A chara, – Contrary to Joe Conroy's claim that the European Parliament is of no use and nobody can point to any its achievements (January 20th), the European Parliament is necessary. It adds more democracy to the EU as it is the only elected body of the EU. Along with that, it is jointly responsible with the Council of Ministers for decision-making in the EU. The president of the European Commission cannot be appointed without its approval.
The European Parliament has passed legislation to bring down the price of mobile telephone prices when roaming. It has worked to toughen the rules about selling cigarettes in order to discourage younger people from taking up smoking. More recently, the civil liberties’ committee of the parliament issued a report on American and British electronic surveillance, declaring it illegal and it now wants the EU to better protect its citizens data and privacy. These are only some of the actions of the European Parliament that prove it is beneficial to the citizens of the EU.
The European Parliament elected in May will have even more power. Mr Conroy is correct that the EU “is a multilateral international organisation that plays a very important role in citizens’ lives”. It is often the European Parliament that ensures that the EU plays such a role. – Is mise,
SEANÁN Ó COISTÍN,
Rue William Turner,
Bonnevoie,
Luxembourg.