Parliamentary questions are traditionally seen as a fundamental tool for democratic control, transparency, and accountability within the European Parliament. However, there has been a concerning trend of diminishing utilization and effectiveness of this mechanism in recent years, bringing its role in the democratic process into question.
Between 1995 and 2005, the number of written parliamentary questions (PQs) submitted in the EU Parliament experienced steady growth, reaching a peak of nearly 15,500 in 2015. However, this trend has since seen a dramatic reversal, with the number of questions processed in 2023 dwindling to just 3,703, representing a reduction of more than 50% from the peak.
The restrictions imposed on MEPs in submitting written questions, such as a maximum limit of twenty questions over a rolling three-month period and mandatory approval by the President, have contributed to the decline. Additionally, MEPs are dissuaded from tabling similar questions that have previously been raised, leading to the underrepresentation of certain concerns in the parliamentary record.
The stringent regulations surrounding oral parliamentary questions and question time further constrict the scope for meaningful engagement, with limited opportunities for in-depth interrogation of pertinent issues. Furthermore, the slow response times and perceived inadequacy of replies from the Commission have added to the erosion of the effectiveness of the PQ system.
The trend of dampened utilization of parliamentary questions in the European Parliament has been fueled not only by efforts from within the Commission but also from certain political groups and senior parliamentary figures. This collective drive towards curtailing the utilization of PQs has raised concerns about the potential weakening of the European Parliament’s capacity to hold the Commission and other agencies accountable.
With the forthcoming formation of a new Parliament after the upcoming elections, there is a crucial opportunity for the incoming Members to reassess and potentially strengthen the parliamentary question arrangements. The significance of parliamentary questions in upholding democratic principles and ensuring transparency cannot be understated, and it is essential for the Parliament to reclaim its role as a robust guardian of democratic accountability.
The decline of parliamentary questions in the European Parliament, as highlighted by former Irish Minister for EU Affairs Dick Roche, calls for a reevaluation of the current state of democratic scrutiny and the restoration of the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight mechanisms.
The future of the European Parliament’s capacity to hold the Commission and other agencies accountable through parliamentary questions hinges on the commitment of the future Members to address the shortcomings and bolster the democratic control process.
Dick Roche, a seasoned political figure with extensive experience, draws attention to the decline of parliamentary questions in the European Parliament, raising crucial questions about the state of democratic accountability and the need for proactive measures to uphold transparency and democratic principles.
The reduced utilization and effectiveness of parliamentary questions in the European Parliament have ignited concerns about the potential weakening of democratic scrutiny and the accountability of political leaders and agencies. The significance of this oversight mechanism in promoting transparency and citizen engagement cannot be overlooked.
As the European Parliament anticipates the formation of a new legislature, the imperative to strengthen the parliamentary question arrangements becomes increasingly pronounced. The incoming Members have a critical role in revitalizing the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight and reaffirming the democratic principles that underpin the European Union.
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