英文摘要 |
This article is intended to clarify changes in competence of the European Parliament (EP) in external trade of the European Union (EU) under the Lisbon Treaty. It also attempts to predict possible changes of the EP's role and conduct in trade resulting from such changes, based on early cases right after the Treaty's taking effective. It suggests three major areas of changes. First, the introduction and applicability of Ordinary Legislative Procedure (OLP) in trade matters will probably increase the EP's role of a 'co-legislator'. Secondly, as the Commission is required to report progress in trade negotiations to the EP, the latter is likely to increase its participation in trade negotiations. Thirdly, as assent by the EP is required in more cases about trade agreements conclusion, it will probably play a better role of a ''gatekeeper''. |