Why bother with Brussels? Committees

What are Committees?

Much of the European Parliament's work is done in a number of specialist committees where proposals from the Commission are looked at and debated. Committees are made up of a number MEPs from the various political groups. Currently there are 20 permanent committees, two subcommittees and one temporary committee. For a full list see the European Parliament website.

Committees meet one or two times a months in Brussels with their debates being held in public. A rapporteur or draftsperson is allocated to write a report looking into the Commission's proposals in more detail. There are also shadow rapporteurs from all of the other political parties. The report usually includes amendments to the original proposal, so it is rewarding to focus your influencing on the rapporteur and shadow rapporteurs. Other committees can be called upon to give their opinion on particular issues that fall into their area. So if the European Parliament is looking at a particular issue it is worth considering what different Committees will be looking amendments from the various positions.

The Committee members vote on any amendments and then the whole report and once this is agreed the report is taken to the whole Parliament to vote on and pass as legislation. Committees can also produce reports that do not comment on proposed legislation but include a motion for a resolution.

Read tips from campaigners and decision makers on how to influence committees