Changes between two versions
What changed between the draft committee report and the plenary report
From · draft committee report· 10 Apr 2025
on the application of the Treaty provisions related to the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality and the role of national parliaments in the EU legislative process
To · plenary report· 11 Nov 2025
on the application of the Treaty provisions related to the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality and the role of national parliaments in the EU legislative process
AI:What changed, in short
The report expands on the role of national parliaments, adding calls for stronger mechanisms and earlier involvement in the legislative process.5789 It introduces new concerns about the legal basis of Article 122 TFEU, particularly regarding the ReArm Europe Plan, and calls for its revision.9 It adds provisions on regional and local authorities, including financial resources and direct engagement, and on the use of artificial intelligence in assessing legislation.91118 It modifies the approach to the CJEU, softening criticism and adding recommendations for surveys and consultations.121314 The other changes are formal or wording updates, including punctuation, spelling, and rephrasing without altering substance.1234
8 changes of substance · 3 formal · 9 of wording only
Written by AI from the two texts only · read the changes before relying on it · 4 Sept 2026 · Report a problem
+53 added · −22 removed · 19 changed paragraphs, packaging included.
Part 3 of 3: EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
This draft report comes at a crucial point where the Commission has committed to simplifying EU regulation and cutting red tape. The proper application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality can contribute significantly towards this goal, since it would mean that the Commission only proposes legislation where strictly necessary.
The draft report analyses the application of the Treaty provisions on how effectively the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality are being upheld in the European legislative process.
Change 20
Changed:The principle of subsidiarity and proportionality are key concepts in the European Union’s governance framework, primarily outlined in Articles 4 and 5 of the Treaty on European Union as well as its Protocol No.No 2 on the “Application of the Principles of Subsidiarity and Proportionality”. This Protocol provides additional rules for assessing compliance with the principle of subsidiarity and proportionality. It emphasizesemphasises the role of national parliaments in monitoring the application of this principle. The Early Warning Mechanism, introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon in its Protocol No 2, offers to national parliaments the possibility of examining new legislative proposals from the Commission for compliance with the concept of subsidiarity through the so-called ‘yellow card’ and ‘orange card’ procedures. In this context, national parliaments are crucial actors in the European legislative process, ensuring that EU actions respect the principle of subsidiarity, promoting accountability, and enhancing democratic legitimacy within the EU framework.
4 unchanged paragraphs
The draft report urges the Commission to provide more detailed responses to reasoned opinions received from national parliaments and to provide a more substantive analysis of whether the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality have been complied with in their explanatory memorandums included in the legislative proposal.
It further focuses on the challenges faced, particularly in inter-institutional dialogue and the role of national parliaments in the Early Warning System since the Treaty of Lisbon. The draft report points out the need to have a common understanding of the definition of principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as well as the lack of a consistent and substantive judicial review of the application of these principles by the European Court of Justice.
The draft report explores ways to strengthen legislative scrutiny by national parliaments within the European legislative process and proposes how to empower the role of national parliaments in this process.
The draft report emphasises the importance of respecting the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality to ensure that EU legislative action respects Member States’ competences and sovereignty. It also suggests that respect for these principles will inevitably lead to deregulation and better law-making within the EU.