The Council of the European Union has agreed to use the simplified written procedure to adopt draft replies to written questions from Members of the European Parliament, according to a communication from the Council General Secretariat dated 23 July 2026. The procedure, governed by Article 12(2)(a) of the Council's Rules of Procedure, allows for adoption unless objections are raised by the deadline of 27 July 2026 at 16:00. The draft replies, listed in document 11972/2026 PE-QE 57, were reviewed by Coreper on 22 July 2026.
The simplified written procedure, also known as the 'silence procedure', streamlines the adoption process for routine matters, reducing the need for formal Council meetings. This approach enhances efficiency in responding to parliamentary oversight, as it fast-tracks decisions when no objections are raised. However, it may limit debate if objections are overlooked, as the procedure relies on silence for approval.
The replies cover various policy areas addressed in MEPs' written questions, though the specific content of the replies is not detailed in the communication. The adoption of these replies is a procedural step that ensures the Council fulfills its obligation to respond to parliamentary inquiries in a timely manner.
This move is expected to benefit EU institutions by speeding up the exchange between the Council and the European Parliament, potentially improving the responsiveness of the Council to parliamentary scrutiny. For MEPs, it means faster answers to their questions, enhancing their ability to hold the Council accountable. However, the reduced opportunity for debate may be seen as a trade-off, as the procedure bypasses the usual discussion in Council meetings. The impact on stakeholders such as EU citizens and civil society is indirect, as the replies themselves are not publicized in this document, but the efficiency gain could lead to more transparent and timely communication from the Council.
No objections have been raised as of the publication date, and the replies are expected to be deemed adopted after the deadline passes. This procedural adoption does not require further institutional follow-up, as the replies are final once adopted.