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Introduction
To know how the Portuguese
Parliament exercises its responsibilities as regards European
affairs in its relationship with the Government and the institutions
of the European Union has proved to be increasingly essential.
The main purpose of this website is therefore to provide the
necessary information about the role of the Portuguese Parliament
in decisions taken at European level.
For the first time in the history
of the construction of Europe, the Treaty of Lisbon includes
a series of references to national Parliaments, providing
that they shall contribute actively to the proper functioning
of the European Union (Article 12 TEU).
On this webpage you will find
information about the Treaty
of Lisbon, in particular the way it strengthens the powers
of national Parliaments in the European decision-making process
by giving them the opportunity to pronounce on European initiatives
and, specifically, about the work the Assembleia da República
has been doing in these matters and the way it intends to
exercise those powers.
Under the terms of the Constitution
of the Portuguese Republic - Articles 161(n), 163(f), 164(p)
and 197(1)(i) - and of Law
no. 43/2006, of 25 August 2006, as amended by Law no.
21/2012, of 17 May 2012 (Monitoring,
considering and pronouncing itself on Portugal’s participation
in the process of constructing the European Union), the
Portuguese Assembleia da República already has competences
with regard to monitoring, assessment and pronouncement on
Portugal's participation in the construction of the European
Union.
This Law sets out the way in
which the Portuguese Parliament should monitor, assess and
pronounce on proposals from the European institutions, and
also provides for a regular process of consultation with the
Government.
This scrutiny process involves
the whole Parliament, from the committees with responsibility
for the matter in question to the European
Affairs Committee and the Plenary itself, as you will
see in these webpages.
The way in which national Parliaments
cooperate with and relate to each other and the relationships
that they have developed with the European institutions, as
well as a brief summary of the work done by each European
institution, are other aspects covered on this website. Lastly,
you can also find answers to some common questions in the
Frequently Asked Questions section.
We hope that this initiative
will fulfil the purpose of providing you with information
on the work of Parliament in the construction of the European
Union.
Happy browsing!
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