MEPs seek US Congress-style investigative powers

EUObserver reported that the European Parliament is to seek major new powers to conduct investigations, including the right to summon European Commissioners, officials and national politicians to give evidence to inquiries into breaches of EU law.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) want American-type investigative powers. A draft report passed by the European Parliament's Constitutional Affairs Committee in October 2011 would give MEPs powers similar to those of the US Congress, where both chambers regularly conduct investigations or hearings.

European Parliament: Committee on Constitutional Affairs: Draft Report on a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament on the detailed provisions governing the exercise of the European Parliament's right of inquiry and repealing Decision 95/167/EC, Euratom, ECSC of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission (Rapporteur: David Martin), May 2011 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//NONSGML+COMPARL+PE-464.928+01+DOC+PDF+V0//EN&language=EN

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