A Big Patriots Win for Democracy – Delivering on the Promise to Bring Decisions Closer to the People

Strasbourg, 27/11/2025 - The European Parliament today adopted the report drafted by Marieke Ehlers (PVV) on subsidiarity, proportionality, and the role of national parliaments — with 337 votes in favour and 245 against. This adoption represents a major breakthrough for strengthening democratic control within the European Union and reinforcing the influence of national parliaments in European decision-making. It is a significant step toward bringing EU decisions closer to citizens and defending national sovereignty.

Rapporteur Marieke Ehlers explained:

“The European Treaties provide various mechanisms for national parliaments to make their voices heard in Brussels, but in practice we see that these options are rarely used. Yet it is democratically very important that Member States engage in dialogue with the Commission and the European Parliament during the creation of European rules.”

Therefore, the report introduces several concrete measures to ensure national parliaments are better equipped to scrutinise and influence EU legislative initiatives. Among the proposed improvements are:

• More structured and regular dialogues between national parliaments and EU institutions;

• Extended deadlines allowing national parliaments more time to raise objections and provide input on legislative proposals;

• Stronger mechanisms ensuring that concerns raised by Member States are heard and acted upon.

MEP Ehlers also underlined the wider political significance of the vote:

“This vote is an important milestone in the further dismantling of the cordon sanitaire. For the first time, there is a clear majority in the European Parliament in favour of less harmonisation, more legislative restraint from Brussels, and greater respect for the rights of national parliaments and Member States. These are key pillars of the European platform of the PVV and Patriots for Europe, and they are now supported by a majority in Parliament.”

With today’s adoption, the European Parliament signals a renewed commitment to subsidiarity, democratic accountability, and a Europe that respects the sovereignty and legislative rights of its Member States. The Patriots have delivered on their promise.