CYPRIOT deputies have repeatedly failed to respond to law proposals submitted by the European Commission, resulting in Cyprus having very little say in the formation of European legislation.
According to a recent survey by the EC, out of 168 proposals sent to the parliaments of member states, almost all states replied with their own comments and suggestions – apart from Cyprus, which sent absolutely nothing.
This was pointed out by EU Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou yesterday during a routine visit to the House European Affairs Committee, where she informed deputies on her new role and top priorities.
Vassiliou was accompanied by her Head of Cabinet, Philippe Brunet, and Androulla Kaminara, head of representation of the European Commission in Cyprus.
In view of ratifying the Lisbon Treaty – signed by all 27 EU member states on December 13, 2007 – Vassiliou said the active participation of national parliaments was the only way to intervene and play a role in the formation of European laws, which must be implemented in the whole of Europe.
She asked which parliamentary committee would take on the responsibility of examining and responding to the proposals, so she in turn could inform the EC President, Jose Manuel Barroso.
Committee Chairman Nicos Cleanthous of DIKO explained that the EC proposals would in future be examined by the relevant parliamentary committees, adding that the Cyprus House of Representatives had a large number of matters to examine, which was why it had failed to do so thus far.
Vassiliou also indicated the need for the Republic of Cyprus to ratify the Lisbon Treaty as soon as possible.
Cleanthous said the aim was for the Treaty to come into force on January 1, 2009 – a few months before the European Parliament elections. He added that Parliament was expecting the government to table a ratifying bill before the summer, so it can be discussed by the relevant House Committees and then sent to the Plenum for approval before summer recess in mid-July.
Responding to deputies’ questions, Vassiliou underlined the significance of implementing European laws and said regular checks were made in this direction. In the event of non-compliance, member-states are warned and then sanctioned, as Greece is currently for not complying with rubbish collection laws.
