Doc. 8430
31 May 1999

Parliamentary control of international institutions

Motion for a resolution

presented by Mr Ruffy and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1.       The Assembly recalls its Opinion N° 208 (1999) and Resolution 1177 (1999) on the report of the Committee of Wise Persons.

2.       Following the publication of the report of the Committee of Independent Experts on Allegations regarding Fraud, Mismanagement and Nepotism in the European Commission requested by the European Parliament, the resignation of the European Commission on 16 March 1999 has drawn public attention to the lack of transparency in decision-making of international institutions and to the way in which public resources are spent by their executive organs.

3.        The discussion provoked by this event often mentions “the democratic deficit” experienced by citizens vis-à-vis international institutions.

4.        Increased parliamentary accountability is essential to guarantee the credibility of international institutions.

5.        The Assembly notes that its members play an important role in bringing the functioning of institutions such as the Council of Europe closer to citizens understanding.

6.       The Assembly recalls that it already serves as a parliamentary forum for debates on activities of certain international institutions, such as the EBRD, OECD, EFTA, UN-ECE, UNHCR, UNICEF, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Organization for Migration, etc.

7.       The Assembly therefore resolves to:

i.        examine the role played by parliaments in monitoring international institutions;

ii.        consider ways in which parliamentary accountability of the executive branch of international institutions could be reinforced and the democratic deficit experienced by the citizens overcome.

Signed : ¹

Ruffy, Switzerland, SOC

Barsony, Hungary, SOC

Bloetzer, Switzerland, EPP/CD

Busic, Croatia, EPP/CD

de Puig, Spain, SOC

Fyfe, United Kingdom, SOC

Gross, Switzerland, SOC

Iwinski, Poland, SOC

Jansson, Finland, LDR

Severinsen, Denmark, LDR

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group