tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406430766424642773.post3298768802553264802..comments2023-09-28T12:28:57.598+03:00Comments on Grahnlaw: A busy week in the European Union: European Council only part of itRalf Grahn http://www.blogger.com/profile/02156293782163802007noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406430766424642773.post-26531876928191752262010-11-04T14:56:19.808+02:002010-11-04T14:56:19.808+02:00George Brunt,
I noticed the criticism, but I do ...George Brunt, <br /><br />I noticed the criticism, but I do not feel prepared to issue any categorical statements. <br /><br />A few general remarks, however. <br /><br />At least formally the Lisbon Treaty has resulted in some public Council deliberations and debates, which can be seen by the public.<br /><br />However, most of the real decisions are made behind closed doors, and the different proposals are not voted on or argued transparently.<br /><br />(The reporting is mainly based on leaks.) <br /><br />I have written a few times about the European Council, which has become an institution formally, but with transparency and accountability standards much below those of a municipal board in my country. <br /><br />President Herman Van Rompuy seems to try to develop the European Council into a high level workshop, which contradicts his assertion that it is an institution, not a summit. <br /><br />Both the European Council and the Council function in accordance with their Rules of Procedure, and these have been set by the member states, so they reflect the paradigms of diplomacy and the culture of Cabinet meetings nationally. <br /><br />I would not bet my shirt on a successful legal action on the grounds of lack of transparency, despite the general treaty principle of 'as openly as possible and as closely as possible to the citizen'. <br /><br />First reading compromises and conciliation committee procedures further detract from openness in decision making. <br /><br />However, even if I doubt a legal challenge against the dismal transparency standards of the European Council (and the Council), I do think that improvements could and should be introduced, so there is cause for criticism of the current state of affairs.Ralf Grahn https://www.blogger.com/profile/02156293782163802007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406430766424642773.post-13543052979583454412010-11-04T14:33:31.487+02:002010-11-04T14:33:31.487+02:00Hi Ralf Grahn,
I wonder if you have any view on t...Hi Ralf Grahn,<br /><br />I wonder if you have any view on the criticism that it is illegal for the Council to meet behind closed doors:<br /><br />http://democracy.blogactiv.eu/2010/11/03/budget3-who-will-take-the-council-to-court-for-plotting-to-pinch-the-publics-money-violating-the-treaty-and-bringing-democratic-europe-into-disrepute/<br /><br />Do you have any idea whether a legal action could be pursued?<br /><br />George BruntAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com