EP Rules of Procedure: changes in Parliament’s relationship with the European Council and the Eurogroup following entry in force of the Lisbon Treaty

The European Parliament adopted a decision amending the Rules of Procedure to take into account the changing relationships between the European Parliament and the institutions representing the national governments following the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon.

Parliament decided to amend Article 116 of its Rules of Procedure in the following way:

• Parliament and the Council have equal powers in the ordinary legislative procedure and in the budget procedure. Given the new balance between the institutions, there is no longer any reason for the agenda to continue to include Council Question Time in its present form.
• On the other hand, the amended Regulation retains the option of putting questions to the Council, during a specific question hour, on matters relating to responsibilities other than those linked to the exercise of its legislative and budgetary functions. These questions may relate to the exercise of its functions in defining, coordinating and implementing Union policies, or concern its powers relating to appointment procedures or the operation of the institutions, agencies and bodies of the European Union or a revision of the Treaties.