MEPs want greater say in shaping foreign policy

Parliament expresses frustration over being sidelined in formation of new diplomatic corps.

MEPs will demand a greater say in the creation of the EU’s diplomatic corps when they meet next week for a plenary session in Strasbourg.

The European Parliament is frustrated that it has been sidelined in the discussions between the European Commission and member states over setting up the European External Action Service (EEAS).

The MEPs will debate a report drafted by Italy’s Gabriele Albertini, who chairs the Parliament’s foreign affairs committee, which calls for a greater say for the Parliament in shaping the EU’s foreign and security policy.

Albertini is demanding that his committee be given better access to “sensitive information” as part of closer consultations with member states on foreign, security and defence policy areas.

He calls on Catherine Ashton, the EU’s foreign policy chief, to accept MEPs’ demands that any senior appointments she makes to the EEAS or to posts as EU Special Representatives should be put through parliamentary hearings. His report includes an annual assessment of the EU’s foreign and security policy around the world.

Electric cars

During the plenary session, MEPs will also question the Commission over plans to boost the use of electric cars across the EU.

The Parliament is putting pressure on the Spanish government, which holds the EU’s rotating presidency of the Council of Ministers, and the Commission, demanding that they come up with plans for common standards for electric vehicles as a step towards a common European strategy on the use of such vehicles. Spain is looking to boost the electric car industry, but is facing resistance from other member states, which want to include other alternative car technologies, including hydrogen and biofuel-powered cars.

The Parliament’s discussions will also include the situation of Roma in Europe and proposals for standardised EU pet passports.

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