To what extent does the European Parliament check the power of the European Commission?

One way the Parliament can check the Commission’s power is through Question Hour on the President of the Commission. This allows the MEPs to query the Commission’s actions on key issues such as the environment and can be seen as a form of direct accountability. However, the effectiveness of Question Hour has been questioned, with low turnout and the questions being known before the session, with the questions being asked one at a time undermines the checking of power as the President can merely dodge the question, knowing that the MEPs won’t be able to scrutinise further. In addition, the media interest is low, meaning the President’s views are not made public and there is little pressure to expand on the views, further diminishing the ability of the Parliament to check the Commission.

MP
Answered by Matthew P. Government and Politics tutor

3489 Views

See similar Government and Politics A Level tutors

Related Government and Politics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Race has ceased to be an issue in US politics. Discuss (45 marks)


How and why have socialists been historically divided over the means of achieving their goals?


Examine the extent to which the President's power is the power to persuade


Evaluate the theory 'Red and Blue America'.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning