The European Union Committee is a select committee of the House of Lords in the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Its terms of reference are "To consider European Union documents and other matters relating to the European Union". Much of the scrutiny is conducted by the seven subcommittees, each dealing with a separate policy area. The full committee oversees the work of the subcommittees, approves their reports, scrutinises proposals that cross subject areas, and takes evidence from ministers and representatives of the EU presidency.[1]
As of 17 March 2011, the members of the committee are as follows:
The UK Government sends European Commission proposals to the EU Select Committee throughout the year, and these are sifted by subject area and importance for the seven Sub-Committees to scrutinise carefully on an ongoing basis. The Chairman of the select committee pursues any issues arising in correspondence with the responsible minister, and from time to time directly with the Commission. The seven sub-committees are as follows:
Sub-Committee A considers issues relating to economic and financial affairs within the European Union as well as tax issues.
Sub Committee A has recently considered Carousel Fraud, the funding of the EU budget, Solvency II and European Trade Policy. In addition it reviews the EU Preliminary Draft Budget each year.
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Sub-Committee B considers all issues arising from the internal market; energy, including coal, oil, gas, nuclear, and renewables; and transport issues, such as measures to liberalise the transport market in the EU and harmonising safety standards for road, rail, air and maritime transport.
The Sub-Committee is also responsible for scrutinising research and technological development across the EU with a view to boosting the international competitiveness of the European economy is also covered. It also provides oversight in the House of Lords for the European Space Policy.
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EU foreign affairs, defence, and development policy are within the remit of Sub-Committee C. Included within this remit are relations between the EU and non-EU nations and with non-governmental organisations. The Sub-Committee also considers EU Enlargement, common security strategy, and the European Security Strategy.
Sub-Committee D considers the Common Agriculture Policy, Common Fisheries Policy, animal health and welfare, and the environment (including climate change).
The Sub-Committee's remit includes civil and criminal law and the EU's institutions, agencies, and other bodies.
Sub-Committee considers documents and issues related to immigration, asylum, border controls, security policy, and police cooperation.
The Sub-Committee's wide remit includes health, education, employment, consumer protection, equality, culture and sport, and consumer affairs.