tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406430766424642773.post9157671488530656642..comments2023-09-28T12:28:57.598+03:00Comments on Grahnlaw: Shrinking the Commission?Ralf Grahn http://www.blogger.com/profile/02156293782163802007noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406430766424642773.post-13890402159388195252009-06-17T18:48:46.898+03:002009-06-17T18:48:46.898+03:00Freeborn John,
Your definition of "executiv...Freeborn John, <br /><br />Your definition of "executive powers" has me somewhat confused, which means that "non-executive" powers do not appear clear either.<br /><br />Take, for instance, the US Constitution (Article II) which vests the executive power in the President. <br /><br />But I understand your general drift, to diminish the role of the Commission, although I do not share it. <br /><br />On the contrary, I see a parliamentary system at EU level as a preferable course, with an accountable government for the questions which are better handled at the European level. <br /><br />This is not in contradiction with independent regulatory agencies for competition, financial markets etc. in the future.Ralf Grahn https://www.blogger.com/profile/02156293782163802007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406430766424642773.post-10882855856262606752009-06-17T18:00:17.835+03:002009-06-17T18:00:17.835+03:00If the Commission is stripped of its non-executive...If the Commission is stripped of its non-executive powers, and put under the control of the EU Council, then it would become an ordinary civil service and we would be able to reduce the number of Commissioners to zero.<br /><br />This could be achieved by the Commission giving up its right to legislative initiative. It should not be able to determine the legislative majority requirements in the Council or indeed have to be consulted about pending legislation at all. Its quasi-judicial powers over competition policy and anti-dumping policy should be delegated to an independent competition authority. <br /><br />This would reduce the Commission to a secretariat unable to pursue its own 'more Europe' agenda which is progressively reducing the arena within which democratic politics is conducted towards vanishing point.Freeborn Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406430766424642773.post-61958144397773043932009-06-17T15:14:31.200+03:002009-06-17T15:14:31.200+03:00Eurocentric,
My point of departure is the EU &qu...Eurocentric, <br /><br />My point of departure is the EU "in which decisions are taken as openly as possible and as closely as possible to the citizen" thing our leaders have all signed up to. <br /><br />As a minimum, at this stage, they should publish the alternative procedures and the concession to the Irish in a precise, but readable manner to help EU citizens understand the situation. <br /><br />Beyond that, the (European) Council has not communicated on the preparatory work needed for the Lisbon Treaty since the Slovenian Council Presidency, a few 'ad hoc' conclusions excepted. <br /><br />In other words, preparation on all issues relevant to the Lisbon Treaty (and other matters) should take place openly, to allow for public debate. <br /><br />As soon as someone starts thinking in terms of "sensitive issues" it becomes a 'carte blanche' for keeping EU citizens in the dark and treating them as children. <br /><br />I understand that there is some need for confidentiality in public governance, but the (European) Council has much to learn if it wants to build trust. <br /><br />I admit that I feel annoyed, when I am reasonably sure that harmless and basic public information exists, but the powers that be refuse to make it public. <br /><br />(You should have followed the story about the European Council's refusal to publish a consolidated version of the Lisbon Treaty - it took them four months to relent.)Ralf Grahn https://www.blogger.com/profile/02156293782163802007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406430766424642773.post-8053699946207818112009-06-17T14:43:04.605+03:002009-06-17T14:43:04.605+03:00It would be a very politically sensitive subject t...It would be a very politically sensitive subject to discuss with the referendum coming up. I think that it would be good for the Council to say that, if the Lisbon Treaty isn't passed, they would implement either the original plan (rotation among member states with a Commissioner for 10 out of every 15 years) or a similar plan that ensures the equality of the member states.<br /><br />If the sense is that Ireland will get "punished", then it will sour the mood and damage the EU's image (further) in Ireland.<br /><br />But while I think it would be good to state the system they'll operate under, it would take up too much time and political capital instead of focusing on the Lisbon campaign (and the government here is embattled enough as it is). Perhaps a Council statement/commitment that any procedure under Nice would treat all member states equally would be a good idea.Eurocentrichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09439536905456080079noreply@blogger.com