ABSTRACT
NATIONAL PARLIAMENTS have always played a role in the development of the European Communities (EC) and European Union (EU), not least in adopting the necessary implementing legislation for directives, undertaking the ratification of treaties and agreements, and scrutinizing the activities of the EU and national governments. To these ends, national parliaments have created specialized committees dealing with EU matters. These committees meet with a group of Members of the European Parliament every six months under the umbrella of COSAC (Conférence des Organes Spécialisés dans les Affaires Communautaires). Meetings of the Conference of Presidents and Speakers of Parliaments in the EU are also held every six months. Less regular are the so-called assizes (or Conferences of the Parliaments) that are supposed to meet to discuss major developments in the EU.
