Much of Dutch legislation originates in the European Union. The legislative process involves the European Commission, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament. Where do they get in each other's way and where do they complement each other? Where does democracy actually lie in Europe? Is there enough cooperation between the EU and national parliaments? And how do national parliaments experience cooperation with the European Parliament? These and other questions were addressed at the Reuring Café titled Democracy in Europe, which took place March 15 at the Glazen Zaal in The Hague.
René Leegte acted as host and shared his insights as a former parliamentarian and rapporteur (Leading Europe). The other participants in the debate were Renata Voss, registrar of the Lower House of the States General, Jan Hamilton, registrar of the Upper House of the States General, Renée Jones-Bos, secretary-general of Foreign Affairs and Arend Jan Boekestijn, former parliamentarian, columnist and radio producer.
The key to a better Europe lies in the Lower House, René argued. 'The Chamber is the most important link between the Dutch voter and the European administration. All countries are working on the same issues at the same time, so cooperation is obvious. 'Does the Dutch parliament work well with the European parliament? 'That could be better,' Leegte believes. 'There is a lot of ignorance and egos in the way. European parliament is a young parliament, which wants a lot. The Lower House is older and more traditional. Moreover, the drive for profiling is different. Lower House members are judged on national issues. Moreover, politicians are trained to transmit. While for good cooperation, listening is also very important. Officials, politicians, registry... the different blood groups work alongside each other. You see that in other countries as well.'
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