04/11/2025
As the only directly elected institution, the European Parliament plays a central role in democratic oversight at EU level. Its powers of scrutiny are essential for maintaining transparency, legitimacy and accountability in the institutional balance of the Union.
Drawing on the recent synthesis by the European Parliament Research Service (EPRS), we present the ten main instruments through which the Parliament exercises its control over the European Commission.
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Election of the Commission President and Vote of Confidence
The Parliament’s most visible act of political control occurs at the beginning of each Commission’s term of office. MEPs elect the President of the European Commission and must approve the entire College of Commissioners by a vote of confidence.
Although not explicitly enshrined in the Treaties, the Spitzenkandidaten process has closely linked this procedure to the outcome of the European elections, thereby strengthening the democratic legitimacy of the Commission’s leadership.
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Motion of Censure
A motion of censure is the most powerful formal sanction available to Parliament. If adopted by a two-thirds majority, it forces the Commission to resign collectively.
Although no motion has ever been successful, the mere possibility of a censure remains an important deterrent, underlining Parliament’s ultimate authority to hold the Commission politically accountable.
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Inquiry and Special Committees
Parliament may set up temporary committees of inquiry to investigate allegations of maladministration or breaches of European Union law by the Commission or other institutions.
At the same time, special committees can deal with broader political or thematic issues, allowing Parliament to conduct an in-depth, time-limited examination in response to emerging concerns, such as those relating to financial transparency, compliance with environmental standards or digital regulation.
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Parliamentary Questions
Parliamentary questions remain one of the most consistent mechanisms for day-to-day scrutiny. MEPs can submit written, oral or urgent questions to the Commission, which is obliged to respond.
This exchange serves both as a tool for ongoing scrutiny and as a mechanism for transparency towards the public and the media, ensuring that the Commission justifies its actions in real time.
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The Commission’s Obligation to Inform, Consult and Report
The Commission is subject to general obligations to inform, consult and report to Parliament. These obligations are enshrined in interinstitutional agreements and sectoral legislation, thereby guaranteeing MEPs and committees access to essential documents, data and policy updates.
This sharing of information allows for early scrutiny, enabling Parliament to follow the policy cycle before decisions are finalised.
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Budgetary Scrutiny and Discharge
The Parliament’s budgetary powers combine legislative and supervisory functions. Together with the Council, it adopts the EU’s annual budget and oversees its implementation.
As part of the budget discharge procedure, Parliament assesses how the Commission has managed EU funds and can postpone or refuse discharge if it has concerns. This process remains a cornerstone of financial accountability within the Union.
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Legislative and Agenda-Setting Scrutiny
As co-legislator, Parliament exercises control throughout the EU legislative process. Beyond its formal legislative role, it influences the agenda through its committees, resolutions and interinstitutional dialogues, in particular by contributing to the Commission’s annual work programme.
This interaction enables Parliament to steer political priorities and ensure that legislative initiatives are in line with political mandates and citizens’ expectations.
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Oversight of Delegated and Implementing Acts
Under the Treaty of Lisbon, the Commission may adopt delegated or implementing acts to supplement or implement EU legislation. Parliament may object to delegated acts that exceed the mandate conferred on it, which amounts to a veto.
Although it does not have equivalent powers in relation to implementing acts, Parliament continues to advocate for greater democratic scrutiny in this area, which is the subject of ongoing institutional debate at the heart of the EU’s governance framework
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Legal Action before the Court of Justice
Parliament may refer matters to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) to challenge the legality of Commission acts or to intervene in ongoing cases. It may also request advisory opinions on the compatibility of proposed international agreements with the EU Treaties.
These judicial powers strengthen Parliament’s ability to ensure that the Commission’s actions comply with EU law and respect the institutional balance.
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Oversight in EU External Relations
Since the Maastricht Treaty (1993), Parliament’s influence in the field of external relations has grown steadily. Thanks to the consent procedure, it now plays a decisive role in the ratification of most international agreements, whether in the field of trade or development cooperation.
Parliament also monitors the implementation of foreign and security policies, thereby integrating democratic accountability into the Union’s global engagement.
The European Parliament’s control instruments form the backbone of institutional balance within the EU governance system. They ensure that the European Commission, while exercising its executive mandate, remains accountable to elected representatives and, through them, to citizens. As the Union faces increasingly complex political challenges, strengthening these mechanisms will remain essential to maintaining legitimacy, transparency and trust in the European decision-making process.
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