Parliament's negotiators discussed in the European Commission about Equal treatment of the Parliament and Council by the Commission, about strengthening the position of EP's legilative initiative requests and about enhancing Parliament's role in international negotiations, between other issues.

Parliament and the Commission are currently revising the so-called Framework Agreement governing relations between the two institutions. After three rounds of negotiations, the Working Party reached a common understanding on 27 January. Commission President-elect José Manuel Barroso is expected to make a statement in plenary endorsing Parliament's wishes before the vote of approval of the new Commission on 9 February.

The second stage of the negotiations, starting immediately after the Commission takes office, should lead by May-June 2010 to an ambitious Framework Agreement text that will be considered by the Committee on Constitutional Affairs for a decision by plenary.

Subject to the approval by the Parliament's Conference of Presidents on 4 February of a draft resolution, the Parliament will vote on 9 February on a resolution summing up the results of the negotiations so far. The resolution is seen as an important step forward for the relationship between the two institutions, reflecting Parliament's new position under the Lisbon Treaty.

Enhanced Parliament role in international negotiations

The deal between the two institutions includes a commitment by the Commission to reinforce its association with Parliament in international negotiations. Parliament will in future receive full information on the negotiations at all stages. In addition, the Commission will act as facilitator to enable the chair of the EP delegation to be granted observer status at international conferences.

Finally, the Parliament's request for improved programming was also met, as the Commission agreed to seek a common understanding of the institutions prior to adopting the Annual Work Programme. Recently, Parliament has addapted its rules to the new Lisbon Treaty.