Reports on fact-finding visits for the investigation of petitions (interpretation of Rule 202(5) of the Rules of Procedure)
P7_TA(2013)0550
European Parliament decision of 10 December 2013 concerning reports on fact-finding visits for the investigation of petitions (interpretation of Rule 202(5) of the Rules of Procedure) (2013/2258(REG))
The European Parliament,
– having regard to the letter of 26 November 2013 from the Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs,
– having regard to Rule 211 of its Rules of Procedure,
1. Decides to append the following interpretation to Rule 202(5):
"Fact-finding visits and the reports on those visits are aimed solely at providing the Committee with the requisite information to enable it to consider the petition further. Such reports are drafted under the exclusive responsibility of the participants in the visit, who shall seek to reach a consensus. Failing such a consensus, the report must set out the divergent findings of fact or assessments. The report is submitted to the Committee for its approval by a single vote, unless the Chair declares, where appropriate, that amendments may be tabled to parts of the report. Rule 52 does not apply to these reports, either directly or mutatis mutandis. In the absence of approval by the Committee, reports shall not be forwarded to the President.";
2. Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council and the Commission, for information.