Politics
MEPs call for Treaty changes to enhance Parliament’s role and propose EU-wide referendums
The report comprising draft changes to the Treaties was endorsed by MEPs on Wednesday with 19 votes for, six against, and one abstention. The accompanying resolution was adopted with 20 votes for, six against, and no abstentions. MEPs reiterate their call to amend the EU Treaties and ask the Council to “immediately and without deliberation submit the proposals […] to the European Council” so that a Convention can be set up.
Institutional reforms and a mechanism for EU-wide referendums
MEPs are urging for a more balanced system that would enhance the role of Parliament and modify voting procedures in the Council. By significantly increasing the number of decisions made through qualified majority voting (QMV) and ordinary legislative procedure (OLP), the Union would be better equipped to take action. Additionally, Parliament would gain the authority to initiate legislation and become a co-legislator for the EU’s long-term budget.
In addition, MEPs are calling for a reversal of the current roles of the Council and Parliament in the appointment of the Commission President (to be renamed the “European Executive”). Under the proposed changes, Parliament would nominate the Commission President and the European Council would provide approval. Furthermore, MEPs suggest granting the Commission President the ability to select members based on political preferences, while ensuring a balance in terms of geography and demographics.
The draft report calls for the implementation of a mechanism for EU-wide referendums on topics related to the Union’s actions and policies (including the approval of the current Treaty reform proposals), and to improve the existing participatory mechanisms.
EU competences and subsidiarity
MEPs want to establish exclusive Union competence for the environment and biodiversity and shared competencies on public health matters, civil protection, industry, and education. They propose the advancement of Union shared competencies in the areas of energy, foreign affairs, external security and defence, external border policy in the area of freedom, security and justice, and cross-border infrastructure.
Other reform areas
The draft report also includes proposals on:
- foreign, security and defence policy (sanctions and interim enlargement process steps decisions by QMV as well as a defence union with military capacity);
- the single market, the economy & the budget (tackling tax havens, QMV for taxation decisions, 5 year periods for the long-term budget);
- a social progress protocol;
- education;
- trade and investment;
- non-discrimination (expanding the list of protected vulnerable groups, referring to ‘gender equality’ throughout the Treaties);
- climate and environment (reduction of global warming and safeguarding biodiversity as aims of the Union, protection for the natural foundations of life, and animals, in line with the One Health approach);
- energy policy (an integrated European energy union);
- the area of freedom, justice and security (additional competences for Europol, gender-based violence and environmental crimes prosecuted under EU law); and
- migration (common minimum citizenship and visa standards, stronger border security measures , economic and social stability and availability of skilled labour).
Next steps
The report is set to be voted on by all MEPs during the 20 – 23 November plenary session.
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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree to strip 34 traitors of state awards to Ukraine
The document, published on the official website of the Ukrainian president, puts into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council to strip persons considered traitors to Ukraine of state awards, UNIAN reported.
These persons include former civil servants, deputies, heads of the SBU and the Prosecutor General’s Office, prosecutors, artists, as well as Russian political, religious and cultural figures. All of them are deprived of state awards of Ukraine indefinitely.
In addition, ten of them are subject to the maximum package of sanctions – 21 types of measures, including blocking assets, cancellation of licenses and permits, as well as complete cessation of commercial operations.
Key figures on the list:
Alexander Efremov – former first deputy leader of the political party “Party of Regions” and chairman of the corresponding faction. Deprived of the Orders of Merit I-III degree and Prince Yaroslav the Wise V degree.
Renat Kuzmin – former First Deputy Prosecutor General of Ukraine, holder of the Orders of Merit II-III degree and the title of Honored Lawyer of Ukraine.
Viktor Medvedchuk – former deputy and close ally of Russia. Deprived of the Orders of Merit I-III degree and Prince Yaroslav the Wise V degree, as well as the title of Honored Lawyer of Ukraine.
Other famous names:
Dmitry Tabachnyk – former Minister of Education and Science (2010-2014).
Mykola Azarov – former Prime Minister of Ukraine (2010-2014), holder of numerous orders and the title of Honored Economist of Ukraine.
Viktor Pshonka – former Prosecutor General of Ukraine.
Patriarch Kirill – head of the Russian Orthodox Church, deprived of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise I degree.
Artists on the list:
The titles of “People’s Artist of Ukraine” and “Honored Artist of Ukraine” have been stripped from a number of popular Russian performers, including Nikolai Baskov, Philip Kirkorov, Ani Lorak, and Taisiya Povaliy.
Context of the decision:
On November 20, 2024, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a bill by President Zelensky that allows for the deprivation of state awards from persons who promote Russia, spread propaganda, or commit other actions against Ukraine.
According to the law, persons deprived of state awards lose all rights and privileges associated with them.
Photo: Ani Lorak / Facebook
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On November 7, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent a congratulatory letter to the newly elected US President Donald Trump, wishing him health, strength and success in his upcoming second presidential term.
“Recognizing the enormous responsibilities of such a leadership position, we pray that your decisions will be guided by wisdom and compassion, as well as by the strength necessary to maintain harmony and security in your great and God-protected nation,” noted Patr. Bartholomew:
“The Ecumenical Patriarchate, with its ancient history and its fundamental commitment to dialogue and reconciliation, remains a constant supporter of all efforts to promote peace and understanding between people of different cultures and beliefs. We hope that under your leadership the United States will continue to support the cause of religious freedom and human dignity – values that resonate deeply in the Orthodox Christian tradition and all faith communities,” the congratulatory letter said.
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