By Martin Banks - 3rd September 2009
These are concrete proposals to upgrade the special partnership that we need between parliament and the commission
Jose Manuel Barroso
José Manuel Barroso has unveiled a "transformational" agenda for Europe's future over the next five years.
A wide-ranging document setting out his vision for the next legislative term has been sent to each of parliament's political groups.
They will assess whether it satisfies what they see as their priorities before deciding whether or not to endorse Barroso for a second term in office.
The blueprint was outlined by Barroso at a packed news conference in Brussels on Thursday.
Barroso, whose first term is coming to a close, said the 41-page document – effectively a 'job application' – sets out his "convictions and beliefs".
It contains repeated references to need for the stalled Lisbon treaty to be ratified and stresses that it should be judged as more than "empty rhetoric".
One of the key planks is a pledge to build what Barroso calls a "special partnership" with parliament, the "decisive lotus for European deliberative democracy", as he describes the institution.
The few firm proposals contained in the document refer to parliament. Barroso calls for a regular 'question time' hour during the parliamentary plenary "so as to allow for a serious, well-prepared and in-depth discussion".
He also suggests more regular meetings with the conference of presidents, or group leaders should be held "to ensure close coordination".
There should also be a review of all pending proposals at the start of the commission's mandate "in order to confirm or withdraw them, taking into account the views expressed by parliament".
Barroso says parliament should have an "enhanced role" on issues such as international agreements.
"These are concrete proposals to upgrade the special partnership that we need between parliament and the commission so that the institutions at the hear of the European project can drive Europe forward most effectively," he says.
He says he will "challenge" parliament to "match" his ambition, adding, "I will take the special partnership with parliament to a new level to ensure that the two institutions par excellence pull their weight for a prosperous, socially advance, secure and sustainable EU".
Barroso is said to have spent most of the summer drafting the document which is likely to have a key influence on whether he wins the backing of MEPs.
He is due to outline the proposals in further detail when he meets the various political groups in Brussels next week.
A vote on his re-appointment is due to be held in Strasbourg on 16 September.
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