Commission-Parliament Framework Agreement: greater transparency and trust, better dialogue

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

EU Commission and EU Parliament representatives have finalised negotiations on an updated Framework Agreement to improve interinstitutional relations, trust, transparency and dialogue.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “Strong, effective and transparent engagement between the EU institutions is essential for our democracy. With this draft agreement we can strengthen trust and deliver even greater results together, in a spirit of EU unity, and with the interests of our citizens foremost in our minds. The European Commission looks forward to playing its full part in this enhanced cooperation, for the benefit of all Europeans.”

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola commented: “Europeans have been clear in successive Eurobarometer surveys: they want a stronger Parliament, with a bigger role in shaping our Union and more democratic scrutiny by their elected representatives. Today’s draft agreement strengthens European democracy. It is an upgrade that reinforces transparency, accountability, cooperation, and trust. We will align closer, communicate better and deliver faster for our citizens. With this deal, Parliament reaffirms its position at the heart of Europe’s democracy.”

EU Commission lead negotiator Maroš Šefčovič, in charge of interinstitutional relations, said: “Today’s provisional agreement – built on the principles set out by President von der Leyen and President Metsola – is a clear and timely sign of our shared goal to work more effectively and in true unity. I will keep working with the European Parliament – and in full transparency with the Council – to turn this agreement into lasting cooperation, delivering unity not just in words, but in action. Because unity makes us stronger – at home and on the global stage.”

EP co-negotiator and CCC Chair Bernd Lange (S&D, DE) said: “We have achieved a decisive step forward in parliamentary oversight. This agreement empowers parliamentary committees with timely access to detailed information and meaningful exchanges with the Commission, enhancing their ability to scrutinize and shape legislation effectively. Additionally, Parliament now has strengthened rights, ensuring real influence at every stage of trade and international negotiations. This strengthens democratic accountability and transparency in external policy, ensuring that it serves the interests and values of European citizens.”

EP co-negotiator and AFCO Chair Sven Simon (EPP, DE) stated: “This revised agreement constitutes a substantive institutional advance for Parliament. It strengthens Parliament’s indirect right of initiative, including the possibility to amend and repeal existing legislation, and sets strict conditions for the use of the emergency clause of Article 122 TFEU by the Commission. Above all, it ensures that Commissioners shall be present in plenary and committee meetings, when requested, thereby reinforcing the principles of accountability and democratic oversight within the Union.”

Key improvements

The draft text, provisionally agreed by negotiators today, reflects the nine political principles agreed by the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Parliament on 21 October 2024.

New provisions have been agreed concerning the principle of equal treatment of the Parliament and the Council, the role of the Commission as an honest broker and on the transmission of comprehensive, timely and detailed information in order for Parliament to exercise its legislative and budgetary functions as well as its functions of political control and consultation.

The text also includes reinforced commitments to ensure a better presence of responsible Commissioners in plenary and committees, as well as the participation of the Commission in other parliamentary activities, when requested. It will also support Parliament’s work to improve presence of MEPs in plenary and committee meetings.

Other key points include:

• a commitment to improve information flows, and foster the improved presence of responsible Commissioners in plenary, committees, and other parliamentary activities; as well as improved presence of MEPs in these same meetings when Commissioners are present;
• in certain situations where unforeseen developments justify it, the Commission may request the Parliament to decide urgently on a proposal. Before the Parliament votes on such a request, the Commission can make an explanatory statement in Plenary.
• a commitment by the Commission to provide without delay comprehensive justification and information on the exceptional and emergency cases where the proposals by the Commission are based on  Article 122 TFEU, after the adoption of the legal act;
• new  terms on the provision of information and justifications by the Commission  regarding its requests for urgent/fast track procedures;
• a commitment by the Commission on sincere interinstitutional cooperation on budgetary matters concerning interinstitutional meetings under Article 324 TFEU;
• more detailed provisions on the flow of information regarding international agreements with, inter alia, a commitment by the Commission to properly inform Parliament about non-binding international agreements;
• updated provisions concerning the follow up by the Commission on requests by Parliament for proposals for Union acts pursuant to Article 225 TFEU, as well as cooperation between the two institutions within this context;
• provisions on the consultation mechanism with regard to proposed changes to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure where they affect the Commission’s rights and prerogatives.

Next steps

In line with Parliament’s internal rules, once endorsed by Parliament’s Conference of Presidents, it will be referred to the Committee on Constitutional Affairs for examination before it is submitted to plenary for final approval.

Background

The Commission – Parliament Framework Agreement lays down rules for cooperation in legislative, budgetary, and political matters. Presidents Metsola and von der Leyen kickstarted the revision process in October 2024, shortly after the European Elections. The updated draft text builds on the 2010 agreement, reflecting more than a decade of practice and evolving institutional needs.