“Europe is not the problem, it's the solution to the crisis.”
ALDE group calls for EP debate on role of EU Council President
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22 October 2009
As candidates names for the position of President of the European Council are circulating with increasing frequency in the media ahead of the EU summit meeting in Brussels at the end of the month, Liberals and Democrats are calling for a parliamentary debate to better define the role and responsibilities of the new post before attempting to fill it. This morning, Parliament's Group leaders backed the Liberal and Democrat group proposal to include a debate on the matter at the next Brussels part session on 11-12 November.
The Treaty of Lisbon, which is still awaiting the signature of the Czech President, is not specific on the job description of the European Council President which leaves an opportunity for the Parliament to give its own opinion on the subject.
The ALDE group also believes Parliament should address how the Commission needs to be structured to take account of the new external representation roles of the Council President and High representative as well as issues of accountability to Parliament for the actions and expenditure of the future activities of the Union.
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