Committees · Constitutional Affairs

AFCO

1 ESN seat

Constitutional Affairs.

The Committee on Constitutional Affairs deals with the institutional aspects of European integration.

ESN seats

Members total

Subcommittees

2024–29

10th term

Mandate & Tasks

What This Committee Handles.

Its responsibilities include the preparation and conduct of conventions and intergovernmental conferences, the implementation and assessment of the Treaties, the institutional consequences of enlargement, interinstitutional relations and agreements, uniform electoral procedures, European political parties, and procedures concerning serious and persistent breaches of the Union’s fundamental principles by a Member State. It is also responsible for interpreting Parliament’s Rules of Procedure and considering proposals for their amendment.

Key facts · AFCO

Full name

Committee on Constitutional Affairs

Size

30 members

ESN seats

1 of 30

Subcommittees

Meeting cycle

Legal basis

Annex VI of the EP Rules of Procedure

ESN in AFCO

AFCO will remain central to debates on institutional reform

— ESN Committee Booklet · Committee on Constitutional Affairs

Remit

Four Policy Areas of the Committee.

ESN Position

Our Line in the Committee.

The Group’s priorities in this committee, as set out in the ESN Committee Booklet.

Defending the Treaty-Based Balance

In AFCO, ESN defends the Treaty-based balance between the European Union and the Member States.

Opposing Transfers of National Competences

ESN opposes further transfers of national competences to EU institutions, supports the veto rights of Member States in the Council and resists the expansion of qualified majority voting.

Freedom of Expression and Open Debate

It also stresses that freedom, democracy, pluralism and tolerance must be applied consistently, with particular attention to freedom of expression and open political debate.

ESN Members in AFCO

One Seat in This Committee.

The ESN seat in AFCO is held by the Members listed below. The named assignment is updated at the start of each session period.

Full Member

Stanisław TYSZKA

Substitute Member

Christine ANDERSON

As of 2026 · Full list with named assignments available on request from the secretariat

Track record

Key Achievements.

ESN has cooperated with other groups where positions have aligned, particularly in opposing proposals for Treaty change and further institutional centralisation. On 18 March 2026, Christine Anderson’s vote contributed to the rejection of the proposed implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union in the EU legal framework (AFCO/10/02529). Through committee interventions and voting work, ESN has maintained a consistent position in favour of a Union based on strong Member States and limited EU competences.

ESN in action

Defended Member States' veto rights in the Council.

Opposed Treaty changes and further EU centralisation.

Challenged the expansion of Commission powers.

Outlook

Looking Ahead.

In the coming months, AFCO will remain central to debates on institutional reform, the implementation of the Treaties, relations between EU institutions and national authorities, electoral law and Parliament’s internal rules. ESN will continue to defend subsidiarity, national democratic control, freedom of expression and the existing balance of powers between the Union and the Member States.

Documents

From the Parliament.

Studies, briefings and meeting documents of this committee, published by the European Parliament.

Draft Report · 2026

Amendments to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure on proxy voting during pregnancy and immediately after childbirth

Draft Report · 2026

Institutional Framework of the European Union and its interaction with national authorities in the application of Union law, with particular reference to Article 19 TEU

Draft Report · 2026

Draft Council decision amending the Act concerning the election of the Members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage, annexed to Council Decision 76/787/ECSC, EEC, Euratom of 20 September 1976

Draft Report · 2026

Institutional aspects of Artificial Intelligence in the context of the European integration

Draft Report · 2026

European political parties and foundations – 2026 report on the application of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 2025/2445 and on the activities funded

Opinion · 2026

Interim report on the proposal for a Council regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2028 to 2034

Draft Opinion · 2026

Interim report on the proposal for a Council regulation laying down the Multiannual Financial Framework for the years 2028 to 2034

Draft Report · 2026

Amendments to Parliament's Rules of Procedure concerning appointments to Union agencies and bodies (Rule 135)

Related committees

Also of Interest.

Three closely related committees in which the ESN Group is represented.

PETI

Petitions

The Committee on Petitions is Parliament's direct channel between citizens and the European institutions.

JURI

Legal Affairs

The Committee on Legal Affairs ensures that EU legislation is legally coherent, compliant with the Treaties and supportive of the internal market, citizens' rights and legal certainty.

EUDS

European Democracy Shield

The Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield was established to examine foreign information manipulation and interference, particularly activities linked to Russia and China that may affect elections, media systems and democratic processes in the Member States.