Lisbon Treaty: European Parliament

Article 9 A [14] [new article] presented and discussed below:

1. The European Parliament shall, jointly with the Council, exercise legislative and budgetary functions. It shall exercise functions of political control and consultation as laid down in the Treaties. It shall elect the President of the Commission.

Yes: The Treaty greatly enhances the powers of the European Parliament by extending the power of co-decision to 40 new policy areas, putting it on an equal footing with the Council as co-legislator. (Alliance for Europe).

Commentary: This is a significant democratising measure because the European Parliament is being given extensive co-decision powers with the Council.