Better lawmaking 1998 and 1999: follow-up of the report COM(1998)0345 and report for the European Council in Helsinki

The committee adopted the report by Joachim WUERMELING (EPP-ED, D) on the Commission's two reports to the European Council on better lawmaking (1998 and 1999). The report welcomed the Commission's recognition of the need for decentralisation, subsidiarity and concentration on core European tasks, but at the same time advocated a clear demarcation of responsibility between the EU and the Member States. The committee took the view that the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality should apply in all areas of legislation, including the decision as to whether to make a matter the subject of internal market legislation. Concern was expressed as to the increasing amount of non-legislative documents drawn up by the Commission (Green and White Papers, explanatory memoranda etc.).