Decision details

The Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee has agreed to undertake an inquiry into Wales’ role in the EU decision making process.

The purpose of the inquiry is to consider and make recommendations about Wales’ constitutional position in the EU and in how Wales is involved in the decision-making mechanisms at the EU level, rather than a more general discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of the UK’s membership of the EU.

The terms of reference for the inquiry are to:

• Take expert evidence on how Welsh interests in devolved areas are currently represented in the EU decision-making process;
• Consider whether the current arrangements enable Wales to have an effective voice in the EU;
• Consider how Welsh interests are being incorporated into the UK Government’s current ‘Review of the Balance of Competences between the UK and the European Union’; and
• To make recommendations, if appropriate, regarding how Welsh interests in devolved areas are taken account of in the EU.

The Committee is consulting with key stakeholders and organisations and will be taking oral evidence in the summer.

The item started at 15.02

NDM5518 David Melding (South Wales Central)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Notes the report of the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee on its inquiry into Wales' role in the EU decision-making process, which was laid in the Table Office on 6 March 2014.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.