Reforming the Commission: action plan, aspects concerning the Committee on Constitutional Affairs. White Paper

The European Parliament has adopted the resolution drafted by Mr Alain LAMASSOURE (EPP/ED, F) on the reform of the Commission. Ths resolution on the constitutional aspects of the reforms emphasises the need to ensure the continued independence of Commissioners and their private offices from the influence of governments and the private sector. There is particular welcome for the new structure of the directorates general and the end to national flags on senior posts and the new presidential powers for the dismissal of Commissioners. There is support for the continued independence of an impartial European civil service. On its political status, the resolution calls for the Commission to be given the main role for the preparation for and follow-up to meetings of the European Council and Council of Ministers in all its forms and calls upon the Council and the Member States to abide scrupulously by this principle. Moreover, the Council and the Member States are urged to associate the Commission fully with the work which takes place on police and judicial cooperation in the sphere of criminal law. The Parliament calls on the Commission to apply the principles of good governance to the preparation of its legislative proposals, by devising an internal procedure which will ensure that the subsidiarity principle is respected before and new regulatory proposal is drawn up. Lastly, there is support for the Commission acting as a European think tank and there is a call for the enhancement of its policy analysis and planning functions. Also, it is stated that the long term post of High Representative should be incorporated into the Commission.�