The fight for influence within the European Parliament is fierce, with coveted positions on powerful standing committees offering the chance to shape EU policy on everything from climate change to trade.

On Wednesday, during the institution’s constitutive plenary session in Strasbourg, MEPs approved a proposal by Parliament’s Conference of Presidents on the number of members in Parliament’s 20 committees and four sub-committees, as well as its 48 standing delegations.

The committees draw up, amend, and adopt legislative proposals and own-initiative reports. They consider European Commission and Council proposals and, where necessary, draw up reports to be presented to the Parliament’s plenary assembly.

How will the six Maltese MEPs be wielding influence at the heart of the European decision-making process? While the three-strong Maltese delegation in the Group of the European People’s Party (PP) has not yet announced the committees its members will be appointed to actively be involved in, the similarly three-strong Maltese delegation in the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), has made them public.

Let’s delve into the committees they’ll be appointed to join and the impact they can have on issues that matter most to the Maltese:

ALEX AGIUS SALIBA (Head of Delegation)

Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection – IMCO (member): This committee is a powerhouse for ensuring a smooth-running and consumer-friendly Single Market within the EU. It acts as a guardian of the Single Market, ensuring it functions efficiently while prioritising consumer well-being and upholding high standards.

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs – EMPL (substitute member): This committee plays a central role in shaping EU legislation and policies that impact how Europeans work and live. It strives to ensure that EU policies promote a strong labour market, protect worker rights, and contribute to a better quality of life for all Europeans.

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs – LIBE (substitute member): This is one of the key committees responsible for legislation and oversight in these areas within the European Union. It is instrumental in creating an EU area of Freedom, Security, and Justice, ensuring it functions while respecting fundamental rights.

Committee on Petitions – PETI (substitute member): This committee plays a unique and vital role in bridging the gap between EU citizens and the European institutions. It empowers individuals to have their voices heard, holds the EU institutions accountable, and helps to ensure EU laws are implemented fairly and effectively.

DANIEL ATTARD

Committee on Transport and Tourism – TRAN (member): In a nutshell, this committee acts as a central hub for shaping EU transport and tourism policies. Its focus is on creating a safe, efficient, sustainable, and flourishing transport network alongside a thriving tourism industry that benefits all of Europe.

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy – ITRE (subtitute member): This committee is a major player in shaping EU policy across several crucial areas. In short, it is a driving force behind a more innovative, competitive, and sustainable European future. It works towards a robust industrial sector, cutting-edge research, a thriving space programme, and a clean energy future for the European Union.

Committee on Regional Development – REGI (substitute member): This committee is all about fostering balanced development across the EU’s regions. It acts as a driving force for a more balanced and prosperous Europe by promoting investment, collaboration, and effective policies to reduce disparities across the EU’s regions.

THOMAS BAJADA

Committee on Fisheries – PECH (member): This committee plays a critical role in safeguarding and managing Europe’s fisheries sector. It acts as a steward for a sustainable and thriving European fishing industry, balancing environmental protection with economic and social considerations.

Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety – ENVI (member): This is a critical body addressing a wide range of issues that directly impact European citizens’ health and well-being. In essence, it acts as a multi-pronged force for a healthier and more sustainable Europe. It tackles environmental challenges, safeguard public health, ensure food safety, and promote international cooperation in these crucial areas.

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs – ECON (substitute member): This committee is a crucial player in shaping and overseeing the economic and financial landscape of the European Union. It acts as a watchdog and driving force for a robust and integrated EU economy. It works to ensure responsible economic and monetary policies, a well-regulated financial system, and a strong Economic and Monetary Union that benefits all European citizens.

The rules

According to the European Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, the composition of its committees (including subcommittees) should as far as possible reflect the composition of Parliament as a whole.

Rule 229 states that the composition of the delegations must also ensure as far as possible that member states, political views, and gender are fairly represented, while no delegation may have more than one third of its MEPs coming from the same country.

The political groups and non-attached Members decide internally who is appointed to each committee and subcommittee, as well as to the delegations.

Next steps

The names of the MEPs to be appointed to each committee will be officially announced on Friday. The composition of the delegations will be confirmed during the 16-19 September plenary session in Strasbourg. It will then be up to the committees and delegations to elect their respective Chairs and Vice-Chairs during their constitutive meetings. Parliament’s committees are set to meet on 23 July 2024.

Background

Each committee’s responsibilities are set out in the European Parliament’s Rules of Procedure. During the previous legislative period, Parliament approved structural reforms for a more modern and efficient Parliament, changing the way committees and delegations handle their respective duties.

Committees meet in public (unless the rules dictate otherwise). Their work revolves around drawing up, amending, and voting on legislative proposals and own-initiative reports, as well as holding debates with Council and Commission representatives, hearings with external experts, and organising fact-finding missions. They will play a crucial role in the upcoming hearings of Commissioners-designate.

Parliament can set up sub-committees and special temporary committees to deal with specific issues, and may also create committees of inquiry to investigate allegations of maladministration of EU law. The Conference of Committee Chairs coordinates their work.