The European Parliament

–   having regard to the proposed amendments to its Rules of Procedure (B5-0021/2001),

–   having regard to the Bureau decision of 11 December 2000(1),

–   having regard to the report by the Committee on Constitutional Affairs and the opinions of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy, Committee on Budgets, Committee on Budgetary Control, Committee on Citizens' Freedoms and Rights, Justice and Home Affairs, Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, Committee on Legal Affairs and the Internal Market,Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy, Committee on Fisheries, Committee on Regional Policy, Transport and Tourism, Committee on Culture, Youth, Education, the Media and Sport, Committee on Development and Cooperation, Committee on Women's Rights and Equal Opportunities, Committee on Petitions (A5-0008/2002),

1.  Decides to amend its Rules of Procedure as indicated;

2.  Decides that, unless otherwise indicated, amendments to the Rules approved by this decision shall enter into force on the day after the July 2002 part-session;

3.  Decides, pursuant to Rule 186 (c), to annex to its Rules of Procedure all interinstitutional agreements which are applicable within Parliament or which have a bearing on its operation;

4.  Instructs its President to charge the Secretary-General with preparing, in agreement with the committee responsible, a formal restructuring of the chapters in the Rules of Procedure designed to improve their internal logic and to make them easier to use without modifying them as to their substance, taking account of a study drawn up by the Directorate-General for Research,(2) with a view to a restructured version being approved by Parliament in order to enter into force at the start of the Parliament elected in 2004;

5.  Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council and Commission for information;

Former text   New text Amendment 1 Rule 4 Attendance of Members at sittings and votes Attendance of Members at sittings 1.  An attendance register shall be laid open for signature by Members at each sitting. 1.  An attendance register shall be laid open for signature by Members at each sitting. 2.  The names of Members present, as shown in the attendance register, shall be recorded in the minutes of each sitting. 2.  The names of Members present, as shown in the attendance register, shall be recorded in the minutes of each sitting. 3.  In the event of a roll-call vote the minutes shall record the names of Members who took part in the vote and how they voted. Amendment 2 Rule 8, paragraph 4, subparagraph 2 Where the competent authorities of the Member States or of the Union notify the President of appointments to an office incompatible with the office of Member of the European Parliament, the President shall inform Parliament, which shall establish that there is a vacancy. Where the competent authorities of the Member States or of the Union or the Member concerned notify the President of an appointment to an office incompatible with the office of Member of the European Parliament, the President shall inform Parliament, which shall establish that there is a vacancy. Amendment 3 Rule 10, paragraph 5, subparagraph 2 Exceptionally, with the approval of the Conference of Presidents, the President may convene Parliament at the request of one third of its component Members. Exceptionally, with the approval of the Conference of Presidents, the President may convene Parliament in cases of urgency. Amendment 4 Rule 19, paragraph 2 2.  The duties of the President shall be to open, suspend and close sittings; to ensure observance of these Rules, maintain order, call upon speakers, close debates, put matters to the vote and announce the results of votes; and to refer to committees any communications that concern them. 2.  The duties of the President shall be to open, suspend and close sittings; to rule on the admissibility of amendments, on questions to the Council and Commission, and on the conformity of reports with these Rules; to ensure observance of these Rules, maintain order, call upon speakers, close debates, put matters to the vote and announce the results of votes; and to refer to committees any communications that concern them. Amendment 5 Rule 20, paragraphs 2 and 3 (new) 2.  The Vice-Presidents shall also carry out the duties conferred upon them under Rules 22, 24 (3) and 82 (3). 3.  The President may delegate to the Vice-Presidents any duties such as representing Parliament at specific ceremonies or acts. In particular, the President may designate a Vice-President to take charge of the responsibilities conferred on the President in Rules 43 (3) and 44 (2). Amendment 117 Rule 29, paragraph 2 2.  A political group must comprise Members from more than one Member State. The minimum number of Members required to form a political group shall be twenty-three if they come from two Member States, eighteen if they come from three Member States and fourteen if they come from four or more Member States. 2.  A political group shall comprise Members elected in at least one-fifth of the Member States. The minimum number of Members required to form a political group shall be sixteen. (This amendment is to enter into force on 1 July 2004) Amendment 7 Rule 29, paragraph 5 5.  The statement shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. 5.  The statement shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. (This amendment applies in the same way to all other provisions in the Rules where the term "Official Journal of the European Communities" is used, and is to enter into force with the Treaty of Nice as signed in Nice on 26 February 2001 or a treaty containing identical provisions on this point.) Amendments 8, 161 and 164 Rule 32 1.  When the governments of the Member States have agreed on a nomination for President of the Commission, the President shall request the nominee to make a statement and present his political guidelines to Parliament. The statement shall be followed by a debate. 1.  When the Council has agreed on a nomination for President of the Commission, the President shall request the nominee to make a statement and present his political guidelines to Parliament. The statement shall be followed by a debate. The Council shall be invited to take part in the debate. The Council shall be invited to take part in the debate. 2.  Parliament shall approve or reject the nomination by a majority of the votes cast. 2.  Parliament shall approve or reject the nomination by a majority of the votes cast. The vote shall be taken by roll call. The vote shall be taken by secret ballot. 3.  If the nominee is elected, the President shall inform the President of the European Council and the governments of the Member States accordingly, requesting them and the President-elect of the Commission to propose by common accord the nominees for the various posts of Commissioners. 3.  If the nominee is elected, the President shall inform the Council accordingly, requesting it and the President-elect of the Commission to propose by common accord the nominees for the various posts of Commissioners. 4.  If Parliament does not approve nomination, the President shall request the governments of the Member States to nominate a new candidate. 4.  If Parliament does not approve nomination, the President shall request the Council to nominate a new candidate (This amendment is to enter into force with the Treaty of Nice as signed in Nice on 26 February 2001 or a treaty containing identical provisions on this point.) Amendment 9 Rule 33, paragraph 1 1.  The President shall, after consulting the President-elect of the Commission, request the nominees proposed for the various posts of Commissioners to appear before the appropriate committees according to their prospective fields of responsibility. These hearings shall be held in public. 1.  The President shall, after consulting the President-elect of the Commission, request the nominees proposed by the President-elect of the Commission and the Council for the various posts of Commissioners to appear before the appropriate committees according to their prospective fields of responsibility. These hearings shall be held in public. (This amendment is to enter into force with the Treaty of Nice as signed in Nice on 26 February 2001 or a treaty containing identical provisions on this point.) Amendment 116 Rule 33, paragraph 5 5.  The President shall inform the governments of the Member States of the election or rejection of the Commission. 5.  The President shall inform the Council of the election or rejection of the Commission. (This amendment is to enter into force with the Treaty of Nice as signed in Nice on 26 February 2001 or a treaty containing identical provisions on this point.) Amendment 10 Rule 35 1.  Candidates nominated as Members of the Court of Auditors shall be invited to make a statement before the committee responsible and answer questions put by members. 1.  Candidates nominated as Members of the Court of Auditors shall be invited to make a statement before the committee responsible and answer questions put by members. The committee shall vote by secret ballot separately on each nomination. 2.  The committee responsible shall make a recommendation to Parliament as to whether the nomination should be approved. 2.  The committee responsible shall make a recommendation to Parliament as to whether the nomination should be approved in the form of a report containing a separate proposal for a decision for each nomination. 3.  The vote shall take place within two months of the receipt of the nomination unless Parliament, at the request of the committee responsible, a political group or at least thirty&nbhy;two Members, decides otherwise. 3.  The vote in plenary shall take place within two months of the receipt of the nomination unless Parliament, at the request of the committee responsible, a political group or at least thirty&nbhy;two Members, decides otherwise. Parliament shall vote by secret ballot separately on each nomination and take its decision by a majority of the votes cast. 4.  If the opinion adopted by Parliament is negative, the President shall request the Council to withdraw its nomination and submit a new nomination to Parliament. 4.  If the opinion adopted by Parliament on an individual nomination is negative, the President shall request the Council to withdraw its nomination and submit a new nomination to Parliament. Amendment 11 Rule 36, Title European Central Bank Appointment of the Members of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank Amendment 13 Rule 40, paragraph 5 (new) 5.  A verbatim report of proceedings under paragraphs 3 and 4 shall be drawn up in the official languages. Amendment 14 Rule 40 a (new) Rule 40a Questions for written answer to the European Central Bank 1.  Any Member may put questions for written answer to the European Central Bank. 2.  Such questions shall be submitted in writing to the chairman of the committee responsible, who shall forward them to the European Central Bank. 3.  The questions shall be published with their answers in the Official Journal of the European Communities. 4.  If a question has not received a reply by the required deadline, it shall be included at the request of its author on the agenda for the next meeting of the committee responsible with the President of the European Central Bank. Amendments 118 and 168 Rule 42, title and paragraph 1 Questions for oral answer Questions for oral answer with debate. 1.  Questions may be put to the Council or the Commission by a committee, a political group or at least thirty-two Members with a request that they be placed on the agenda of Parliament. 1.  Questions may be put to the Council or the Commission by a committee, a political group or at least thirty-two Members with a request that they be placed on the agenda of Parliament. Such questions shall be submitted in writing to the President who shall immediately refer them to the Conference of Presidents. Such questions shall be submitted in writing to the President who shall immediately refer them to the Conference of Presidents. The Conference of Presidents shall decide whether and in what order questions should be placed on the agenda. The Conference of Presidents shall decide whether and in what order questions should be placed on the agenda. Questions not placed on Parliament"s agenda within three months of being submitted shall fall. Amendment 17 Rule 44, paragraph 1 1.  Questions for written answer may be put by any Member to the Council or the Commission. 1.  Questions for written answer may be put by any Member to the Council or the Commission. The content of questions shall be the sole responsibility of their authors. Amendments 119 and 169 Rule 44, paragraph 5 5.  Questions which require an immediate answer but not detailed research (priority questions) shall be answered within three weeks. Each Member may table one priority question each month. 5.  Questions which require an immediate answer but not detailed research (priority questions) shall be answered within three weeks of being forwarded to the institution concerned. Each Member may table one priority question each month. Amendment 18 Rule 44, paragraph 6 6.  Other questions (non-priority questions) shall be answered within six weeks. 6.  Other questions (non-priority questions) shall be answered within six weeks of being forwarded to the institution concerned. Amendment 170 Rule 47, paragraph 1 1.  Other reports and annual reports of other institutions, in respect of which the Treaties provide for consultation of the European Parliament or in respect of which the development of the European Union necessitates an opinion by the European Parliament, shall be dealt with by means of a report submitted to the plenary. 1.  Annual reports and other reports of other institutions, in respect of which the Treaties provide for consultation of the European Parliament or where other legal provisions require an opinion by the European Parliament, shall be dealt with by means of a report submitted to the plenary. (Rules 45 and 46 are deleted) Amendment 20 Rule 48, paragraph 2, subparagraph 4 It may decide to draw up a report, in which case it shall require the approval of the Conference of Presidents. . It may decide to draw up a report pursuant to Rule 163. Amendment 21 Rule 49, paragraph 4 4.  In urgent cases the provisions of Rule 104 or Rule 107 shall apply. 4.  The provisions of Rule 104 or Rule 107 shall apply. Amendments 139 and 128 Rule 50 Debates on topical and urgent subjects of major importance Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law 1.  A political group or at least thirty-two Members may ask the President in writing for a debate to be held on a topical and urgent subject of major importance (Rule 110(3)). 1.  A committee, an interparliamentary delegation, a political group or at least thirty-two Members may ask the President in writing for a debate to be held on an urgent case of a breach of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 110(3)). 2.  The Conference of Presidents shall draw up a list of subjects to be included on the final draft agenda for the next debate on topical and urgent subjects of major importance on the basis of the requests referred to in paragraph 1 and in accordance with the provisions of Annex III. The total number of subjects included on the agenda shall not exceed five. 2.  The Conference of Presidents shall draw up a list of subjects to be included on the final draft agenda for the next debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law on the basis of the requests referred to in paragraph 1 and in accordance with the provisions of Annex III. The total number of subjects included on the agenda shall not exceed three, including sub-chapters. In accordance with the provisions of Rule 111, Parliament may abandon a topic due to be debated and/or include an unscheduled topic in the debate without, however, exceeding the maximum number of topics laid down by this Rule. Motions for resolutions on the subjects chosen shall be tabled by the evening of the day on which the agenda is adopted. The President shall set the precise deadline for tabling such motions for resolutions. In accordance with the provisions of Rule 111, Parliament may abandon a topic due to be debated and replace it by an unscheduled topic in the debate. Motions for resolutions on the subjects chosen shall be tabled by the evening of the day on which the agenda is adopted. The President shall set the precise deadline for tabling such motions for resolutions. 3.  The total speaking time for the political groups and Non-attached Members shall be allocated in accordance with the procedure laid down in Rule120(2) and (3) within the maximum time for debates of three hours per part-session. 3.  The total speaking time for the political groups and Non-attached Members shall be allocated in accordance with the procedure laid down in Rule120(2) and (3) within the maximum time for debates of 60 minutes per part-session. Any time remaining after taking account of the time required for the introduction of and vote on the motions for resolutions and the speaking time, if any, allocated to the Commission and Council, shall be broken down between the political groups and the Non-attached Members. Any time remaining after taking account of the time required for the introduction of and vote on the motions for resolutions and the speaking time, if any, allocated to the Commission and Council, shall be broken down between the political groups and the Non-attached Members. 4.  At the end of the debate there shall be an immediate vote. Rule 137 shall not apply. 4.  At the end of the debate there shall be an immediate vote. Rule 137 shall not apply. Votes taken pursuant to this Rule may be organised on a collective basis under the responsibility of the President and the Conference of Presidents. Votes taken pursuant to this Rule may be organised on a collective basis under the responsibility of the President and the Conference of Presidents. 5.  If two or more motions for resolutions are tabled on the same subject, the procedure set out in Rule 37(4) shall apply. 5.  If two or more motions for resolutions are tabled on the same subject, the procedure set out in Rule 37(4) shall apply. 6.  The President and political group chairmen may decide that a motion for a resolution shall be put to the vote without debate. Such a decision shall require the unanimous assent of all the political group chairmen. 6.  The President and political group chairmen may decide that a motion for a resolution shall be put to the vote without debate. Such a decision shall require the unanimous assent of all the political group chairmen. The provisions of Rules 143, 144 and 146 shall not apply to motions for resolutions included on the agenda for a debate on topical and urgent subjects of major importance. The provisions of Rules 143, 144 and 146 shall not apply to motions for resolutions included on the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Motions for resolutions shall be tabled for a debate on topical and urgent subjects of major importance only after the list of subjects has been adopted. Motions for resolutions that cannot be dealt with in the time allocated to the debate shall lapse. The same shall apply to motions for resolutions in respect of which it is established, following a request under Rule 126(3), that a quorum is not present. Obviously Members shall be entitled to retable such motions either for consideration in committee pursuant to Rule 48 or for the debate on topical and urgent subjects of major importance at the next part-session. Motions for resolutions shall be tabled for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law only after the list of subjects has been adopted. Motions for resolutions that cannot be dealt with in the time allocated to the debate shall lapse. The same shall apply to motions for resolutions in respect of which it is established, following a request under Rule 126(3), that a quorum is not present. Obviously Members shall be entitled to retable such motions either for consideration in committee pursuant to Rule 48 or for the debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law at the next part-session. A subject cannot be included on the agenda for a debate on topical and urgent subjects of major importance if it is already on the agenda for that part-session. A subject cannot be included on the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law if it is already on the agenda for that part-session. There are no provisions in the Rules to allow a joint debate on a motion for a resolution tabled in accordance with paragraph 1 and a committee report on the same subject. There are no provisions in the Rules to allow a joint debate on a motion for a resolution tabled in accordance with paragraph 1 and a committee report on the same subject. When a request is made pursuant to Rule 126(3) that it be established whether a quorum is present, this request shall be valid only for the motion for a resolution which is to be put to the vote and not for those which follow. When a request is made pursuant to Rule 126(3) that it be established whether a quorum is present, this request shall be valid only for the motion for a resolution which is to be put to the vote and not for those which follow. _ Amendments 138 and 23 Rule 51, paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 4 1.  Up to five Members may submit a written declaration of not more than 200 words on a matter falling within the sphere of activities of the European Union. Written declarations shall be printed in the official languages and distributed. They shall be included with the names of the signatories in a register. 1.  Up to five Members may submit a written declaration of not more than 200 words on a matter falling within the sphere of activities of the European Union. Written declarations shall be printed in the official languages and distributed. They shall be included with the names of the signatories in a register. This register shall be public and shall be maintained outside the entrance to the chamber during part-sessions and between part-sessions in an appropriate location to be determined by the College of Quaestors. 2.  Any Member may add his signature to such a declaration. 2.  Any Member may add his signature to a declaration included in the register. 3.  Where a declaration is signed by the majority of Parliament´s component Members, the President shall notify Parliament accordingly. 3.  Where a declaration is signed by the majority of Parliament´s component Members, the President shall notify Parliament accordingly and publish the names of the signatories in the minutes. 4.  Such a declaration shall, at the end of the following part-session, be forwarded to the institutions named therein together with the names of the signatories. It shall be included in the Minutes of proceedings of the last sitting of that part-session. Publication in the Minutes of proceedings shall close the procedure. 4.  Such a declaration shall, at the end of the part-session, be forwarded to the institutions named therein together with the names of the signatories. It shall be included in the Minutes of proceedings of the sitting at which it is announced. Publication in the Minutes of proceedings shall close the procedure. Amendment 24 Rule 54 Parliament may enter into agreements with other institutions in the context of the application of the Treaties or in order to improve or clarify procedures. 1.  Parliament may enter into agreements with other institutions in the context of the application of the Treaties or in order to improve or clarify procedures. Such agreements may take the form of joint declarations, exchanges of letters or codes of conduct or other appropriate instruments. They shall be signed by the President after approval by Parliament. They may be annexed to the Rules of Procedure for information. Such agreements may take the form of joint declarations, exchanges of letters or codes of conduct or other appropriate instruments. They shall be signed by the President after examination by the committee responsible for constitutional affairs and after approval by Parliament. They may be annexed to the Rules of Procedure for information. 2.  Where such agreements imply the modification of existing procedural rights or obligations or establish new procedural rights or obligations for Members or bodies of Parliament, or otherwise imply modification or interpretation of the Rules of Procedure, the matter shall be referred to the committee responsible for examination in accordance with Rule 180 (2) to (6) before the agreement is signed. Amendment 171 Rule 56 a (new) Rule 56 a Conference of Parliaments The Conference of Presidents shall designate members of Parliament's delegation to any convention, conference or similar body involving representatives of parliaments and confer a mandate upon it that conforms to any relevant Parliament resolutions. The delegation shall elect its chair and, where appropriate, one or more vice-chairs. Amendment 26 Rule 58 Examination of respect for fundamental rights, the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality and financial implications Examination of respect for fundamental rights, the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, the rule of law, and financial implications During the examination of a legislative proposal, Parliament shall pay particular attention to respect for fundamental rights and the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. In addition, where a proposal has financial implications, Parliament shall establish whether sufficient financial resources are provided. During the examination of a legislative proposal, Parliament shall pay particular attention to respect for fundamental rights and in particular that the legislative act is in conformity with the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights, the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality and the rule of law. In addition, where a proposal has financial implications, Parliament shall establish whether sufficient financial resources are provided. Amendment 27 Rule 59, title and paragraph 1 Legislative initiative pursuant to Article 192 of the EC Treaty Initiative pursuant to Article 192 of the EC Treaty 1.  Parliament may request the Commission to submit to it any appropriate legislative proposal pursuant to Article 192, second paragraph, of the EC Treaty by adopting a resolution on the basis of an own-initiative report from the committee responsible and authorised pursuant to Rule 163. The resolution shall be adopted by a majority of the component members of Parliament. Parliament may, at the same time, fix a deadline for the submission of such a proposal. 1.  Parliament may request the Commission to submit to it any appropriate proposal (for the adoption of new or amendment of existing acts) pursuant to Article 192, second paragraph, of the EC Treaty by adopting a resolution on the basis of an own-initiative report from the committee responsible. The resolution shall be adopted by a majority of the component members of Parliament. Parliament may, at the same time, fix a deadline for the submission of such a proposal. Amendment 28 Rule 60, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1 a (new) In case of doubt the President may apply Rule 154(2) prior to the announcement in Parliament of referral to the committee responsible. Amendments 29 and 30 Rule 61 Consultation on proposals originating from a Member State Consultation on initiatives originating from a Member State Proposals originating from a Member State pursuant to Article 67(1) of the EC Treaty, and on which the European Parliament has subsequently been consulted, shall be dealt with pursuant to Rules 58, 60, 62, 63 and 67. 1.  Initiatives originating from a Member State pursuant to Article 67 (1) of the EC Treaty or Articles 34 (2) and 42 of the EU Treaty shall be dealt with pursuant to this Rule and Rules 58, 60, 63, 64 and 67. 2.  The Committee responsible may invite a representative of the originating Member State to present its initiative to the committee. He/She may be accompanied by the Presidency of Council. 3.  Before the committee responsible proceeds to the vote, it shall ask the Commission whether it has prepared a position on the initiative and if so request the Commission to state its position to the committee. 4.  When two or more proposals (originating from the Commission and/or the Member States) with the same legislative objective have been submitted to Parliament simultaneously or within a short period of time, Parliament shall deal with them in a single report. In its report, the Committee responsible shall indicate to which text it has proposed amendments and it shall refer to all other texts in its legislative resolution. 5.  The time period referred to in Article 39(1) of the EU Treaty shall commence when it is announced in plenary that Parliament has received, in the official languages, an initiative, together with an explanatory statement confirming the initiative's conformity with the Protocol on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality annexed to the EC Treaty. Amendment 31 Rule 62a (new) Rule 62 a Representation of Parliament in Council meetings When the Council invites Parliament to take part in a Council meeting in which the Council acts in a legislative capacity, the President shall ask the chairman or rapporteur of the committee responsible, or another Member designated by the committee, to represent Parliament. Amendment 140/rev. Rule 63, paragraph 2 2.  If the committee responsible disputes the validity or the appropriateness of the legal basis, it shall request the opinion of the committee responsible for legal affairs. 2.  If the committee responsible disputes the validity or the appropriateness of the legal basis, including in the context of the verification pursuant to Article 5 of the EC Treaty, it shall request the opinion of the committee responsible for legal affairs. Amendment 32 Rule 63 a (new) Rule 63a Verification of financial compatibility 1.  Without prejudice to Rule 60, the committee responsible shall verify the financial compatibility of any Commission proposal, or any other document of a legislative nature, with the Financial Perspective. 2.  When the committee responsible amends the financial endowment of the act it is considering, it shall request the opinion of the committee responsible for budgetary issues. 3.  The committee responsible for budgetary issues may also on its own initiative take up questions concerning the financial compatibility of proposals submitted by the Commission. In such cases it shall duly inform the committee responsible. 4.  If the committee responsible for budgetary issues decides to dispute the financial compatibility of the proposal, it shall report its conclusions to Parliament which shall put them to the vote. 5.  An act declared incompatible may be adopted by Parliament subject to the decisions of the Budgetary Authority. Amendment 33 Rule 71, before 2nd subtitle, paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Parliament shall, at the request of the Committee responsible, ask the Council to refer again to Parliament a proposal submitted by the Commission pursuant to Article 251 of the EC Treaty, where the Council intends to modify the legal basis of the proposal with the result that the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the EC Treaty would no longer apply. Amendment 34 Rule 72, paragraph 3 3.  For the composition and procedure of the delegation to the conciliation committee Rule 82(1) to (7) shall apply. 3.  For the composition and procedure of the delegation to the conciliation committee and the reporting of the results to Parliament, Rule 82 shall apply. Amendment 35 Rule 75, paragraph 1, subparagraph 2 For any extension of time limits pursuant to Article 252(g) of the EC Treaty the President shall seek the agreement of the Council. For any extension of time limits pursuant to Article 252(g) of the EC Treaty or Article 39(1) of the EU Treaty the President shall seek the agreement of the Council. Amendment 141 Rule 80, paragraph 5 5.  Before voting on the amendments, the President shall ask the Commission to state its position and the Council to comment. 5.  Before voting on the amendments, the President may ask the Commission to state its position and the Council to comment. Amendment 36 Rule 81 Where the Council is unable to approve all Parliament's amendments to the common position, the President may, after consulting the chairmen of the political groups and the chairman and rapporteur of the committee responsible, agree to a time and place for a first meeting of the Conciliation Committee. The six-week deadline for the Conciliation Committee to agree a joint text shall run from the time at which the Committee first meets. Where the Council informs Parliament that it is unable to approve all Parliament's amendments to the common position, the President shall, together with the Council, agree to a time and place for a first meeting of the Conciliation Committee. The six-week or, if extended, eight-week deadline provided for in Article 251(5) of the EC Treaty shall run from the time at which the Committee first meets. Amendment 37 Rule 82, paragraph 8 8.  The results of the conciliation including any proposed amendments or compromises shall be reported by the delegation to Parliament in due time to allow Parliament to complete any further procedural steps pursuant to the provisions of the EC Treaty. 8.  The results of the conciliation shall be reported by the delegation to Parliament. Amendment 38 Rule 83, paragraph 2 2.  The chairman or another designated member of Parliament's delegation to the Conciliation Committee shall make a statement on the joint text. This statement may be followed by a short debate. 2.  The chairman or another designated member of Parliament's delegation to the Conciliation Committee shall make a statement on the joint text, which shall be accompanied by a report. Amendment 39 Rule 84, paragraph 2 2.  Regulations, directives or decisions adopted jointly by Parliament and the Council shall include in their title the word 'Regulation', 'Directive' or 'Decision' as appropriate followed by a serial number, by the date of their adoption and by an indication of their subject matter. 2.  Acts adopted jointly by Parliament and the Council under the codecision procedure shall indicate the nature of the relevant act followed by the serial number, by the date of its adoption and by an indication of its subject matter. Rule 110(3) and Annex III are modified accordingly ("Regulations, directives or decisions" to be changed into "acts" throughout this Rule.) Amendment 40 Rule 85, Title and paragraph 1 Procedure for delivering opinions pursuant to Article 121 of the EC Treaty Procedure for delivering opinions pursuant to Article 122 of the EC Treaty 1.  When Parliament is consulted on Council recommendations pursuant to Article 121(2) and (4) of the EC Treaty, it shall, after these recommendations have been presented in plenary by the Council, deliberate on the basis of a proposal submitted orally by its committee responsible and advocating approval or rejection of the recommendations on which Parliament has been consulted. 1.  When Parliament is consulted on Council recommendations pursuant to Article 122(2) of the EC Treaty, it shall, after these recommendations have been presented in plenary by the Council, deliberate on the basis of a proposal submitted orally or in writing by its committee responsible and advocating approval or rejection of the recommendations on which Parliament has been consulted. Amendment 41 Rule 86 1.  Where Parliament is requested to give its assent to an international agreement or a legislative proposal, or in determination, pursuant to Article 7 of the EU Treaty, of a serious and persistent breach by a Member State of principles mentioned in Article 6(1) of that treaty (liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law), it shall consider the matter on the basis of a recommendation from the committee responsible to approve or reject the document on which Parliament has been consulted. 1.  Where Parliament is requested to give its assent to a proposed act, it shall take a decision on the basis of a recommendation from the committee responsible to approve or reject the act. Parliament shall then take a decision on the document by means of a single vote, and no amendments may be tabled. The majority required for the adoption of the assent shall be the majority indicated in the relevant article of the EC Treaty or of the EU Treaty. Parliament shall take a decision on the act requiring its assent under the EC or EU Treaty by means of a single vote, and no amendments may be tabled. The majority required for the adoption of the assent shall be the majority indicated in the article of the EC Treaty or of the EU Treaty that constitutes the legal basis for the proposed act. 2.  For accession treaties and international agreements and determination of a serious and persistent breach of common principles by a Member State, Rules 96, 97 and 108 shall apply respectively. 2.  For accession treaties and international agreements and determination of a serious and persistent breach of common principles by a Member State, Rules 96, 97 and 108 shall apply respectively. For an enhanced cooperation procedure in an area covered by the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the EC Treaty, Rule 109 shall apply. 3.  For legislative proposals the committee responsible may decide, in order to facilitate a positive outcome of the procedure, to present an interim report on the Commission proposal to Parliament with a motion for a resolution containing recommendations for modification or implementation of the proposal. 3.  Where Parliament's assent is required for a legislative proposal, the committee responsible may decide, in order to facilitate a positive outcome of the procedure, to present an interim report on the Commission proposal to Parliament with a motion for a resolution containing recommendations for modification or implementation of the proposal. If Parliament approves at least one recommendation with the same majority as required for the final assent, the President shall request further discussion with the Council. If Parliament approves at least one recommendation the President shall request further discussion with the Council. The committee responsible shall make its final recommendation for the assent of Parliament in the light of the outcome of the discussion with the Council. The committee responsible shall make its final recommendation for the assent of Parliament in the light of the outcome of the discussion with the Council. (This amendment to enter into force with the Treaty of Nice as signed in Nice on 26 February 2001 or a treaty containing identical provisions on this point) Amendment 42 Rule 87 a (new) Rule 87a Procedures relating to scrutiny of voluntary agreements 1.  Where the Commission informs Parliament of its intention to explore the use of voluntary agreements as an alternative to legislation, the committee responsible may draw up a report on the substantive issue in question pursuant to Rule 163. 2.  When the Commission announces that it intends to enter into a voluntary agreement, the committee responsible may table a motion for a resolution recommending the approval or rejection of the proposal, and under what conditions. Amendment 172 Rule 88, paragraphs 2 and 3 2.  The chairman or another designated member of the committee responsible may enter into a dialogue with the Commission. The committee responsible may propose to Parliament that it object to the measure. If Parliament objects to the measure, the President shall request the Commission to withdraw or amend the measure or submit a proposal under the appropriate legislative procedure. 2.  On a proposal from the committee responsible, the Parliament may, within one month (or three months for financial services measures) of the date of receipt of the draft implementing measure, adopt a resolution objecting to the draft measure notably if it exceeds the implementing powers provided for in the basic instrument. Where there is no part-session before the deadline expires, or in cases where urgent action is required, the right of response shall be deemed to have been delegated to the committee responsible. This shall take the form of a letter from the committee chairman to the member of the Commission responsible, and shall be brought to the attention of all Members of Parliament. If Parliament objects to the measure, the President shall request the Commission to withdraw or amend the measure or submit a proposal under the appropriate legislative procedure. 3.  Where such a measure is referred to the Council and therefore to Parliament, the latter shall deal with it in accordance with Rule 112(2). Amendment 142 Rule 91, paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. The President shall bring an action on behalf of Parliament in accordance with the recommendation of the competent committee. At the start of the following part-session, he may put to plenary the decision on maintaining the action. Should plenary rule against the action by a majority of the votes cast, he shall withdraw it. Should the President bring an action contrary to the recommendation of the competent committee, he shall put to plenary, at the start of the following part-session, the decision on maintaining the action. Amendment 46 Rule 95 Rule 95 ECSC Treaty Amendments 1.  Amendments proposed by the Commission and the Council under Article 95 of the ECSC Treaty shall be printed at the same time as the assenting opinion thereon delivered by the Court of Justice. Deleted These documents shall be distributed and referred to the appropriate committee. In its report the committee shall recommend either adoption or rejection of the proposed amendment as a whole. 2.  No amendment thereto shall be admissible, and split voting shall not be permitted. For adoption, the proposed amendment as a whole shall require a three-quarters majority of the votes cast, representing a two-thirds majority of the component Members of Parliament. 3.  Any Member may table a motion for a resolution proposing to the Commission and Council amendments to the ECSC Treaty under Article 95 of that Treaty. Such motions shall be printed, distributed and referred to the appropriate committee. They shall be adopted only if they secure the votes of a majority of the component Members of Parliament. (This amendment to take effect upon expiry of the ECSC Treaty) Amendment 47 Rule 97, paragraphs 7 to 9 7.  Parliament shall give its opinion on, or its assent to, the conclusion, renewal or amendment of an international agreement or a financial protocol concluded by the European Community by a majority of the votes cast. 7.  Parliament shall give its opinion on, or its assent to, the conclusion, renewal or amendment of an international agreement or a financial protocol concluded by the European Community in a single vote by a majority of the votes cast without amendments to the text of the agreement or protocol being admissible. 8.  If the opinion adopted by Parliament is negative, the President shall request the Council not to conclude the agreement in question. 8.  If the opinion adopted by Parliament is negative, the President shall request the Council not to conclude the agreement in question. 9.  If Parliament, by a majority of the votes cast, withholds its assent to an international agreement, the President shall notify the Council that the agreement in question cannot be concluded. 9.  If Parliament withholds its assent to an international agreement, the President shall notify the Council that the agreement in question cannot be concluded. Amendment 48 Rule 101, paragraph 1 1.  The High Representative may be invited to make statements. Rule 37 shall apply. 1.  The High Representative shall be invited to make statements in Parliament at least 4 times a year. Rule 37 shall apply. Amendments 49, 120 and 174 Rule 103, paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. The Council and/or the High Representative and the Commission shall be invited to each plenary debate that involves either foreign, security or defence policy. Amendment 143 Rule 104, paragraph 4 4.  Recommendations drawn up in this way shall be included on the agenda for the next part-session. In urgent cases decided upon by the President, recommendations may be included on the agenda of a current part-session. Recommendations shall be deemed adopted unless, before the beginning of the part-session, a minimum of one tenth of the component Members of Parliament submit a written objection, in which case the committee's recommendations shall be considered and each recommendation shall be put to the vote as a whole in plenary during the same part-session. A political group or at least thirty-two Members may table amendments. 4.  Recommendations drawn up in this way shall be included on the agenda for the next part-session. In urgent cases decided upon by the President, recommendations may be included on the agenda of a current part-session. Recommendations shall be deemed adopted unless, before the beginning of the part-session, a minimum of thirty-two Members submit a written objection, in which case the committee's recommendations shall be included on the agenda of the same part-session for debate and voting. A political group or at least thirty-two Members may table amendments. Amendment 51 Rule 104 a (new) Rule 104 a Violation of human rights At each part-session, without requiring authorisation, the committees responsible may each table a motion for a resolution under the same procedure as laid down in Rule 104(4) concerning cases of violation of human rights. Amendment 52 Rule 106 Consultation of Parliament pursuant to Article 34(2)(b), (c) and (d) of the EU Treaty shall be dealt with pursuant to Rules 58, 60, 62, 63 and 67. Consultation of Parliament pursuant to Article 34(2)(b), (c) and (d) of the EU Treaty shall be dealt with pursuant to Rules 58, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64 and 67. Where applicable, consideration of the proposal shall then be placed, at the latest, on the agenda of the last sitting to be held before expiry of the time limit laid down in accordance with Article 39(1) of the EU Treaty. Where applicable, consideration of the proposal shall then be placed, at the latest, on the agenda of the last sitting to be held before expiry of the time limit laid down in accordance with Article 39(1) of the EU Treaty. When Parliament is consulted on the draft Council decision appointing the Director and Board members of EUROPOL, Rule 35 shall apply mutatis mutandis. Amendment 53 Rule 107, paragraph 1 1.  The committee responsible for matters relating to police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters may draw up recommendations to the Council in its areas of responsibility after obtaining authorisation from the Conference of Presidents or on a proposal within the meaning of Rule 49. 1.  The committee responsible for matters relating to police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters may draw up recommendations to the Council in the field covered by Title VI of the EU Treaty after obtaining authorisation from the Conference of Presidents or on a proposal within the meaning of Rule 49. Amendment 54 Rule 107, paragraph 3 3.  Recommendations drawn up in this way shall be included on the agenda for the next part-session. 3.  Recommendations drawn up in this way shall be included on the agenda for the next part-session. Rule 104(4) shall apply mutatis mutandis. Amendment 176 CHAPTER XIII, Title DETERMINATION OF A SERIOUS AND PERSISTENT BREACH BY A MEMBER STATE OF PRINCIPLES COMMON TO MEMBER STATES (LIBERTY, DEMOCRACY, RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS AND THE RULE OF LAW) BREACH BY A MEMBER STATE OF FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES (This amendment to enter into force with the Treaty of Nice as signed in Nice on 26 February 2001 or a treaty containing identical provisions on this point) Amendment 56 Rule 108, paragraphs 1 - 4 1.  At the request of one tenth of its component Members, Parliament may debate and vote on a motion for a resolution calling on the Commission to initiate the action mentioned in Article 7(1) of the EU Treaty. The Conference of Presidents may first ask the opinion of the committee responsible. 1.  Parliament may, on the basis of a specific report of the committee responsible under Rule 163: (a) vote on a reasoned proposal calling on the Council to act pursuant to Article 7(1) of the EU Treaty; (b) vote on a proposal calling on the Commission or the Member States to submit a proposal pursuant to Article 7(2) of the EU Treaty; (c) vote on a proposal calling on the Council to act pursuant to Article 7(3) or, subsequently, Article 7 (4) of the EU Treaty; 2.  The President shall announce to Parliament receipt of a request from the Council to give its assent on a proposal submitted pursuant to Article 7(1) of the EU Treaty, along with the observations submitted by the Member State. The President shall, at the same time, propose to Parliament the time at which the vote is to be taken. This shall be no less than one month after the announcement of receipt of the request except in urgent and justified circumstances. 2.  Any request from the Council for assent on a proposal submitted pursuant to Article 7(1) and (2) of the EU Treaty along with the observations submitted by the Member State shall be announced to Parliament. Except in urgent and justified circumstances, Parliament shall take its decision on a proposal from the committee responsible. 3.  The assent of Parliament shall be adopted if it secures a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority of its component Members. 3.  Decisions under paragraphs 1 and 2 shall require a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority of its component Members. 4.  The committee responsible may, on a proposal from the Conference of Presidents, decide to submit an accompanying motion for a resolution setting down Parliament's views on the appropriate sanctions and on criteria for later varying or revoking them. 4.  The committee responsible may submit an accompanying motion for a resolution when Parliament is called upon to give its assent pursuant to paragraph 2. This motion for a resolution shall set out Parliament's views on a serious breach by a Member State, on the appropriate sanctions and on varying or revoking those sanctions. (This amendment to enter into force with the Treaty of Nice as signed in Nice on 26 February 2001 or a treaty containing identical provisions on this point) Amendment 57 CHAPTER XIV, title CLOSER COOPERATION ENHANCED COOPERATION Amendment 58 Rule 109 1.  Commission proposals to introduce closer cooperation between Member States shall be referred by the President to the committee responsible for consideration. Rules 60 and 63 to 72 shall apply. 1.  Requests by Member States or Commission proposals to introduce enhanced cooperation between Member States and consultations of Parliament pursuant to Article 40a(2) of the EU Treaty shall be referred by the President to the committee responsible for consideration. Rules 60, 63 to 72 and 86 shall apply as appropriate. 2.  The committee responsible shall verify compliance with Article 11 of the EC Treaty, Articles 40, 43 and 44 of the EU Treaty and the provisions of the Protocol integrating the Schengen acquis into the framework of the European Union. 2.  The committee responsible shall verify compliance with Article 11 of the EC Treaty and Articles 27a, 27b, 40, 43, 44 and 44a of the EU Treaty. 3.  Subsequent acts proposed under closer cooperation, once it is established, shall be dealt with in Parliament under the same procedures as when closer cooperation does not apply. 3.  Subsequent acts proposed under enhanced cooperation, once it is established, shall be dealt with in Parliament under the same procedures as when enhanced cooperation does not apply. (This amendment to enter into force with the Treaty of Nice as signed in Nice on 26 February 2001 or a treaty containing identical provisions on this point) Compromise amendment 192 Rule 110 a (new) Rule 110 a Procedure without amendment and debate 1.  Any legislative proposal (first reading) and any non-legislative motion for a resolution adopted in committee with fewer than one-tenth of the members of the committee voting against, shall be placed on the draft agenda of Parliament for vote without amendment. The item shall then be subject to a single vote unless, before the drawing up of the final draft agenda, political groups or individual Members who together constitute one-tenth of the Members of Parliament have requested in writing that the item be open to amendment, in which case the President shall fix a deadline for tabling amendments. 2.  Items placed on the final draft agenda for vote without amendment shall also be without debate unless Parliament, when adopting its agenda at the start of a part-session, decides otherwise on a proposal of the Conference of Presidents, or if requested by a political group or at least thirty-two Members. 3.  When drawing up the final draft agenda of a part-session, the Conference of Presidents may propose that other items be taken without amendment or without debate. When adopting its agenda, Parliament may not accept any such proposal if a political group or at least thirty-two Members have tabled their opposition in writing at least one hour before the opening of the part-session. 4.  When an item is taken without debate, the rapporteur or the Committee chair may make a statement of not more than two minutes immediately prior to the vote. (Rules 62 and 114 fall) Amendment 178 Rule 111a (new) Rule 111 a Extraordinary debate 1.  A political group or at least thirty-two Members 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 prior to 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 chairmen 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, having been notified to Members at least one hour beforehand. 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 pursuant to Rule 120 (2) and (3). 5.  The debate shall be wound up without the adoption of a resolution. Amendment 157 Rule 117, paragraph 2 2.  Speeches delivered in one of the official languages shall be simultaneously interpreted into the other official languages and into any other language the Bureau may consider necessary. 2.  All Members shall have the right to speak in Parliament in the official language of their choice. Speeches delivered in one of the official languages shall be simultaneously interpreted into the other official languages and into any other language the Bureau may consider necessary. 2a. Interpretation shall be provided in committee meetings from and into the official languages used and requested by the members and substitutes of that committee. Amendment 179 Rule 120, paragraphs 4 a to 4 c (new) 4a. The Commission and Council shall be heard in the debate on a report as a rule immediately after its presentation by the rapporteur. However, in a debate on a Commission proposal, the President shall invite the Commission to speak first in order to briefly present its proposal, and when debating a text originating from the Council, the President may invite the Council to speak first, in each case to be followed by the rapporteur. The Commission and Council may be heard again notably in reply to the statements made by Members of Parliament 4b. Without prejudice to Article 197 of the EC Treaty the President shall seek to reach an understanding with the Commission and Council on appropriate allocation of speaking time for them. 4c. Members who have not spoken in a debate may, at most once per part-session, hand in a written statement of not more than 200 words that shall be appended to the verbatim report of the debate. Amendment 64 Rule 121 a (new) Rule 121 a One-minute speeches For a period of not more than thirty minutes during the first sitting of each part-session the President shall call Members who wish to draw Parliament's attention to a matter of political importance. Speaking time for each Member shall not exceed one minute. The President may allow a further such period later during the same part-session. Amendment 65 Rule 124, paragraphs 1 and 2 1.  In serious cases of disorder, the President may, after giving formal notice, move, either immediately or no later than the next part-session, that Parliament pass a vote of censure which shall automatically involve immediate exclusion from the Chamber and suspension for two to five days. 1.  In serious cases of disorder or disruption of Parliament, the President may, after giving formal notice, move, either immediately or no later than the next part-session, that Parliament pass a vote of censure which shall automatically involve immediate exclusion from the Chamber and suspension for two to five days. 2.  Parliament shall decide whether to take such disciplinary action at a time to be decided by the President, which shall be either at the sitting during which the events in question occurred or no later than the next part-session. The Member concerned shall be entitled to be heard by Parliament before the vote. His speaking time shall not exceed five minutes. 2.  Parliament shall decide whether to take such disciplinary action at a time to be decided by the President, which shall be either at the sitting during which the events in question occurred or in the case of disruption outside the chamber, when the President was informed or in any case no later than the next part-session. The Member concerned shall be entitled to be heard by Parliament before the vote. His speaking time shall not exceed five minutes. Amendment 66 Rule 127, paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. In voting on legislative texts and on non-legislative resolutions, votes relating to substantive parts shall be taken first, followed by votes relating to citations and recitals. Amendments shall fall if they contradict a prior vote. Amendment 67 Rule 130, paragraph 6 6.  The President may put other amendments to the vote collectively when they are complementary. In such cases he shall follow the procedure laid down in paragraph 5. 6.  The President may put other amendments to the vote collectively when they are complementary. In such cases he shall follow the procedure laid down in paragraph 5. Authors of such amendments may propose such collective votes when their amendments are complementary. Amendment 180 Rule 130 a (new) Rule 130 a Committee consideration of plenary amendments When over fifty amendments have been tabled to a report for consideration in Parliament, the President may, after consulting its chairman, request the committee responsible to meet to consider the amendments. Any amendment not receiving favourable votes at this stage from one-tenth of the members of the committee shall not be put to the vote in Parliament. Amendment 73 Rule 134, paragraph 2, subparagraph 3 Votes shall be recorded in the minutes of proceedings of the sitting by political group in the alphabetical order of Members' names. Votes shall be recorded in the minutes of proceedings of the sitting by political group in the alphabetical order of Members' names, with an indication of how they voted. Amendment 182 Rule 139, paragraph 6 6.  Amendments shall be put to the vote only after they have been printed and distributed in all the official languages, unless Parliament decides otherwise. Parliament may not decide otherwise if at least twelve Members object. 6.  Amendments shall be put to the vote only after they have been printed and distributed in all the official languages, unless Parliament decides otherwise. Parliament may not decide otherwise if at least thirty-two Members object. Amendment 78 Rule 140, paragraph 4 (new) 4.  A political group may table an alternative motion for a resolution to a non-legislative motion for a resolution contained in a committee report. In such a case, the group may not table amendments to the motion for a resolution by the committee responsible. The group's motion for a resolution may not be longer than the committee's motion for a resolution. It shall be put to a single vote in Parliament without amendment. Amendment 79 Rule 143, paragraph 1, subparagraph 2 (new) The intention to move inadmissibility shall be notified at least twenty-four hours in advance to the President who shall inform Parliament immediately. Amendment 190 Rule 144, paragraph 1 1.  Referral back to committee may be requested by a political group or at least thirty-two Members when the agenda is fixed or before the start of the debate or the final vote. 1.  Referral back to committee may be requested by a political group or at least thirty-two Members when the agenda is fixed or before the start of the debate. The intention to move referral back to committee shall be notified at least 24 hours in advance to the President, who shall inform Parliament immediately. 1a. Referral back to committee may also be requested by a political group or at least thirty-two Members before or during a vote. Such a motion shall be put to the vote immediately. Amendment 81 Rule 146 Adjournment of a debate Adjournment of a debate and vote 1.  At the start of a debate on an item on the agenda, a political group or at least thirty-two Members may move that the debate be adjourned to a specific date and time. Such a motion shall be put to the vote immediately. 1.  At the start of a debate on an item on the agenda, a political group or at least thirty-two Members may move that the debate be adjourned to a specific date and time. Such a motion shall be put to the vote immediately. The intention to move adjournment shall be notified at least 24 hours in advance to the President, who shall inform Parliament immediately. 2.  If the motion is carried, Parliament shall proceed to the next item on the agenda. The adjourned debate shall be resumed at the specified date and time. 2.  If the motion is carried, Parliament shall proceed to the next item on the agenda. The adjourned debate shall be resumed at the specified date and time. 3.  If the motion is rejected, it may not be tabled again during that part-session. 3.  If the motion is rejected, it may not be tabled again during that part-session. 4.  Before or during a vote, a political group or at least 32 Members may move that the vote be adjourned. Such a motion shall be put to the vote immediately. Amendment 82 Rule 148, paragraphs 1 and 2 1.  The minutes of each sitting, containing the decisions of Parliament and the names of speakers, shall be distributed at least half an hour before the opening of the next sitting. 1.  The minutes of each sitting, containing the decisions of Parliament and the names of speakers, shall be distributed at least half an hour before the beginning of the afternoon period of the next sitting. The texts adopted by Parliament shall be distributed separately. Where legislative texts adopted by Parliament contain amendments, they shall be published in a consolidated version. The texts adopted by Parliament shall be distributed separately. Where legislative texts adopted by Parliament contain amendments, they shall be published in a consolidated version. 2.  At the beginning of each sitting the President shall place before Parliament, for its approval, the minutes of the previous sitting. 2.  At the beginning of the afternoon period of each sitting the President shall place before Parliament, for its approval, the minutes of the previous sitting. Amendment 83 Rule 151, Title Temporary committees of inquiry Committees of inquiry Amendment 183 Rule 154, paragraph 2 2.  Should a standing committee declare itself not competent to consider a question, or should a conflict arise over the competence of two or more standing committees, the question of competence shall be placed on Parliament's agenda on a proposal from the Conference of Presidents or at the request of one of the standing committees concerned. 2.  Should a standing committee declare itself not competent to consider a question, or should a conflict arise over the competence of two or more standing committees, the question of competence shall be referred to the Conference of Presidents within four working weeks of the announcement in Parliament of referral to committee. The Conference of committee chairmen shall be notified and may make a recommendation to the Conference of Presidents. The Conference of Presidents shall take a decision within six working weeks of the referral of the question of competence. Otherwise the question shall be included for a decision on the agenda for the subsequent part-session. Amendment 85 Rule 158 1.  At each committee meeting the chairman shall submit to the committee a list of the proposals which in his opinion and/or at the President's recommendation should be approved without report. 1.  Following a first discussion of a legislative proposal, the chairman may propose that it be approved without amendment. Unless at least one-tenth of the members of the committee object, the chairman shall present to Parliament a report approving the proposal. Rule 110a(1), second subparagraph, (2) and (4) shall apply. The chairman shall put each proposal on the list to the committee for decision. Unless at least one fifth of the members of the committee object, the chairman of the committee shall inform the President of the approval of the proposal. 2.  At the recommendation of the President or following a proposal from its chairman, the committee may deliver its views on a proposal in accordance with the simplified procedure. Unless at least one fifth of the members of the committee object to this procedure, the committee chairman shall be deemed to have been appointed rapporteur. The draft report, consisting of a procedural section, a draft legislative resolution and a brief explanatory statement, shall be sent to the members of the committee. Unless at least one-fifth of the members of the committee object within a set time limit, which may not be less than fourteen days from the date of dispatch, the report shall be considered as having been adopted by the committee. In this case the draft legislative resolution contained in the report shall be put to the vote in Parliament without debate pursuant to Rule 114. 2.  The chairman may alternatively propose that he or the rapporteur drafts a set of amendments reflecting the committee's discussion. If the committee so agrees, these amendments shall be sent to the members of the committee. Unless at least one-tenth of the members of the committee object within a set time limit, which may not be less than 21 days from the date of dispatch, the report shall be considered as having been adopted by the committee. In this case the draft legislative resolution and the amendments shall be submitted to Parliament without debate pursuant to Rule 110a(1), second subparagraph, (2) and (4). 3.  If at least one fifth of the members of the committee object to the procedure referred to in paragraphs 1 or 2, the procedure provided for in Rule 159 (procedure with report) shall be followed. 3.  If at least one-tenth of the committee's members object, the amendments shall be put to the vote at the next meeting of the committee. Amendment 86 Rule 159, title Committee reports on consultations Legislative reports Amendment 87 Rule 159, paragraph 3, point (c) (c) if appropriate, an explanatory statement (c) if appropriate, an explanatory statement including a financial statement which establishes the magnitude of any financial impact of the report and its compatibility with the financial perspective. Amendment 88 Rule 160, paragraph 3, point (b) (b) an explanatory statement (b) an explanatory statement including a financial statement which establishes the magnitude of any financial impact of the report and its compatibility with the financial perspective; Amendment 89 Rule 162, paragraphs 2 to 6 2.  The opinion shall consist of draft amendments to the text referred to the committee in the case of legislative texts or suggestions for parts of the motion for a resolution submitted by the committee responsible in the case of non-legislative texts. The committee responsible shall put these to the vote. If necessary the committee may submit short written justifications for the proposals made in the opinion. 2.  The opinion shall consist of draft amendments to the text referred to the committee in the case of legislative texts or suggestions for parts of the motion for a resolution submitted by the committee responsible in the case of non-legislative texts. The opinions shall deal solely with those matters that fall under the areas of responsibility of the committee giving an opinion. The committee responsible shall put these to the vote. If necessary the committee may submit short written justifications for the proposals made in the opinion. 3.  The committee responsible shall fix a deadline within which the committee asked for an opinion must deliver it if it is to be taken into account in the committee responsible. Any changes to the announced timetable shall be immediately communicated by the committee responsible to the committee(s) asked for an opinion. The committee responsible shall not reach its final conclusions before that time limit has expired. 3.  The committee responsible shall fix a deadline within which the committee asked for an opinion must deliver it if it is to be taken into account in the committee responsible. Any changes to the announced timetable shall be immediately communicated by the committee responsible to the committee(s) asked for an opinion. The committee responsible shall not reach its final conclusions before that time limit has expired. 4.  All adopted opinions shall be annexed to the report of the committee responsible. 4.  All adopted opinions shall be annexed to the report of the committee responsible. 5.  Only the committee responsible may table amendments in Parliament. 5.  Only the committee responsible may table amendments in Parliament. 6.  The chairman and draftsman of the committee asked for an opinion may take part in an advisory capacity in meetings of the committee responsible, insofar as these relate to the matter of common concern. 6.  The chairman and draftsman of the committee asked for an opinion shall be invited to take part in an advisory capacity in meetings of the committee responsible, insofar as these relate to the matter of common concern. Amendment 90 Rule 162 a (new) Rule 162 a Enhanced cooperation between committees When in the opinion of the Conference of Presidents, a question falls almost equally within the competence of two committees, or where different parts of the question fall under the competence of two different committees, Rule 162 shall apply with the following additional provisions: - the timetable shall be jointly agreed by the two committees; - the rapporteur and the draftsman shall endeavour to agree on the texts they propose to their committees and on their position regarding amendments; - the committee responsible shall accept without a vote amendments from the committee asked for an opinion where they concern matters which the chairman of the committee responsible considers, on the basis of Annex VI, after consulting the chairman of the committee asked for an opinion, to fall under the competence of the committee asked for an opinion, and which do not contradict other elements of the report. Amendment 91 Rule 163, paragraph 1 1.  A committee intending to draw up a report and to submit a motion for a resolution to Parliament on a subject within its competence on which neither a consultation nor a request for an opinion nor a motion for a resolution has been referred to it may do so only with the authorisation of the Conference of Presidents. Where such authorisation is withheld the reason must always be stated. 1.  A committee intending to draw up a report and to submit a motion for a resolution to Parliament on a subject within its competence on which neither a consultation nor a request for an opinion has been referred to it pursuant to Rule 154(1) may do so only with the authorisation of the Conference of Presidents. Where such authorisation is withheld the reason must always be stated. The Conference of Presidents may, when giving authorisation, stipulate that the power to take a decision is to be delegated pursuant to Rule 62. Amendment 92 Rule 163, paragraph 2, subparagraph 2 (new) In such cases, the Conference of Presidents shall take a decision within two months. Amendment 93 Rule 165, paragraphs 2 to 4 2.  Voting in committee shall be by show of hands, unless a quarter of the committee's members request a vote by roll call. 2.  Voting in committee shall be by show of hands, unless a quarter of the committee's members request a vote by roll call. In this case the vote shall be taken in accordance with Rule 134(2). 3.  The chairman may take part in discussions and may vote, but without having a casting vote. 3.  The chairman may take part in discussions and may vote, but without having a casting vote. 4.  Rules 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 117, 118, 119, 121(1), 123, 125, 127, 128, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 136, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 146 and 147 shall apply mutatis mutandis to committee meetings. 4.  Rules 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 117, 118, 119, 121(1), 123, 125, 127, 128, 130, 131(1), 132, 133, 135, 136, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 146 and 147 shall apply mutatis mutandis to committee meetings. Amendment 94 Rule 165, interpretation Rules 127 and 162 Deleted The voting procedure for opinions is as follows: 1.  The committee asked for an opinion shall hold a vote on the conclusions of the opinion as a whole, if necessary after voting on each conclusion individually. If no conclusions are adopted, the opinion sent to the committee responsible shall be made up solely of any amendments adopted to the text referred to the committee for an opinion. The result of the vote on the conclusions or amendments as a whole shall be recorded in the opinion. 2.  The text preceding the amendments or conclusions of the opinion (which can be regarded as an explanatory statement) may have to be amended as a result of this voting. However, no vote shall be taken on this. 3.  The committee asked for an opinion shall not vote on the Commission's proposal as a whole. Amendments 95 and 148 Rule 168, paragraphs 1 to 3 1.  Parliament shall set up standing interparliamentary delegations. A decision shall be taken on the number of their members bearing in mind their duties. The members of the bureaux shall be elected during the first part-session following the re-election of Parliament and again two and a half years thereafter. 1.  On a proposal by the Conference of Presidents, Parliament shall set up standing interparliamentary delegations and decide on their nature and the number of their members bearing in mind their duties. The members shall be elected during the first or second part-session following the re-election of Parliament for the duration of the parliamentary term. 2.  Members of the bureaux of the delegations shall be elected after nominations have been submitted to the Conference of Presidents by the political groups and the Non-attached Members. The Conference of Presidents shall submit to Parliament proposals designed to ensure as far as possible fair representation of Member States and of political views. Rule 152(2), (3), (5) and (6) shall apply. 2.  Members of the delegations shall be elected after nominations have been submitted to the Conference of Presidents by the political groups and the Non-attached Members. The Conference of Presidents shall submit to Parliament proposals designed to ensure as far as possible fair representation of Member States and of political views. Rule 152(2), (3), (5) and (6) shall apply. 3.  The Conference of Presidents, on a proposal from the political groups and the Non-attached Members, shall designate the other members of the delegations, ensuring fair representation of Member States and of political views. 3.  The bureaux of the delegations shall be constituted in accordance with the procedure laid down for the standing committees pursuant to Rule 157. Amendment 96 Rule 174, paragraph 2 2.  Petitions to Parliament shall show the name, occupation, nationality and permanent address of each petitioner. 2.  Petitions to Parliament shall show the name, nationality and permanent address of each petitioner. Amendment 97 Rule 175, paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. An electronic register shall be set up in which citizens may lend their support to the petitioner, appending their own electronic signature to petitions which have been declared admissible and entered in the register. Amendment 98 Rule 175, paragraph 2 2.  When considering petitions the committee may organise hearings or dispatch members to establish the facts of the situation in situ. 2.  When considering petitions or establishing facts, the committee may organise hearings of petitioners or general hearings or dispatch members to establish the facts of the situation in situ. Amendment 99 Rule 180, paragraph 3 3.  Should the committee decide that an interpretation of the existing Rules is sufficient, it shall forward its interpretation to the President who shall inform Parliament. 3.  Should the committee decide that an interpretation of the existing Rules is sufficient, it shall forward its interpretation to the President who shall inform Parliament at its next part-session. Amendment 100 Rule 180, paragraphs 5 to 7 5.  Uncontested interpretations and interpretations adopted by Parliament shall be appended in italic print as explanatory notes to the appropriate Rule or Rules, together with decisions on the application of the Rules of Procedure. 5.  Uncontested interpretations and interpretations adopted by Parliament shall be appended in italic print as explanatory notes to the appropriate Rule or Rules. 6.  These explanatory notes shall constitute precedents for the future application and interpretation of the Rules concerned. 6.  Interpretations shall constitute precedents for the future application and interpretation of the Rules concerned. 7.  The provisions on the application of the Rules of Procedure shall be reviewed regularly. 7.  The Rules of Procedure and interpretations shall be reviewed regularly by the committee responsible. Amendment 101 Rule 185a (new) Rule 185a Early termination of an office The Conference of Presidents may, acting by a majority of three-fifths of the votes cast, representing at least three political groups, propose to Parliament to terminate the holding of office of the President, a Vice-President, a Quaestor, a Chairman or Vice-Chairman of a committee, a Chairman or Vice-Chairman of an interparliamentary delegation, or any other holder of an office elected within the Parliament, where it considers that the Member in question has been guilty of serious misconduct. Such a proposal shall be approved by Parliament by a majority of two-thirds of the votes cast, representing a majority of its component Members. Amendment 102 ANNEX I, Article 1, paragraph 1 1.  Before speaking in Parliament or in one of its bodies, any Member who has a direct financial interest in the subject under debate shall disclose this interest to the meeting orally. 1.  Before speaking in Parliament or in one of its bodies or if proposed as rapporteur, any Member who has a direct financial interest in the subject under debate shall disclose this interest to the meeting orally. Amendment 104 Annex II, Section A, paragraph 1, indent 4 - are clearly worded and relate to specific matters; - are clearly worded and relate to a specific matter; Amendment 114 Annex II, Section A, paragraph 3 3.  A question shall be inadmissible if an identical or similar question has been put down and answered during the preceding three months. In that case a copy of the question and the answer shall be given to the author. 3.  A question shall be inadmissible if an identical or similar question has been put down and answered during the preceding three months unless there are new developments or the author is seeking further information. In the first case a copy of the question and the answer shall be given to the author. Amendment 105 Annex II, Section A, paragraph 4 4.  Each Member may put a supplementary question to any question. He may put in all only one supplementary question to the Council and two supplementary questions to the Commission. 4.  Each Member may follow up the reply with a supplementary question to any question. He may put in all two supplementary questions. Amendment 106 Annex II, Section A, paragraph 10 a (new) 10a. If a Member tables a question, but neither he nor his substitute are present at Question Time, the President shall write to the Member reminding him of his responsibility to be present or substituted. If the President has to send such a letter three times in the space of any twelve-month period, the Member concerned shall lose his right to table questions at question time for a six-month period. Amendment 188 Annex II, Section A, paragraph 11 11.  Questions that remain unanswered for lack of time shall be answered in writing unless the author withdraws his question. 11.  Questions that remain unanswered for lack of time shall be answered in accordance with Rule 44(5), unless the authors thereof request application of Rule 44(4). Amendment 108 Annex II, Section A, New title and paragraph 14 (new) Format 14.  Question time to the Commission may, with the agreement of the Commission, be divided into specific question times for individual members of the Commission. Question time to the Council may, with the agreement of the Council, be divided into question times to the Presidency, to the High Representative for the common foreign and security policy or to the President of the Eurogroup. It may also be divided by subject. Amendment 109 Annex IV, Article 2, paragraph 2 2.  Such proposals shall be admissible only if they are tabled in writing and bear the signatures of at least nine Members or are tabled on behalf of a political group or committee. 2.  Such proposals shall be admissible only if they are tabled in writing and bear the signatures of at least thirty-two Members or are tabled on behalf of a political group or committee. Amendment 110 Annex IV, Article 3, paragraph 2, subparagraph 1 2.  Draft amendments shall be admissible only if they are presented in writing, bear the signatures of at least nine Members or are tabled on behalf of a political group or committee, specify the budget heading to which they refer and ensure the maintenance of a balance between revenue and expenditure. Draft amendments shall include all relevant information on the remarks to be entered against the budget heading in question. 2.  Draft amendments shall be admissible only if they are presented in writing, bear the signatures of at least thirty-two Members or are tabled on behalf of a political group or committee, specify the budget heading to which they refer and ensure the maintenance of a balance between revenue and expenditure. Draft amendments shall include all relevant information on the remarks to be entered against the budget heading in question. Amendment 115 Annex IV, Article 3, paragraph 6, subparagraph 2 However, Rule 130(4) to (7) shall apply. However, Rule 130(4) to (8) shall apply. Amendment 111 Annex IV, Article 3, paragraph 10, subparagraph 2 If Parliament has amended the draft budget or adopted proposed modifications, the draft budget thus amended or accompanied by proposed modifications shall be forwarded to the Council. If Parliament has amended the draft budget or adopted proposed modifications, the draft budget thus amended or accompanied by proposed modifications shall be forwarded to the Council and the Commission, together with the justifications. Amendment 112 Annex IV, Article 7, paragraph 2 2.  Proposals for decisions shall be admissible only if they are presented in writing, bear the signature of at least nine Members or are tabled by a political group or committee and state the grounds on which they are based. 2.  Proposals for decisions shall be admissible only if they are presented in writing, bear the signature of at least thirty-two Members or are tabled by a political group or committee and state the grounds on which they are based. Amendment 113 Annex IV, Article 8 Article 8 Deleted Community VAT rate On the occasion of the adoption of the budget Parliament shall also decide the VAT rate.

(1) PE 298.276/BUR. (2) doc. IV/WIP/2000/04/0210 of 25.01.2001.