Lisbon Treaty: National Parliaments

Article 8 C [12] (new article) presented and discussed below

National Parliaments contribute actively to the good functioning of the Union:

(a) through being informed by the institutions of the Union and having draft legislative acts of the Union forwarded to them in accordance with the Protocol on the role of national Parliaments in the European Union;

(b) by seeing to it that the principle of subsidiarity is respected in accordance with the procedures provided for in the Protocol on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality;

(c) by taking part, within the framework of the area of freedom, security and justice, in the evaluation mechanisms for the implementation of the Union policies in that area, in accordance with Article 61 C [70] of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and through being involved in the political monitoring of Europol and the evaluation of Eurojust's activities in accordance with Articles 69 G [88] and 69 D [85] of that Treaty;

YES: Article 8c brings national parliaments into the decision-making process. Previously parliaments had little chance to influence EU policy, only being informed of decisions after they were taken. Under 8c, parliaments will be asked for their opinion at the drafting stage, giving them a chance to influence draft policies before they are adopted. (Fine Gael)

YES : Two Treaty Protocols increase the role of the Dáil and Seanad on EU legislation.  They are given a direct input into EU legislation, including a blocking role to ensure the EU does not exceed its authority by involving itself in matters that can be dealt with at domestic level.  (Fianna Fail)

Commentary : More window-dressing. It does not accord national parliament any powers, outside a few restricted areas.