Topics and links – September 2014

Update: This post is available in all EU languages – please see at the bottom of this post.

In September 2014, citizens’ topics of particular interest ranged from the EU’s external relations (Ukraine, Russia) and trade relations (Canada, USA), to internal affairs (referendum in Scotland) and some institutional aspects (setting-up the new European Commission, internal rules regarding MEPs).

The following topics are based on questions and comments from citizens writing to the European Parliament.

Scotland’s referendum

The Scottish referendum which took place on 18 September 2014 proved to be a defining moment in the country’s history, as reflected in the correspondence from citizens this month. The most frequent enquiry was on the potential impact upon Scotland’s membership of the EU. Issues on electoral procedures and the outcome of the referendum were also raised.

The following links will guide you to the relevant information:

President Schulz on the result of the referendum  (19-9-2014)

Parliamentary question on the potential status of Scottish citizens in the EU post-independence (3-4-2014)

 Hearings of Commissioners

In the run-up to the hearings of the Commissioners-designate some citizens turned to the European Parliament commenting on the personal and professional background of certain candidates. Others requested information about the hearings in the Parliament asking for example which committees assess the candidates or about public access to the hearings.

The following links will guide you to the relevant information:

#EPHearings2014: Meet the Commissioners-designate! (24 September 2014)

Infographic: How to elect the European Commission

Schedule of Commissioners-designate’ hearings

European Commission – Towards the Juncker Commission.

Sanctioning MEPs’ behaviour

Remarks made by an MEP during a debate on youth unemployment during the plenary session on 16 July 2014, and the sanctions imposed by the EP President that ensued, caused a reaction from a large number of citizens.

The following links will guide you to the relevant information:

President Schulz’ decision regarding MEP’s comments (17-9-2014)

Minutes of the debate held on 16 July

Rules 165 and 166 of EP’s Rules of Procedure: Measures to be taken in the event of con-compliance with the standards of conduct of Members

 Association agreement EU-Ukraine

Parliament’s consent to the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine allowed citizens to comment on the EU’s role regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the violence in eastern Ukraine. Some citizens asked for a no tolerance attitude to be applied to Russia and its leader. Others were critical of the EU and defended Russia’s actions.

The following links will guide you to the relevant information:

MEPs welcome signs of hope in Ukraine and urge the EU to stand up to Russia (18-09-2014)

Ukraine: timeline of events (18-09-2014)

Schulz on the vote on the EU – Ukraine Association Agreement (16-09-2014)

EP answer: MH17 aircraft disaster and EU reaction on Russia’s role in eastern Ukraine (8-8-2014)

European External Action Service (EEAS): EU declarations and decisions

Free trade agreements TTIP/CETA

The EU’s free trade agreements with Canada (CETA) and the USA (TTIP) continued to be of concern to citizens. Points raised ranged from the negotiation procedure (lack of transparency and democratic legitimacy, dominating influence of lobbyists and multinationals) to the feared consequences of the agreements (decrease of the current European social, consumer, environmental and data protection standards).

The following links will guide you to the relevant information:

MEPs split over EU free trade deal with Canada (17-09-2014)

MEPs call for more transparency in transatlantic trade talks (16-7-2014)

EPRS: analysis on different aspects of TTIP

European Commission’s website on TTIP

European Commission’s website on CETA