Est. 1min 04-07-2001 (updated: 07-11-2012 ) Euractiv is part of the Trust Project >>> Languages: Français | DeutschPrint Email Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram MPs call for ad hoc parliamentary body to monitor development of Common European Security and Defence Policy in bid to increase democratic accountability The ad hoc body would be comprised of MPs from national parliaments as well as MEPs from the European Parliament. It will focus primarily on EU defence and foreign policy issues at meetings that are to be held at least twice a year. Concerns have been expressed by parliamentarians on a number of issues raised by the development of a defence element within the EU. In particular, concerns relating to democratic accountability, status of neutral Member States, relations with NATO and strains on EU-US relations. Read more with Euractiv Ministers divided over future fisheries policyEU fisheries ministers remain deeply divided over the future of the Common Fisheries Policy Subscribe now to our newsletter EU Elections Decoded Email Address * Politics Newsletters BackgroundA meeting of MPs from Member State parliaments in Brussels on 3 July recommended that an ad hoc parliamentary group be set up to monitor the development and operation of the Common European Security and Defence Policy. The Brussels' meeting was arranged by the presidents of the Belgian Senate and Chamber of Deputies, Armand De Decker and Herman De Croo. It must be seen against the background of the 15 Member States of the EU calling for the establishment of a rapid reaction force (RRF) of 60,000 men at the Helsinki European Council in December 1999. This was the first explicit introduction of a defence element in the European project. TimelineMinutes of the meeting and the declaration will be sent to national parliaments with a request for a written response to the suggestion of an ad hoc body by October 2001. A follow up meeting will be held in November where it is hoped that an agreement on a more detailed text will be reached and that this can be included in the Laeken Declaration in December.
