Written question asked by Lord Bowness (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Thursday, 8 December 2005.

Sharing Power in Europe Conference

Question: What conclusions were reached following the conference held on 17 November at the Hague under the United Kingdom presidency of the European Union and the Government of the Netherlands which aimed to find ways to strengthen the engagement of national parliaments at an early stage, so that local and national sensitivities are taken into account and the case for European action is made and not just assumed.

Answer: At the Sharing Power in Europe conference in the Hague on 17 November, there was broad consensus that member state parliaments should play a stronger role in ensuring the implementation of the principle of subsidiarity in order to achieve the right balance between action at regional, national and EU levels, and to help connect citizens with European decision-making. A presidency note on the conference is being issued and the Dutch Clingendael Institute will also publish a summary pamphlet. A copy of the note will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The incoming Austrian presidency is organising a follow-up conference in St Poelten on 17 and 18 April 2006.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2515; 676 c125WA
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Deposited Paper HDEP 2005/647
Wednesday, 14 December 2005
Deposited papers
House of Lords
Subjects: EU action Subsidiarity
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk