Rule 161 : Extraordinary debate

1.   A political group or Members reaching at least the low threshold may request that an extraordinary debate on a matter of major interest relating to European Union policy be placed on Parliament's agenda. As a rule, no more than one extraordinary debate shall be held during each part-session.

2.   The request shall be submitted to the President in writing at least three hours before the start of the part-session at which the extraordinary debate is to take place. The vote on this request shall be taken at the start of the part-session when Parliament adopts its agenda.

3.   In response to events that take place after the adoption of the agenda for a part-session, the President, after consulting the Chairs of the political groups, may propose an extraordinary debate. Any such proposal shall be voted on at the start of a sitting or at a scheduled voting time. Members shall be notified of any such proposal for an extraordinary debate at least one hour before the vote.

4.   The President shall determine the time at which such a debate is to be held. The overall duration of the debate shall not exceed 60 minutes. Speaking time shall be allocated to the political groups and the non-attached Members in accordance with Rule 171(4) and (5).

5.   The debate shall be wound up without the adoption of a resolution.