THE REGION IN EUROPE

The European Parliament is an important forum for political debate and decision-making at the EU level. The members of the European Parliament are directly elected by voters in all member mtates to represent people’s interests with regard to EU law-making and to make sure other EU institutions are working democratically.

Given the essentially political nature of the EP, Regions do not have such a direct stake in this institution; unlike they have in the Council or Commission. However, the European Parliament launches initiatives with various objectives to facilitate the communication of useful information about its operation and activities to citizens, media and opinion leaders.

Within this framework, regions can reach collaboration agreements to implement these actions within its territorial scope. To this end, Murcia Region signed an agreement with the EP to implement an awareness programme about the European Parliament, its role, and its political nature. This programme also aims to provide information on the European Parliament and its activities through an improved understanding of its three pillars of EP activity: policies, measures, and values.

The European Parliament can create a Commission of Inquiry to investigate breaches of EU law by the member states. In case there is a request or breach of law that affects the powers held by these regions, these regions will be responsible for providing the necessary information and for taking the appropriate measures.

For more info:

• http://www.europarl.europa.eu/portal/en
• http://www.europarl.es/