PROPOSAL FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF A PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE ON RELATIONS WITH THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
Within the European Parliament there is a European Parliament Delegation on Relations with South Africa. The group was established to lobby for the abolition of apartheid in South Africa. It continued to exist even after 1994 as its members were convinced that there was a need to help South Africa through the transition to democracy.
The group meets the South African Ambassador about twice a year either in Strasbourg or Brussels to get a brief on issues of concern and developments in South Africa. Members of the group pay a visit to South Africa at least once a year to meet Parliamentarians, political parties and senior officials.
The group comprises liberal and conservative EU Members of Parliament and plays an important part in influencing EU policy towards South Africa. The EU Parliament has influence on key areas of European Union activity such as the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and budgetary powers. It also has a central role in appointing members of the European Commission which include the Commissioner for Development Co-operation who is responsible for the disbursement of the EU’s official development assistance.
There is great interest towards South Africa because of its increased role on the Continent. This interest could be positively exploited to strengthen SA-EU political relations and to advance the African agenda through dialogue with a similar group within the South African Parliament.
In addition, there are two major developments, which have implications on all Institutions in the context of SA- EU relations. The full ratification of the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement(TDCA) has elevated SA-EU relations to a higher level and has institutionalised the full implementation of political dialogue
The second major development is the enlargement of the EU from 15 to 25 Member States. With enlargement the number of EU Members of Parliament has increased from 626 to 732 to accommodate the new 10 members from countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Although there were relations between the liberation movements and these countries they have limited knowledge of Africa compared to South Africa’s traditional interlocutors from Western Europe. Relations at Parliamentary level will provide an opportunity to engage Parliamentarians from this part of Europe and could stimulate their interest towards South Africa and Africa.
In addition, the Committee could also strengthen relations with the various political blocks and sub-committees of the European Parliament; influence the European Parliament to adopt pro-development legislation to contribute towards poverty alleviation in developing countries; create close co-operation with the SA Parliamentary Committee that deals with the Joint ACP - EU Parliamentary Committee; and host EU Parliamentarians when visiting South Africa.
As regards to the funding of such a South African Parliamentary Committee, funds might be sourced from the EPRD. To acquire funding from the EPRD, National Treasury and the EU Delegation in South Africa would have to be approached. The Department of Foreign Affairs is willing to assist in the facilitation of this process.