law, the European Citizens’ Initiative, an innovation of the Treaty of Lisbon, and the role of national parliaments;

provisions on the institutions and enhanced cooperation

Question 2

The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)

Answer 2

retains the former EC Treaty’s structure

principles;

non-discrimination and citizenship of the EU;

EU policies and internal action;

association of overseas countries and territories;

the EU's external action;

institutional and financial provisions;

general and final provisions.

Question 3

Protocols annexed to Treaties

Answer 3

37 Protocols are annexed to the Treaties, of which they form an integral part.

• Some of these Protocols lay down provisions concerning opt-out for the Member States.

Question 4

How many groups in EP?

Answer 4

There are currently 7 political groups in the European Parliament.

Question 5

Conditions for group in EP

Answer 5

least 25 MEPs from at least one-quarter of member states (at the moment that would mean from at least seven countries).

MEPs can belong to only one political group, but may choose not to belong to any; they are then called non-attached.

Currently, 29 MEPs have opted not to join a political group.

Question 6

Top 5 groups EP

Answer 6

Group of the European People’s Party (EPP)
Manfred Weber (Germany). This is his fourth term as an MEP. He has been chairing the group since 2014
187

Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament (S&D)
Iratxe García (Spain). MEP since 2004
147

Renew Europe group
Dacian Cioloș (Romania). This is his first term as MEP. He was agricultural commissioner in 2010-2014 and is a former prime minister
98

Identity and Democracy (ID)
Marco Zanni (Italy). MEP since 2014
76

Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA)
Ska Keller (Germany) and Philippe Lamberts (Belgium). Keller has been an MEP since 2009 and became co-president of the group in 2016. Lamberts became an MEP in 2009 and co-president in 2014
67

European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR)
Ryszard Legutko (Poland) and Raffaele Fitto (Italy). Legutko, an MEP since 2009, became co-chair in 2017. Fitto served as an MEP in 1999-2000 and again since 2014
61

European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR)
Ryszard Legutko (Poland) and Raffaele Fitto (Italy). Legutko, an MEP since 2009, became co-chair in 2017. Fitto served as an MEP in 1999-2000 and again since 2014
61

Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL)
Manon Aubry (France), first-time MEP, and Martin Schirdewan (Germany), MEP since 2017. Aubry was elected in May 2019.
39

Question 7

Seats of groups in EP

Answer 7

1EPP 187
2S&D 147
3Renew Europe group 98
4Identity and Democracy (ID) 76
5Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance 67
6European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) 61
7Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL)39

Question 8

How many MEPs + Council rep. in Conciliation?

Answer 8

= # MS = 27

Question 9

Consent/assent procedure introduced by

Answer 9

Formerly know as the assent procedure, it was introduced by the 1986 Single European Act in two areas: association agreements and agreements governing accession to the European Union. The scope for the application of the procedure was extended by all subsequent modifications of the Treaties.

Question 10

Areas of consent procedure

Answer 10

Formerly know as the assent procedure, it was introduced by the 1986 Single European Act in two areas: association agreements and agreements governing accession to the European Union. The scope for the application of the procedure was extended by all subsequent modifications of the Treaties.

As a non-legislative procedure:
the ratification of certain agreements negotiated by the EU;
in cases of serious breach of fundamental rights under Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU);
for the accession of new EU members; or
arrangements for the withdrawal from the EU.

As a legislative procedure, it is to be used also:
when new legislation on combating discrimination is being adopted;
it gives the European Parliament a veto when the subsidiary general legal basis is applied in line with Article 352 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU).

Question 11

Consent procedure vote

Answer 11

Requires the European Parliament’s consent to a proposed act, before certain decisions can be taken.

based on a single majority vote on consent

Question 12

Consultation procedure introduded by

Answer 12

The European Parliament may approve or reject a legislative proposal, or propose amendments to it. The Council is not legally obliged to take account of Parliament’s opinion but in line with the case-law of the Court of Justice, it must not take a decision without having received it.

In the beginning, the 1957 Treaty of Rome gave Parliament an advisory role in the legislative process; the Commission proposed and the Council adopted legislation.

Question 13

History of consultation

Answer 13

Rome 1957: EP as adviser in legislative process

The Single European Act (1986) and the Maastricht, Amsterdam, Nice and Lisbon Treaties successively extended Parliament’s prerogatives.

Now only few areas such as internal market exemptions and competition law.

Consultation is also required, as a non-legislative procedure, where international agreements are being adopted under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).

Question 14

Areas of consultation

Answer 14

Only few areas such as internal market exemptions and competition law.

Consultation is also required, as a non-legislative procedure, where international agreements are being adopted under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).

Question 15

Exceptional legislative initiative by MS

Answer 15

Member States may put forward legislative proposals on the initiative of at least a quarter of them

only to judicial cooperation in criminal matters and police cooperation and to administrative cooperation in these areas

Question 16

GRI

Answer 16

the interinstitutional relations group (GRI).

In each department, one or more staff members supervise coordination of the legislative procedure within their department.

These ‘European Parliament/Council coordinators’ meet as a ‘pre-GRI’ group to prepare GRI work.
They are also known as ‘pre-GRI coordinators’.

Question 17

Conclusion of accession agreement

Answer 17

The European Parliament must then give its consent by a majority of its Members and the Council must give its unanimous approval.

Question 18

Treaty for uniform election procedure

Answer 18

Maastricht 1992

Question 19

MEPs in Treaties

Answer 19

Amsterdam (1997/1999): 700
Nice: 732
ToL: 751
Post UK: 705

Question 20

Role Bureau of EP

Answer 20

lays down rules for Parliament.

It draws up EP’s preliminary draft budget

decides all administrative, staff and organisational matters.

Question 21

Quorum in EP

Answer 21

A quorum (minimum number of Members who must be present in order for the result of a vote to be valid) exists when one third of the component MEPs are present in the Chamber.

Question 22

What is STOA?

Answer 22

Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA)

Question 23

Who is Pat Cox

Answer 23

Patrick Cox is a former Irish Fine Gael politician, journalist and television current affairs presenter who served as President of the European Parliament from 2002 to 2004 and Leader of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party Group from 1998 to 2002.

Question 24

Robert Schuhma bio

Answer 24

With his declaration of 9 May 1950, considered the Robert Schuman assumed political responsibility for a common coal and steel market that would later become the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).

Robert Schuman was president of the European Parliamentary Assembly from 1958 to 1960.

Question 25

Spinelli bio

Answer 25

Treaty on a federal European Union - the so-called ‘Spinelli Plan’. This was adopted in 1984 by an overwhelming majority in the Parliament and provided an important inspiration for the strengthening of the EU Treaties in the 1980s and ‘90s. As a 17-year old, Spinelli joined the Communist Party, as a consequence of which he was imprisoned by the Italian fascist regime between 1927 and 1943. At the end of the Second World War, he established the Federalist Movement in Italy. In his role as advisor to personalities such as De Gasperi, Spaak and Monnet, he worked for European unification. .As a member of the European Commission he took over the area of internal policy from 1970 to 1976. For three years he served as a Member of the Italian Parliament for the Communist Party before being elected to the European Parliament in 1979.

Question 26

Spaak

Answer 26

First president of Common Assembly (1952-54)

Question 27

Gasperi

Answer 27

Second president of Common Assembly

Question 28

Gaetano Martino

Answer 28

President of Appointed Pariliament (1962-64)

Question 29

First president of directly elected EP

Answer 29

Simone Weil (1979-82)

Question 30

Areas of OLP under ToL

Answer 30

added 40 further legal bases, in particular in the area of justice, freedom and security and in agriculture, under Parliament now decides on legislative acts on equal footing with the Council. Hence, the ordinary legislative procedure, formerly called the codecision procedure, applies to 85 legal bases.

Question 31

Areas of co-decision (OLP) under Treaties

Answer 31

Maastricht Treaty, November 1993: First introduction of the codecision procedure which covered a limited number of legislative areas (mainly internal market). Amsterdam Treaty, May 1999: Simplification of the codecision procedure making it possible to conclude agreements at first reading. Extension of its scope to more than 40 legal bases (including transport, environment, justice and home affairs, employment and social affairs). Nice Treaty, February 2003: Extension of the scope of the codecision procedure to further areas. Lisbon Treaty, December 2009: Codecision officially becomes the Ordinary Legislative Procedure, covering 85 areas of Union action (including agriculture, fisheries and common commercial policy).

Question 32

Which procedure for discrmination measures?

Answer 32

OLP

Question 33

Democratic equality: Representative democracy: Participatory democracy:

Answer 33

Since ToL Democratic equality: the EU must observe the principle of the equality of its citizens, who shall receive equal attention from its institutions, bodies, offices and agencies (Article 9 TEU). Representative democracy: EU citizens are directly represented at EU level by the European Parliament. Participatory democracy: EU citizens have the right to participate in EU decisions and interact with the EU institutions, for example, through dialogue by means of civil society organisations in which they are members.

Question 34

European Social Dialogue

Answer 34

The European Commission consults the social partners on the possible direction of an initiative, in a first stage, and on the content of an initiative, in a second stage.

Question 35

Molitor group

Answer 35

U Commission working group established in 1994 to simplify the laws of the Community

Question 36

Rules of procedure of COM

Answer 36

the Commission’s Rules of Procedure adopted by the Commission. The Rules giving effect to the Rules of Procedure annexed to it set out practical guidelines for their implementation;

Question 37

Qurom and votes at the COM

Answer 37

The quorum for College meetings is the majority of its Members. Decisions are in general taken in a consensual manner. The President may formally note the consensus. However, the President or any Member of the Commission may request that a vote be taken. In that case, a majority of Members is needed for any proposal to be adopted. Each Member of the Commission has one vote and may only vote in person.

Question 38

CSSR Gifts

Answer 38

Only below 150EUR. royalties from books must be donated. Members of the Commission may participate in national politics as members of national political parties or an organisation of the social partners (such as trade unions). They can also participate in a national election campaign, including regional or local elections, provided that this does not compromise their availability for service in the Commission.

Question 39

COM and EP alignment

Answer 39

Since Maastricht. both 5 year terms. COM takes office 5 months after EP elections

Question 40

CONECCS

Answer 40

database for Consultation, the European Commission and Civil Society (CONECCS) part of the Commission's commitment to provide better information about its consultation processes. directory of non-profit making civil society organisations organised at European level. established on a voluntary basis and it is intended only for information.

Question 41

Misconduct of CSSR

Answer 41

If any Member of the Commission no longer fulfils the conditions required for the performance of his duties or if he has been guilty of serious misconduct, the Court of Justice may, on application by the Council acting by a simple majority or the Commission, compulsorily retire him.

Question 42

COM internal services (not policy making)

Answer 42

``` Budget Bureau of European Policy Advisers (BEPA) Informatics Infrastructures and Logistics Internal Audit Service (IAS) Interpretation Legal Service Personnel and Administration Translation (DGT) ```

Question 43

Eurobarometer est. in

Answer 43

1973

Question 44

COM meeting time and place

Answer 44

As a general rule, the Commission meets as the College of Commissioners once a week, on Wednesdays in Brussels. During parliamentary sessions in Strasbourg, the Commission holds its meeting there, usually on a Tuesday. The weekly meetings of the College provide the main opportunity for the Commissioners to come together, engage in political discussion and take collective decisions. The duties of Members of the Commission include attendance at all meetings of the College. Only the President may decide to release Members from the obligation to be present, in duly justified cases and on the basis of a written request. Meetings of the Commission are not held in public. Discussions are confidential.

Question 45

Economic Policy Committee Members

Answer 45

advisory body to the Commission and the Council. It contributes to the Council's work of coordinating member states' economic policies forum for technical discussions between the European Central Bank (ECB), the Economic and Financial Committee, the Employment Committee, the Commission, and social partners. Composition comprises 2 delegates from each member state, the Commission, and the ECB. They are senior officials and come from authorities responsible for economic and structural policy.

Question 46

CJEU rules on

Answer 46

ensures that European Union law is applied in the same way in all the Member States ensures that the Member States comply with EU law issues an opinion (which is binding) on the compatibility with EU law of international agreements reviews the legality of acts of the EU institutions provides compensation for damage resulting from the action of an EU institution

Question 47

CJEU does not rule on...

Answer 47

No jurisdiction in matters relating to the common foreign and security policy (CFSP). There are a few exceptions to this rule, specifically relating to ‘sanctions

Question 48

Structure of CJEU

Answer 48

Court of Justice references for a preliminary ruling; infringement proceedings; actions for annulment and actions for failure to act, relating primarily to legislative acts; appeals against decisions of the General Court; General Court actions brought by individuals or companies against acts of the institutions, including disputes between the European institutions and their staff. It can also set up specialised courts.

Question 49

COM represented in CJEU by ...

Answer 49

its legal services

Question 50

Languages

Answer 50

Cases brought before the Court of Justice and General Court may be conducted in any one of the 24 official languages of the European Union. The Judges deliberate without interpreters in a common language, traditionally French.

Question 51

Action for annulment

Answer 51

against the legality of the acts of an EU institution, body or agency.

Question 52

Time limit for actions

Answer 52

An action for annulment must be brought within 2 months of: the publication of the act in question; its notification to the applicant; or failing that, the date on which the applicant had knowledge of the act.

Question 53

Applicants for action for annulment

Answer 53

a Member State; the European Parliament; the Council; the Commission. The Court of Justice of the European Union has jurisdiction to decide, under the same conditions, on actions brought by: the Court of Auditors; the European Central Bank; the Committee of the Regions; Actions may also be brought by natural persons; or legal persons;

Question 54

Jurisdiction of Court of Justice

Answer 54

a Member State against an act of the European Parliament or the Council, or of both these institutions acting jointly, excluding certain Council acts; an EU institution against an act of the European Parliament, the Council, or of both these institutions acting jointly, the Commission or the European Central Bank.

Question 55

Jurisdiction of General Court

Answer 55

decide on actions brought by other types of applicants (natural persons and legal persons). Member States against the Commission; Member States against the Council if the Council is not acting in its capacity as legislator but as an executive body for: acts in the area of State aid; anti-dumping measures; acts by which the General Court exercises its implementing powers.

Question 56

Scope of judgement (annulment)

Answer 56

dismiss the action: any judgment of the General Court may be appealed before the Court of Justice; annul the act in question: in this case, the act disappears from the legal order with retroactive effect (ex tunc) and the institution in question must take the necessary measures resulting from the judgment (e.g. by adopting a new act)

Question 57

Actions for failure to act

Answer 57

infringement of the Treaties The party failing to act may be: ``` the European Parliament; the European Council; the Council; the Commission; the European Central Bank; another EU body or agency. ```

Question 58

Applicants for failure to act

Answer 58

Actions for failure to act may be brought by: the Member States; and other EU institutions. Any natural person; or legal person

Question 59

Jurisdiction (failure to act) for Court of Justice

Answer 59

a Member State against a failure to act by the European Parliament or the Council excluding certain Council acts; an EU institution against a failure to act by the European Parliament, the Council, or jointly by both of these institutions, the Commission or the European Central Bank.

Question 60

Jurisdiction of the General Court (failure to act)

Answer 60

all other actions of this type, in particular, actions brought by individuals. Member States against the Commission; Member States against the Council if the Council is not acting in its capacity as legislator but as an executive body.

Question 61

Procedure

Answer 61

The applicant notifies the party in question of their failure to act and requests that they act. This notification must clearly state that, if there is no response within the deadline set, the applicant will bring an action against the institution for failure to act. If, within two months from the date of the notification, the institution, body, or agency concerned has not responded, an action for failure to act may be brought within a further period of two months.

Question 62

Appeal

Answer 62

within 2 months from the date of notification of the decision of the General Court. state of the proceedings so permits, the Court of Justice may itself decide the case. Otherwise, it will refer the case back to the General Court, which is bound by the decision of the Court of Justice in the appeal.

Question 63

Case-Law

Answer 63

judgements, direct actions (annulment, failiure to act), appeals Not pubslihed judgments delivered other than in preliminary ruling proceedings by Chambers of five Judges or Chambers of three Judges, ruling without the opinion of an Advocate General; and orders General Court publishes only judgments of the Grand Chamber; judgments of Chambers of five Judges.

Question 64

Composition of Court of Justice

Answer 64

1 Judge per Member State; 11 Advocates General. Judges and Advocates General serve a six-year term which is renewable.

Question 65

Appointment of Judges and Advocate General at Court of Justice

Answer 65

after consultation of a panel responsible for giving an opinion on prospective candidates' suitability to perform the duties concerned (e.g. Supreme Court of National...) and by common accord of the governments of the Member States.

Question 66

President of the Court of Justice

Answer 66

is elected by the Judges for a term of three years; represents the Court of Justice; presides at general meetings of the members of the Court; directs the judicial business of the Court; presides at hearings before and deliberations of the full Court (all 28 Judges) and the Grand Chamber (15 Judges); ensures the proper functioning of the services of the Court;

Question 67

Formations of Court of Justice

Answer 67

a full court -> e.g. dismuss the European Ombudsman dismiss a Member of the European Commission who has failed to fulfil his or her obligations Grand Chamber: 15 Judges; Chambers of 3 or 5 Judges.

Question 68

Proceedings (Court of Justice)

Answer 68

The written stage parties give written statements to the Court. The oral stage If the Court or one of the parties considers it necessary, a hearing is organised at which the parties plead their case and answer questions put to them by the Court. The hearing is public. The Advocate General’s Opinion is delivered after the hearing has closed and is then made public. The deliberations are secret.

Question 69

Procedure general court

Answer 69

he procedure in the General Court is similar to that in the Court of Justice, the main differences most cases are heard by Chambers of 3 Judges and some by Chambers of 5 Judges; there are no permanent Advocates General at the General Court. In exceptional cases this role may, however, be entrusted to a Judge.

Question 70

Composition General Court

Answer 70

The Treaty lays down that the General Court shall be composed of at least one Judge from each Member State. From 1 September 2019, the General Court shall be made up of two Judges from each Member State.

Question 71

Appointment of judges

Answer 71

consultation of a panel by common accord of the governments of the Member States. six-year term which is renewable.

Question 72

Formations of General Court

Answer 72

3 or 5 Judges; single-Judge formation in certain cases; Grand Chamber (15 Judges) depending on the legal complexity or importance of the case.

Question 73

Registrar at General Court

Answer 73

appointed by the Judges for a six-year term; maintaining the register of the General Court and the files of pending cases; the acceptance, transmission, service and custody of documents; correspondence with the parties, applicants for leave to intervene and applicants for legal aid.

Question 74

The reference for a preliminary ruling

Answer 74

national court asks the Court of Justice for a ruling on the interpretation or validity of an EU law before examining the merits of the case. Reply by either

Question 75

Two types of reference for a preliminary ruling

Answer 75

reference for interpretation reference on determination of validity The Court replies either by means of: a judgment; an (reasoned) order; or refuses to reply:

Question 76

Court of Auditors when established

Answer 76

1977 budgetary treaty

Question 77

ECA President

Answer 77

Klaus-Heiner Lehne

Question 78

ECA Location

Answer 78

Luxemburg

Question 79

ECA Role

Answer 79

independent external auditor, budget implemented correctly +s ound financial management.

Question 80

ECA role in treay

Answer 80

examines the accounts of all revenue and expenditure of the Union; provides the European Parliament and the Council with a statement of assurance pubslihed in Official Journal + Annual Report subbmits observations, particularly in the form of Special Reports, assists the European Parliament and the Council in exercising their powers of control over the implementation of the budget.

Question 81

ECA limitations wrt to ECB

Answer 81

audit powers are limited to the examination of the operational efficiency of the management of the ECB

Question 82

ECA Composition

Answer 82

Court of Auditors consists of 1 National from each Member State. five chambers

Question 83

ECA Member Appointment

Answer 83

The Members are proposed by their respective Member States. Appointed by the Council after consultation of the European Parliament.

Question 84

ECA Member term

Answer 84

6 year renewable mandate

Question 85

ECA Pres

Answer 85

elected for a renewable term of three years by the Members.

Question 86

ECA Sec Gen

Answer 86

the most senior Member of the Court of Auditors staff; appointed to this role by the Court for a renewable period of 6 years;

Question 87

ECA Outside Activities

Answer 87

may not, during their term of office, engage in any other occupation, whether gainful or not.

Question 88

ECA Demission

Answer 88

compulsorily retired by a ruling of the Court of Justice.

Question 89

ECA rights to audit

Answer 89

njoys wide-ranging access rights to any documents or information necessary to perform its audits.

Question 90

ECA types of audit

Answer 90

Financial audits – accounts accuratel Compliance audits – financial transactions follow the rules. Performance audits – checking that the EU funds achieve its goals with the fewest possible resources

Question 91

ECA Annual Report

Answer 91

sent to the Commission by the 30th of June at the latest. 15th of November. It ensures publication thereof in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Question 92

ECA became the rank of an institution since

Answer 92

Maastricht

Question 93

ECA does it have power of sanctions?

Answer 93

No

Question 94

Where does the ECA forward to in case of fraud

Answer 94

OLAF

Question 95

Qualifications required for ECA members

Answer 95

Audit degree

Question 96

What is INTO-SAI?

Answer 96

International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) = umbrella organization for the external government audit community.

Question 97

What is the statement of assurance? (DAS)

Answer 97

provides the European Parliament and the Council with a statement of assurance; addresses the reliability of the accounts and the legality and regularity of the underlying transactions; published in the Official Journal of the European Union. may be supplemented by specific assessments

Question 98

Main role of EP

Answer 98

exercises legislative and budgetary powers jointly with the Council of the European Union. also:functions of political control appointments

Question 99

Participation of EP in legislative power

Answer 99

1) ordinary legislative procedure puts EP and the Council on an equal footing. 2) may request the Commission to submit any appropriate proposal with a view to adopting a new act or amending an existing act. - >If the Commission does not submit a proposal, it informs the European Parliament of the reasons for this.

Question 100

EP Appointing of COM

Answer 100

elects the President of the Commission on the basis of a proposal from the European Council. by a majority of its component Members. CSSR nominated by the Council are interviewed by the relevant parliamentary committees (hearings). as a body to a vote of consent by the European Parliament.

Question 101

Adoption of the list of Commissioners-designate

Answer 101

Council, acting by qualified majority and by common accord with the President-elect, adopts a list of other persons that it proposes to appoint as Members of the Commission

Question 102

Vote of consent at EP

Answer 102

The President, Vice President/High Representative and Commissioners-designate are subject as a body to a vote of consent by a majority of the votes cast taken as roll-call vote.

Question 103

Appointment of the Members of the Court of Auditors

Answer 103

Members of the Court of Auditors are appointed by the Council, following consultation of the European Parliament.

Question 104

Appointment of the Members of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank

Answer 104

Executive Board of the ECB are appointed following a recommendation by the Council and after consulting the European Parliament and the Governing Council of the European Central Bank.

Question 105

Appointment of the European Ombudsman

Answer 105

The European Ombudsman is appointed by MEPs after each European Parliament election. vote by secret ballot on the basis of a majority of the votes cast, for the duration of the parliamentary term.

Question 106

Supervisory powers of EP

Answer 106

Motion of censure on the European Commission Parliamentary questions Temporary committees of inquiry Structured dialogue between Commission and European Parliament on work programme

Question 107

Motion to censure the COM by EP

Answer 107

power to adopt a motion of censure on the Commission as a whole a motion of censure must be put before the President of Parliament by at least one tenth of its Members. requires two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority of the component Members

Question 108

Written parliamentary questions by EP to whom?

Answer 108

question for written answer to the President of the European Council, the Council, the Commission or the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. requires a written answer from the Commission.

Question 109

What is the EP's Question time?

Answer 109

According to Parliament's rules a question time with with COM Pres or HRVP can be held at a part-session on specific horizontal theme(s) has not happened in practice for some time

Question 110

How many MEPs for rminor or major interpellations for written answer?

Answer 110

A committee, a political group or at least 5% of Parliament’s component Members may ask the Council, the Commission or the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Minor: furnish information on specifically designated issues. Major: written answer.

Question 111

Role of EP for International agreements which Treaty

Answer 111

Treaty of Lisbon substantially strengthened the European Parliament's role in the procedure for adopting international agreements. kept informed at all stages of the procedure for international agreements.

Question 112

Consent of EP is required for intl agreement

Answer 112

accession of a state to the European Union; association agreements between the European Union and third countries; the accession of the European Union to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights important budgetary implications fields to which either the ordinary legislative procedure applies, or the special legislative procedure where consent

Question 113

Procedure for other intl agreement without consent:

Answer 113

EP must be consulted during the procedure.

Question 114

Taking the European Parliament's position into account for intl agreement

Answer 114

Sincere cooperation, the Commission takes as full account as possible of the European Parliament's position.

Question 115

Can EP hold debates on everything>

Answer 115

EP free to hold debates on all activities of the European Union.

Question 116

Election of EP President

Answer 116

amongst the Members of the European Parliament. by absolute majority After 3 ballots -> simple majority

Question 117

Length of EP Pres term

Answer 117

elected for a renewable term of two-and-a-half years, i.e. half a parliamentary term.

Question 118

Are Intergroup parlimentary bodies?

Answer 118

Intergroups are groupings holding informal exchanges of views on specific issues. Around 20 by Members from at least three different political groups. are not parliamentary bodies,

Question 119

Minimum members for political group

Answer 119

minimum number of Members required to establish a political group is 25, elected in at least one-quarter of the Member States. A Member can belong to only one political group.

Question 120

Quaestors term

Answer 120

Quaestors' term of office is two-and-a-half years and they are members of the Bureau in an advisory capacity.

Question 121

Seat of the EP

Answer 121

European Parliament has its seat in Strasbourg where the 12 periods of monthly plenary sessions, including the budget session, are held. The periods of additional plenary sessions are held in Brussels.

Question 122

Where do EP committees meet?

Answer 122

The committees of the European Parliament usually meet in Brussels.

Question 123

Where is the General Secretariat of the European Parliament and its departments

Answer 123

Luxembourg

Question 124

Decision for accession

Answer 124

he Council decides unanimously after consulting the Commission and obtaining the approval of the European Parliament. The European Parliament gives its approval by a majority of its Members. the agreement between the Member States and the applicant state is signed and submitted for ratification by the contracting States.

Question 125

Adoption of the European Union's budget process

Answer 125

European Commission draws up a draft budget Council and then the EP deliver their opinion.