CHAPTER II – HOW WE WORK.

05 – Fifth key principle

PARLIAMENTS WORK ON THE BASIS OF DEMOCRATIC DECISION-MAKING.

a) Parliaments, as chambers of citizens, always have in democratic legislation the final say in

decision-making.

b) There is no democratic decision without the co-decision or consent of parliaments at their

respective levels of competence.

c) Parliaments are not accountable to governments, but governments are accountable to

parliaments.

06 – Sixth key principle

PARLIAMENTS WORK IN ACCORDANCE WITH A CLEAR DIVISION OF TASKS.

a) Parliaments work together, exchange information and adhere to a clear division of tasks in

accordance with the applicable treaties, constitutions and laws.

b) Parliaments act at their respective levels of competence – local, regional, national, European –,

which must not be played off against each other.

c) Parliaments decide at their respective levels of competence, at which the authority and thus

responsibility for that decision lie.

07 – Seventh key principle

PARLIAMENTS WORK IN PRESENCE USING DIGITAL POSSIBILITIES.

a) Parliaments affirm that a vibrant parliamentary democracy requires a parliament in presence.

b) Parliaments conduct votes, debates and negotiations in presence, unless there are exceptional

circumstances or crisis situations.

c) The complementary use of digital possibilities can contribute to a better understanding between

parliaments, to more communication, information exchange and awareness-building, to

increased contact with citizens and lower CO2 emissions.

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