VoteWatch Europe presented its first special report of the 8th Parliamentary term. This report examines the voting and activity of the Members of the European Parliament after the European elections of May 2014. It aims to show who holds the power in the new EP, and analyze the dynamics that determine the outcome of the parliamentary decisions. It is based on roll-call votes (RCVs) cast in the EP plenary only. The speakers urged for further transparency of the parliamentary committees and the shadow meetings behind the doors (trialogues), because the committee voting is still not transparent enough.
On the voting and activity behavior some questions were raised on the stability of the ‘grand coalition’ which is a clear trend in the EP (considering some stumbling blocks like the provision of TTIP and the investors’ protection clause), on the dynamics and the checks and balances within the political groups, on the EP committee meetings and the transparency. More precisely, following the losses in the 2014 EP elections, the EPP seems to be by far the most cohesive party, enabling it to remain the leading force in the EP. Concerning the dynamics and the coalitions between groups, it is remarkable that the EPP and the S&D voted together in 4 out 5 votes in the first 6 months. Although, there was a split in this ‘grand coalition’ during the vote on the Commission’s working plan 2015, which was characterized as being healthy for the EP and the European democracy.
Regarding the EP procedure in the 8th legislature, MEPs could work much more on evaluating proposals and emotions for resolutions, always in accordance and in cooperation with national parliaments. National parliaments should ensure that the legislation is transposed. The main speakers would like to see the EP more involved in the enforcement and the implementation of EU law, opening up the EP committees and shaping the EU agenda, because due the ‘political inertia’ of the mainstream parties, populist parties gain more and more ground in setting the agenda.