National parliaments of the European Union

They have a certain degree of institutionalised influence which was expanded under the Treaty of Lisbon to include greater ability to scrutinise proposed European Union law.

In 1979 the first direct elections were held, however national MPs still tended to contest these leading to them holding a "dual mandate".

COSAC continues to meet every six months and has now gained the right to submit contributions and examine proposals on EU law relating to Justice and Home Affairs.

[2] This was strengthened under the Treaty of Amsterdam in a protocol stating all European Commission consultation documents be promptly forwarded to national parliaments.

Tests ended once Lisbon came into force and national parliament's responses to EU legislative proposals have become minimal.

However, the Assembly of the Western European Union was retained to hold members to account for military missions.

[12] There are a number of differences between the national parliaments of member states, owing to the various historical development of each country.