Presidents of the European Parliament and the Commission, Jerzy Buzek and José Manuel Barroso, signed on 20 October the revised Framework Agreement governing working relations between the two institutions. This Agreements which adapts the existing one from 2005 to the Lisbon Treaty framework offers practical solutions in line with the increased competences of Parliament under the new Treaty.

The signature of the new Framework Agreement between the European Commission and the Parliament marks the end of a process initiated a year ago with the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, and the necessary adaptation of the Agreement to the changes introduced by the new Treaty.

Among a number of improvements, the revised agreement sets out rules and a timetable for an intensified and structured dialogue between the two institutions that allows the Commission to benefit from Parliament's input when the Commission is preparing its Work Programme as its contribution to EU programming.

It sets detailed rules for how the Commission will inform Parliament about the negotiation and conclusion of international agreements, whenever this responsibility falls on the Commission. It brings the rules for the provision of classified information to Parliament up to international standards and will thus make it easier to keep Parliament informed. It also sets out rules to enhance the information provided to Parliament in relation to the work of experts advising the Commission. It will also enhance dialogue and co-ordination with regard to planning of Parliament's part-sessions.

All this is aimed at intensifying the political dialogue between the institutions in full respect of the balance between the institutions as defined by the Treaties and the commitment to good cooperation between them. This will lead to a more efficient delivery of EU policies.

Institutional equilibrium and the role of the Parliament

A key achievement for Parliament was to include in the text the basic principle of equal treatment for Parliament and the Council by the Commission in access to meetings and information. For this purpose a special partnership between the two institutions is set up, including regular high-level meetings and stricter obligations for the Commission to provide MEPs with information.

Important elements of the agreement have been implemented already, even before it comes into force, such as the recent EP Committees meeting with Commissioners in order to discuss progress on preparing the Commission's work programme for 2011. Further to the involvement of the Parliament involvement in the Commission work programme, the Agreements also steps up Parliament's role in electing the Commission President. There are new rules on Commissioners' participation in election campaigns, and the Commission will seek Parliament's opinion when revising its Code of Conduct for Commissioners.