By Martin Banks - 6th July 2010
The European parliament exists, the Belgian government does not. The Belgians should get their own house in order before they criticise others
Graham Watson MEP
You do not know whether the opinion of MEPs is decided by the content of a dossier or by the wish to be seen and show their power. In some matters they do not even know that themselves
Jean De Ruyt, head of the Belgian permanent representation to the EU
Clearly, the problem is that some people have still not come to terms with the new powers now enjoyed by parliament under the Lisbon treaty. This is something that appears to be more of a problem for diplomats rather than politicians
Jo Leinen MEP
A row has flared after a senior diplomat claimed parliament represented the "biggest stumbling block" to the Belgian EU council presidency.
One senior MEP branded the comments, by Jean De Ruyt, head of the Belgian permanent representation to the EU, as "astonishing."
De Ruyt said, "The biggest stumbling blocks for the presidency are with the parliament, an incalculable and badly organised partner.
"You do not know whether the opinion of MEPs is decided by the content of a dossier or by the wish to be seen and show their power. In some matters they do not even know that themselves."
His comments came in an interview with the Belgian paper De Tijd.
De Ruyt is one of Belgium's most experienced diplomats, having previously been ambassador to Poland, Perm Rep of Belgium to Nato and the UN in New York.
He has been in his current job since 2007 having previously been Belgian ambassador to Italy.
Responding to the criticism, Jo Leinen, chairman of the environment committee, said, "For someone in his position to make such comments really is quite astonishing.
"Clearly, the problem is that some people have still not come to terms with the new powers now enjoyed by parliament under the Lisbon treaty.
"This is something that appears to be more of a problem for diplomats rather than politicians.
"Some people have to realise that parliament's new position is a reality."
"He is wrong to make these criticisms. There is a new balance of power in the EU but it seems some want to preserve the old dominance of the council.
"These comments are very unhelpful, particularly at the start of a presidency."
Former ALDE leader Graham Watson said, "The European parliament exists, the Belgian government does not. The Belgians should get their own house in order before they criticise others."
Under Lisbon, parliament enjoys new powers in several key areas, including budgetary matters.
For the first time, parliament will decide with member states on the entire EU budget.
MEPs are keen to 'flex their muscles', for example, in rejecting the Swift deal earlier this year between the EU and US.
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