force of the Schengen Convention in 1995 . The most visible aspect of this free movement was the abolition of borders between the Member States adhering to the convention , a measure very much appreciated by citizens of the Member States concerned . Parliament voiced criticisms , firstly , because the agreement was concluded outside of the Community method , lacked transparency and was not subject to democratic control and , secondly , because the convention introduced discrimination , based on nationality , between citizens of the Union , as well as against the citizens of non-EU countries who were legally resident in one of the Member States .
It was also a period when the implementation of the internal market was a major priority for the EU and the Member States . Eneko Landaburu , former Director-General of the Commission , stressed that the implementation of the internal market and the free movement of capital and goods was a way of modernising the European economy , supporting growth and boosting employment . It was important , in his view , that Europe should defend not just a free economy but a social market economy , based on solidarity .
Four key developments
Hearings for Commissioners
The Maastricht Treaty , which came into force in 1993 , had already formally recognised important changes in Parliament ’ s role in the appointment of the Commission . In particular , it :
• changed the Commission ’ s term of office to five years to coincide with that of Parliament ;
• formally provided for Parliament to vote to approve or reject the Commission as a whole ;
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