Background & Purpose

The subsidiarity principle ensures that decisions in the European Union are made at the lowest possible level, closest to the citizens. National parliaments, like Sweden's, review EU proposals to ensure this principle is respected and to provide feedback.

Proposals & Debate

The Constitutional Committee followed up on how the Swedish Parliament reviewed 132 EU proposals in 2023, sending 7 'reasoned opinions' (formal feedback) to the EU. The review covered areas like the internal market, environmental policy, and transport. The committee noted that the EU Commission's annual report only acknowledged 5 of these 7 opinions, without providing any explanation.

The Decision

The Swedish Parliament has formally acknowledged the Constitutional Committee's follow-up report. This report highlights that the EU Commission failed to acknowledge two of Sweden's formal objections to EU proposals in 2023, and the committee believes the Commission should explain this discrepancy.

Does this affect you?

  • Swedish Parliament: Continues its important role in scrutinizing EU legislation and ensuring Sweden's voice is heard in the EU law-making process.
  • EU Commission: Is expected to provide explanations for why it did not fully acknowledge Sweden's formal feedback on EU proposals.
  • Swedish citizens: Are indirectly affected as this process ensures that EU decisions are made at the most appropriate level, impacting national policies and laws.

In Practice

  • The Swedish Parliament formally expresses its concern regarding the EU Commission's reporting on national parliamentary feedback.
  • The Swedish Parliament will continue its role in scrutinizing new EU proposals to ensure they respect the subsidiarity principle.
  • The Constitutional Committee will continue to monitor how the EU institutions respond to feedback from national parliaments.