Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Local Euro MP fights the fog of EU lawmaking

April 18, 2006 3:00 PM

The European Parliament has discussed local Liberal Democrat MEP, Diana Wallis's reports on 'better lawmaking'.

The main report, 'Monitoring the application of Community law', calls for more transparent and better law-making at EU level by presenting several original reform proposals, including attaching a citizen-friendly summary at the beginning of each and every EU legislative act. It also aims to streamline the procedure which the European Commission uses to detect and pursue infringements by EU member countries.

Diana Wallis MEP, the author of the reports from the Parliament's Petitions Committee and Legal Affairs Committee shadow, said in the debate in the European Parliament:

"It is important that the European Parliament is at the forefront of the 'better law-making' debate and will on this occasion be making a strong commitment to reforming and improving the functioning of the EU and in doing so hopefully fight the fog of EU lawmaking.

"I believe every directive should be as clear as possible, and we legislators should regard the primary audience of every directive as interested private citizens, not lawyers.

"Directives may never be written in the plainest of plain language, but they should at least be understandable to ordinary people who are prepared to make an effort.

"For this reason my proposals are supported by the Plain Language Commission."

Voting on Diana Wallis's reports will take place in Strasbourg in May.

Notes:

Plain Language Commission report on 'Clarifying Eurolaw' can be found at:

www.clearest.co.uk/files/ClarifyingEurolaw.pdf

Diana Wallis MEP's reports can be found at: http://www.europarl.eu.int/activities/expert/committees/reports.do?committee=1247&language=EN

Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament have been at the forefront of the campaign to secure transparency and openness from the Council of Ministers.

6 September 2005 - http://www.libdemmeps.org.uk/news/72.html

5 July 2005 - http://libdemmeps.org.uk/news/54.html

23 June 2005 - http://www.libdemmeps.org.uk/news/index200506.html

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    dianawallismep.org.uk/en/article/2006/063762/local-euro-mp-fights-the-fog-of-eu-lawmaking
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    dianawallis.org.uk/a22KP

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image