EP Approves Creation of New Committees to Tackle Security, Health, Democracy, and Housing Issues

In a significant move to address pressing European challenges, the European Parliament has approved changes establishing two new standing committees and two special committees. The decision, voted on in Strasbourg, follows proposals by Parliament President Roberta Metsola and the leaders of political groups, aiming to align Parliament’s priorities with citizen concerns and the results of the European elections.

Transforming Subcommittees into Full Committees

The existing subcommittees on Security and Defence (SEDE) and Public Health (SANT) will be upgraded to fully-fledged standing committees. These changes reflect the growing importance of these areas in light of Europe’s geopolitical and public health challenges. Each committee will comprise 43 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

The decision was widely supported in Parliament, with the vote yielding 448 in favor, 161 against, and 40 abstentions.

Special Committees for Democracy and Housing

In addition to the standing committees, Parliament will establish two special committees to focus on specific, urgent issues. The European Democracy Shield committee will oversee the implementation of the “Democracy Shield” initiative included in the European Commission’s 2024-2029 political guidelines. The committee’s establishment received 441 votes in favor, 178 against, and 34 abstentions, with 33 members set to serve on it.

The Housing Crisis in the European Union‘s committee is tasked with addressing Europe’s mounting housing crisis passed with 480 votes in favor, 148 against, and 20 abstentions. Like the Democracy Shield committee, it will have 33 members.

Both special committees will have a 12-month mandate, which may be extended by a future vote in Parliament.

Next Steps and Implementation

The membership of all four committees will be determined by political groups and non-attached MEPs, ensuring they reflect Parliament’s overall composition. The final composition of the committees will be announced during the plenary session from January 20 to 23, 2025.

The subcommittees on Security and Defence and Public Health will officially cease to exist at the start of the January plenary session, with the new committees formally constituted on the same day. At their inaugural meetings, each committee will elect its Chair and Vice-Chairs.

Complementing Existing Mandates

The responsibilities of the new standing committees will complement the adapted mandates of their former “parent” committees. The Foreign Affairs (AFET) and the Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety (ENVI) committees will retain oversight in broader domains, while their renamed and focused counterparts take on more specialized tasks. Notably, the ENVI committee will be renamed the “Committee on the Environment, Climate, and Food Safety” to better reflect its adjusted scope.

Background and Process

The decision to revise Parliament’s committee structure stems from Annex VI of the Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, requiring approval by the Conference of Presidents and a plenary vote. Special committees are designed to address specific, temporary issues, with terms initially limited to 12 months.

These changes underscore the European Parliament’s commitment to addressing citizen concerns and enhancing its capacity to tackle Europe’s current and future challenges. By establishing dedicated committees for security, health, democracy, and housing, Parliament aims to ensure focused and effective policymaking in these critical areas.