Maintenance payments are often vital to those in need, and the fact that this area of legislation is subject to unanimity in the Council causes problems and delays.

In view of this, what position does the Presidency think the Council should take on the Commission’s request that the proposal for a Community regulation on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of decisions, and cooperation in matters relating to family maintenance obligations should be subject to the codecision procedure, rather than requiring unanimity? In short, what role does the Presidency think the European Parliament should play in this matter? Should it have a merely consultative role (as would be the case if unanimity is retained), or a legislative role (codecision)?