Better regulation in European criminal law-assessing the contribution of the European Parliament
The entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty on 1 December 2009 resulted in a number of important changes for the democratic accountability of European criminal law. Among them is the enhanced role of the European Parliament as regards the adoption of EU legislation in this area. This coincides with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (EU Charter) achieving binding status. A new European Parliament was installed in July 2014, followed by the confirmation of the Commission presided over by Jean-Claude Juncker. Together with the Council, these European institutions now have the obligation to make a convincing case for European integration, by producing better regulation (meaning that it has added value), based on a holistic impact assessment - effective and of high quality - including in the area of European criminal law. The work of the new Justice Commissioner is overseen by the First Vice President of the European Commission and the European Commissioner for the portfolio of Better Regulation, Inter-Institutional Relations, the Rule of Law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights (Mr. Frans Timmermans). Looking back at experience gained by the European Parliament in the exercise of democratic scrutiny during the past five years, and taking into account the ambitions of the new Commission, this article addresses the question of to which extent the enhanced role of the European Parliament has led to better regulation in the area of European criminal law. It also contains a number of recommendations for the future.
Journal/Publisher: Eucrim, Issue 4
Publication type: Article
Number of pages/Page range: 107-111
Language/s (content): English
Date of publication: 02-01-14
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Personal data
Full name Wouter VAN BALLEGOOIJ
Current occupation Member
University/Institution European Parliament
Address Rue Wiertz 60
Postal code B-1047, Brussels
Telephone 0032 22843590