2012 EUROPEAN SEMESTER : MEPS PUSH FOR GREATER INVOLVEMENT.

• Position: Brief article

One of the shortcomings identified by the European Parliament in the coordination of national budgetary and economic policies at European level via the 2012 European semester' is the lack of political debate surrounding it. In an opinion drafted by Jean-Paul Gauzes (EPP, France) and backed by 430 votes in plenary, on 26 October, MEPs therefore call for greater involvement of both the EP and national parliaments. Deputies also urge the European Commission to check that countries put its recommendations into effect.

The Council is also proceeding, in different formations, with an evaluation of the 2012 exercise. Time constraints - with ministers pushing for a more flexible calendar - increasing the sense of ownership by member states and pushing for more concrete policy recommendations are amongst the issues member states want to address. The review is to be concluded in December, when the 2013 European semester' will be launched.

TOO BUREAUCRATIC

European semester' arrangements are too...