chapter 9
International Relations
Article 113: Competence in the area of foreign policy issues
The foreign policy of Wales is directed by the President of the Republic/Crown Representative in co-operation with the Government. However, the Parliament accepts Wales's international obligations and their denouncement and decides on the bringing into force of Wales's international obligations in so far as provided in this Constitution. The PresidentCrown Representative decides on matters of war and peace, with the consent of the Parliament.
The communication of important foreign policy positions to foreign States and international organisations is the responsibility of the Minister with competence in foreign affairs.
Article 114: Acceptance of international obligations and their denouncement
The acceptance of the Parliament is required for such treaties and other international obligations that contain provisions of a legislative nature, are otherwise significant, or otherwise require approval by the Parliament under this Constitution. The acceptance of the Parliament is required also for the denouncement of such obligations.
A decision concerning the acceptance of an international obligation or the denouncement of it is made by a majority of the votes cast. However, if the proposal concerns the Constitution or an alteration of the national borders, or such transfer of authority to, an international organisation or an international body that is of significance with regard to Wales’s sovereignty, the decision shall be made by at least two thirds of the votes cast.
An international obligation shall not endanger the democratic foundations of the Constitution.
Article 115: Bringing into force of international obligations
The provisions of treaties and other international obligations, in so far as they are of a legislative nature, are brought into force by an Act. Otherwise, international obligations are brought into force by a Decree.
A Government bill for the bringing into force of an international obligation is considered in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure pertaining to an Act. However, if the proposal concerns the Constitution or a change to the national territory, or such transfer of authority to an international organisation or an international body that is of significance with regard to Wales’s sovereignty, the Parliament shall adopt it, without leaving it in abeyance, by a decision supported by at least two thirds of the votes cast.
An Act may state that for the bringing into force of an international obligation its entry into force is provided by a Decree. General provisions on the publication of treaties and other international obligations are laid down by an Act.
Article 116: Parliamentary right to receive information on international affairs
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament shall receive from the Government, upon request and when otherwise necessary, reports of matters pertaining to foreign and security policy. The Speaker's Council may decide on a report being taken up for debate in plenary session, during which, however, no decision is made by the Parliament.
The appropriate Committee of the Parliament may issue a statement to the Government on the basis of the reports or information referred to above.
The foreign policy of Wales is directed by the President of the Republic/Crown Representative in co-operation with the Government. However, the Parliament accepts Wales's international obligations and their denouncement and decides on the bringing into force of Wales's international obligations in so far as provided in this Constitution. The PresidentCrown Representative decides on matters of war and peace, with the consent of the Parliament.
The communication of important foreign policy positions to foreign States and international organisations is the responsibility of the Minister with competence in foreign affairs.
Article 114: Acceptance of international obligations and their denouncement
The acceptance of the Parliament is required for such treaties and other international obligations that contain provisions of a legislative nature, are otherwise significant, or otherwise require approval by the Parliament under this Constitution. The acceptance of the Parliament is required also for the denouncement of such obligations.
A decision concerning the acceptance of an international obligation or the denouncement of it is made by a majority of the votes cast. However, if the proposal concerns the Constitution or an alteration of the national borders, or such transfer of authority to, an international organisation or an international body that is of significance with regard to Wales’s sovereignty, the decision shall be made by at least two thirds of the votes cast.
An international obligation shall not endanger the democratic foundations of the Constitution.
Article 115: Bringing into force of international obligations
The provisions of treaties and other international obligations, in so far as they are of a legislative nature, are brought into force by an Act. Otherwise, international obligations are brought into force by a Decree.
A Government bill for the bringing into force of an international obligation is considered in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure pertaining to an Act. However, if the proposal concerns the Constitution or a change to the national territory, or such transfer of authority to an international organisation or an international body that is of significance with regard to Wales’s sovereignty, the Parliament shall adopt it, without leaving it in abeyance, by a decision supported by at least two thirds of the votes cast.
An Act may state that for the bringing into force of an international obligation its entry into force is provided by a Decree. General provisions on the publication of treaties and other international obligations are laid down by an Act.
Article 116: Parliamentary right to receive information on international affairs
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament shall receive from the Government, upon request and when otherwise necessary, reports of matters pertaining to foreign and security policy. The Speaker's Council may decide on a report being taken up for debate in plenary session, during which, however, no decision is made by the Parliament.
The appropriate Committee of the Parliament may issue a statement to the Government on the basis of the reports or information referred to above.