European Parliament legislative resolution of 13 December 2016 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, of the other part, on a Framework Agreement between the European Union and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria on the general principles for the participation of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria in Union programmes (16152/2014 – C8-0152/2015 – 2014/0195(NLE))

P8_TA(2016)0482 A8-0367/2016

(Consent)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the draft Council decision (16152/2014),

–  having regard to the draft Protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, of the other part, on a Framework Agreement between the European Union and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria on the general principles for the participation of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria in Union programmes (16150/2014),

–  having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 212 and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a), and Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8‑0152/2015),

–  having regard to Rule 99(1), first and third subparagraphs, Rule 99(2), and Rule 108(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A8-0367/2016),

1.  Gives its consent to conclusion of the Protocol;

2.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria.

European Parliament legislative resolution of 13 December 2016 on the Council position at first reading in view of the adoption of a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing specific conditions for fishing for deep-sea stocks in the North-East Atlantic and provisions for fishing in international waters of the North-East Atlantic and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 2347/2002 (11625/1/2016 – C8-0427/2016 – 2012/0179(COD))

P8_TA(2016)0483 A8-0369/2016

(Ordinary legislative procedure: second reading)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Council position at first reading (11625/1/2016 – C8-0427/2016),

–  having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 13 February 2013(1),

–  having regard to the opinion of the Commission (COM(2016)0667),

–  having regard to its position at first reading(2) on the Commission’s proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2012)0371),

–  having regard to Article 294(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

–  having regard to Rule 76 of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the recommendation for second reading of the Committee on Fisheries (A8-0369/2016),

1.  Approves the Council position at first reading;

2.  Notes that the act is adopted in accordance with the Council position;

3.  Instructs its President to sign the act with the President of the Council, in accordance with Article 297(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union;

4.  Instructs its Secretary-General to sign the act, once it has been verified that all the procedures have been duly completed, and, in agreement with the Secretary-General of the Council, to arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union;

5.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

(1) OJ C 133, 9.5.2013, p. 41. (2) Texts adopted of 10.12.2013, P7_TA(2013)0539.

European Parliament decision of 13 December 2016 on the general revision of Parliament's Rules of Procedure (2016/2114(REG))(1)

P8_TA(2016)0484 A8-0344/2016

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to Rules 226 and 227 of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on Budgetary Control, the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and the Committee on Legal Affairs (A8-0344/2016),

1.  Decides to amend its Rules of Procedure as shown below;

2.  Underlines that those amendments to the Rules have taken due account of the provisions of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making1;

3.  Requests the Secretary General to take the necessary measures to immediately adapt Parliament’s IT systems to the amended Rules of Procedure and create appropriate electronic tools, inter-alia to follow-up written questions to the other institutions of the Union;

4.  Decides to delete Rule 106(4) from the Rules of Procedure as soon as the regulatory procedure with scrutiny has been removed from any existing legislation and requests that, in the meantime, the services concerned add to that Rule a footnote referring to that future deletion;

5.  Invites the Conference of Presidents to review the Code of Conduct for negotiating in the context of the ordinary legislative procedure in order to bring it in line with Rules 73 to 73d adopted as a result of this Decision;

6.  Draws attention to the need to re-organise the Annexes to the Rules of Procedure so that they contain only texts that have the same legal value and are subject to the same procedural majority as the Rules themselves and Annex VI which, although it requires a different procedure and a different majority for its adoption, consists of implementing measures of the Rules; requests that the other existing annexes and any additional texts which could be relevant for the work of the Members, be re-grouped into a compendium which will accompany the Rules;

7.  Points out that the amendments to these Rules shall enter into force on the first day of the part-session following that of their adoption, with the exception of:

Further points out that the current modalities for the election of the members of committees of inquiry and special committees shall remain in force until the opening of the first part-session following the next elections to the European Parliament due to be held in 2019, notwithstanding the amendments to Rule 196, Rule 197(1) and 198(3).

8.  Calls for consideration to be given to a further revision of the Rules regarding the internal budgetary procedures;

9.  Decides that Members shall adapt their declaration of financial interests to reflect the changes to Article 4 of Annex I to the Rules at the latest six months after the date of entry into force of those changes; requests its Bureau and its Secretary-General to take within three months from the date of that entry into force the appropriate measures to allow that adaptation by Members; decides that declarations submitted on the basis of the provisions of the Rules of Procedure in force on the date that this decision is adopted will remain valid until six months after the date of that entry into force; decides, furthermore, that the latter provisions will also apply to any Member who takes office during that period;

10.  Criticises the presentation of statistical data on explanations of vote, speeches in plenary, parliamentary questions, amendments and motions for resolutions on the Parliament website, which appear to be designed to prove, on platforms such as MEPRanking, which Members of the European Parliament are supposedly "active"; calls on its Bureau to stop providing the raw numbers in a statistical form and to take into account more suitable criteria for identifying a Member as "active";

11.  Asks the Committee on Constitutional Affairs to review Rule 168a concerning the new definitions of thresholds, as well as to review one year after the entry into force of that Rule the application of such thresholds to specific Rules;

12.  Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council and the Commission, for information.

Present text   Amendment Amendment 1 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 2 Rule 2 Rule 2 The independent mandate The independent mandate Members of the European Parliament shall exercise their mandate independently. They shall not be bound by any instructions and shall not receive a binding mandate. In accordance with Article 6(1) of the Act of 20 September 1976 and with Article 2(1) and Article 3(1) of the Statute for Members of the European Parliament, Members shall exercise their mandate freely and independently, shall not be bound by any instructions and shall not receive a binding mandate. Amendment 2 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 3 Rule 3 Rule 3 Verification of credentials Verification of credentials 1.  Following elections to the European Parliament, the President shall invite the competent authorities of the Member States to notify Parliament without delay of the names of the elected Members so that all Members may take their seats in Parliament with effect from the opening of the first sitting following the elections. 1.  Following elections to the European Parliament, the President shall invite the competent authorities of the Member States to notify Parliament without delay of the names of the elected Members so that all Members may take their seats in Parliament with effect from the opening of the first sitting following the elections. At the same time, the President shall draw the attention of those authorities to the relevant provisions of the Act of 20 September 1976 and invite them to take the necessary measures to avoid any incompatibility with the office of Member of the European Parliament. At the same time, the President shall draw the attention of those authorities to the relevant provisions of the Act of 20 September 1976 and invite them to take the necessary measures to avoid any incompatibility with the office of Member of the European Parliament. 2.  Members whose election has been notified to Parliament shall declare in writing, before taking their seat in Parliament, that they do not hold any office incompatible with that of Member of the European Parliament within the meaning of Article 7(1) or (2) of the Act of 20 September 1976. Following general elections, the declaration shall be made, where possible, no later than six days prior to Parliament's constitutive sitting. Until such time as Members' credentials have been verified or a ruling has been given on any dispute, and provided that they have previously signed the above-mentioned written declaration, they shall take their seat in Parliament and on its bodies and shall enjoy all the rights attaching thereto. 2.  Members whose election has been notified to Parliament shall declare in writing, before taking their seat in Parliament, that they do not hold any office incompatible with that of Member of the European Parliament within the meaning of Article 7(1) or (2) of the Act of 20 September 1976. Following general elections, the declaration shall be made, where possible, no later than six days prior to Parliament's constitutive sitting. Until such time as Members' credentials have been verified or a ruling has been given on any dispute, and provided that they have previously signed the above-mentioned written declaration, they shall take their seat in Parliament and on its bodies and shall enjoy all the rights attaching thereto. Where it is established from facts verifiable from sources available to the public that a Member holds an office incompatible with that of Member of the European Parliament, within the meaning of Article 7(1) and (2) of the Act of 20 September 1976, Parliament, on the basis of the information provided by its President, shall establish that there is a vacancy. Where it is established from facts verifiable from sources available to the public that a Member holds an office incompatible with that of Member of the European Parliament, within the meaning of Article 7(1) and (2) of the Act of 20 September 1976, Parliament, on the basis of the information provided by its President, shall establish that there is a vacancy. 3.  On the basis of a report by the committee responsible for the verification of credentials, Parliament shall verify credentials without delay and rule on the validity of the mandate of each of its newly elected Members and also on any dispute referred to it pursuant to the provisions of the Act of 20 September 1976, except those based on national electoral laws. 3.  On the basis of a report by the committee responsible, Parliament shall verify credentials without delay and rule on the validity of the mandate of each of its newly elected Members and also on any disputes referred to it pursuant to the provisions of the Act of 20 September 1976, other than those which, under that Act, fall exclusively under the national provisions to which that Act refers. The committee's report shall be based on the official notification by each Member State of the full results of the election, specifying the names of the candidates elected and those of any substitutes, together with their ranking in accordance with the results of the vote. The validity of the mandate of a Member may not be confirmed unless the written declarations required under this Rule and Annex I to these Rules of Procedure have been made. 4.  The committee's report shall be based on the official notification by each Member State of the full results of the election specifying the names of the candidates elected and those of any substitutes together with their ranking in accordance with the results of the vote. The validity of the mandate of a Member may not be confirmed unless the written declarations required under this Rule and Annex I to these Rules have been made. On the basis of a report by the committee, Parliament may at any time rule on any dispute as to the validity of the mandate of any of its Members. 4.  On the basis of a proposal by the committee responsible, Parliament shall, without delay, verify the credentials of individual Members who are replacing outgoing Members and may at any time rule on any dispute as to the validity of the mandate of any of its Members. 5.  Where the appointment of a Member is due to the withdrawal of candidates from the same list, the committee shall ensure that the withdrawals in question have taken place in accordance with the spirit and the letter of the Act of 20 September 1976 and Rule 4(3). 5.  Where the appointment of a Member is due to the withdrawal of candidates from the same list, the committee shall ensure that the withdrawals in question have taken place in accordance with the spirit and the letter of the Act of 20 September 1976 and Rule 4(3). 6.  The committee shall ensure that any information which may affect the performance of the duties of a Member of the European Parliament or the ranking of the substitutes is forwarded to Parliament without delay by the authorities of the Member States or of the Union, with an indication of the date of effect in the case of an appointment. 6.  The committee shall ensure that any information which may affect the eligibility of the Member of the European Parliament or the eligibility or the ranking of the substitutes is forwarded to Parliament without delay by the authorities of the Member States or of the Union, with an indication of the date of effect in the case of an appointment. Should the competent authorities of the Member States initiate a procedure which might lead to the disqualification of a Member from holding office, the President shall ask them to keep him regularly informed of the stage reached in the procedure and shall refer the matter to the committee responsible. On a proposal from that committee, Parliament may adopt a position on the matter. Should the competent authorities of the Member States initiate a procedure which might lead to the disqualification of a Member from holding office, the President shall ask them to keep him regularly informed of the stage reached in the procedure and shall refer the matter to the committee responsible. On a proposal from that committee, Parliament may adopt a position on the matter. Amendment 3 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 4 Rule 4 Rule 4 Term of office of Members Term of office of Members 1.  A Member's term of office shall begin and end as laid down in the Act of 20 September 1976. It shall also end on death or resignation. 1.  A Member's term of office begins and ends as laid down in Articles 5 and 13 of the Act of 20 September 1976. 2.  Every Member shall remain in office until the opening of the first sitting of Parliament following the elections. 3.  Members who resign shall notify the President of their resignation and of the date on which that resignation is to take effect, which may not be more than three months after notification. This notification shall take the form of an official record drawn up in the presence of the Secretary-General or his representative, signed by the latter and by the Member concerned and immediately submitted to the committee responsible, which shall enter it on the agenda of its first meeting following receipt of the document. 3.  Members who resign shall notify the President of their resignation and of the date on which that resignation is to take effect, which may not be more than three months after notification. This notification shall take the form of an official record drawn up in the presence of the Secretary-General or his representative, signed by the latter and by the Member concerned and immediately submitted to the committee responsible, which shall enter it on the agenda of its first meeting following receipt of the document. If the committee responsible considers that the resignation is not in accordance with the spirit or the letter of the Act of 20 September 1976 it shall inform Parliament to this effect so that Parliament can decide whether or not to establish the vacancy. If the committee responsible considers that the resignation is in accordance with the Act of 20 September 1976, a vacancy shall be declared with effect from the date indicated by the resigning Member in the official record, and the President shall inform Parliament thereof. Otherwise, the vacancy shall be established with effect from the date indicated by the resigning Member in the official record. There shall be no vote in Parliament on the subject. If the committee responsible considers that the resignation is not in compliance with the Act of 20 September 1976, it shall propose to Parliament that it not declare a vacancy. A simplified procedure has been introduced for certain exceptional circumstances, in particular where one or more part-sessions are held between the effective date of the resignation and the first meeting of the committee responsible and where, as the vacancy has not been established, the political group to which the resigning Member belongs is not able to obtain a replacement Member during those part-sessions. Under this procedure, the rapporteur of the committee responsible entrusted with these cases has the power to examine immediately any resignation duly notified and, where any delay in considering the notification would be prejudicial, to refer the matter to the committee chair, requesting, pursuant to paragraph 3: –  either that the President be informed on behalf of the committee that the vacancy may be established; or –  that an extraordinary meeting of the committee be convened to examine any specific difficulties noted by the rapporteur. 3a.  Where no meeting of the committee responsible is scheduled before the next part-session, the rapporteur of the committee responsible shall immediately examine any resignation that has been duly notified. Where delay in considering the notification would be prejudicial, the rapporteur shall refer the matter to the committee chair, requesting, pursuant to paragraph 3, that: –  the President be informed on behalf of the committee that a vacancy may be declared; or –  an extraordinary meeting of the committee be convened to examine specific difficulties noted by the rapporteur; 4.   Where the competent authority of a Member State notifies the President of the end of the term of office of a Member of the European Parliament pursuant to the provisions of the law of that Member State, as a result either of incompatibilities within the meaning of Article 7(3) of the Act of 20 September 1976 or withdrawal of the mandate pursuant to Article 13(3) of that Act, the President shall inform Parliament that the mandate ended on the date communicated by the Member State and shall invite the Member State to fill the vacant seat without delay. 4.   Where either the competent authorities of the Member States or of the Union or the Member concerned notifies the President of an appointment or election to an office that is incompatible with the office of Member of the European Parliament within the meaning of Article 7(1) or (2) of the Act of 20 September 1976, the President shall inform Parliament thereof, and Parliament shall declare that a vacancy exists from the date of the incompatibility. Where the competent authorities of the Member States or of the Union or the Member concerned notify the President of an appointment or election to an office incompatible with the office of Member of the European Parliament within the meaning of Article 7(1) or (2) of the Act of 20 September 1976, the President shall inform Parliament, which shall establish that there is a vacancy. Where the competent authorities of the Member States notify the President of the end of the term of office of a Member of the European Parliament as a result either of an additional incompatibility established by the law of that Member State in accordance with Article 7(3) of the Act of 20 September 1976 or of the withdrawal of the Member’s mandate pursuant to Article 13(3) of that Act, the President shall inform Parliament that the term of office of that Member ended on the date communicated by the Member State. Where no such date is communicated, the date of the end of the term of office shall be the date of the notification by that Member State. 5.  The authorities of the Member States or of the Union shall inform the President of any assignment they intend to confer on a Member. The President shall refer to the committee responsible the question of the compatibility of the proposed assignment with the letter and the spirit of the Act of 20 September 1976 and shall inform Parliament, the Member and the authorities concerned of the conclusions reached by that committee. 5.  Where the authorities of the Member States or of the Union inform the President of an assignment they intend to confer on a Member, the President shall refer to the committee responsible the question of the compatibility of the proposed assignment with the Act of 20 September 1976 and shall inform Parliament, the Member and the authorities concerned of the conclusions reached by that committee. 6.  The following shall be considered as the date of the end of the term of office and the effective date of a vacancy: –  in the case of resignation: the date on which the vacancy is established by Parliament, in accordance with the notification of resignation; –  in the case of appointment or election to an office incompatible with the office of Member of the European Parliament within the meaning of Article 7(1) or (2) of the Act of 20 September 1976: the date notified by the competent authorities of the Member States or of the Union or by the Member concerned. 7.  When Parliament has established that a vacancy exists, it shall inform the Member State concerned and invite it to fill the seat without delay. 7.  When Parliament has established a vacancy, the President shall inform the Member State concerned thereof, and invite it to fill the seat without delay. 8.  Any dispute concerning the validity of the appointment of a Member whose credentials have already been verified shall be referred to the committee responsible, which shall report to Parliament without delay and no later than the beginning of the next part-session. 9.  Parliament shall reserve the right, where acceptance or termination of office appears to be based on material inaccuracy or vitiated consent, to declare the appointment under consideration to be invalid or refuse to establish the vacancy 9.  Where acceptance or termination of office appears to be based on material inaccuracy or vitiated consent, Parliament may declare the appointment under consideration to be invalid or may refuse to establish the vacancy. Amendment 4 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 5 Rule 5 Rule 5 Privileges and immunities Privileges and immunities 1.  Members shall enjoy privileges and immunities in accordance with the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union. 1.  Members enjoy the privileges and immunities laid down in the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union. 2.  Parliamentary immunity is not a Member’s personal privilege but a guarantee of the independence of Parliament as a whole and of its Members. 2.  In exercising its powers on privileges and immunities, Parliament shall act to uphold its integrity as a democratic legislative assembly and to ensure the independence of its Members in the performance of their duties. Parliamentary immunity is not a Member's personal privilege but a guarantee of the independence of Parliament as a whole and of its Members. 3.  Passes allowing Members to circulate freely in the Member States shall be issued to them by the President of Parliament as soon as he has been notified of their election. 3.  A laissez-passer of the European Union allowing a Member to circulate freely in the Member States and in other countries which recognise it as a valid travel document shall be issued by the European Union to a Member on request and subject to authorisation by the President of the Parliament. 3a.   For the purpose of performing their duties, all Members shall have the right to participate actively in the work of Parliament’s committees and delegations in accordance with the provisions of these Rules of Procedure. 4.  Members shall be entitled to inspect any files held by Parliament or a committee, other than personal files and accounts which only the Members concerned shall be allowed to inspect. Exceptions to this rule for the handling of documents to which public access may be refused pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents are laid down in Annex VII to these Rules of Procedure. 4.  Members shall be entitled to inspect any files held by Parliament or a committee, other than personal files and accounts which only the Members concerned shall be allowed to inspect. Exceptions to this rule for the handling of documents to which public access may be refused pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents are laid down in Rule 210a. With the approval of the Bureau, a Member may, on the basis of a reasoned decision, be denied the right to inspect a Parliament document if, after hearing the Member concerned, the Bureau comes to the conclusion that such inspection would cause unacceptable damage to Parliament’s institutional interests or to the public interest, and that the Member concerned is seeking to inspect the document for private and personal reasons. The Member may lodge a written appeal against such a decision within one month of notification thereof. In order to be admissible, written appeals must include reasons. Parliament shall reach a decision on the appeal without debate during the part-session that follows its being lodged. Amendment 5 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 6 Rule 6 Rule 6 Waiver of immunity Waiver of immunity 1.  In the exercise of its powers in respect of privileges and immunities, Parliament acts to uphold its integrity as a democratic legislative assembly and to secure the independence of its Members in the performance of their duties. Any request for waiver of immunity shall be evaluated in accordance with Articles 7, 8 and 9 of the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union and with the principles referred to in this Rule. 1.  Any request for waiver of immunity shall be evaluated in accordance with Articles 7, 8 and 9 of the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union and with the principles referred to in Rule 5(2). 2.  Where Members are required to appear as witnesses or expert witnesses, there is no need to request a waiver of immunity, provided: 2.  Where Members are required to appear as witnesses or expert witnesses, there is no need to request a waiver of immunity, provided: –  that they will not be obliged to appear on a date or at a time which prevents them from performing their parliamentary duties, or makes it difficult for them to perform those duties, or that they will be able to provide a statement in writing or in any other form which does not make it difficult for them to perform their parliamentary duties; and –  that they will not be obliged to appear on a date or at a time which prevents them from performing their parliamentary duties, or makes it difficult for them to perform those duties, or that they will be able to provide a statement in writing or in any other form which does not make it difficult for them to perform their parliamentary duties; and –  that they are not obliged to testify concerning information obtained confidentially in the exercise of their mandate which they do not see fit to disclose. –  that they are not obliged to testify concerning information obtained confidentially in the exercise of their mandate which they do not see fit to disclose. Amendment 6 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 7 Rule 7 Rule 7 Defence of privileges and immunity Defence of privileges and immunity 1.  In cases where the privileges and immunities of a Member or former Member are alleged to have been breached by the authorities of a Member State, a request for a Parliament decision as to whether there has, in fact, been a breach of those privileges and immunities may be made in accordance with Rule 9(1). 1.  In cases where it is alleged that an infringement of the privileges and immunities of a Member or former Member by the authorities of a Member State has occurred or is about to occur, a request for a Parliament decision as to whether those privileges and immunities have been or are likely to be breached may be made in accordance with Rule 9(1). 2.  In particular, such a request for the defence of privileges and immunities may be made if it is considered that the circumstances constitute an administrative or other restriction on the free movement of Members travelling to or from the place of meeting of Parliament or on an opinion expressed or a vote cast in the performance of their duties, or that they fall within the scope of Article 9 of the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union. 2.  In particular, such a request for the defence of privileges and immunities may be made if it is considered that the circumstances would constitute an administrative or other restriction on the free movement of Members travelling to or from the place of meeting of Parliament or on an opinion expressed or a vote cast in the performance of their duties, or that they would fall within the scope of Article 9 of the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union. 3.  A request for the defence of the privileges and immunities of a Member shall not be admissible if a request for the waiver or defence of that Member’s immunity has already been received in respect of the same legal proceedings, whether or not a decision was taken at that time. 3.  A request for the defence of the privileges and immunities of a Member shall not be admissible if a request for the waiver or defence of that Member's immunity has already been received in respect of the same facts, whether or not a decision was taken at that time. 4.  No further consideration shall be given to a request for the defence of the privileges and immunities of a Member if a request for the waiver of that Member’s immunity is received in respect of the same legal proceedings. 4.  No further consideration shall be given to a request for the defence of the privileges and immunities of a Member if a request for the waiver of that Member's immunity is received in respect of the same facts. 5.  In cases where a decision has been taken not to defend the privileges and immunities of a Member, the Member may make a request for reconsideration of the decision, submitting new evidence. The request for reconsideration shall be inadmissible if proceedings have been instituted against the decision under Article 263 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, or if the President considers that the new evidence submitted is not sufficiently substantiated to warrant reconsideration. 5.  In cases where a decision has been taken not to defend the privileges and immunities of a Member, the Member may exceptionally make a request for reconsideration of the decision, by submitting new evidence in accordance with Rule 9(1). The request for reconsideration shall be inadmissible if proceedings have been instituted against the decision under Article 263 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, or if the President considers that the new evidence submitted is not sufficiently substantiated to warrant reconsideration. Amendment 7 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 9 Rule 9 Rule 9 Procedures on immunity Procedures on immunity 1.  Any request addressed to the President by a competent authority of a Member State that the immunity of a Member be waived, or by a Member or a former Member that privileges and immunities be defended, shall be announced in Parliament and referred to the committee responsible. 1.  Any request addressed to the President by a competent authority of a Member State that the immunity of a Member be waived, or by a Member or a former Member that privileges and immunities be defended, shall be announced in Parliament and referred to the committee responsible. The Member or former Member may be represented by another Member. The request may not be made by another Member without the agreement of the Member concerned. 1a.  With the agreement of the Member or the former Member concerned, the request may be made by another Member, who shall be permitted to represent the Member or former Member concerned at all stages of the procedure. The Member who represents the Member or the former Member concerned shall not be involved in the decisions taken by the committee. 2.  The committee shall consider without delay, but having regard to their relative complexity, requests for the waiver of immunity or requests for the defence of privileges and immunities. 2.  The committee shall consider without delay, but having regard to their relative complexity, requests for the waiver of immunity or requests for the defence of privileges and immunities. 3.  The committee shall make a proposal for a reasoned decision which recommends the adoption or rejection of the request for the waiver of immunity or for the defence of privileges and immunities. 3.  The committee shall make a proposal for a reasoned decision which recommends the adoption or rejection of the request for the waiver of immunity or for the defence of privileges and immunities. Amendments shall be inadmissible. If a proposal is rejected, the contrary decision shall be deemed to have been adopted. 4.  The committee may ask the authority concerned to provide any information or explanation which the committee deems necessary in order for it to form an opinion on whether immunity should be waived or defended. 4.  The committee may ask the authority concerned to provide any information or explanation which the committee deems necessary in order for it to form an opinion on whether immunity should be waived or defended. 5.  The Member concerned shall be given an opportunity to be heard, may present any documents or other written evidence deemed by that Member to be relevant and may be represented by another Member. 5.  The Member concerned shall be given an opportunity to be heard and may present any documents or other written evidence deemed by that Member to be relevant. The Member shall not be present during debates on the request for waiver or defence of his or her immunity, except for the hearing itself. The Member shall not be present during debates on the request for waiver or defence of his or her immunity, except for the hearing itself. The chair of the committee shall invite the Member to be heard, indicating a date and time. The Member may renounce the right to be heard. The chair of the committee shall invite the Member to be heard, indicating a date and time. The Member may renounce the right to be heard. If the Member fails to attend the hearing pursuant to that invitation, he or she shall be deemed to have renounced the right to be heard, unless he or she has asked to be excused from being heard on the date and at the time proposed, giving reasons. The chair of the committee shall rule on whether such a request to be excused is to be accepted in view of the reasons given, and no appeals shall be permitted on this point. If the Member fails to attend the hearing pursuant to that invitation, he or she shall be deemed to have renounced the right to be heard, unless he or she has asked to be excused from being heard on the date and at the time proposed, giving reasons. The chair of the committee shall rule on whether such a request to be excused is to be accepted in view of the reasons given, and no appeals shall be permitted on this point. If the chair of the committee grants the request to be excused, he or she shall invite the Member to be heard at a new date and time. If the Member fails to comply with the second invitation to be heard, the procedure shall continue without the Member having been heard. No further requests to be excused, or to be heard, may then be accepted. If the chair of the committee grants the request to be excused, he or she shall invite the Member to be heard at a new date and time. If the Member fails to comply with the second invitation to be heard, the procedure shall continue without the Member having been heard. No further requests to be excused, or to be heard, may then be accepted. 6.  Where the request seeks the waiver of immunity on several counts, each of these may be the subject of a separate decision. The committee's report may, exceptionally, propose that the waiver of immunity should apply solely to prosecution proceedings and that, until a final sentence is passed, the Member should be immune from any form of detention or remand or any other measure which prevents that Member from performing the duties proper to the mandate. 6.  Where the request seeks the waiver or the defence of immunity on several counts, each of these may be the subject of a separate decision. The committee's report may, exceptionally, propose that the waiver or the defence of immunity should apply solely to prosecution proceedings and that, until a final sentence is passed, the Member should be immune from any form of detention or remand or any other measure which prevents that Member from performing the duties proper to the mandate. 7.  The committee may offer a reasoned opinion as to the competence of the authority in question and the admissibility of the request, but shall not, under any circumstances, pronounce on the guilt or otherwise of the Member nor on whether or not the opinions or acts attributed to him or her justify prosecution, even if, in considering the request, it acquires detailed knowledge of the facts of the case. 7.  The committee may offer a reasoned opinion as to the competence of the authority in question and the admissibility of the request, but shall not, under any circumstances, pronounce on the guilt or otherwise of the Member nor on whether or not the opinions or acts attributed to him or her justify prosecution, even if, in considering the request, it acquires detailed knowledge of the facts of the case. 8.  The committee's report shall be placed at the head of the agenda of the first sitting following the day on which it was tabled. No amendments may be tabled to the proposal(s) for a decision. 8.   The committee's proposal for a decision shall be placed on the agenda of the first sitting following the day on which it was tabled. No amendments may be tabled to such a proposal. Discussion shall be confined to the reasons for and against each proposal to waive or uphold immunity, or to defend a privilege or immunity. Discussion shall be confined to the reasons for and against each proposal to waive or uphold immunity, or to defend a privilege or immunity. Without prejudice to Rule 164, the Member whose privileges or immunities are under consideration shall not speak in the debate. Without prejudice to Rule 164, the Member whose privileges or immunities are under consideration shall not speak in the debate. The proposal(s) for a decision contained in the report shall be put to the vote at the first voting time following the debate. The proposal(s) for a decision contained in the report shall be put to the vote at the first voting time following the debate. After Parliament has considered the matter, a separate vote shall be taken on each of the proposals contained in the report. If a proposal is rejected, the contrary decision shall be deemed adopted. After Parliament has considered the matter, a separate vote shall be taken on each of the proposals contained in the report. If a proposal is rejected, the contrary decision shall be deemed adopted. 9.  The President shall immediately communicate Parliament's decision to the Member concerned and to the competent authority of the Member State concerned, with a request that the President be informed of any developments in the relevant proceedings and of any judicial rulings made as a consequence. When the President receives this information, he shall transmit it to Parliament in the way he considers most appropriate, if necessary after consulting the committee responsible. 9.  The President shall immediately communicate Parliament's decision to the Member concerned and to the competent authority of the Member State concerned, with a request that the President be informed of any developments in the relevant proceedings and of any judicial rulings made as a consequence. When the President receives this information, he shall transmit it to Parliament in the way he considers most appropriate, if necessary after consulting the committee responsible. 10.  The committee shall treat these matters and handle any documents received with the utmost confidentiality. 10.  The committee shall treat these matters and handle any documents received with the utmost confidentiality. The committee shall always consider requests relating to procedures on immunity in camera. 11.  The committee, after consulting the Member States, may draw up an indicative list of the authorities of the Member States which are competent to present a request for the waiver of a Member's immunity. 11.  Parliament shall only examine requests for the waiver of a Member's immunity that have been transmitted to it by the judicial authorities or by the Permanent Representations of the Member States. 12.  The committee shall lay down principles for the application of this Rule. 12.  The committee shall lay down principles for the application of this Rule. 13.  Any inquiry as to the scope of Members' privileges or immunities made by a competent authority shall be dealt with in accordance with the above rules. 13.  Any inquiry as to the scope of Members' privileges or immunities made by a competent authority shall be dealt with in accordance with the above rules. Amendment 8 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 10 Rule 10 deleted Implementation of the Statute for Members Parliament shall adopt the Statute for Members of the European Parliament and any modification thereof on the basis of a proposal by the committee responsible. Rule 150(1) shall apply mutatis mutandis. The Bureau shall be responsible for the application of these rules and shall decide on the financial envelopes on the basis of the annual budget. Amendments 9 and 314 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 11 Rule 11 Rule 11 Members' financial interests, standards of conduct, mandatory transparency register and access to Parliament Members' financial interests and standards of conduct 1.  Parliament shall lay down rules governing the transparency of its Members’ financial interests in the form of a Code of Conduct which shall be adopted by a majority of its component Members, in accordance with Article 232 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and attached to these Rules of Procedure as an annex1 . 1.  Parliament shall lay down rules governing the transparency of its Members' financial interests in the form of a Code of Conduct which shall be adopted by a majority of its component Members and attached to these Rules of Procedure as an annex1 . Those rules shall not in any way prejudice or restrict Members in the exercise of their office or of any related political or other activity. Those rules shall not otherwise prejudice or restrict Members in the exercise of their office or of any related political or other activity. 1a.  Members should adopt the systematic practice of only meeting interest representatives that have registered in the Transparency Register1a. 2.  Members’ conduct shall be characterised by mutual respect, be based on the values and principles laid down in the basic texts on which the European Union is founded, respect the dignity of Parliament and not compromise the smooth conduct of parliamentary business or disturb the peace and quiet of any of Parliament's premises. Members shall comply with Parliament's rules on the treatment of confidential information. 2.  Members’ conduct shall be characterised by mutual respect, be based on the values and principles laid down in the Treaties, and particularly in the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and respect the dignity of Parliament. Furthermore, it shall not compromise the smooth conduct of parliamentary business, the maintenance of security and order on Parliament's premises or the functioning of Parliament's equipment. Members shall not resort to defamatory, racist or xenophobic language or behaviour in parliamentary debates, nor in that context shall they unfurl banners. Members shall comply with Parliament's rules on the treatment of confidential information. Failure to comply with those standards and rules may lead to application of measures in accordance with Rules 165, 166 and 167. Failure to comply with those standards and rules may lead to application of measures in accordance with Rules 165, 166 and 167. 3.  The application of this Rule shall in no way detract from the liveliness of parliamentary debates nor undermine Members’ freedom of speech. 3.  The application of this Rule shall not otherwise detract from the liveliness of parliamentary debates nor undermine Members' freedom of speech. It shall be based on full respect for Members’ prerogatives, as laid down in primary law and the Statute for Members. It shall be based on full respect for Members’ prerogatives, as laid down in primary law and the Statute for Members. It shall be based on the principle of transparency and be so undertaken that the relevant provisions are made clear to Members, who shall be informed individually of their rights and obligations. It shall be based on the principle of transparency and be so undertaken that the relevant provisions are made clear to Members, who shall be informed individually of their rights and obligations. 3a.  Where a person employed by a Member, or another person for whom the Member has arranged access to Parliament's premises or equipment, fails to comply with the standards of conduct set out in paragraph 2, the penalties defined in Rule 166 may, where appropriate, be imposed upon the Member concerned. 4.  At the beginning of each parliamentary term the Quaestors shall determine the maximum number of assistants who may be registered by each Member (accredited assistants). 4.  The Quaestors shall determine the maximum number of assistants who may be registered by each Member. 5.  Long-term access badges shall be issued to persons from outside the Union institutions under the responsibility of the Quaestors. Such badges shall be valid for a maximum period of one year, which may be renewed. The rules governing the use of such badges shall be laid down by the Bureau. Such badges may be issued to: –  persons whose names appear in the transparency register2 or who represent or work for organisations whose names appear therein, although registration shall not confer an automatic right to such a badge; –  persons who wish to enter Parliament’s premises frequently, but who do not fall within the scope of the agreement on the establishment of a transparency register3 ; –  Members’ local assistants and persons assisting Members of the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. 6.  Persons who sign the transparency register must, in the context of their relations with Parliament, respect: –  the code of conduct annexed to the agreement4 ; –  the procedures and other obligations laid down by the agreement; and –  the provisions of this Rule and its implementing provisions. 7.  The Quaestors shall determine to what extent the code of conduct is applicable to persons who, whilst in possession of a long-term access badge, do not fall within the scope of the agreement. 8.  Badges shall be withdrawn by reasoned decision of the Quaestors in the following cases: –  the holder has been struck off the transparency register, unless there are significant arguments against withdrawal; –  the holder has been guilty of a serious breach of the obligations laid down in paragraph 6. 9.  The Bureau, acting on a proposal from the Secretary-General, shall lay down the measures needed to implement the transparency register, in accordance with the provisions of the agreement on the establishment of that register. The provisions implementing paragraphs 5 to 8 shall be laid down in an annex5 . 10.  The code of conduct and the rights and privileges of former Members shall be laid down by a decision of the Bureau. No distinction shall be made in the treatment of former Members. 10.  The code of conduct and the rights and privileges of former Members shall be laid down by a decision of the Bureau. No distinction shall be made in the treatment of former Members. __________________ __________________ 1 See Annex I. 1 See Annex I. 1a Register established by means of the Agreement between the European Parliament and the European Commission on the transparency register for organisations and self-employed individuals engaged in EU policy-making and policy implementation (OJ L 277, 19.9.2014, p. 11). 2 Register established by means of the agreement between the European Parliament and the European Commission on the establishment of a Transparency Register for organisations and self-employed persons engaged in EU policy-making and policy implementation (see Annex IX, Part B). 3 See Annex IX, Part B. 4 See Annex 3 to the agreement set out in Annex IX, Part B. 5 See Annex IX, Part A. Amendment 10 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 12 Rule 12 Rule 12 Internal investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) Internal investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) The common rules laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 25 May 1999 concerning internal investigations by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) comprising the measures needed to facilitate the smooth running of investigations conducted by the Office shall be applicable within Parliament, pursuant to the Parliament Decision annexed to these Rules of Procedure6. The common rules laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 25 May 1999 concerning internal investigations by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) comprising the measures needed to facilitate the smooth running of investigations conducted by the Office shall be applicable within Parliament, pursuant to Parliament Decision of 18 November 1999 concerning the terms and conditions for internal investigations in relation to the prevention of fraud, corruption and any illegal activity detrimental to the Communities’ interests. __________________ 6 See Annex XI. Amendment 11 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 13 Rule 13 Rule 13 Observers Observers 1.  Where a Treaty on the accession of a State to the European Union has been signed, the President, after obtaining the agreement of the Conference of Presidents, may invite the parliament of the acceding State to appoint from among its own members a number of observers equal to the number of future seats in the European Parliament allocated to that State. 1.  Where a Treaty on the accession of a State to the European Union has been signed, the President, after obtaining the agreement of the Conference of Presidents, may invite the parliament of the acceding State to appoint from among its own members a number of observers equal to the number of future seats in the European Parliament allocated to that State. 2.  Those observers shall take part in the proceedings of Parliament pending the entry into force of the Treaty of Accession, and shall have a right to speak in committees and political groups. They shall not have the right to vote or to stand for election to positions in Parliament. Their participation shall not have any legal effect on Parliament's proceedings. 2.  Those observers shall take part in the proceedings of Parliament pending the entry into force of the Treaty of Accession, and shall have a right to speak in committees and political groups. They shall not have the right to vote or to stand for election to positions in Parliament, nor shall they represent the Parliament externally. Their participation shall not have any legal effect on Parliament's proceedings. 3.  Their treatment shall be assimilated to that of a Member of Parliament as regards the use of Parliament's facilities and the reimbursement of expenses incurred in their activities as observers. 3.  Their treatment shall be assimilated to that of a Member of Parliament as regards the use of Parliament's facilities and the reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenses incurred in their activities as observers. Amendment 12 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 14 Rule 14 Rule 14 Provisional Chair Provisional Chair 1.  At the sitting provided for under Rule 146(2), and at any other sitting held for the purpose of electing the President and the Bureau, the outgoing President or, failing him or her, one of the outgoing Vice-Presidents in order of precedence or, in the absence of any of them, the Member having held office for the longest period shall take the chair until the President has been elected. 1.  At the sitting provided for under Rule 146(2), and at any other sitting held for the purpose of electing the President and the Bureau, the outgoing President or, failing him or her, one of the outgoing Vice-Presidents in order of precedence or, in the absence of any of them, the Member having held office for the longest period shall take the chair until the President has been elected. 2.  No business shall be transacted while a Member is provisionally in the chair by virtue of paragraph 1 unless it is concerned with the election of the President or the verification of credentials. 2.  No business shall be transacted while a Member is provisionally in the chair by virtue of paragraph 1 unless it concerns the election of the President or the verification of credentials in accordance with the second subparagraph of Rule 3(2). Any other matter relating to the verification of credentials raised when he or she is in the chair shall be referred to the committee responsible. The Member who is provisionally in the chair by virtue of paragraph 1 exercises the powers of the President referred to in the second subparagraph of Rule 3(2). Any other matter relating to the verification of credentials that is raised when he or she is in the chair is referred to the committee responsible for the verification of credentials. Amendments 13 and 383 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 15 Rule 15 Rule 15 Nominations and general provisions Nominations and general provisions 1.  The President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors shall be elected by secret ballot, in accordance with Rule 182. Nominations shall be with consent. They may only be made by a political group or by at least 40 Members. However, if the number of nominations does not exceed the number of seats to be filled, the candidates may be elected by acclamation. 1.  The President, shall be elected by secret ballot, followed by the Vice-Presidents and the Quaestors, in accordance with Rule 182. Nominations shall be with consent of the nominee, and may only be made by a political group or by at least 40 Members. New nominations may be handed in before each ballot. If the number of nominations does not exceed the number of seats to be filled, the candidates shall be elected by acclamation, unless at least one-fifth of Parliament's component Members request a secret ballot. In the event of a single ballot for more than one office holder, the ballot paper shall only be valid if more than half of the available votes have been cast. If a Vice-President is to be replaced and there is only one candidate, he or she may be elected by acclamation. The President is empowered to decide, at his discretion, whether the election is to take place by acclamation or by a secret ballot. The candidate elected takes the place of his or her predecessor in the order of precedence. 2.  In the election of the President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors, account should be taken of the need to ensure an overall fair representation of Member States and political views. 2.  When electing the President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors, account should be taken of the need to ensure an overall fair representation of political views, as well as gender and geographical balance. Amendment 14 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 16 Rule 16 Rule 16 Election of President - opening address Election of President - opening address 1.  The President shall be elected first. Nominations shall be handed before each ballot to the Member provisionally in the chair by virtue of Rule 14, who shall announce them to Parliament. If after three ballots no candidate has obtained an absolute majority of the votes cast, the fourth ballot shall be confined to the two Members who have obtained the highest number of votes in the third ballot. In the event of a tie the older candidate shall be declared elected. 1.  Nominations for President shall be handed to the Member provisionally in the chair by virtue of Rule 14, who shall announce them to Parliament. If after three ballots no candidate has obtained an absolute majority of the votes cast, the fourth ballot shall, by way of derogation from Rule 15(1), be confined to the two Members who have obtained the highest number of votes in the third ballot. In the event of a tie the older candidate shall be declared elected. 2.  As soon as the President has been elected, the Member who is provisionally in the chair by virtue of Rule 14 shall vacate the chair. Only the elected President may deliver an opening address. 2.  As soon as the President has been elected, the Member who is provisionally in the chair by virtue of Rule 14 shall vacate the chair. Only the elected President may deliver an opening address. Amendment 15 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 17 Rule 17 Rule 17 Election of Vice-Presidents Election of Vice-Presidents 1.  The Vice-Presidents shall then be elected on a single ballot paper. Those who on the first ballot, up to the number of 14, secure an absolute majority of the votes cast shall be declared elected in order of the number of votes obtained. If the number of candidates elected is less than the number of seats to be filled, a second ballot shall be held under the same conditions to fill the remaining seats. Should a third ballot be necessary, a relative majority shall suffice for election to the remaining seats. In the event of a tie the oldest candidates shall be declared elected. 1.  The Vice-Presidents shall then be elected on a single ballot. Those who on the first ballot, up to the number of 14, secure an absolute majority of the votes cast shall be declared elected in order of the number of votes obtained. If the number of candidates elected is less than the number of seats to be filled, a second ballot shall be held under the same conditions to fill the remaining seats. Should a third ballot be necessary, a relative majority shall suffice for election to the remaining seats. In the event of a tie the oldest candidates shall be declared elected. Although this Rule, unlike Rule 16(1), does not expressly provide for new nominations to be introduced between ballots during the election of Vice-Presidents, such action is permissible because Parliament, being a sovereign body, must be able to consider all possible candidates, especially since the absence of such an option might impede the smooth running of the election. 2.  Subject to the provisions of Rule 20(1), the Vice-Presidents shall take precedence in the order in which they were elected and, in the event of a tie, by age. 2.  Subject to the provisions of Rule 20(1), the Vice-Presidents shall take precedence in the order in which they were elected and, in the event of a tie, by age. Where they are elected by acclamation, a secret ballot shall be held to determine the order of precedence. Where they are elected by acclamation, a secret ballot shall be held to determine the order of precedence. Amendment 16 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 18 Rule 18 Rule 18 Election of Quaestors Election of Quaestors After the election of the Vice-Presidents, Parliament shall elect five Quaestors. Parliament shall elect five Quaestors by the same procedure as that used for the election of the Vice-Presidents. The Quaestors shall be elected by the same procedure as the Vice-Presidents. Amendment 17 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 19 Rule 19 Rule 19 Term of office of Officers Term of office of Officers 1.  The term of office of the President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors shall be two-and-a-half years. 1.  The term of office of the President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors shall be two-and-a-half years. When Members change political groups they shall retain, for the remainder of their two-and-a-half year term of office, any seat they hold in the Bureau or the College of Quaestors. When Members change political groups they shall retain, for the remainder of their two-and-a-half year term of office, any seat they hold in the Bureau or as Quaestors. 2.  Should a vacancy for one of these positions occur before the expiry of this term of office, the Member elected shall serve only for the remaining period of his or her predecessor's term of office. 2.  Should a vacancy for one of these positions occur before the expiry of this term of office, the Member elected shall serve only for the remaining period of his or her predecessor's term of office. Amendment 18 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 20 Rule 20 Rule 20 Vacancies Vacancies 1.  Should it be necessary for the President, a Vice-President or a Quaestor to be replaced, the successor shall be elected in accordance with the above rules. 1.  Should it be necessary for the President, a Vice-President or a Quaestor to be replaced, the successor shall be elected in accordance with the above rules. A newly elected Vice-President shall take the place of his or her predecessor in the order of precedence. A newly elected Vice-President shall take the place of his or her predecessor in the order of precedence. 2.  Should the President's seat become vacant, the first Vice-President shall act as President until a new President is elected. 2.  If the President's seat becomes vacant, a Vice-President, determined in accordance with the order of precedence, shall act as President until a new President is elected. Amendment 19 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 22 Rule 22 Rule 22 Duties of the President Duties of the President 1.  The President shall direct all the activities of Parliament and its bodies under the conditions laid down in these Rules and shall enjoy all the powers necessary to preside over the proceedings of Parliament and to ensure that they are properly conducted. 1.  The President shall direct all the activities of Parliament and its bodies in accordance with these Rules and shall enjoy all the powers necessary to preside over the proceedings of Parliament and to ensure that they are properly conducted. This provision can be interpreted as meaning that the powers conferred by it include the power to put an end to the excessive use of motions such as points of order, procedural motions, explanations of vote and requests for separate, split or roll-call votes where the President is convinced that these are manifestly intended to cause and will result in, a prolonged and serious obstruction of the procedures of the House or the rights of other Members. The powers conferred by this provision include the power to put texts to the vote in an order other than that set out in the document to be voted on. By analogy with Rule 174(7), the President may seek the agreement of Parliament before doing so. 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. 2.  The duties of the President shall be to open, suspend and close sittings; to rule on the admissibility of amendments and other texts put to the vote, as well as on the admissibility of parliamentary questions; to ensure observance of these Rules, to maintain order, to call upon speakers, to close debates, to put matters to the vote and announce the results of votes; and to refer to committees any communications that concern them. 3.  The President may speak in a debate only to sum up or to call speakers to order. Should he wish to take part in a debate, he shall vacate the chair and shall not reoccupy it until the debate is over. 3.  The President may speak in a debate only to sum up or to call speakers to order. Should he wish to take part in a debate, he shall vacate the chair and shall not reoccupy it until the debate is over. 4.  Parliament shall be represented in international relations, on ceremonial occasions and in administrative, legal and financial matters by the President, who may delegate these powers. 4.  Parliament shall be represented in international relations, on ceremonial occasions and in administrative, legal and financial matters by the President, who may delegate these powers. 4a.  The President is responsible for the security and the inviolability of the premises of the European Parliament. Amendment 20 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 23 Rule 23 Rule 23 Duties of the Vice-Presidents Duties of the Vice-Presidents 1.  If the President is absent or unable to discharge his duties, or if he wishes to take part in a debate pursuant to Rule 22(3), he shall be replaced by one of the Vice-Presidents in accordance with Rule 17(2). 1.  If the President is absent or unable to discharge his duties, or if he wishes to take part in a debate pursuant to Rule 22(3), he shall be replaced by one of the Vice-Presidents in accordance with Rule 17(2). 2.  The Vice-Presidents shall also carry out the duties conferred upon them under Rules 25, 27(3) and (5) and 71(3). 2.  The Vice-Presidents shall also carry out the duties conferred upon them under Rules 25, 27(3) and (5) and 71(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 Rule 130(2) and paragraph 3 of Annex II. 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 129 and 130(2). Amendment 21 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 25 Rule 25 Rule 25 Duties of the Bureau Duties of the Bureau 1.  The Bureau shall carry out the duties assigned to it under the Rules of Procedure. 1.  The Bureau shall carry out the duties assigned to it under the Rules of Procedure. 2.  The Bureau shall take financial, organisational and administrative decisions on matters concerning the internal organisation of Parliament, its Secretariat and its bodies. 2.  The Bureau shall take financial, organisational and administrative decisions on matters concerning the internal organisation of Parliament, its Secretariat and its bodies. 3.  The Bureau shall take financial, organisational and administrative decisions on matters concerning Members on a proposal of the Secretary-General or of a political group. 3.  The Bureau shall take financial, organisational and administrative decisions on matters concerning Members on a proposal of the Secretary-General or of a political group. 4.  The Bureau shall take decisions on matters relating to the conduct of sittings. 4.  The Bureau shall take decisions on matters relating to the conduct of sittings. The term 'conduct of sittings' includes the matter of the conduct of Members within all of Parliament's premises. 5.  The Bureau shall adopt the provisions referred to in Rule 35 concerning non-attached Members. 5.  The Bureau shall adopt the provisions referred to in Rule 35 concerning non-attached Members. 6.  The Bureau shall decide the establishment plan of the Secretariat and lay down regulations concerning the administrative and financial situation of officials and other servants. 6.  The Bureau shall decide the establishment plan of the Secretariat and lay down regulations concerning the administrative and financial situation of officials and other servants. 7.  The Bureau shall draw up Parliament's preliminary draft budget estimates. 7.  The Bureau shall draw up Parliament's preliminary draft budget estimates. 8.  The Bureau shall adopt the guidelines for the Quaestors in accordance with Rule 28. 8.  The Bureau shall adopt the guidelines for the Quaestors and may request that they carry out certain tasks. 9.  The Bureau shall be the authority responsible for authorising meetings of committees away from the usual places of work, hearings and study and fact-finding journeys by rapporteurs. 9.  The Bureau shall be the authority responsible for authorising meetings or missions of committees away from the usual places of work, hearings as well as study and fact-finding journeys by rapporteurs. Where such meetings are authorised, the language arrangements shall be determined on the basis of the official languages used and requested by the members and substitutes of the committee concerned. Where such meetings or missions are authorised, the language arrangements shall be determined on the basis of the Code of Conduct on multilingualism adopted by the Bureau. The same rule shall also apply to delegations. The same shall apply in the case of the delegations, except where the members and substitutes concerned agree otherwise. 10.  The Bureau shall appoint the Secretary-General in accordance with Rule 222. 10.  The Bureau shall appoint the Secretary-General in accordance with Rule 222. 11.  The Bureau shall lay down the implementing rules relating to Regulation (EC) No 2004/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the regulations governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding. In implementing that Regulation, it shall assume the tasks conferred upon it by these Rules of Procedure. 11.  The Bureau shall lay down the implementing rules relating to the regulations governing political parties and foundations at European level and the rules regarding their funding. 12.  The Bureau shall lay down rules concerning the treatment of confidential information by Parliament and its bodies, office-holders and other Members, taking into account any interinstitutional agreement concluded on such matters. Those rules shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and annexed to these Rules of Procedure7. 12.  The Bureau shall lay down rules concerning the treatment of confidential information by Parliament and its bodies, office-holders and other Members, taking into account any interinstitutional agreement concluded on such matters. Those rules shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. 13.  The President and/or the Bureau may entrust one or more members of the Bureau with general or specific tasks lying within the competence of the President and/or the Bureau. At the same time the ways and means of carrying them out shall be laid down. 13.  The President and/or the Bureau may entrust one or more members of the Bureau with general or specific tasks lying within the competence of the President and/or the Bureau. At the same time the ways and means of carrying them out shall be laid down. 14.  The Bureau shall nominate two Vice-Presidents who shall be entrusted with the implementation of relations with national parliaments. 14.  The Bureau shall nominate two Vice-Presidents who shall be entrusted with the implementation of relations with national parliaments. They shall report back regularly to the Conference of Presidents on their activities in this regard. 14a.  The Bureau shall nominate a Vice-President who shall be entrusted with the implementation of structured consultation with European civil society on major topics. 14b.  The Bureau shall be responsible for the application of the Statute for Members and shall decide on the amounts of the allowances on the basis of the annual budget. 15.  When a new Parliament is elected, the outgoing Bureau shall remain in office until the first sitting of the new Parliament. __________________ 7 See Annex VII, Part E. Amendment 22 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 26 Rule 26 Rule 26 Composition of the Conference of Presidents Composition of the Conference of Presidents 1.  The Conference of Presidents shall consist of the President of Parliament and the Chairs of the political groups. The Chair of a political group may arrange to be represented by a member of that group. 1.  The Conference of Presidents shall consist of the President of Parliament and the Chairs of the political groups. The Chair of a political group may arrange to be represented by a member of that group. 2.  The President of Parliament shall invite one of the non-attached Members to attend meetings of the Conference of Presidents, without having the right to vote. 2.  The President of Parliament shall, after giving the opportunity to non-attached Members to express their views, invite one of them to attend meetings of the Conference of Presidents, without the right to vote. 3.  The Conference of Presidents shall endeavour to reach a consensus on matters referred to it. 3.  The Conference of Presidents shall endeavour to reach a consensus on matters referred to it. Where a consensus cannot be reached, the matter shall be put to a vote subject to a weighting based on the number of Members in each political group. Where a consensus cannot be reached, the matter shall be put to a vote subject to a weighting based on the number of Members in each political group. Amendments 23 and 387 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 27 Rule 27 Rule 27 Duties of the Conference of Presidents Duties of the Conference of Presidents 1.  The Conference of Presidents shall carry out the duties assigned to it under these Rules of Procedure. 1.  The Conference of Presidents shall carry out the duties assigned to it under these Rules of Procedure. 2.  The Conference of Presidents shall take decisions on the organisation of Parliament's work and matters of legislative planning. 2.  The Conference of Presidents shall take decisions on the organisation of Parliament's work and matters of legislative planning. 3.  The Conference of Presidents shall be the authority responsible for matters concerning relations with the other institutions and bodies of the European Union and with the national parliaments of Member States. 3.  The Conference of Presidents shall be the authority responsible for matters concerning relations with the other institutions and bodies of the European Union and with the national parliaments of Member States. Decisions concerning the mandate and composition of the delegation from Parliament, that is to participate in consultations within the Council and in other European Union Institutions on fundamental issues concerning the development of the European Union (Sherpa process) shall be taken on the basis of relevant positions adopted by Parliament and taking into account the diversity of political views represented within Parliament. The Vice-Presidents who have been entrusted with the implementation of relations with national parliaments shall regularly report back to the Conference of Presidents on their activities in that regard.. 4.  The Conference of Presidents shall be the authority responsible for matters concerning relations with non-member countries and with non-Union institutions and organisations. 4.  The Conference of Presidents shall be the authority responsible for matters concerning relations with non-member countries and with non-Union institutions and organisations. 5.  The Conference of Presidents shall be responsible for organising structured consultation with European civil society on major topics. This may include holding public debates, open to participation by interested citizens, on subjects of general European interest. The Bureau shall appoint a Vice-President responsible for the implementation of such consultations, who shall report back to the Conference of Presidents. 5.  The Conference of Presidents shall be responsible for organising structured consultation with European civil society on major topics. This may include holding public debates, open to participation by interested citizens, on subjects of general European interest. The Vice-President responsible for the implementation of such consultation shall regularly report back to the Conference of Presidents on his or her activities in that regard. 6.  The Conference of Presidents shall draw up the draft agenda of Parliament's part-sessions. 6.  The Conference of Presidents shall draw up the draft agenda of Parliament's part-sessions. 7.  The Conference of Presidents shall be the authority responsible for the composition and competence of committees, committees of inquiry, joint parliamentary committees, standing delegations and ad hoc delegations. 7.  The Conference of Presidents shall make proposals to Parliament concerning the composition and competence of committees, committees of inquiry, joint parliamentary committees and standing delegations. The Conference of Presidents shall be responsible for authorising ad hoc delegations. 8.  The Conference of Presidents shall decide how seats in the Chamber are to be allocated pursuant to Rule 36. 8.  The Conference of Presidents shall decide how seats in the Chamber are to be allocated pursuant to Rule 36. 9.  The Conference of Presidents shall be the authority responsible for authorising the drawing up of own-initiative reports. 9.  The Conference of Presidents shall be the authority responsible for authorising the drawing up of own-initiative reports. 10.  The Conference of Presidents shall submit proposals to the Bureau on administrative and budgetary matters concerning the political groups. 10.  The Conference of Presidents shall submit proposals to the Bureau on administrative and budgetary matters concerning the political groups. Amendment 24 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 28 Rule 28 Rule 28 Duties of the Quaestors Duties of the Quaestors The Quaestors shall be responsible for administrative and financial matters directly concerning Members, in accordance with guidelines laid down by the Bureau. The Quaestors shall be responsible for administrative and financial matters directly concerning Members, in accordance with guidelines laid down by the Bureau, as well as for other tasks entrusted to them. Amendment 25 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 29 Rule 29 Rule 29 Conference of Committee Chairs Conference of Committee Chairs 1.  The Conference of Committee Chairs shall consist of the Chairs of all standing or special committees. It shall elect its chair. 1.  The Conference of Committee Chairs shall consist of the Chairs of all standing or special committees. It shall elect its chair. In the absence of the Chair, the meeting of the Conference shall be chaired by the oldest Member, or, in the absence of the latter, by the oldest Member present. 1a.   In the absence of the Chair, the meeting of the Conference shall be chaired by the oldest Member present. 2.  The Conference of Committee Chairs may make recommendations to the Conference of Presidents about the work of committees and the drafting of the agenda of part-sessions. 2.  The Conference of Committee Chairs may make recommendations to the Conference of Presidents about the work of committees and the drafting of the agenda of part-sessions. 3.  The Bureau and the Conference of Presidents may instruct the Conference of Committee Chairs to carry out specific tasks. 3.  The Bureau and the Conference of Presidents may instruct the Conference of Committee Chairs to carry out specific tasks. Amendment 26 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 30 Rule 30 Rule 30 Conference of Delegation Chairs Conference of Delegation Chairs 1.  The Conference of Delegation Chairs shall consist of the Chairs of all standing interparliamentary delegations. It shall elect its chair. 1.  The Conference of Delegation Chairs shall consist of the Chairs of all standing interparliamentary delegations. It shall elect its chair. In the absence of the Chair, the meeting of the Conference shall be chaired by the oldest Member, or, in the absence of the latter, by the oldest Member present. 1a.   In the absence of the Chair, the meeting of the Conference shall be chaired by the oldest Member present. 2.  The Conference of Delegation Chairs may make recommendations to the Conference of Presidents about the work of the delegations. 2.  The Conference of Delegation Chairs may make recommendations to the Conference of Presidents about the work of the delegations. 3.  The Bureau and the Conference of Presidents may instruct the Conference of Delegation Chairs to carry out specific tasks. 3.  The Bureau and the Conference of Presidents may instruct the Conference of Delegation Chairs to carry out specific tasks. Amendment 27 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 30 a (new) Rule 30a Continuity of an office during the election period When a new Parliament is elected, all bodies and office holders of the outgoing Parliament shall continue to exercise their functions until the first sitting of the new Parliament. Amendment 28 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 31 Rule 31 Rule 31 Accountability of the Bureau and the Conference of Presidents Accountability of the Bureau and the Conference of Presidents 1.  The minutes of the Bureau and the Conference of Presidents shall be translated into the official languages, printed and distributed to all Members of Parliament and shall be accessible to the public, unless the Bureau or the Conference of Presidents exceptionally, for reasons of confidentiality, as laid down in Article 4(1) to (4) of European Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001, decides otherwise with regard to certain items of the minutes. 1.  The minutes of the Bureau and the Conference of Presidents shall be translated into the official languages and distributed to all Members of Parliament, and shall be accessible to the public, unless the Bureau or the Conference of Presidents exceptionally, for reasons of confidentiality, subject to Article 4(1) to (4) of European Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001, decides otherwise with regard to certain items of the minutes. 2.  Any Member may ask questions concerning the work of the Bureau, the Conference of Presidents and the Quaestors. Such questions shall be submitted to the President in writing, notified to Members and published on Parliament's website within 30 days of tabling, together with the answers given. 2.  Any Member may ask questions concerning the performance by the Bureau, the Conference of Presidents and the Quaestors of their respective duties. Such questions shall be submitted to the President in writing, notified to Members and published on Parliament's website within 30 days of tabling, together with the answers given. Amendment 29 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 32 Rule 32 Rule 32 Formation of political groups Establishment and dissolution of political groups 1.  Members may form themselves into groups according to their political affinities. 1.  Members may form themselves into groups according to their political affinities. Parliament need not normally evaluate the political affinity of members of a group. In forming a group together under this Rule, the Members concerned accept by definition that they have political affinity. Only when this is denied by the Members concerned is it necessary for Parliament to evaluate whether the group has been constituted in accordance with the Rules. Parliament need not normally evaluate the political affinity of members of a group. In forming a group together under this Rule, the Members concerned accept by definition that they have political affinity. Only when this is denied by the Members concerned is it necessary for Parliament to evaluate whether the group has been constituted in accordance with the Rules. 2.  A political group shall comprise Members elected in at least one-quarter of the Member States. The minimum number of Members required to form a political group shall be 25. 2.  A political group shall comprise Members elected in at least one-quarter of the Member States. The minimum number of Members required to form a political group shall be 25. 3.  If a group falls below the required threshold, the President, with the agreement of the Conference of Presidents, may allow it to continue to exist until Parliament's next constitutive sitting, provided the following conditions are met: 3.  If a group falls below one of the required thresholds, the President, with the agreement of the Conference of Presidents, may allow it to continue to exist until Parliament's next constitutive sitting, provided the following conditions are met: –  the members continue to represent at least one-fifth of the Member States; –  the members continue to represent at least one-fifth of the Member States; –  the group has been in existence for a period longer than a year. –  the group has been in existence for a period longer than a year. The President shall not apply this derogation where there is sufficient evidence to suspect that it is being abused. The President shall not apply this derogation where there is sufficient evidence to suspect that it is being abused. 4.  A Member may not belong to more than one political group. 4.  A Member may not belong to more than one political group. 5.  The President shall be notified in a statement when a political group is set up. This statement shall specify the name of the group and the names of its members and bureau members. 5.  The President shall be notified in a statement when a political group is set up. This statement shall specify the name of the group and the names of its members and bureau members. It shall be signed by all members of the group. 6.  The statement shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. 6.  The statement shall be annexed to the minutes of the part-session during which the announcement of the establishment of the political group is made. 6a.  The President shall announce the establishment of political groups in Parliament. Such announcement shall have retroactive legal effect from the moment when the group notified its establishment to the President in conformity with this Rule. The President shall also announce the dissolution of political groups in Parliament. Such announcement will have legal effect on the day following the that on which the conditions for the political group’s existence were no longer met. Amendments 30 and 461 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 33 Rule 33 Rule 33 Activities and legal situation of the political groups Activities and legal situation of the political groups 1.  The political groups shall carry out their duties as part of the activities of the Union, including the tasks allocated to them by these Rules of Procedure. The political groups shall be provided with a secretariat on the basis of the establishment plan of the Secretariat, with administrative facilities and with the appropriations entered for that purpose in Parliament's budget. 1.  The political groups shall carry out their duties as part of the activities of the Union, including the tasks allocated to them by these Rules of Procedure. The political groups shall be provided with a secretariat on the basis of the establishment plan of the Secretariat, with administrative facilities and with the appropriations entered for that purpose in Parliament's budget. 1a.  At the beginning of each parliamentary term, the Conference of Presidents shall endeavour to agree procedures for reflecting the political diversity of Parliament in the committees and delegations and the decision-making bodies. 2.  The Bureau shall lay down the rules relating to the provision, implementation and monitoring of those facilities and appropriations, as well as to the related delegations of budget implementation powers. 2.  The Bureau shall, having regard to any proposal made by the Conference of Presidents, lay down the rules relating to the provision, implementation and monitoring of those facilities and appropriations, as well as to the related delegations of budget implementation powers and the consequences of any failure to respect them. 3.  Those rules shall determine the administrative and financial consequences in the event of the dissolution of a political group. 3.  Those rules shall determine the administrative and financial consequences in the event of the dissolution of a political group. Amendment 31 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 34 Rule 34 Rule 34 Intergroups Intergroups 1.  Individual Members may form Intergroups or other unofficial groupings of Members, to hold informal exchanges of views on specific issues across different political groups, drawing on members of different parliamentary committees, and to promote contact between Members and civil society. 1.  Individual Members may form Intergroups or other unofficial groupings of Members, to hold informal exchanges of views on specific issues across different political groups, drawing on members of different parliamentary committees, and to promote contact between Members and civil society. 2.  Such groupings may not engage in any activities which might result in confusion with the official activities of Parliament or of its bodies. Provided that the conditions laid down in the rules governing their establishment adopted by the Bureau are met, political groups may facilitate their activities by providing them with logistical support. 2.  Such groupings shall be fully transparent in their actions and may not engage in any activities which might result in confusion with the official activities of Parliament or of its bodies. Provided that the conditions laid down in the rules governing their establishment adopted by the Bureau are met, political groups may facilitate their activities by providing them with logistical support. Such groupings shall be required to declare any support, whether in cash or in kind (e.g. secretarial assistance), which if offered to Members as individuals would have to be declared under Annex I. 3.  Intergroups shall be required to declare annually any support, whether in cash or in kind (e.g. secretarial assistance), which if offered to Members as individuals would have to be declared under Annex I. The Quaestors shall keep a register of the declarations referred to in the second subparagraph. That register shall be published on the Parliament’s website. The Quaestors shall adopt detailed rules on those declarations. 4.  The Quaestors shall keep a register of the declarations referred to in paragraph 3. That register shall be published on the Parliament’s website. The Quaestors shall adopt detailed rules on those declarations and shall ensure the effective enforcement of this Rule. Amendment 32 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II – title LEGISLATIVE, BUDGETARY AND OTHER PROCEDURES LEGISLATIVE, BUDGETARY, DISCHARGE AND OTHER PROCEDURES Amendment 33 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 37 Rule 37 Rule 37 The Commission Work Programme Annual programming 1.  Parliament shall work together with the Commission and the Council to determine the legislative planning of the European Union. 1.  Parliament shall work together with the Commission and the Council to determine the legislative planning of the European Union. Parliament and the Commission shall cooperate in preparing the Commission Work Programme – which is the Commission’s contribution to the Union’s annual and multiannual programming – in accordance with the timetable and arrangements agreed between the two institutions and annexed to these Rules of Procedure8. Parliament and the Commission shall cooperate in preparing the Commission Work Programme – which is the Commission’s contribution to the Union’s annual and multiannual programming – in accordance with the timetable and arrangements agreed between the two institutions8. 1a.  After the adoption of the Commission Work Programme, the Parliament, the Council and the Commission will, pursuant to paragraph 7 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making 8a , exchange views and agree on a joint declaration on annual interinstitutional programming setting out broad objectives and priorities. Before negotiating with the Council and the Commission on the joint declaration, the President shall hold an exchange of views with the Conference of Presidents and the Conference of Committee Chairs regarding Parliament's broad objectives and priorities. Before signing the joint declaration, the President shall seek the approval of the Conference of Presidents. 2.  In urgent and unforeseen circumstances, an institution may, on its own initiative and in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Treaties, propose adding a legislative measure to those proposed in the Commission Work Programme. 3.  The President shall forward the resolution adopted by Parliament to the other institutions which participate in the European Union's legislative procedure and to the parliaments of the Member States. 3.  The President shall forward any resolution adopted by Parliament concerning legislative planning and priorities to the other institutions which participate in the European Union's legislative procedure and to the parliaments of the Member States. The President shall ask the Council to express an opinion on the Commission Work Programme and on Parliament's resolution. 4.  Where an institution is unable to comply with the timetable laid down it is required to notify the other institutions as to the reasons for the delay and to propose a new timetable. 4a.  If the Commission intends to withdraw a proposal, the competent Commissioner shall be invited by the committee responsible to a meeting to discuss that intention. The Presidency of the Council may also be invited to such meeting. If the committee responsible disagrees with the intended withdrawal, it may request that the Commission make a statement to Parliament. Rule 123 shall apply. __________________ __________________ 8 See Annex XIII. 8 Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission (OJ L 304, 20.11.2010, p. 47). 8a OJ L 123, 12.5.2016, p. 1. Amendment 34 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 38 Rule 38 Rule 38 Respect for the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union Respect for fundamental rights 1.  Parliament shall in all its activities fully respect fundamental rights as laid down in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. 1.  Parliament shall in all its activities fully respect the rights, freedoms and principles recognised by Article 6 of the Treaty on European Union, and the values enshrined in Article 2 thereof. Parliament shall also fully respect the rights and principles enshrined in Article 2 and in Article 6(2) and (3) of the Treaty on European Union. 2.  Where the committee responsible for the subject matter, a political group or at least 40 Members are of the opinion that a proposal for a legislative act or parts of it do not comply with rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the matter shall, at their request, be referred to the committee responsible for the interpretation of the Charter. The opinion of that committee shall be annexed to the report of the committee responsible for the subject-matter. 2.  Where the committee responsible for the subject matter, a political group or at least 40 Members are of the opinion that a proposal for a legislative act or parts of it do not comply with the fundamental rights of the European Union, the matter shall, at their request, be referred to the committee responsible for the protection of fundamental rights. 2a.  That request shall be submitted within four working weeks of the announcement in Parliament of referral to committee. 2b.  The opinion of the committee responsible for the protection of fundamental rights shall be annexed to the report of the committee responsible for the subject-matter. Amendment 36 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 39 Rule 39 Rule 39 Verification of legal basis Verification of legal basis 1.  In the case of all proposals for legislative acts and other documents of a legislative nature, the committee responsible for the subject-matter shall first verify the legal basis. 1.  In the case of all proposals for legally binding acts, the committee responsible for the subject-matter shall first verify the legal basis. 2.  If that committee disputes the validity or the appropriateness of the legal basis, including in the context of the verification under Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union, it shall request the opinion of the committee responsible for legal affairs. 2.  If that committee disputes the validity or the appropriateness of the legal basis, including in the context of the verification under Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union, it shall request the opinion of the committee responsible for legal affairs. 3.  The committee responsible for legal affairs may also on its own initiative take up questions concerning the legal basis of the proposals for legislative acts. In such cases it shall duly inform the committee responsible for the subject-matter. 3.  The committee responsible for legal affairs may also on its own initiative take up questions concerning the legal basis at any stage of the legislative procedure. In such cases it shall duly inform the committee responsible for the subject-matter. 4.  If the committee responsible for legal affairs decides to dispute the validity or the appropriateness of the legal basis, it shall report its conclusions to Parliament. Parliament shall vote on this before voting on the substance of the proposal. 4.  Where appropriate, after the exchange of views with the Council and the Commission in accordance with the arrangements agreed at interinstitutional level1a, if the committee responsible for legal affairs decides to dispute the validity or the appropriateness of the legal basis, it shall report its conclusions to Parliament. Without prejudice to Rule 63, Parliament shall vote on this before voting on the substance of the proposal. 5.  Amendments tabled in Parliament to change the legal basis of a proposal for a legislative act without the committee responsible for the subject-matter or the committee responsible for legal affairs having disputed the validity or appropriateness of the legal basis shall be inadmissible. 5.  Amendments tabled in Parliament to change the legal basis without the committee responsible for the subject-matter or the committee responsible for legal affairs having disputed the validity or appropriateness of the legal basis shall be inadmissible. 6.  If the Commission does not agree to modify its proposal to conform to the legal basis approved by Parliament, the rapporteur or the Chair of the committee responsible for legal affairs or of the committee responsible for the subject-matter may propose that the vote on the substance of the proposal be postponed to a subsequent sitting. __________________ 1a Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better-Law Making, paragraph 25 (OJ L 123, 12.5.2016, p. 1) Amendment 37 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 40 Rule 40 Rule 40 Delegation of legislative powers Delegation of legislative powers and conferral of implementing powers 1.  When scrutinising a proposal for a legislative act which delegates powers to the Commission as provided for in Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Parliament shall pay particular attention to the objectives, content, scope and duration of the delegation, and to the conditions to which it is subject. 1.  When scrutinising a proposal for a legislative act which delegates powers to the Commission as provided for in Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Parliament shall pay particular attention to the objectives, content, scope and duration of the delegation, and to the conditions to which it is subject. 1a.  When scrutinising a proposal for a legislative act which confers implementing powers pursuant to Article 291 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Parliament shall pay particular attention to the fact that in exercising an implementing power, the Commission may neither amend nor supplement the legislative act, even as to its non-essential elements. 2.  The committee responsible for the subject-matter may at any time request the opinion of the committee responsible for the interpretation and application of Union law. 2.  The committee responsible for the subject-matter may at any time request the opinion of the committee responsible for the interpretation and application of Union law. 3.  The committee responsible for the interpretation and application of Union law may also, on its own initiative, take up questions concerning the delegation of legislative powers. In such cases it shall duly inform the committee responsible for the subject-matter. 3.  The committee responsible for the interpretation and application of Union law may also, on its own initiative, take up questions concerning the delegation of legislative powers and the conferral of implementing powers. In such cases it shall duly inform the committee responsible for the subject-matter. Amendment 38 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 41 Rule 41 Rule 41 Verification of financial compatibility Verification of financial compatibility 1.  Where a proposal for a legislative act has financial implications, Parliament shall establish whether sufficient financial resources are provided. 1.  Where a proposal for a legally binding act has financial implications, Parliament shall establish whether sufficient financial resources are provided. 2.  Without prejudice to Rule 47, the committee responsible for the subject-matter shall verify the financial compatibility of any proposal for a legislative act, or any other document of a legislative nature, with the multiannual financial framework. 2.  The committee responsible for the subject-matter shall verify that any proposal for a legally binding act is financially compatible with the multiannual financial framework regulation. 3.  When the committee responsible for the subject-matter amends the financial endowment of the act it is considering, it shall request the opinion of the committee responsible for budgetary issues. 3.  When the committee responsible for the subject-matter amends the financial endowment of the act it is considering, it shall request the opinion of the committee responsible for budgetary issues. 4.  The committee responsible for budgetary issues may also on its own initiative take up questions concerning the financial compatibility of proposals for legislative acts. In such cases it shall duly inform the committee responsible for the subject-matter. 4.  The committee responsible for budgetary issues may also on its own initiative take up questions concerning the financial compatibility of proposals for legally binding acts. In such cases it shall duly inform the committee responsible for the subject-matter. 5.  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.  If the committee responsible for budgetary issues decides to dispute the financial compatibility of the proposal, it shall report its conclusions to Parliament before Parliament votes on the proposal. 6.  An act declared incompatible may be adopted by Parliament subject to the decisions of the Budgetary Authority. Amendment 39 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 42 Rule 42 Rule 42 Examination of respect for the principle of subsidiarity Examination of respect for the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality 1.  During the examination of a proposal for a legislative act, Parliament shall pay particular attention to respect for the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. 1.  During the examination of a proposal for a legislative act, Parliament shall pay particular attention to respect for the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. 2.  The committee responsible for respect of the principle of subsidiarity may decide to make recommendations for the attention of the committee responsible for the subject-matter in respect of any proposal for a legislative act. 2.  Only the committee responsible for respect of the principle of subsidiarity may decide to make recommendations for the attention of the committee responsible for the subject-matter in respect of a proposal for a legislative act. 3.  If a national parliament sends the President a reasoned opinion in accordance with Article 3 of the Protocol on the role of national parliaments in the European Union and Article 6 of the Protocol on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, that document shall be referred to the committee responsible for the subject-matter and forwarded for information to the committee responsible for respect of the principle of subsidiarity. 4.  Except in the cases of urgency referred to in Article 4 of the Protocol on the role of national parliaments in the European Union, the committee responsible for the subject-matter shall not proceed to its final vote before the expiry of the deadline of eight weeks laid down in Article 6 of the Protocol on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. 4.  Except in the cases of urgency referred to in Article 4 of Protocol No 1 on the role of national parliaments in the European Union, the committee responsible for the subject-matter shall not proceed to its final vote before the expiry of the deadline of eight weeks laid down in Article 6 of Protocol No 2 on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. 4a.  If a national parliament sends the President a reasoned opinion in accordance with Article 3 of the Protocol on the role of national parliaments in the European Union, that document shall be referred to the committee responsible for the subject-matter and forwarded, for information, to the committee responsible for respect of the principle of subsidiarity. 5.  Where reasoned opinions on the non-compliance of a proposal for a legislative act with the principle of subsidiarity represent at least one third of all the votes allocated to the national parliaments or a quarter in the case of a proposal for a legislative act submitted on the basis of Article 76 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Parliament shall not take a decision until the author of the proposal has stated how it intends to proceed. 5.  Where reasoned opinions on the non-compliance of a proposal for a legislative act with the principle of subsidiarity represent at least one third of all the votes allocated to the national parliaments or a quarter in the case of a proposal for a legislative act submitted on the basis of Article 76 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Parliament shall not take a decision until the author of the proposal has stated how it intends to proceed. 6.  Where, under the ordinary legislative procedure, reasoned opinions on the non-compliance of a proposal for a legislative act with the principle of subsidiarity represent at least a simple majority of the votes allocated to the national parliaments, the committee responsible for the subject-matter, having considered the reasoned opinions submitted by the national parliaments and the Commission, and having heard the views of the committee responsible for respect of the principle of subsidiarity, may recommend to Parliament that it reject the proposal on the grounds of infringement of the principle of subsidiarity or submit to Parliament any other recommendation, which may include suggestions for amendments related to respect of the principle of subsidiarity. The opinion given by the committee responsible for respect of the principle of subsidiarity shall be annexed to any such recommendation. 6.  Where, under the ordinary legislative procedure, reasoned opinions on the non-compliance of a proposal for a legislative act with the principle of subsidiarity represent at least a simple majority of the votes allocated to the national parliaments, the committee responsible for the subject-matter, having considered the reasoned opinions submitted by the national parliaments and the Commission, and having heard the views of the committee responsible for respect of the principle of subsidiarity, may recommend to Parliament that it reject the proposal on the grounds of infringement of the principle of subsidiarity or submit to Parliament any other recommendation, which may include suggestions for amendments related to respect of the principle of subsidiarity. The opinion given by the committee responsible for respect of the principle of subsidiarity shall be annexed to any such recommendation. The recommendation shall be submitted to Parliament for a debate and vote. If a recommendation to reject the proposal is adopted by a majority of the votes cast, the President shall declare the procedure closed. Where Parliament does not reject the proposal, the procedure shall continue, taking into account any recommendations approved by Parliament. The recommendation shall be submitted to Parliament for a debate and vote. If a recommendation to reject the proposal is adopted by a majority of the votes cast, the President shall declare the procedure closed. Where Parliament does not reject the proposal, the procedure shall continue, taking into account any recommendations approved by Parliament. Amendment 40 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 44 Rule 44 Rule 44 Representation of Parliament in Council meetings 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 Chair or rapporteur of the committee responsible, or another Member designated by the committee, to represent Parliament. When the Council invites Parliament to take part in a Council meeting, the President shall ask the Chair or rapporteur of the committee responsible for the subject matter, or another Member designated by the committee, to represent Parliament. Amendment 41 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 45 Rule 45 Rule 45 Rights of initiative conferred on Parliament by the Treaties Right of Parliament to submit proposals In cases where the Treaties confer a right of initiative on Parliament, the committee responsible may decide to draw up an own-initiative report. In cases where the Treaties confer a right of initiative on Parliament, the committee responsible may decide to draw up an own-initiative report in accordance with Rule 52. The report shall comprise: The report shall comprise: (a)  a motion for a resolution; (a)  a motion for a resolution; (b)  where appropriate, a draft decision or a draft proposal; (b)  a draft proposal; (c)  an explanatory statement including, where appropriate, a financial statement. (c)  an explanatory statement including, where appropriate, a financial statement. Where the adoption of an act by Parliament requires the approval or the consent of the Council and the opinion or the consent of the Commission, Parliament may, following the vote on the proposed act, and on a proposal by the rapporteur, decide to postpone the vote on the motion for a resolution until the Council or the Commission have stated their position. Where the adoption of an act by Parliament requires the approval or the consent of the Council and the opinion or the consent of the Commission, Parliament may, following the vote on the proposed act, and on a proposal by the rapporteur, decide to postpone the vote on the motion for a resolution until the Council or the Commission have stated their position. Amendment 42 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 46 Rule 46 Rule 46 Initiative pursuant to Article 225 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union Requests to the Commission for submission of proposals 1.  Parliament may request the Commission, pursuant to Article 225 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to submit to it any appropriate proposal for the adoption of a new act or the amendment of an existing act, by adopting a resolution on the basis of an own-initiative report drawn up by the committee responsible in accordance with Rule 52. The resolution shall be adopted by a majority of the component Members of Parliament in the final vote. Parliament may, at the same time, set a deadline for the submission of such a proposal. 1.  Parliament may request the Commission, pursuant to Article 225 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to submit to it any appropriate proposal for the adoption of a new act or the amendment of an existing act, by adopting a resolution on the basis of an own-initiative report drawn up by the committee responsible in accordance with Rule 52. The resolution shall be adopted by a majority of the component Members of Parliament in the final vote. Parliament may, at the same time, set a deadline for the submission of such a proposal. 2.  Any Member may table a proposal for a Union act on the basis of the right of initiative granted to Parliament under Article 225 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. 2.  Any Member may table a proposal for a Union act on the basis of the right of initiative granted to Parliament under Article 225 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Such a proposal may be tabled together by up to 10 Members. The proposal shall indicate its legal basis and may be accompanied by an explanatory statement of no more than 150 words. Such a proposal may be tabled jointly by up to 10 Members. The proposal shall indicate the legal basis on which it is made and may be accompanied by an explanatory statement of no more than 150 words. The proposal shall be submitted to the President, who shall verify whether the legal requirements are fulfilled. He may refer the proposal for an opinion on the appropriateness of the legal basis to the committee responsible for such verification. If the President declares the proposal admissible, he or she shall announce it in plenary and refer it to the committee responsible. Before such referral to the committee responsible, the proposal shall be translated into those official languages which the Chair of that committee considers necessary in order to make summary consideration possible. The committee responsible shall take a decision on further action within three months of the referral, after giving the authors of the proposal the opportunity to address the committee. The authors of the proposal shall be named in the title of the report. 3.  The proposal shall be submitted to the President, who shall verify whether the legal requirements are fulfilled. He may refer the proposal for an opinion on the appropriateness of the legal basis to the committee responsible for such verification. If the President declares the proposal admissible, he shall announce it in plenary and refer it to the committee responsible. Before such referral to the committee responsible, the proposal shall be translated into those official languages which the Chair of that committee considers necessary in order to make summary consideration possible. The committee may recommend to the President that the proposal be opened for signature by any Member, subject to the modalities and deadlines set out in Rule 136(2), 136(3) and 136(7). Where such a proposal is signed by a majority of Parliament's component Members, the report on the proposal shall be deemed to be authorised by the Conference of Presidents. The committee shall draw up a report in accordance with Rule 52, after having heard the authors of the proposal. Where a proposal is not opened for additional signatures or is not signed by a majority of Parliament's component Members, the committee responsible shall take a decision on further action within three months of the referral, and after having heard the authors of the proposal. The authors of the proposal shall be named in the title of the report. 4.  Parliament's resolution shall indicate the appropriate legal basis and be accompanied by detailed recommendations as to the content of the required proposals, which shall respect fundamental rights and the principle of subsidiarity. 4.  Parliament's resolution shall indicate the appropriate legal basis and be accompanied by recommendations as to the content of the required proposals. 5.  Where a proposal has financial implications, Parliament shall indicate how sufficient financial resources can be provided. 5.  Where a proposal has financial implications, Parliament shall indicate how sufficient financial resources can be provided. 6.  The committee responsible shall monitor the progress of preparation of any proposed legislative act drawn up following a particular request by Parliament. 6.  The committee responsible shall monitor the progress of preparation of any proposed Union legal act drawn up following a particular request by Parliament. 6a.   The Conference of Committee Chairs shall regularly monitor whether the Commission is complying with paragraph 10 of the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making, according to which the Commission is to reply to requests for submission of proposals within three months by adopting a specific communication stating the intended follow-up actions to be taken. It shall regularly report on the results of such monitoring to the Conference of Presidents. Amendment 43 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 47 Rule 47 Rule 47 Consideration of legislative documents Consideration of legally binding acts 1.  Proposals for legislative acts and other documents of a legislative nature shall be referred by the President to the committee responsible for consideration. 1.  Proposals for legally binding acts received from other institutions or Member States shall be referred by the President to the committee responsible, for its consideration. In cases of doubt the President may apply Rule 201(2) before the announcement in Parliament of referral to the committee responsible. In cases where a proposal is listed in the Commission Work Programme the committee responsible may decide to appoint a rapporteur to follow the preparatory phase of the proposal. Consultations by the Council or requests from the Commission for an opinion shall be forwarded by the President to the committee responsible for consideration of the proposal concerned. The provisions for the first reading as set out in Rules 38 to 46, 57 to 63 and 75 shall apply to proposals for legislative acts whether they require one, two or three readings. 1a.  In cases of doubt, the President may, before the announcement in Parliament of a referral to the committee responsible, submit a question concerning competence to the Conference of Presidents. The Conference of Presidents shall adopt its decision on the basis of a recommendation from the Conference of Committee Chairs, or the latter’s Chair, in accordance with Rule 201a(2). 1b.  The committee responsible may, at any time, decide to appoint a rapporteur to follow the preparatory phase of a proposal. It shall give particular consideration to doing so where the proposal is listed in the Commission Work Programme. 2.  Council positions shall be referred for consideration to the committee responsible at the first reading. The provisions for the second reading as set out in Rules 64 to 69 and 76 shall apply to Council positions. 3.  During the conciliation procedure between Parliament and the Council following the second reading, no referral back to committee shall take place. The provisions for the third reading as set out in Rules 70, 71 and 72 shall apply to the conciliation procedure. 4.  Rules 49, 50, 53, 59(1) and (3), 60, 61 and 188 shall not apply during the second and third readings. 5.  In the event of a conflict between a provision of the Rules of Procedure relating to the second and third readings and any other provision of the Rules, the provision relating to the second and third readings shall take precedence. 5.  In the event of a conflict between a provision of the Rules of Procedure relating to the second and third readings and any other provision of the Rules, the provision relating to the second and third readings shall take precedence. Amendment 44 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 47 a (new) Rule 47a Acceleration of legislative procedures The acceleration of legislative procedures in coordination with the Council and Commission regarding specific proposals, selected in particular from among those identified as priorities in the joint declaration on annual interinstitutional programming pursuant to Rule 37(1a), may be agreed by the committee or committees responsible. Amendment 45 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 48 Rule 48 Rule 48 Legislative procedures on initiatives originating from Member States Legislative procedures on initiatives originating from institutions other than the Commission or from Member States 1.  Initiatives originating from Member States pursuant to Article 76 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union shall be dealt with pursuant to this Rule and Rules 38 to 43, 47 and 59. 1.  When dealing with initiatives originating from institutions other than the Commission or from Member States, the committee responsible may invite representatives of the institutions or the originating Member States to present their initiative to the committee. The representatives of the originating Member States may be accompanied by the Presidency of the Council. 2.  The committee responsible may invite representatives of the originating Member States to present their initiative to the committee. The representatives may be accompanied by the Presidency of the Council. 3.  Before the committee responsible proceeds to the vote, it shall ask the Commission whether it is preparing an opinion on the initiative. In the affirmative, the committee shall not adopt its report before receiving the Commission’s opinion. 3.  Before the committee responsible proceeds to the vote, it shall ask the Commission whether it is preparing an opinion on the initiative, or if it intends to submit an alternative proposal within a short period of time. If the answer that it receives is in the affirmative, the committee shall not adopt its report before receiving the Commission's opinion or alternative proposal. 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 the legislative resolution. 4.  When two or more proposals originating from the Commission and/or another institution 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 the legislative resolution. Amendment 46 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 49 Rule 49 Rule 49 Legislative reports Legislative reports 1.  The Chair of the committee to which a proposal for a legislative act is referred shall propose to the committee the procedure to be followed. 1.  The Chair of the committee to which a proposal for a legally binding act is referred shall propose to the committee the procedure to be followed. 2.  Following a decision on the procedure to be followed, and if Rule 50 does not apply, the committee shall appoint a rapporteur on the proposal for a legislative act from among its members or permanent substitutes if it has not yet done so on the basis of the Commission Work Programme agreed under Rule 37. 2.  Following a decision on the procedure to be followed, and if the simplified procedure under Rule 50 does not apply, the committee shall appoint a rapporteur on the proposal for a legislative act from among its members or permanent substitutes if it has not yet done so on the basis of Rule 47(1b). 3.  The committee's report shall comprise: 3.  The committee's report shall comprise: (a)  amendments, if any, to the proposal, accompanied, if appropriate, by short justifications which shall be the responsibility of the rapporteur and shall not be put to the vote; (a)  amendments, if any, to the proposal, accompanied, if appropriate, by short justifications which shall be the responsibility of the author and shall not be put to the vote; (b)  a draft legislative resolution, in accordance with Rule 59(2); (b)  a draft legislative resolution, in accordance with Rule 59(1c); (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 multiannual financial framework. (c)  if appropriate, an explanatory statement including, where necessary, a financial statement which establishes the magnitude of any financial impact of the report and its compatibility with the multiannual financial framework; (ca)  if available, a reference to the Impact Assessment by Parliament. Amendment 47 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 50 Rule 50 Rule 50 Simplified procedure Simplified procedure 1.  Following a first discussion of a proposal for a legislative act, the Chair may propose that it be approved without amendment. Unless at least one-tenth of the members of the committee object, the Chair shall present to Parliament a report approving the proposal. Rule 150(1), second subparagraph, (2) and (4) shall apply. 1.  Following a first discussion of a proposal for a legislative act, the Chair may propose that it be approved without amendment. Unless at least one-tenth of the members of the committee object, the proposed procedure shall be deemed to have been approved. The Chair, or the rapporteur if one has been appointed, shall present to Parliament a report approving the proposal. Rule 150(1), second subparagraph, (2) and (4) shall apply. 2.  The Chair may alternatively propose that a set of amendments be drafted by the chair or by the rapporteur 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 deemed to have 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 150(1), second subparagraph, (2) and (4). 2.  Alternatively, the Chair may propose that a set of amendments be drafted by the chair or by the rapporteur reflecting the committee's discussion. Unless at least one-tenth of the members of the committee object, the proposed procedure shall be deemed to have been approved and the amendments shall be sent to the members of the committee. Unless at least one tenth of the members of the committee object to the amendments within a set time limit, which may not be less than 10 working days from the date of dispatch, the report shall be deemed to have 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 150(1), second subparagraph, (2) and (4). If at least one tenth of the committee's members object to the amendments, they shall be put to the vote at the next meeting of the committee. 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. 4.  The first and second sentences of paragraph 1, the first, second and third sentences of paragraph 2 and paragraph 3 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to committee opinions within the meaning of Rule 53. 4.  With the exception of the provisions concerning the submission to Parliament, this Rule shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to committee opinions within the meaning of Rule 53. Amendment 48 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 51 Rule 51 Rule 51 Non-legislative reports Non-legislative reports 1.  Where a committee draws up a non-legislative report, it shall appoint a rapporteur from among its members or permanent substitutes. 1.  Where a committee draws up a non-legislative report, it shall appoint a rapporteur from among its members or permanent substitutes. 2.  The rapporteur shall be responsible for preparing the committee's report and for presenting it to Parliament on behalf of the committee. 3.  The committee's report shall comprise: 3.  The committee's report shall comprise: (a)  a motion for a resolution; (a)  a motion for a resolution; (b)  an explanatory statement including a financial statement which establishes the magnitude of any financial impact of the report and its compatibility with the multiannual financial framework; (b)  an explanatory statement including, where necessary, a financial statement which establishes the magnitude of any financial impact of the report and its compatibility with the multiannual financial framework; (c)  the texts of any motions for resolutions to be included under Rule 133(4). (c)  the texts of any motions for resolutions to be included under Rule 133(4). Amendment 49 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 52 Rule 52 Rule 52 Own-initiative reports Own-initiative reports 1.  A committee intending to draw up a report and to submit to Parliament a motion for a resolution on a subject within its competence on which neither a consultation nor a request for an opinion has been referred to it under Rule 201(1) may do so only with the authorisation of the Conference of Presidents. Where such authorisation is withheld the reason must always be stated. Where the subject of the report is a proposal tabled by a Member pursuant to Rule 46(2), authorisation may be withheld only if the conditions set out in Article 5 of the Statute for Members and in Article 225 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union are not met. 1.  A committee intending to draw up a non-legislative report or a report under Rule 45 or 46 on a subject within its competence on which no referral has taken place, may do so only with the authorisation of the Conference of Presidents. The Conference of Presidents shall take a decision on requests for authorisation to draw up reports submitted pursuant to the first subparagraph on the basis of implementing provisions, which it shall lay down. The Conference of Presidents takes a decision on requests for authorisation to draw up reports submitted pursuant to paragraph 1 on the basis of implementing provisions which it itself lays down. If a committee's competence to draw up a report for which it has requested authorisation is challenged, the Conference of Presidents takes a decision within six weeks on the basis of a recommendation from the Conference of Committee Chairs, or, if no such recommendation is forthcoming, from its Chair. If the Conference of Presidents fails to take a decision within that period, the recommendation is declared to have been approved. 1a.  Where such authorisation is withheld the reason for withholding it shall always be stated. Where the subject of the report comes under Parliament's right of initiative referred to in Rule 45, authorisation may be withheld only on the grounds that the conditions set out in the Treaties are not met. 1b.  In the cases referred to in Rule 45 and Rule 46, the Conference of Presidents shall take a decision within two months 2.  Motions for resolutions contained in own-initiative reports shall be examined by Parliament under the short presentation procedure set out in Rule 151. Amendments to such motions for resolutions shall only be admissible for consideration in plenary if tabled by the rapporteur to take account of new information or by at least one-tenth of the Members of Parliament. Political groups may table alternative motions for resolutions in accordance with Rule 170(4). Rule 176 and Rule 180 shall apply to the committee's motion for a resolution and amendments thereto. Rule 180 shall also apply to the single vote on alternative motions for resolutions. 2.  Motions for resolutions submitted to Parliament shall be examined under the short presentation procedure set out in Rule 151. Amendments to such motions for resolutions and requests for split votes or separate votes shall only be admissible for consideration in plenary if they are tabled either by the rapporteur to take account of new information or by at least one-tenth of the Members of Parliament. Political groups may table alternative motions for resolutions in accordance with Rule 170(4). Rule 180 shall apply to the committee's motion for a resolution and amendments thereto. Rule 180 shall also apply to the single vote on alternative motions for resolutions. The first subparagraph shall not apply in cases where the subject of the report qualifies for a key debate in plenary, where the report is drawn up pursuant to the right of initiative referred to in Rule 45 or 46, or where the report has been authorised as a strategic report9 . 2a.  Paragraph2 shall not apply in cases where the subject of the report qualifies for a key debate in plenary, where the report is drawn up pursuant to the right of initiative referred to in Rule 45 or 46, or where the report has been authorised as a strategic report9a. 3.  Where the subject of the report comes under the right of initiative referred to in Rule 45, authorisation may be withheld only on the grounds that the conditions set out in the Treaties are not met. 4.  In the cases referred to in Rule 45 and Rule 46, the Conference of Presidents shall take a decision within two months. __________________ __________________ 9 See the relevant decision of the Conference of Presidents, reproduced in Annex XVII to these Rules of Procedure. 9a See the relevant decision of the Conference of Presidents. Amendment 50 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 53 Rule 53 Rule 53 Opinions of committees Opinions of committees 1.  If the committee to which a matter was first referred wishes to hear the views of another committee, or if another committee wishes to make known its views on the report of the committee to which a matter was first referred, such committees may ask the President in accordance with Rule 201(3), for one committee to be named as the committee responsible and the other as the committee asked for an opinion. 1.  If the committee to which a matter was first referred wishes to hear the views of another committee, or if another committee wishes to make known its views to the committee to which a matter was first referred, such committees may ask the President in accordance with Rule 201 (3) for one committee to be named as the committee responsible and the other as the committee asked for an opinion. The opinion giving committee may appoint a rapporteur for opinion from among its members or permanent substitutes or send its views in the form of a letter from the Chair. 2.  In the case of documents of a legislative nature within the meaning of Rule 47(1), the opinion shall consist of amendments to the text referred to the committee accompanied where appropriate by short justifications. Such justifications shall be the responsibility of the rapporteur for the opinion and shall not be put to the vote. If necessary the committee asked for an opinion may submit a short written justification for the opinion taken as a whole. 2.  Where the opinion concerns a proposal for a legally binding act, it shall consist of amendments to the text referred to the committee, accompanied where appropriate by short justifications. Such justifications shall be the responsibility of their author and shall not be put to the vote. If necessary the committee asked for an opinion may submit a short written justification for the opinion taken as a whole. Such short written justification shall be the responsibility of the rapporteur. In the case of non-legislative texts, the opinion shall consist of suggestions for parts of the motion for a resolution submitted by the committee responsible. Where the opinion does not concern a proposal for a legally binding act, it shall consist of suggestions for parts of the motion for a resolution submitted by the committee responsible. The committee responsible shall put these amendments or suggestions to the vote. The committee responsible shall put these amendments or suggestions to the vote. The opinions shall deal solely with those matters that fall within the areas of responsibility of the committee asked for an opinion. The opinions shall deal solely with those matters that fall within the areas of responsibility of the committee asked for an opinion. 3.  The committee responsible shall set a deadline within which the committee asked for an opinion must deliver it if it is to be taken into account by 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 set a deadline within which the committee asked for an opinion must deliver it if it is to be taken into account by 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. 3a.  Alternatively, the opinion-giving committee may decide to present its position in the form of amendments to be tabled directly in the committee responsible following their adoption. These amendments shall be tabled by the Chair or the rapporteur on behalf of the committee. 3b.  The opinion-giving committee shall table the amendments referred to in paragraph 3a within the deadline for amendments set by the committee responsible. 4.  All adopted opinions shall be annexed to the report of the committee responsible. 4.  All opinions and amendments adopted by the opinion giving committee shall be annexed to the report of the committee responsible. 5.  Only the committee responsible may table amendments in plenary. 5.  Opinion giving committees within the meaning of this Rule cannot table amendments for consideration by Parliament. 6.  The Chair and rapporteur 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. 6.  The Chair and rapporteur 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 51 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 54 Rule 54 Rule 54 Procedure with associated committees Associated committee procedure Where a question of competence is referred to the Conference of Presidents pursuant to Rules 201(2) or 52, and the Conference of Presidents, on the basis of Annex VI, considers that the matter falls almost equally within the competence of two or more committees, or that different parts of the matter fall within the competence of two or more committees, Rule 53 shall apply with the following additional provisions: 1.   Where a question of competence is referred to the Conference of Presidents pursuant to Rule 201a, and the Conference of Presidents, on the basis of Annex VI, considers that the matter falls almost equally within the competence of two or more committees, or that different parts of the matter fall within the competence of two or more committees, Rule 53 shall apply with the following additional provisions: –  the timetable shall be jointly agreed by the committees concerned; –  the timetable shall be jointly agreed by the committees concerned; –  the rapporteurs concerned shall keep each other informed and shall endeavour to agree on the texts they propose to their committees and on their position regarding amendments; –  the rapporteurs concerned shall keep each other informed and shall endeavour to agree on the texts they propose to their committees and on their position regarding amendments; –  the Chairs and rapporteurs concerned shall jointly identify areas of the text falling within their exclusive or joint competence and agree on the precise arrangements for their cooperation. In the event of disagreement about the delimitation of competences the matter shall be submitted, at the request of one of the committees involved, to the Conference of Presidents, which may decide on the question of the respective competences or decide that the procedure with joint committee meetings under Rule 55 is to apply; the second subparagraph of Rule 201(2) shall apply mutatis mutandis; –  the Chairs and rapporteurs concerned are bound by principle of good and sincere cooperation and shall jointly identify areas of the text falling within their exclusive or shared competence and agree on the precise arrangements for their cooperation. In the event of disagreement about the delimitation of competences the matter shall be submitted, at the request of one of the committees involved, to the Conference of Presidents, which may decide on the question of the respective competences or decide that the procedure with joint committee meetings under Rule 55 is to apply. That decision shall be taken in accordance with the procedure and within the deadline set out in Rule 201a. –  the committee responsible shall accept without a vote amendments from an associated committee where they concern matters which fall within the exclusive competence of the associated committee. If amendments on matters which fall within the joint competence of the committee responsible and an associated committee are rejected by the former, the latter may table those amendments directly in plenary; –  the committee responsible shall accept without a vote amendments from an associated committee where they concern matters which fall within the exclusive competence of the associated committee. If the committee responsible fails to respect the exclusive competence of the associated committee, the associated committee may table amendments directly in plenary. If amendments on matters which fall within the shared competence of the committee responsible and an associated committee are not adopted by the former, the associated committee may table those amendments directly in plenary; –  in the event of a conciliation procedure taking place on the proposal, Parliament's delegation shall include the rapporteur of any associated committee. –  in the event of a conciliation procedure taking place on the proposal, Parliament's delegation shall include the rapporteur of any associated committee. The wording of this Rule does not lay down any limits to its scope. Requests for application of the procedure with associated committees concerning non-legislative reports based on Rules 52(1) and 132(1) and (2) are admissible. The procedure with associated committees set out in this Rule may not be applied in relation to the recommendation to be adopted by the committee responsible under Rule 99. The Conference of Presidents' decision to apply the procedure with associated committees applies at all stages of the procedure in question. The Conference of Presidents' decision to apply the procedure with associated committees applies at all stages of the procedure in question. The rights attaching to the status of "committee responsible" are exercised by the lead committee. In exercising those rights, the lead committee must take due account of the prerogatives of the associated committee, and in particular must comply with the obligation to observe the principle of sincere cooperation as regards the timetable and respect the right of the associated committee to determine the amendments submitted in plenary which fall within its exclusive competence. The rights attaching to the status of "committee responsible" are exercised by the lead committee. In exercising those rights, the lead committee must take due account of the prerogatives of the associated committee, and in particular must comply with the obligation to observe the principle of sincere cooperation as regards the timetable and respect the right of the associated committee to determine the amendments submitted in plenary which fall within its exclusive competence. Should the lead committee disregard the prerogatives of the associated committee, decisions taken by the former remain valid but the latter may table amendments directly in plenary, within the limits of its exclusive competence. 1a.  The procedure laid down in this Rule shall not apply to the recommendations to be adopted by the committee responsible under Rule 99. Amendment 52 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 55 Rule 55 Rule 55 Procedure with joint committee meetings Joint committee procedure 1.  When a question of competence is referred to it pursuant to Rule 201(2), the Conference of Presidents may decide that the procedure with joint meetings of committees and a joint vote is to be applied, provided that: 1.  When a question of competence is referred to it pursuant to Rule 201a, the Conference of Presidents may decide that the procedure with joint meetings of committees and a joint vote is to be applied, provided that: –  by virtue of Annex VI, the matter falls indissociably within the competences of several committees; and –  by virtue of Annex VI, the matter falls indissociably within the competences of several committees; and –  it is satisfied that the question is of major importance. –  it is satisfied that the question is of major importance. 2.  In that event, the respective rapporteurs shall draw up a single draft report, which shall be examined and voted on by the committees concerned, under the joint chairmanship of the committee Chairs. 2.  In that event, the respective rapporteurs shall draw up a single draft report, which shall be examined and voted on by the committees concerned, under the joint chairmanship of the committee Chairs. At all stages of the procedure, the rights attaching to the status of committee responsible may be exercised by the committees concerned only when they are acting jointly. The committees involved may set up working groups to prepare the meetings and votes. At all stages of the procedure, the rights attaching to the status of committee responsible may be exercised by the committees concerned only when they are acting jointly. The committees involved may set up working groups to prepare the meetings and votes. 3.  At the second-reading stage of the ordinary legislative procedure, the Council position shall be considered at a joint meeting of the committees concerned, which, should no agreement be reached between their Chairs, shall be held on the Wednesday of the first week set aside for meetings of parliamentary bodies following the communication of the Council’s position to Parliament. Should no agreement be reached on the convening of a further meeting, any such meeting shall be convened by the Chair of the Conference of Committee Chairs. The vote on the recommendation for second reading shall be taken at a joint meeting on the basis of a joint text drafted by the respective rapporteurs of the committees concerned or, in the absence of a joint text, on the basis of the amendments tabled in the committees concerned. 3.  At the second-reading stage of the ordinary legislative procedure, the Council position shall be considered at a joint meeting of the committees concerned, which, should no agreement be reached between their Chairs, shall be held on the Wednesday of the first week set aside for meetings of parliamentary bodies following the communication of the Council’s position to Parliament. Should no agreement be reached on the convening of a further meeting, any such meeting shall be convened by the Chair of the Conference of Committee Chairs. The vote on the recommendation for second reading shall be taken at a joint meeting on the basis of a joint text drafted by the respective rapporteurs of the committees concerned or, in the absence of a joint text, on the basis of the amendments tabled in the committees concerned. At the third-reading stage of the ordinary legislative procedure, the Chairs and rapporteurs of the committees concerned shall be ex officio members of the delegation to the Conciliation Committee. At the third-reading stage of the ordinary legislative procedure, the Chairs and rapporteurs of the committees concerned shall be ex officio members of the delegation to the Conciliation Committee. This Rule can be applied to the procedure leading to a recommendation to approve or reject the conclusion of an international agreement pursuant to Rules 108(5) and 99(1) provided that the conditions set out in it are fulfilled. Amendment 53 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 56 Rule 56 Rule 52a Drafting of reports Drafting of reports -1.  The rapporteur shall be responsible for preparing the committee's report and for presenting it to Parliament on behalf of the committee. 1.  The explanatory statement shall be the responsibility of the rapporteur and shall not be put to the vote. It must, however, accord with the text of the motion for a resolution as adopted and any amendments proposed by the committee. If it fails to do so, the chair of the committee may delete the explanatory statement. 1.  The explanatory statement shall be the responsibility of the rapporteur and shall not be put to the vote. It must, however, accord with the text of the motion for a resolution as adopted and any amendments proposed by the committee. If it fails to do so, the chair of the committee may delete the explanatory statement. 2.  The report shall state the result of the vote taken on the report as a whole. In addition, if at least one third of the members present so request when the vote is taken, the report shall indicate how each member voted. 2.  The report shall state the result of the vote taken on the report as a whole and shall indicate in line with Rule 208(3), how each member voted. 3.  Where the committee's opinion is not unanimous the report shall also give a summary of the minority opinion. Minority opinions shall be expressed when the vote on the text as a whole is taken and may, at the request of their authors, be the subject of a written declaration not exceeding 200 words in length, annexed to the explanatory statement. 3.  Minority positions may be expressed when the vote on the text as a whole is taken and may, at the request of their authors, be the subject of a written declaration not exceeding 200 words in length, annexed to the explanatory statement. The Chair shall settle any disputes which may arise as a result of the application of these provisions. The Chair shall settle any disputes which may arise as a result of the application of this paragraph. 4.  On a proposal from its bureau, a committee may set a deadline within which the rapporteur must submit the draft report. This deadline may be extended or a new rapporteur appointed. 4.  On a proposal from its Chair, a committee may set a deadline within which the rapporteur must submit the draft report. This deadline may be extended or a new rapporteur appointed. 5.  Once the deadline has expired, the committee may instruct its Chair to ask for the matter referred to it to be placed on the agenda of one of the next sittings of Parliament. The debates may then be conducted on the basis of an oral report by the committee concerned. 5.  Once the deadline has expired, the committee may instruct its Chair to ask for the matter referred to it to be placed on the agenda of one of the next sittings of Parliament. The debates and votes may then be conducted on the basis of an oral report by the committee concerned. (This Rule as amended shall be moved before Rule 53) Amendment 54 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II – chapter 3 – title CHAPTER 3 CHAPTER 3 FIRST READING ORDINARY LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURE Amendment 55 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II – chapter 3 – section 1 (new) SECTION 1 FIRST READING Amendment 56 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II – chapter 3 – subtitle 1 Committee stage deleted Amendment 57 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 57 Rule 57 deleted Modification of a proposal for a legislative act 1.  If the Commission informs Parliament or if the committee responsible becomes otherwise aware that the Commission intends to modify its proposal, the committee responsible shall postpone its examination of the matter until it has received the new proposal or the amendments of the Commission. 2.  If the Council substantially modifies the proposal for a legislative act, the provisions of Rule 63 shall apply. Amendment 58 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 58 Rule 58 deleted Commission and Council position on amendments 1.  Before the committee responsible proceeds to the final vote on a proposal for a legislative act, it shall ask the Commission to state its position on all the amendments to the proposal adopted by the committee, and the Council to comment. 2.  If the Commission is not in a position to make such a statement or declares that it is not prepared to accept all the amendments adopted by the committee, then the committee may postpone the final vote. 3.  If appropriate, the position of the Commission shall be included in the report. Amendment 59 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II – chapter 3 – subtitle 2 Plenary stage deleted Amendment 60 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 59 Rule 59 Rule 59 Conclusion of first reading Vote in Parliament – first reading -1.  Parliament may approve, amend or reject the draft legislative act. 1.  Parliament shall examine the proposal for a legislative act on the basis of the report drawn up by the committee responsible pursuant to Rule 49. 1.  Parliament shall first vote on any proposal for the immediate rejection of the draft legislative act that has been tabled in writing by the committee responsible, a political group or at least 40 Members. If that proposal for rejection is adopted, the President shall ask the originating institution to withdraw the draft legislative act. If the originating institution does so, the President shall declare the procedure closed. If the originating institution does not withdraw the draft legislative act, the President shall announce that the first reading of Parliament is concluded, unless, on a proposal of the Chair or rapporteur of the committee responsible or of a political group or at least 40 Members, Parliament decides to refer the matter back to the committee responsible for reconsideration. If that proposal for rejection is not adopted, Parliament shall then proceed in accordance with paragraphs 1a to 1c. 1a.  Any provisional agreement tabled by the committee responsible under Rule 73d(4) shall be given priority in voting and shall be put to a single vote, unless, at the request of a political group or at least 40 Members, Parliament decides instead to proceed with the vote on amendments in accordance with paragraph 1b. In that case, Parliament shall also decide whether the vote on the amendments shall take place immediately. If not, Parliament shall set a new deadline for amendments and the vote shall take place at a subsequent sitting. If, in a single vote, the provisional agreement is adopted, the President shall announce that the first reading of Parliament has been concluded. If, in a single vote, the provisional agreement fails to secure the majority of the votes cast, the President shall set a new deadline for amendments to the draft legislative act. Such amendments shall then be put to the vote at a subsequent sitting in order for Parliament to conclude its first reading. 1b.  Save where a proposal for rejection has been adopted in accordance with paragraph 1 or a provisional agreement has been adopted in accordance with paragraph 1a, any amendments to the draft legislative act shall then be put to the vote, including, where applicable, individual parts of the provisional agreement where requests have been made for split or separate votes, or competing amendments have been tabled. Before voting on the amendments, the President may ask the Commission to state its position and the Council to comment. After the vote on those amendments has taken place, Parliament shall vote on the whole draft legislative act, amended or otherwise. If the whole draft legislative act, amended or otherwise, is adopted, the President shall announce that the first reading has been concluded, unless, on a proposal of the Chair or the rapporteur of the committee responsible or of a political group or at least 40 Members, Parliament decides to refer the matter back to the committee responsible, for interinstitutional negotiations in accordance with Rules 59a, 73a and 73d. If the whole draft legislative act, as amended or otherwise, fails to secure a majority of the votes cast, the President shall announce that the first reading has been concluded, unless, on a proposal of the Chair or rapporteur of the committee responsible or of a political group or at least 40 Members, Parliament decides to refer the matter back to the committee responsible for reconsideration. 1c.  After the votes taken under paragraphs 1 to 1b, and the votes subsequently taken on amendments to the draft legislative resolution relating to procedural requests, if any, the legislative resolution shall be deemed to have been adopted. If necessary, the legislative resolution shall be modified, pursuant to Rule 193(2), in order to reflect the outcome of the votes taken under paragraphs 1 to 1b. The text of the legislative resolution and of Parliament's position shall be forwarded, by the President, to the Council and the Commission, as well as, where the draft legislative act originates from them, to the originating group of Member States, the Court of Justice or the European Central Bank. 2.  Parliament shall first vote on the amendments to the proposal with which the report of the committee responsible is concerned, then on the proposal, amended or otherwise, then on the amendments to the draft legislative resolution, then on the draft legislative resolution as a whole, which shall contain only a statement as to whether Parliament approves, rejects or proposes amendments to the proposal for a legislative act and any procedural requests. The first reading is concluded if the draft legislative resolution is adopted. If Parliament does not adopt the legislative resolution, the proposal shall be referred back to the committee responsible. All reports tabled under the legislative procedure should comply with Rules 39, 47 and 49. Any non-legislative motion for a resolution tabled by a committee should be in accordance with the referral procedures provided for in Rule 52 or 201. 3.  The text of the proposal as approved by Parliament and the accompanying resolution shall be forwarded to the Council and the Commission by the President as Parliament's position. Amendment 61 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 59 a (new) Rule 59a Referral back to the committee responsible If in accordance with Rule 59, a matter is referred back to the committee responsible for reconsideration or for interinstitutional negotiations in accordance with Rules 73a and 73d, the committee responsible shall, orally or in writing, report to Parliament within four months, which period may be extended by the Conference of Presidents. Following a referral back to committee, the lead committee must, before taking a decision on the procedure to be followed, allow an associated committee, as Rule 54 provides, to make choices as to the amendments which fall within its exclusive competence, and in particular to choose which amendments are to be resubmitted in plenary. Nothing prevents Parliament from deciding to hold, if appropriate, a concluding debate following the report by the Committee responsible to which the matter was referred back. (The last two paragraphs are inserted as interpretations) Amendment 62 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 60 Rule 60 deleted Rejection of a Commission proposal 1.  If a Commission proposal fails to secure a majority of the votes cast or if a motion for its rejection, which may be tabled by the committee responsible or by at least 40 Members, has been adopted, the President shall, before Parliament votes on the draft legislative resolution, ask the Commission to withdraw the proposal. 2.  If the Commission does so, the President shall declare the procedure closed and shall inform the Council accordingly. 3.  If the Commission does not withdraw its proposal, Parliament shall refer the matter back to the committee responsible without voting on the draft legislative resolution, unless Parliament, on a proposal of the Chair or rapporteur of the committee responsible or of a political group or at least 40 Members, proceeds to vote on the draft legislative resolution. In the event of referral back, the committee responsible shall decide on the procedure to be followed and shall, orally or in writing, report back to Parliament within a period decided by Parliament which may not exceed two months. Following a referral back to committee pursuant to paragraph 3, the lead committee must, before taking a decision on the procedure to be followed, allow an associated committee, as provided for in Rule 54, to make choices as to the amendments which fall within its exclusive competence, and in particular to choose which amendments are to be resubmitted in plenary. The time-limit laid down in the second subparagraph of paragraph 3 applies to the tabling in writing, or the oral presentation, of the report of the committee responsible. It does not apply to Parliament's decision as to the appropriate juncture at which to continue consideration of the procedure in question. 4.  If the committee responsible is unable to meet the deadline, it shall request referral back to committee pursuant to Rule 188(1). If necessary, Parliament may set a new time-limit pursuant to Rule 188(5). If the committee's request is not accepted, Parliament shall proceed to the vote on the draft legislative resolution. Amendment 63 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 61 Rule 61 deleted Adoption of amendments to a Commission proposal 1.  Where the Commission proposal as a whole is approved, but on the basis of amendments which have also been adopted, the vote on the draft legislative resolution shall be postponed until the Commission has stated its position on each of Parliament's amendments. If the Commission is not in a position to make such a statement at the end of Parliament's vote on its proposal, it shall inform the President or the committee responsible as to when it will be in a position to do so; the proposal shall then be placed on the draft agenda of the first part-session thereafter. 2.  If the Commission announces that it does not intend to adopt all Parliament's amendments, the rapporteur of the committee responsible, or else the Chair of that committee, shall make a formal proposal to Parliament as to whether the vote on the draft legislative resolution should proceed. Before submitting this proposal, the rapporteur or Chair of the committee responsible may ask the President to suspend consideration of the item. If Parliament decides to postpone the vote, the matter shall be deemed to be referred back to the committee responsible for reconsideration. In this case, the committee responsible shall, orally or in writing, report to Parliament within a period decided by Parliament which may not exceed two months. If the committee responsible is unable to meet the deadline, the procedure provided for in Rule 60(4) shall be applied. Only amendments tabled by the committee responsible and seeking to reach a compromise with the Commission shall be admissible at this stage. Nothing prevents Parliament from deciding to hold, if appropriate, a concluding debate following the report by the Committee responsible to which the matter has been referred back. 3.  Application of paragraph 2 does not preclude a request for referral being tabled by other Members pursuant to Rule 188. A committee to which a matter has been referred back under paragraph 2 is principally required under the terms of that referral to report within the deadline given and, where appropriate, to table amendments seeking to reach a compromise with the Commission, but not to reconsider all the provisions approved by Parliament. However, within these terms of reference, in view of the suspensory effect of the referral, the committee enjoys a greater degree of freedom and may, where necessary in the interests of the compromise, propose reconsidering provisions which received a favourable vote in Parliament. In such cases, in view of the fact that the only admissible amendments from the committee are those seeking to reach a compromise, and with a view to preserving Parliament's sovereignty, the report referred to in paragraph 2 must clearly state which provisions already approved would fall if the proposed amendments were adopted. Amendment 64 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II – chapter 3 – subtitle 3 Follow-up procedure deleted Amendment 65 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 62 Rule 62 deleted Follow-up to Parliament's position 1.  In the period following the adoption by Parliament of its position on a proposal by the Commission, the Chair and the rapporteur of the committee responsible shall monitor the progress of the proposal over the course of the procedure leading to its adoption by the Council, in particular to ensure that the undertakings given by the Council or the Commission to Parliament concerning its position are properly observed. 2.  The committee responsible may invite the Commission and the Council to discuss the matter with it. 3.  At any stage of the follow-up procedure the committee responsible may, if it deems it necessary, table a motion for a resolution under this Rule recommending that Parliament: –  call upon the Commission to withdraw its proposal, or –  call upon the Commission or the Council to refer the matter to Parliament once again pursuant to Rule 63, or upon the Commission to present a new proposal, or –  decide to take such other action as it deems appropriate. This motion shall be placed on the draft agenda of the part-session following the decision by the committee. Amendment 66 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 63 Rule 63 Rule 63 Renewed referral to Parliament Renewed referral to Parliament Ordinary legislative procedure 1.  The President shall, at the request of the committee responsible, ask the Commission to refer its proposal again to Parliament in cases: 1.  The President shall, at the request of the committee responsible, ask the Commission to refer its proposal again to Parliament where: –  where the Commission withdraws its initial proposal after Parliament has adopted its position, in order to replace it with another text, except where this is done in order to take account of Parliament's position; or –  where the Commission substantially amends or intends to amend its initial proposal, except where this is done in order to take account of Parliament's position; or –  the Commission replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its initial proposal after Parliament has adopted its position, except where this is done in order to take account of Parliament's position; –  where, through the passage of time or changes in circumstances, the nature of the problem with which the proposal is concerned substantially changes; or –  the nature of the problem with which the proposal is concerned substantially changes as a result of passage of time or changes in circumstances; or –  where new elections to Parliament have taken place since it adopted its position, and the Conference of Presidents considers it desirable. –  new elections to Parliament have taken place since it adopted its position, and the Conference of Presidents considers it desirable. 1a.  Where a modification of the legal basis of a proposal is envisaged which would result in the ordinary legislative procedure no longer applying to that proposal, the Parliament, Council and Commission will, pursuant to paragraph 25 of the Interinstitutional agreement on Better Law Making, exchange views thereon through their respective Presidents or their representatives. 2.  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 294 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, where the Council intends to modify the legal basis of the proposal with the result that the ordinary legislative procedure will no longer apply. 2.  Following the exchange of views referred to in paragraph 1a, the President shall, at the request of the committee responsible, ask the Council to refer the draft legally binding act to Parliament again, where the Commission or the Council intends to modify the legal basis provided for in Parliament's position at first reading, with the result that the ordinary legislative procedure would no longer apply. Other procedures 3.  At the request of the committee responsible, the President shall call on the Council to reconsult Parliament in the same circumstances and under the same conditions as those set out in paragraph 1, and also where the Council substantially amends or intends to amend the proposal on which Parliament originally delivered its opinion, except where this is done in order to incorporate Parliament's amendments. 4.  The President shall also request that a proposal for an act be referred again to Parliament in the circumstances defined in this Rule where Parliament so decides on a proposal from a political group or at least 40 Members. Amendment 67 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II – chapter 4 – title CHAPTER 4 SECTION 2 SECOND READING SECOND READING Amendment 68 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II – chapter 4 – subtitle 1 Committee stage deleted Amendment 69 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 64 Rule 64 Rule 64 Communication of the Council's position Communication of the Council's position 1.  Communication of the Council's position pursuant to Article 294 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union takes place when it is announced by the President in Parliament. The President shall make the announcement after receiving the documents which contain the position itself, all declarations made in the Council minutes when it adopted the position, the reasons which led the Council to adopt its position, and the Commission's position, duly translated into the official languages of the European Union. The President's announcement shall be made during the part-session following the receipt of such documents. 1.  Communication of the Council's position pursuant to Article 294 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union takes place when it is announced by the President in Parliament. The President shall make the announcement after receiving the documents which contain the position itself, all declarations made in the Council minutes when it adopted the position, the reasons which led the Council to adopt its position, and the Commission's position, duly translated into the official languages of the European Union. The President's announcement shall be made during the part-session following the receipt of such documents. Before making the announcement, the President establishes, after consulting the Chair of the committee responsible and/or the rapporteur, that the text received is indeed a Council's first reading position and that the circumstances described in Rule 63 do not apply. Failing this, the President, together with the committee responsible and, where possible, in agreement with the Council, seeks an appropriate solution. Before making the announcement, the President establishes, after consulting the Chair of the committee responsible and/or the rapporteur, that the text received is indeed a Council's first reading position and that the circumstances described in Rule 63 do not apply. Failing this, the President, together with the committee responsible and, where possible, in agreement with the Council, seeks an appropriate solution. 1a.  On the day of its announcement in Parliament, the Council's position shall be deemed to have been referred automatically to the committee responsible at first reading. 2.  A list of such communications shall be published in the minutes of the sitting together with the name of the committee responsible. 2.  A list of such communications shall be published in the minutes of the sitting together with the name of the committee responsible. Amendment 70 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 65 Rule 65 Rule 65 Extension of time limits Extension of time limits 1.  The President shall, at the request of the Chair of the committee responsible in the case of time-limits for second reading, or at the request of Parliament's conciliation delegation in the case of time-limits for conciliation, extend the limits in question in accordance with Article 294(14) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. 1.  The President shall, at the request of the Chair of the committee responsible, extend the time-limits for second reading in accordance with Article 294(14) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. 2.  The President shall notify Parliament of any extension of time limits under Article 294(14) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, whether on the initiative of Parliament or of the Council. 2.  The President shall notify Parliament of any extension of time limits under Article 294(14) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, whether on the initiative of Parliament or of the Council. Amendment 71 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 66 Rule 66 Rule 66 Referral to and procedure in the committee responsible Procedure in the committee responsible 1.  On the day of its communication to Parliament pursuant to Rule 64(1), the Council's position shall be deemed to have been referred automatically to the committee responsible and to the committees asked for their opinion at first reading. 2.  The Council's position shall be entered as the first item on the agenda of the first meeting of the committee responsible following the date of its communication. The Council may be invited to present its position. 2.  The Council's position shall be entered as a priority item on the agenda of the first meeting of the committee responsible following the date of its communication. The Council may be invited to present its position. 3.  Unless otherwise decided, the rapporteur at second reading shall be the same as at first reading. 3.  Unless otherwise decided, the rapporteur at second reading shall be the same as at first reading. 4.  The provisions for Parliament's second reading in Rule 69(2), (3) and (5) shall apply to the proceedings in the committee responsible; only members or permanent substitutes of that committee may table proposals for rejection and amendments. The committee shall decide by a majority of the votes cast. 4.  The provisions concerning the admissibility of the amendments to the Council's position in Rule 69(2) and (3) shall apply to the proceedings in the committee responsible; only members or permanent substitutes of that committee may table proposals for rejection and amendments. The committee shall decide by a majority of the votes cast. 5.  Before voting, the committee may request the Chair and rapporteur to discuss amendments that have been tabled in the committee with the President of the Council or the latter's representative and with the Commissioner responsible present. The rapporteur may table compromise amendments following such discussion. 6.  The committee responsible shall submit a recommendation for second reading proposing the approval, amendment or rejection of the position adopted by the Council. The recommendation shall include a short justification for the decision proposed. 6.  The committee responsible shall submit a recommendation for second reading proposing the approval, amendment or rejection of the position adopted by the Council. The recommendation shall include a short justification for the decision proposed. 6a.  Rules 49, 50, 53 and 188 shall not apply during second reading. Amendment 72 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II – chapter 4 – subtitle 2 Plenary stage deleted Amendment 73 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 67 Rule 67 Rule 67 Conclusion of second reading Submission to Parliament 1.   The Council's position and, where available, the recommendation for second reading of the committee responsible shall automatically be placed on the draft agenda for the part-session whose Wednesday falls before and closest to the day of expiry of the period of three months or, if extended in accordance with Rule 65, of four months, unless the matter has been dealt with at an earlier part-session. The Council's position and, where available, the recommendation for second reading of the committee responsible shall automatically be placed on the draft agenda for the part-session whose Wednesday falls before and closest to the day of expiry of the period of three months or, if extended in accordance with Rule 65, of four months, unless the matter has been dealt with at an earlier part-session. The recommendations for second reading submitted by parliamentary committees are equivalent to an explanatory statement in which the committee justifies its position in relation to the Council's position. There is no vote on these texts. 2.  The second reading shall be concluded when Parliament approves, rejects or amends the Council's position within the time limits and in accordance with the conditions laid down by Article 294 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Amendment 74 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 67 a (new) Rule 67a Vote in Parliament – second reading 1.  Parliament shall first vote on any proposal for the immediate rejection of Council's position that has been tabled in writing by the committee responsible, a political group or at least 40 Members. For it to be adopted, such a proposal shall require the votes of a majority of the component Members of Parliament. If that proposal for rejection is adopted, resulting in the rejection of the Council's position, the President shall announce in Parliament that the legislative procedure is closed. If that proposal for rejection is not adopted, Parliament shall then proceed in accordance with paragraphs 2 to 5. 2.  Any provisional agreement tabled under Rule 73d(4) by the committee responsible shall be given priority in voting and put to a single vote, unless, at the request of a political group or at least 40 Members, Parliament decides to proceed immediately with the vote on amendments in accordance with paragraph 3. If, in a single vote, the provisional agreement secures the votes of a majority of the component Members of Parliament, the President shall announce that the second reading of Parliament has been concluded. If, in a single vote, the provisional agreement fails to secure the majority of the component Members of Parliament, Parliament shall then proceed in accordance with paragraphs 3 to 5. 3.  Save where a proposal for rejection has been adopted in accordance with paragraph 1 or a provisional agreement has been adopted in accordance with paragraph 2, any amendments to the Council's position, including those contained in the provisional agreement tabled by the committee responsible under Rule 73d(4), shall then be put to the vote. Any amendment to the Council's position shall be adopted only if it secures the votes of a majority of the component Members of Parliament. Before voting on the amendments, the President may ask the Commission to state its position and the Council to comment. 4.  Notwithstanding a vote by Parliament against the initial proposal to reject the Council's position under paragraph 1, Parliament may, on the proposal of the Chair or the rapporteur of the committee responsible or of a political group or at least 40 Members, consider a further proposal for rejection after voting on the amendments under paragraphs 2 or 3. For it to be adopted, such a proposal shall require the votes of a majority of the component Members of Parliament. If the Council's position is rejected, the President shall announce in Parliament that the legislative procedure is closed. 5.  After the votes taken under paragraphs 1 to 4 and the votes subsequently taken on amendments to the draft legislative resolution relating to procedural requests, the President shall announce that the second reading of Parliament has been concluded and the legislative resolution shall be deemed to have been adopted. If necessary, the legislative resolution shall be modified, pursuant to Rule 193(2), in order to reflect the outcome of the votes taken under paragraphs 1 to 4 or the application of Rule 76. The text of the legislative resolution and of Parliament's position, if any, shall be forwarded by the President to the Council and to the Commission. Where no proposal to reject or amend the Council's position has been tabled, it shall be deemed to have been approved. Amendment 75 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 68 Rule 68 deleted Rejection of the Council's position 1.  The committee responsible, a political group or at least 40 Members may, in writing and before a deadline set by the President, table a proposal to reject the Council's position. Such a proposal shall require for adoption the votes of a majority of the component Members of Parliament. A proposal to reject the Council's position shall be voted on before voting on any amendments. 2.  Notwithstanding a vote by Parliament against the initial proposal to reject the Council's position, Parliament may, on the recommendation of the rapporteur, consider a further proposal for rejection after voting on the amendments and hearing a statement from the Commission pursuant to Rule 69(5). 3.  If the Council's position is rejected, the President shall announce in Parliament that the legislative procedure is closed. Amendment 76 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 69 Rule 69 Rule 69 Amendments to the Council's position Admissibility of amendments to the Council's position 1.  The committee responsible, a political group or at least 40 Members may table amendments to the Council's position for consideration in Parliament. 1.  The committee responsible, a political group or at least 40 Members may table amendments to the Council's position for consideration in Parliament. 2.  An amendment to the Council's position shall be admissible only if it complies with Rules 169 and 170 and seeks: 2.  An amendment to the Council's position shall be admissible only if it complies with Rules 169 and 170 and seeks: (a)  to restore wholly or partly the position adopted by Parliament at its first reading; or (a)  to restore wholly or partly the position adopted by Parliament at its first reading; or (b)  to reach a compromise between the Council and Parliament; or (b)  to reach a compromise between the Council and Parliament; or (c)  to amend a part of the text of a Council's position which was not included in - or differs in content from - the proposal submitted at first reading and which does not amount to a substantial change within the meaning of Rule 63; or (c)  to amend a part of the text of a Council position which was not included in - or differs in content from - the proposal submitted at first reading; or (d)  to take account of a new fact or legal situation which has arisen since the first reading. (d)  to take account of a new fact or legal situation which has arisen since the adoption of Parliament's position at first reading. The President's discretion to declare an amendment admissible or inadmissible may not be questioned. The President's discretion to declare an amendment admissible or inadmissible may not be questioned. 3.  If new elections have taken place since the first reading, but Rule 63 has not been invoked, the President may decide to waive the restrictions on admissibility laid down in paragraph 2. 3.  If new elections have taken place since the first reading, but Rule 63 has not been invoked, the President may decide to waive the restrictions on admissibility laid down in paragraph 2. 4.  An amendment shall be adopted only if it secures the votes of a majority of the component Members of Parliament. 5.  Before voting on the amendments, the President may ask the Commission to state its position and the Council to comment. Amendment 77 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II – chapter 5 – title CHAPTER 5 SECTION 4 THIRD READING CONCILIATION AND THIRD READING Amendment 78 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II - chapter 5 – subtitle 1 Conciliation deleted Amendment 79 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 69 b (new) Rule 69b Extension of time limits 1.  The President shall, at the request of Parliament's delegation to the conciliation committee, extend the time limits for third reading in accordance with Article 294(14) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. 2.  The President shall notify Parliament of any extension of time limits under Article 294(14) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, whether on the initiative of Parliament or of the Council. Amendment 80 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 71 Rule 71 Rule 71 Delegation to the Conciliation Committee Delegation to the Conciliation Committee 1.  Parliament's delegation to the Conciliation Committee shall consist of a number of members equal to the number of members of the Council delegation. 1.  Parliament's delegation to the Conciliation Committee shall consist of a number of members equal to the number of members of the Council delegation. 2.  The political composition of the delegation shall correspond to the composition of Parliament by political groups. The Conference of Presidents shall determine the exact number of Members from each political group. 2.  The political composition of the delegation shall correspond to the composition of Parliament by political groups. The Conference of Presidents shall determine the exact number of Members from each political group. 3.  The members of the delegation shall be appointed by the political groups for each conciliation case, preferably from among the members of the committees concerned, except for three members who shall be appointed as permanent members of successive delegations for a period of 12 months. The three permanent members shall be appointed by the political groups from among the Vice-Presidents and shall represent at least two different political groups. The chair and the rapporteur of the committee responsible in each case shall be members of the delegation. 3.  The members of the delegation shall be appointed by the political groups for each conciliation case, preferably from among the members of the committee responsible, except for three members who shall be appointed as permanent members of successive delegations for a period of 12 months. The three permanent members shall be appointed by the political groups from among the Vice-Presidents and shall represent at least two different political groups. The chair and the rapporteur in second reading of the committee responsible as well as the rapporteur of any associated committee shall in each case be members of the delegation. 4.  The political groups represented on the delegation shall appoint substitutes. 4.  The political groups represented on the delegation shall appoint substitutes. 5.  Political groups and non-attached Members not represented on the delegation may each send one representative to any internal preparatory meeting of the delegation. 5.  Political groups not represented on the delegation may each send one representative to any internal preparatory meeting of the delegation. If the delegation does not include any non-attached Members, one non-attached Member may attend any internal preparatory meeting of the delegation. 6.  The delegation shall be led by the President or by one of the three permanent members. 6.  The delegation shall be led by the President or by one of the three permanent members. 7.  The delegation shall decide by a majority of its members. Its deliberations shall not be public. 7.  The delegation shall decide by a majority of its members. Its deliberations shall not be public. The Conference of Presidents shall lay down further procedural guidelines for the work of the delegation to the Conciliation Committee. The Conference of Presidents shall lay down further procedural guidelines for the work of the delegation to the Conciliation Committee. 8.  The results of the conciliation shall be reported by the delegation to Parliament. 8.  The results of the conciliation shall be reported by the delegation to Parliament. Amendment 81 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II - chapter 5 – subtitle 2 Plenary stage deleted Amendment 82 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 72 Rule 72 Rule 72 Joint text Joint text 1.  Where agreement on a joint text is reached within the Conciliation Committee, the matter shall be placed on the agenda of a sitting of Parliament to be held within six or, if extended, eight weeks of the date of approval of the joint text by the Conciliation Committee. 1.  Where agreement on a joint text is reached within the Conciliation Committee, the matter shall be placed on the agenda of a sitting of Parliament to be held within six or, if extended, eight weeks of the date of approval of the joint text by the Conciliation Committee. 2.  The Chair 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. 2.  The Chair 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. 3.  No amendments may be tabled to the joint text. 3.  No amendments may be tabled to the joint text. 4.  The joint text as a whole shall be the subject of a single vote. The joint text shall be approved if it secures a majority of the votes cast. 4.  The joint text as a whole shall be the subject of a single vote. The joint text shall be approved if it secures a majority of the votes cast. 5.  If no agreement is reached on a joint text within the Conciliation Committee, the Chair or another designated member of Parliament's delegation to the Conciliation Committee shall make a statement. This statement shall be followed by a debate. 5.  If no agreement is reached on a joint text within the Conciliation Committee, the Chair or another designated member of Parliament's delegation to the Conciliation Committee shall make a statement. This statement shall be followed by a debate. 5a.  During the conciliation procedure between Parliament and the Council following the second reading, no referral back to committee shall take place. 5b.  Rules 49, 50 and 53 shall not apply during third reading. Amendment 83 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II – chapter 6 – title CHAPTER 6 SECTION 5 CONCLUSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURE CONCLUSION OF THE PROCEDURE Amendment 84 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II – chapter 3 – section 3 (new) SECTION 3 INTERINSTITUTIONAL NEGOTIATIONS DURING THE ORDINARY LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURE (Section 3 shall be inserted before section 4 on Conciliation and third reading and shall contain Rule 73, as amended, and Rule 73a to 73d). Amendment 85 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 73 Rule 73 Rule 73 Interinstitutional negotiations in legislative procedures General provisions 1.  Negotiations with the other institutions aimed at reaching an agreement in the course of a legislative procedure shall be conducted having regard to the Code of Conduct laid down by the Conference of Presidents10 . Negotiations with the other institutions aimed at reaching an agreement in the course of a legislative procedure may only be entered into following a decision taken in accordance with the Rules 73a to 73c or following a referral back by Parliament for interinstitutional negotiations. Such negotiations shall be conducted having regard to the Code of Conduct laid down by the Conference of Presidents10. 2.  Such negotiations shall not be entered into prior to the adoption by the committee responsible, on a case-by-case basis for every legislative procedure concerned and by a majority of its members, of a decision on the opening of negotiations. That decision shall determine the mandate and the composition of the negotiating team. Such decisions shall be notified to the President, who shall keep the Conference of Presidents informed on a regular basis. The mandate shall consist of a report adopted in committee and tabled for later consideration by Parliament. By way of exception, where the committee responsible considers it duly justified to enter into negotiations prior to the adoption of a report in committee, the mandate may consist of a set of amendments or a set of clearly defined objectives, priorities or orientations. 3.  The negotiating team shall be led by the rapporteur and presided over by the Chair of the committee responsible or by a Vice-Chair designated by the Chair. It shall comprise at least the shadow rapporteurs from each political group. 4.  Any document intended to be discussed in a meeting with the Council and the Commission ("trilogue") shall take the form of a document indicating the respective positions of the institutions involved and possible compromise solutions and shall be circulated to the negotiating team at least 48 hours, or in cases of urgency at least 24 hours, in advance of the trilogue in question. After each trilogue the negotiating team shall report back to the following meeting of the committee responsible. Documents reflecting the outcome of the last trilogue shall be made available to the committee. Where it is not feasible to convene a meeting of the committee in a timely manner, the negotiating team shall report back to the Chair, the shadow rapporteurs and the coordinators of the committee, as appropriate. The committee responsible may update the mandate in the light of the progress of the negotiations. 5.  If the negotiations lead to a compromise, the committee responsible shall be informed without delay. The agreed text shall be submitted to the committee responsible for consideration. If approved by a vote in committee, the agreed text shall be tabled for consideration by Parliament in the appropriate form, including compromise amendments. It may be presented as a consolidated text provided that it clearly displays the modifications to the proposal for a legislative act under consideration. 6.  Where the procedure involves associated committees or joint committee meetings, Rules 54 and 55 shall apply to the decision on the opening of negotiations and to the conduct of such negotiations. In the event of disagreement between the committees concerned, the modalities for the opening of negotiations and the conduct of such negotiations shall be determined by the Chair of the Conference of Committee Chairs in accordance with the principles set out in those Rules. __________________ __________________ 10 See Annex XX. 10 Code of Conduct for negotiating in the context of the ordinary legislative procedures. Amendment 86 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 73 a (new) Rule 73a Negotiations ahead of Parliament's first reading 1.  Where a committee has adopted a legislative report pursuant to Rule 49, it may decide, by a majority of its members, to enter into negotiations on the basis of that report. 2.  Decisions to enter into negotiations shall be announced at the beginning of the part-session following their adoption in committee. By the end of the day following the announcement in Parliament, political groups or individual members who together constitute at least one tenth of the Members of Parliament may request in writing that a committee decision to enter into negotiations be put to the vote. Parliament shall vote on such requests during the same part-session. If no such request is received by the expiry of the deadline laid down in subparagraph 1, the President shall inform the Parliament that this is the case. If a request is made, the President may, immediately prior to the vote, give the floor to one speaker in favour and to one speaker against. Each speaker may make a statement lasting no more than two minutes. 3.  If Parliament rejects the committee’s decision to enter into negotiations, the draft legislative act and the report of the committee responsible shall be placed on the agenda of the following part-session, and the President shall set a deadline for amendments. Rule 59(1b) shall apply. 4.  Negotiations may start at any time after the deadline laid down in the first subparagraph of paragraph 2 has expired without a request for a vote in Parliament on the decision to enter into negotiations being made. If such a request has been made, negotiations may start at any time after the committee decision to enter into negotiations has been approved in Parliament. Amendment 87 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 73 b (new) Rule 73b Negotiations ahead of Council's first reading Where the Parliament has adopted its position at first reading, this shall constitute the mandate for any negotiations with other institutions. The committee responsible may decide, by a majority of its members, to enter into negotiations at any time thereafter. Such decisions shall be announced in Parliament during the part-session following the vote in committee and reference to them shall be included in the minutes. Amendment 88 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 73 c (new) Rule 73c Negotiations ahead of Parliament's second reading Where the Council position at first reading has been referred to the committee responsible, Parliament's position at first reading shall, subject to Rule 69, constitute the mandate for any negotiations with other institutions. The committee responsible may decide to enter into negotiations at any time after. Where the Council position contains elements not covered by the draft legislative act or by the Parliament's position at first reading, the committee may adopt guidelines, including in the form of amendments to the Council position, for the negotiating team. Amendment 305 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 73 d (new) Rule 73d Conduct of negotiations 1.  Parliament's negotiating team shall be led by the rapporteur and shall be presided over by the Chair of the committee responsible or by a Vice-Chair designated by the Chair. It shall comprise at least the shadow rapporteurs from each political group that wishes to participate. 2.  Any document intended to be discussed at a meeting with the Council and the Commission ("trilogue") shall be circulated to the negotiating team at least 48 hours or, in cases of urgency, at least 24 hours in advance of that trilogue. 3.  After each trilogue, the Chair of the negotiating team and the Rapporteur, on behalf of the negotiating team, shall report back to the next meeting of the committee responsible. Where it is not feasible to convene a meeting of the committee in a timely manner, the Chair of the negotiating team and the Rapporteur, on behalf of the negotiating team, shall report back to a meeting of the committee coordinators. 4.  If negotiations lead to a provisional agreement, the committee responsible shall be informed without delay. Documents reflecting the outcome of the concluding trilogue shall be made available to the committee and shall be published. The provisional agreement shall be submitted to the committee responsible, which shall decide by way of a single vote by a majority of the votes cast. If approved, it shall be tabled for consideration by Parliament, in a presentation which clearly indicates the modifications to the draft legislative act. 5.  In the event of disagreement between the committees concerned under Rules 54 and 55, the detailed rules for the opening of negotiations and the conduct of such negotiations shall be determined by the Chair of the Conference of Committee Chairs in accordance with the principles set out in those Rules. Amendment 90 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 74 Rule 74 deleted Approval of a decision on the opening of interinstitutional negotiations prior to the adoption of a report in committee 1.  Any decision by a committee on the opening of negotiations prior to the adoption of a report in committee shall be translated into all the official languages, distributed to all Members of Parliament and submitted to the Conference of Presidents. At the request of a political group, the Conference of Presidents may decide to include the item, for consideration with a debate and vote, in the draft agenda of the part-session following the distribution, in which case the President shall set a deadline for the tabling of amendments. In the absence of a decision by the Conference of Presidents to include the item in the draft agenda of that part-session, the decision on the opening of negotiations shall be announced by the President at the opening of that part-session. 2.  The item shall be included in the draft agenda of the part-session following the announcement, for consideration with a debate and vote, and the President shall set a deadline for the tabling of amendments where a political group or at least 40 Members so request within 48 hours after the announcement. Otherwise, the decision on the opening of the negotiations shall be deemed to be approved. Amendment 91 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 75 Rule 75 Rule 63a First-reading agreement First-reading agreement Where, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Council has informed Parliament that it has approved Parliament's position, the President, following finalisation in accordance with Rule 193, shall announce in Parliament that the proposal has been adopted in the wording which corresponds to the position of Parliament. Where, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Council has informed Parliament that it has approved Parliament's position, the President, following finalisation in accordance with Rule 193, shall announce in Parliament that the legislative act has been adopted in the wording which corresponds to the position of Parliament. (This Rule shall be moved to the end of section 1 on first reading.) Amendment 92 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 76 Rule 76 Rule 69a Second-reading agreement Second-reading agreement Where no motion to reject the Council's position, and no amendments to that position, are adopted under Rules 68 and 69 within the time limits set for tabling and voting on amendments or proposals to reject, the President shall announce in Parliament that the proposed act has been finally adopted. He shall, with the President of the Council, sign the proposed act and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, in accordance with Rule 78. Where no proposal to reject the Council's position and no amendments to that position are tabled under Rules 67a and 69 within the time limits set for tabling and voting on amendments or proposals to reject, the President shall announce in Parliament that the proposed act has been finally adopted. (This Rule shall be moved to the end of section 2 on second reading.) Amendment 93 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 77 Rule 77 deleted Requirements for the drafting of legislative acts 1.  Acts adopted jointly by Parliament and the Council in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure shall indicate the nature of the relevant act followed by the serial number, the date of its adoption and an indication of its subject-matter. 2.  Acts adopted jointly by Parliament and the Council shall contain the following: (a)  "The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union"; (b)  a reference to the provisions under which the act is adopted, preceded by the words "Having regard to"; (c)  a citation containing a reference to proposals submitted, opinions obtained and consultations held; (d)  a statement of the reasons on which the act is based, introduced by the word "Whereas"; (e)  a phrase such as "have adopted this Regulation" or "have adopted this Directive" or "have adopted this Decision" or "have decided as follows", followed by the body of the act. 3.  Acts shall be divided into articles, if appropriate grouped into chapters and sections. 4.  The last article of an act shall specify the date of entry into force, where that date is before or after the twentieth day following publication. 5.  The last article of an act shall be followed by: –  the appropriate formulation, according to the relevant provisions of the Treaties, as to its applicability; –  "Done at ...", followed by the date on which the act was adopted; –  "For the European Parliament The President", "For the Council The President", followed by the name of the President of Parliament and of the President-in-Office of the Council at the time when the act was adopted. Amendment 94 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 78 Rule 78 Rule 78 Signing of adopted acts Signing and publication of adopted acts After finalisation of the text adopted in accordance with Rule 193 and once it has been verified that all the procedures have been duly completed, acts adopted in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure shall be signed by the President and the Secretary-General and shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union by the Secretaries-General of Parliament and of the Council. After finalisation of the text adopted in accordance with Rule 193 and Annex XVIa and once it has been verified that all the procedures have been duly completed, acts adopted in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure shall be signed by the President and the Secretary-General. The Secretaries-General of Parliament and of the Council shall then arrange for the publication of the act in the Official Journal of the European Union. Amendment 95 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II – chapter 4 (new) CHAPTER 4 PROVISIONS SPECIFIC TO THE CONSULTATION PROCEDURE (This shall be introduced after Rule 78) Amendment 96 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 78 a (new) Rule 78a Modified proposal for a legally binding act If the Commission intends to replace or modify its proposal for a legally binding act, the committee responsible may postpone its examination of the matter until it has received the new proposal or the amendments of the Commission. Amendment 97 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 78 b (new) Rule 78b Commission position on amendments Before the committee responsible proceeds to the final vote on a proposal for a legally binding act, it may ask the Commission to state its position on all the amendments to the proposal adopted by the committee. If appropriate, that position shall be included in the report. Amendment 98 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 78 c (new) Rule 78c Vote in Parliament Rule 59 (-1), (1), (1b) and (1c) shall apply mutatis mutandis. Amendment 99 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 78 d (new) Rule 78d Follow-up to Parliament's position 1.  In the period following the adoption by Parliament of its position on a draft legally binding act, the Chair and the rapporteur of the committee responsible shall monitor the progress of that draft act over the course of the procedure leading to its adoption by the Council, in particular in order to ensure that any undertakings given by the Council or the Commission to Parliament concerning its position are properly observed. They shall report back to the committee regularly. 2.  The committee responsible may invite the Commission and the Council to discuss the matter with it. 3.  At any stage of the follow-up procedure, the committee responsible may, if it deems it to be necessary, table a motion for a resolution recommending that Parliament: –  call upon the Commission to withdraw its proposal, –  call upon the Commission or the Council to refer the matter to Parliament once again pursuant to Rule 78e, or upon the Commission to present a new proposal, or –  decide to take any other action that it deems to be appropriate. This motion shall be placed on the draft agenda of the part-session following the adoption of the motion by the committee. Amendment 100 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 78 e (new) Rule 78e Renewed referral to Parliament 1.  At the request of the committee responsible, the President shall call on the Council to reconsult Parliament in the same circumstances and under the same conditions as those set out in Rule 63(1), as well as where the Council substantially amends or intends to amend the draft legally binding act on which Parliament originally delivered its position, except where this is done in order to incorporate Parliament's amendments. 2.  The President shall also request that a draft legally binding act be referred again to Parliament in the circumstances defined in this Rule where Parliament so decides on a proposal from a political group or at least 40 Members. Amendment 101 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II – chapter 7 – numbering CHAPTER 7 CHAPTER 5 CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS Amendment 102 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 81 Rule 81 Rule 81 Accession treaties Accession treaties 1.  Any application by a European State to become a member of the European Union shall be referred for consideration to the committee responsible. 1.  Any application by a European State to become a member of the European Union in accordance with Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union shall be referred for consideration to the committee responsible. 2.  Parliament may decide, on a proposal from the committee responsible, a political group or at least 40 Members, to request the Commission and the Council to take part in a debate before negotiations with the applicant State commence. 2.  Parliament may decide, on a proposal from the committee responsible, a political group or at least 40 Members, to request the Commission and the Council to take part in a debate before negotiations with the applicant State commence. 3.  Throughout the negotiations the Commission and the Council shall inform the committee responsible regularly and fully of their progress, if necessary on a confidential basis. 3.  The committee responsible shall request the Commission and the Council to provide it with full and regular information about the progress of negotiations, if necessary on a confidential basis. 4.  At any stage of the negotiations Parliament may, on the basis of a report from the committee responsible, adopt recommendations and require these to be taken into account before the conclusion of a Treaty for the accession of an applicant State to the European Union. 4.  At any stage of the negotiations Parliament may, on the basis of a report from the committee responsible, adopt recommendations and require these to be taken into account before the conclusion of a Treaty for the accession of an applicant State to the European Union. 5.  When the negotiations are completed, but before any agreement is signed, the draft agreement shall be submitted to Parliament for consent in accordance with Rule 99. 5.  When the negotiations are completed, but before any agreement is signed, the draft agreement shall be submitted to Parliament for consent in accordance with Rule 99. In accordance with Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union, the consent of Parliament shall require the votes of a majority of its component members. Amendment 103 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 83 Rule 83 Rule 83 Breach by a Member State of fundamental principles Breach by a Member State of fundamental principles and values 1.  Parliament may, on the basis of a specific report of the committee responsible drawn up in accordance with Rules 45 and 52: 1.  Parliament may, on the basis of a specific report of the committee responsible drawn up in accordance with Rules 45 and 52: (a)  vote on a reasoned proposal calling on the Council to act pursuant to Article 7(1) of the Treaty on European Union; (a)  vote on a reasoned proposal calling on the Council to act pursuant to Article 7(1) of the Treaty on European Union; (b)  vote on a proposal calling on the Commission or the Member States to submit a proposal pursuant to Article 7(2) of the Treaty on European Union; (b)  vote on a proposal calling on the Commission or the Member States to submit a proposal pursuant to Article 7(2) of the Treaty on European Union; (c)  vote on a proposal calling on the Council to act pursuant to Article 7(3) or, subsequently, Article 7(4) of the Treaty on European Union. (c)  vote on a proposal calling on the Council to act pursuant to Article 7(3) or, subsequently, Article 7(4) of the Treaty on European Union. 2.  Any request from the Council for consent in relation to a proposal submitted pursuant to Article 7(1) and (2) of the Treaty on European Union along with the observations submitted by the Member State in question shall be announced to Parliament and referred to the committee responsible in accordance with Rule 99. Except in urgent and justified circumstances, Parliament shall take its decision on a proposal from the committee responsible. 2.  Any request from the Council for consent in relation to a proposal submitted pursuant to Article 7(1) and (2) of the Treaty on European Union along with the observations submitted by the Member State in question shall be announced to Parliament and referred to the committee responsible in accordance with Rule 99. Except in urgent and justified circumstances, Parliament shall take its decision on a proposal from the committee responsible. 3.  Decisions under paragraphs 1 and 2 shall require a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, constituting a majority of Parliament's component Members. 3.  In accordance with Article 354 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, decisions under paragraphs 1 and 2 shall require a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, constituting a majority of Parliament's component Members. 4.  Subject to the authorisation of the Conference of Presidents, the committee responsible may submit an accompanying motion for a resolution. That 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. 4.  Subject to the authorisation of the Conference of Presidents, the committee responsible may submit an accompanying motion for a resolution. That motion for a resolution shall set out Parliament's views on a serious breach by a Member State, on the appropriate measures to be taken and on varying or revoking those measures. 5.  The committee responsible shall ensure that Parliament is fully informed and, where necessary, asked for its views on all follow-up measures to its consent as given pursuant to paragraph 3. The Council shall be invited to outline developments as appropriate. On a proposal from the committee responsible, drawn up with the authorisation of the Conference of Presidents, Parliament may adopt recommendations to the Council. 5.  The committee responsible shall ensure that Parliament is fully informed and, where necessary, asked for its views on all follow-up measures to its consent as given pursuant to paragraph 3. The Council shall be invited to outline developments as appropriate. On a proposal from the committee responsible, drawn up with the authorisation of the Conference of Presidents, Parliament may adopt recommendations to the Council. Amendment 104 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 84 Rule 84 Rule 84 Composition of Parliament Composition of Parliament In due time before the end of a parliamentary term, Parliament may, on the basis of a report drawn up by its committee responsible in accordance with Rule 45, make a proposal to modify its composition. The European Council’s draft decision establishing the composition of Parliament shall be examined in accordance with Rule 99. In due time before the end of a parliamentary term, Parliament may, on the basis of a report drawn up by its committee responsible in accordance with Article 14(2) of the Treaty on European Union and with Rules 45 and 52, make a proposal to modify its composition. The European Council's draft decision establishing the composition of Parliament shall be examined in accordance with Rule 99. Amendment 105 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 85 Rule 85 Rule 85 Enhanced cooperation between Member States Enhanced cooperation between Member States 1.  Requests for the introduction of enhanced cooperation between Member States pursuant to Article 20 of the Treaty on European Union shall be referred by the President to the committee responsible for consideration. Rules 39, 41, 43, 47, 57 to 63 and 99 shall apply as appropriate. 1.  Requests for the introduction of enhanced cooperation between Member States pursuant to Article 20 of the Treaty on European Union shall be referred by the President to the committee responsible for consideration. Rule 99 shall apply. 2.  The committee responsible shall verify compliance with Article 20 of the Treaty on European Union and Articles 326 to 334 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. 2.  The committee responsible shall verify compliance with Article 20 of the Treaty on European Union and Articles 326 to 334 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. 3.  Acts subsequently 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. Rule 47 shall apply. 3.  Acts subsequently 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. Rule 47 shall apply. Amendment 106 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II – chapter 8 – numbering CHAPTER 8 CHAPTER 6 BUDGETARY PROCEDURES BUDGETARY PROCEDURES Amendment 107 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 86 Rule 86 Rule 86 Multiannual financial framework Multiannual financial framework Where the Council requests Parliament's consent concerning the proposal for a regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework, the matter shall be referred to the committee responsible in accordance with the procedure laid down in Rule 99. Parliament’s consent shall require the votes of a majority of its component Members. Where the Council requests Parliament's consent concerning the proposal for a regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework, the matter shall be dealt with in accordance with Rule 99. In accordance with Article 312(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Parliament's consent shall require the votes of a majority of its component Members. Amendment 108 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 86 a (new) Rule 86 a Annual budgetary procedure The committee responsible may decide to draw up any report that is deemed to be appropriate concerning the budget, having regard to the Annex to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management 1a. Any other committee may deliver an opinion within the time limit set by the committee responsible. ___________________ 1a OJ C 373, 20.12.2013, p. 1. Amendment 109 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 87 Rule 87 deleted Working documents 1.  The following documents shall be made available to Members: (a)  the draft budget presented by the Commission; (b)  a summary by the Council of its deliberations on the draft budget; (c)  the Council’s position on the draft budget drawn up pursuant to Article 314(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union; (d)  any draft decision on the provisional twelfths pursuant to Article 315 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. 2.  Those documents shall be referred to the committee responsible. Any committee concerned may deliver an opinion. 3.  If other committees wish to deliver opinions, the President shall set the time limit within which these are to be communicated to the committee responsible. Amendment 110 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 88 Rule 88 Rule 88 Consideration of the draft budget - first stage Parliament's position on the draft budget 1.  Subject to the conditions set out below, any Member may table and speak in support of draft amendments to the draft budget. 1.  Amendments to the Council's position on the draft budget may be tabled in the committee responsible by individual Members. Amendments to the Council's position may be tabled in Parliament by at least 40 Members or on behalf of a committee or a political group. 2.  Draft amendments shall be admissible only if they are presented in writing, bear the signatures of at least 40 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.  Amendments shall be presented and justified in writing, bear the signature of their authors and specify the budget line to which they refer. All draft amendments to the draft budget must be justified in writing. 3.  The President shall set the time limit for the tabling of draft amendments. 3.  The President shall set the time limit for the tabling of amendments. 4.  The committee responsible shall deliver its opinion on the texts submitted before they are discussed in Parliament. 4.  The committee responsible shall vote on the amendments before they are discussed in Parliament. Draft amendments which have been rejected in the committee responsible shall not be put to the vote in Parliament unless this has been requested in writing, before a deadline to be set by the President, by a committee or at least 40 Members; that deadline may on no account be less than 24 hours before the start of the vote. 4a.  Amendments tabled in Parliament which have been rejected in the committee responsible may only be put to the vote if this has been requested in writing, before a deadline to be set by the President, by a committee or by at least 40 Members; that deadline may on no account be less than 24 hours before the start of the vote. 5.  Draft amendments to the estimates of Parliament which are similar to those already rejected by Parliament at the time when the estimates were drawn up shall be discussed only where the committee responsible has delivered a favourable opinion. 5.  Amendments to the estimates of Parliament which are similar to those already rejected by Parliament at the time when the estimates were drawn up shall be discussed only where the committee responsible has delivered a favourable opinion. 6.  Notwithstanding Rule 59(2), Parliament shall take separate and successive votes on: 6.  Parliament shall take successive votes on: –  each draft amendment, –  the amendments to Council's position on the draft budget, by section, –  each section of the draft budget, –  a motion for a resolution concerning the draft budget. –  a motion for a resolution concerning the draft budget. However, Rule 174(4) to (8) shall apply. However, Rule 174(4) to (8a) shall apply. 7.  Articles, chapters, titles and sections of the draft budget in respect of which no draft amendments have been tabled shall be deemed adopted. 7.  Articles, chapters, titles and sections of the draft budget in respect of which no amendments have been tabled shall be deemed to have been adopted. 8.  Draft amendments shall require for adoption the votes of a majority of the component Members of Parliament. 8.  In accordance with Article 314(4)(a) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, amendments shall require for adoption the votes of a majority of the component Members of Parliament. 9.  If Parliament has amended the draft budget, the draft budget thus amended shall be forwarded to the Council and the Commission, together with the justifications. 9.  If Parliament has amended the Council's position on the draft budget, the position thus amended shall be forwarded to the Council and the Commission, together with the justifications and the minutes of the sitting at which the amendments were adopted. 10.  The minutes of the sitting at which Parliament delivered its opinion on the draft budget shall be forwarded to the Council and the Commission. Amendment 111 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 89 Rule 89 Rule 95a Financial trilogue Inter-institutional cooperation The President shall participate in regular meetings between the Presidents of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission convened, on the initiative of the Commission, under the budgetary procedures referred to in Title II of Part Six of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The President shall take all necessary steps to promote consultation and reconciliation of the positions of the institutions in order to facilitate the implementation of the procedures aforementioned. In accordance with Article 324 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the President shall participate in regular meetings between the Presidents of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission convened, on the initiative of the Commission, under the budgetary procedures referred to in Title II of Part Six of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The President shall take all necessary steps to promote consultation and reconciliation of the positions of the institutions in order to facilitate the implementation of the procedures aforementioned. The President of Parliament may delegate this task to a Vice-President having experience in budgetary matters or to the Chair of the committee responsible for budgetary issues. The President of Parliament may delegate this task to a Vice-President having experience in budgetary matters or to the Chair of the committee responsible for budgetary issues. (This Rule as amended shall be moved to the end of chapter on budgetary procedures, after Rule 95.) Amendment 112 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 91 Rule 91 Rule 91 Definitive adoption of the budget Definitive adoption of the budget Where the President is satisfied that the budget has been adopted in accordance with the provisions of Article 314 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, he shall declare in Parliament that the budget has been definitively adopted. He shall arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Where the President considers that the budget has been adopted in accordance with the provisions of Article 314 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, he shall declare in Parliament that the budget has been definitively adopted. He shall arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Amendment 113 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 93 Rule 93 Rule 93 Discharge to the Commission in respect of implementation of the budget Discharge to the Commission in respect of implementation of the budget The provisions concerning the procedures for implementing the decision on the granting of discharge to the Commission in respect of the implementation of the budget in accordance with the financial provisions of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and the Financial Regulation are attached to these Rules as an annex 11 . This annex shall be adopted in accordance with Rule 227(2). The provisions concerning the procedures for the granting of discharge to the Commission in respect of the implementation of the budget in accordance with the financial provisions of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and the Financial Regulation are attached to these Rules as an annex 11. __________________ __________________ 11 See Annex V. 11 See Annex V. Amendment 114 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 94 Rule 94 Rule 94 Other discharge procedures Other discharge procedures The provisions governing the procedure for granting discharge to the Commission in respect of the implementation of the budget shall likewise apply to the procedure for granting discharge to: The provisions governing the procedure for granting discharge to the Commission, in accordance with Article 319 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, in respect of the implementation of the budget, shall likewise apply to the procedure for granting discharge to: –  the President of the European Parliament in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Parliament; –  the President of the European Parliament in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Parliament; –  the persons responsible for the implementation of the budgets of other institutions and bodies of the European Union such as the Council (as regards its activity as executive), the Court of Justice of the European Union, the Court of Auditors, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions; –  the persons responsible for the implementation of the budgets of other institutions and bodies of the European Union such as the Council, the Court of Justice of the European Union, the Court of Auditors, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions; –  the Commission in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Development Fund; –  the Commission in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Development Fund; –  the bodies responsible for the budgetary management of legally independent entities which carry out Union tasks, insofar as their activities are subject to legal provisions requiring discharge by the European Parliament. –  the bodies responsible for the budgetary management of legally independent entities which carry out Union tasks, insofar as their activities are subject to legal provisions requiring discharge by the European Parliament. Amendment 115 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 95 Rule 95 Rule 92a Parliamentary control over implementation of the budget Implementation of the budget 1.  Parliament shall monitor the implementation of the current year's budget. It shall entrust this task to the committees responsible for the budget and budgetary control and to the other committees concerned. 1.  Parliament shall monitor the implementation of the current year's budget. It shall entrust this task to the committees responsible for the budget and budgetary control and to the other committees concerned. 2.  Each year it shall consider, before the first reading of the draft budget for the following financial year, the problems involved in the implementation of the current budget, where appropriate on the basis of a motion for a resolution tabled by its committee responsible. 2.  Each year it shall consider, before its reading of the draft budget for the following financial year, the problems involved in the implementation of the current budget, where appropriate on the basis of a motion for a resolution tabled by its committee responsible. (This Rule as amended shall be moved before Rule 93.) Amendment 116 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II – chapter 9 – numbering CHAPTER 9 CHAPTER 7 INTERNAL BUDGETARY PROCEDURES INTERNAL BUDGETARY PROCEDURES Amendment 117 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 98 Rule 98 Rule 98 Power to incur and settle expenditure Power to incur and settle expenditure, to approve accounts and to grant discharge 1.  The President shall incur and settle, or cause to be incurred and settled, the expenditure covered by the internal financial regulations issued by the Bureau after consulting the appropriate committee. 1.  The President shall incur and settle, or cause to be incurred and settled, the expenditure covered by the internal financial regulations issued by the Bureau after consulting the appropriate committee. 2.  The President shall forward the draft annual accounts to the committee responsible. 2.  The President shall forward the draft annual accounts to the committee responsible. 3.  On the basis of a report by the committee responsible, Parliament shall approve its accounts and decide on the granting of a discharge. 3.  On the basis of a report by the committee responsible, Parliament shall approve its accounts and decide on the granting of a discharge. Amendment 118 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II – chapter 10 – numbering CHAPTER 10 CHAPTER 8 CONSENT PROCEDURE CONSENT PROCEDURE Amendment 119 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 99 Rule 99 Rule 99 Consent procedure Consent procedure 1.  Where Parliament is asked to give its consent to a proposed act, it shall, when adopting its decision, take into account a recommendation from the committee responsible to approve or reject the act. The recommendation shall include citations but not recitals. It may include a short justification, which shall be the responsibility of the rapporteur and which shall not be put to the vote. Rule 56(1) shall apply mutatis mutandis. Amendments tabled in committee shall be admissible only if they aim to reverse the recommendation as proposed by the rapporteur. 1.  Where Parliament is asked to give its consent to a legally binding act, the committee responsible shall submit to Parliament a recommendation to approve or reject the proposed act. The recommendation shall include citations but not recitals. Amendments in committee shall be admissible only if they aim to reverse the recommendation proposed by the rapporteur. The recommendation may be accompanied by a short explanatory statement, which shall be the responsibility of the rapporteur and shall not be put to the vote. Rule 56(1) shall apply mutatis mutandis. The committee responsible may table a motion for a non-legislative resolution. Other committees may be involved in drawing up the resolution in accordance with Rule 201(3) in conjunction with Rules 53, 54 or 55. 1a.  If necessary, the committee responsible may also table a report including a motion for a non-legislative resolution setting out the reasons why Parliament should give or refuse its consent and, where appropriate, making recommendations for the implementation of the proposed act. 1b.  The committee responsible shall deal with the request for consent without undue delay. If the committee responsible has not adopted its recommendation within six months after the request for consent was referred to it, the Conference of Presidents may either place the matter on the agenda for consideration at a subsequent part-session or, in duly substantiated cases, decide to extend the six-month period. Parliament shall decide on the act requiring its consent under the Treaty on European Union or the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union by means of a single vote on consent, irrespective of whether the recommendation from the committee responsible is to approve or reject the act, and no amendments may be tabled. The majority required for the adoption of the consent shall be the majority indicated in the article of the Treaty on European Union or the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union that constitutes the legal basis for the proposed act or, where no majority is indicated therein, the majority of the votes cast. If the majority required is not obtained, the proposed act shall be deemed to have been rejected. 1c.  Parliament shall decide on the proposed act by means of a single vote on consent, irrespective of whether the recommendation from the committee responsible is to approve or reject the act, and no amendments may be tabled. If the majority required is not obtained, the proposed act shall be deemed to have been rejected. 2.  In addition, in the case of international agreements, accession treaties, the determination of a serious and persistent breach of fundamental principles by a Member State, the establishment of the composition of Parliament, the establishment of enhanced cooperation between Member States or the adoption of the multiannual financial framework, Rules 108, 81, 83, 84, 85 and 86 shall apply respectively. 3.  Where Parliament's consent is required for a proposal for a legislative act or an envisaged international agreement, the committee responsible may present an interim report to Parliament, including a motion for a resolution containing recommendations for modification or implementation of the proposed legislative act or envisaged international agreement. 3.  Where Parliament's consent is required, the committee responsible may, at any time, present an interim report to Parliament, including a motion for a resolution containing recommendations for modification or implementation of the proposed act. 4.  The committee responsible shall deal with the request for consent without undue delay. If the committee responsible decides not to give a recommendation, or has not adopted a recommendation within six months after the request for consent has been referred to it, the Conference of Presidents may either place the matter on the agenda for a subsequent part-session for consideration, or decide to extend the six-month period in duly substantiated cases. Where Parliament's consent is required for an envisaged international agreement, Parliament may decide, on the basis of a recommendation from the committee responsible, to suspend the consent procedure for no longer than one year. Amendment 120 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II – chapter 11 – numbering CHAPTER 11 CHAPTER 9 OTHER PROCEDURES OTHER PROCEDURES Amendment 121 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 100 Rule 100 Rule 100 Procedure for delivering opinions pursuant to Article 140 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union Procedure for delivering opinions on derogations to the adoption of the euro 1.  When Parliament is consulted on Council recommendations pursuant to Article 140(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, it shall, after the Council has presented those recommendations in plenary, 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. 1.  When Parliament is consulted pursuant to Article 140(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, it shall deliberate on the basis of a report by its committee responsible advocating approval or rejection of the proposed act. 2.  Parliament shall then take a single collective vote on the recommendations, to which no amendments may be tabled. 2.  Parliament shall then take a single vote on the proposed act, to which no amendments may be tabled. Amendment 122 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 102 Rule 102 Rule 102 Procedures for scrutiny of voluntary agreements Procedures for scrutiny of envisaged 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 52. 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 52. 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 approval or rejection of the proposal, and under what conditions. 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 approval or rejection of the proposal, and under what conditions. Amendment 123 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 103 Rule 103 Rule 103 Codification Codification 1.  When a proposal for codification of Union legislation is submitted to Parliament, it shall be referred to the committee responsible for legal affairs. The latter shall examine it in accordance with the arrangements agreed at interinstitutional level12 in order to ascertain that it is a straightforward codification, with no changes of a substantive nature. 1.  When a proposal for codification of Union legislation is submitted to Parliament, it shall be referred to the committee responsible for legal affairs. The latter shall examine it in accordance with the arrangements agreed at interinstitutional level12 in order to ascertain that it is a straightforward codification, with no changes of a substantive nature. 2.  The committee which was responsible for the acts to be codified may, at its own request or at the request of the committee responsible for legal affairs, be asked to deliver an opinion on the desirability of codification. 2.  The committee which was responsible for the acts to be codified may, at its own request or at the request of the committee responsible for legal affairs, be asked to deliver an opinion on the desirability of codification. 3.  Amendments to the text of the proposal shall be inadmissible. 3.  Amendments to the text of the proposal shall be inadmissible. However, at the rapporteur's request, the Chair of the committee responsible for legal affairs may submit for the latter’s approval, amendments relating to technical adaptations, provided that those adaptations are necessary in order to ensure that the proposal complies with the codification rules and that they do not involve any substantive change to the proposal. However, at the rapporteur's request, the Chair of the committee responsible for legal affairs may submit for the latter's approval technical adaptations, provided that those adaptations are necessary in order to ensure that the proposal complies with the codification rules and that they do not involve any substantive change to the proposal. 4.  If the committee responsible for legal affairs concludes that the proposal does not entail any substantive change to Union legislation, it shall refer it to Parliament for approval. 4.  If the committee responsible for legal affairs concludes that the proposal does not entail any substantive change to Union legislation, it shall refer it to Parliament for approval. If the committee takes the view that the proposal entails a substantive change, it shall propose that Parliament reject the proposal. If the committee takes the view that the proposal entails a substantive change, it shall propose that Parliament reject the proposal. In either case, Parliament shall take a decision by means of a single vote, without amendment or debate. In either case, Parliament shall take a decision by means of a single vote, without amendment or debate. __________________ __________________ 12 Interinstitutional Agreement of 20 December 1994, Accelerated working method for official codification of legislative texts, point 4 (OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 2). 12 Interinstitutional Agreement of 20 December 1994, Accelerated working method for official codification of legislative texts, point 4 (OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 2). Amendment 124 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 104 Rule 104 Rule 104 Recasting Recasting 1.  When a proposal recasting Union legislation is submitted to Parliament, that proposal shall be referred to the committee responsible for legal affairs and to the committee responsible for the subject-matter. 1.  When a proposal recasting Union legislation is submitted to Parliament, that proposal shall be referred to the committee responsible for legal affairs and to the committee responsible for the subject-matter. 2.  The committee responsible for legal affairs shall examine the proposal in accordance with the arrangements agreed at interinstitutional level13 with a view to checking that it entails no substantive changes other than those identified as such in the proposal. 2.  The committee responsible for legal affairs shall examine the proposal in accordance with the arrangements agreed at interinstitutional level13 with a view to checking that it entails no substantive changes other than those identified as such in the proposal. For the purpose of that examination, amendments to the text of the proposal shall be inadmissible. However, the second subparagraph of Rule 103(3) shall apply to provisions which remain unchanged in the recasting proposal. For the purpose of that examination, amendments to the text of the proposal shall be inadmissible. However, the second subparagraph of Rule 103(3) shall apply to provisions which remain unchanged in the recasting proposal. 3.  If the committee responsible for legal affairs considers that the proposal does not entail any substantive changes other than those identified as such in the proposal, it shall inform the committee responsible. 3.  If the committee responsible for legal affairs considers that the proposal does not entail any substantive changes other than those identified as such in the proposal, it shall inform the committee responsible. In such a case, over and above the conditions laid down in Rules 169 and 170, amendments shall be admissible within the committee responsible for the subject-matter only if they concern those parts of the proposal which contain changes. In such a case, over and above the conditions laid down in Rules 169 and 170, amendments shall be admissible within the committee responsible for the subject-matter only if they concern those parts of the proposal which contain changes. However, if in accordance with point 8 of the Interinstitutional Agreement the committee responsible intends also to submit amendments to the codified parts of the proposal, it shall immediately notify its intention to the Council and to the Commission, and the latter should inform the committee, prior to the vote pursuant to Rule 58, of its position on the amendments and whether or not it intends to withdraw the recast proposal. However, amendments to parts of the proposal which remain unchanged may, by way of exception and on a case-by-case basis, be accepted by the Chair of the committee responsible for the subject matter if he or she considers that this is necessary for pressing reasons relating to the internal logic of the text or because the amendments are inextricably linked to other admissible amendments. Such reasons must be stated in a written justification to the amendments. 4.  If the committee responsible for legal affairs considers that the proposal entails substantive changes other than those which have been identified as such in the proposal, it shall propose that Parliament reject the proposal and shall inform the committee responsible for the subject-matter that it has done so. 4.  If the committee responsible for legal affairs considers that the proposal entails substantive changes other than those which have been identified as such in the proposal, it shall propose that Parliament reject the proposal and shall inform the committee responsible for the subject-matter that it has done so. In such a case the President shall ask the Commission to withdraw the proposal. If the Commission does so, the President shall hold the procedure to be superfluous and shall inform the Council accordingly. If the Commission does not withdraw its proposal, Parliament shall refer the matter back to the committee responsible for the subject-matter, which shall consider it in accordance with the normal procedure. In such a case the President shall ask the Commission to withdraw the proposal. If the Commission does so, the President shall hold the procedure to be superfluous and shall inform the Council accordingly. If the Commission does not withdraw its proposal, Parliament shall refer the matter back to the committee responsible for the subject-matter, which shall consider it in accordance with the normal procedure. __________________ __________________ 13 Interinstitutional Agreement of 28 November 2001 on a more structured use of the recasting technique for legal acts, point 9 (OJ C 77, 28.3.2002, p. 1). 13 Interinstitutional Agreement of 28 November 2001 on a more structured use of the recasting technique for legal acts, point 9 (OJ C 77, 28.3.2002, p. 1). Amendment 125 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title II – chapter 9a (new) CHAPTER 9A Delegated and implementing acts Amendment 126 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 105 Rule 105 Rule 105 Delegated acts Delegated acts 1.  When the Commission forwards a delegated act to Parliament, the President shall refer it to the committee responsible for the basic legislative act, which may decide to appoint a rapporteur to consider one or more delegated acts. 1.  When the Commission forwards a delegated act to Parliament, the President shall refer it to the committee responsible for the basic legislative act, which may decide to designate one of its members to consider one or more delegated acts. 2.  The President shall announce to Parliament the date on which the act was received in all the official languages and the period during which objections may be raised. The period in question shall commence on that date. 2.  During the part-session following its reception, the President shall announce to Parliament the date on which the delegated act was received in all the official languages and the period during which objections may be raised. The period in question shall commence on the date of reception. The announcement shall be published in the minutes of the sitting together with the name of the committee responsible. The announcement shall be published in the minutes of the sitting together with the name of the committee responsible. 3.  In accordance with the provisions of the basic legislative act and – if the committee responsible considers it appropriate to do so – after consulting any committees concerned, the committee responsible may table a reasoned motion for a resolution. That motion for a resolution shall state the reasons for Parliament’s objections and may incorporate a request to the Commission to submit a new delegated act which takes account of Parliament’s recommendations. 3.  In accordance with the provisions of the basic legislative act and – if the committee responsible considers it appropriate to do so – after consulting any committees concerned, the committee responsible may table a reasoned motion for a resolution objecting to the delegated act. If, 10 working days prior to the start of the part-session of which the Wednesday falls before and closest to the day of expiry of the deadline referred to in paragraph 5, the committee responsible has not tabled such a motion for a resolution, a political group or at least 40 Members may table a motion for a resolution on the matter for inclusion on the agenda for the part-session referred to above. 4.  If, 10 working days prior to the start of the part-session the Wednesday of which falls before and closest to the day of expiry of the deadline referred to in paragraph 5, the committee responsible has not tabled a motion for a resolution, a political group or at least 40 Members may table a motion for a resolution on the matter for inclusion on the agenda for the part-session referred to above. 4a.  Any motion for a resolution tabled in accordance with paragraph 3 shall state the reasons for Parliament's objections and may incorporate a request calling on the Commission to submit a new delegated act which takes account of Parliament's recommendations. 5.  Parliament shall take a decision – by the deadline laid down in the basic legislative act and by the majority stipulated in Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union – on any motion for a resolution tabled. 5.  Parliament shall approve such a motion by the deadline laid down in the basic legislative act and, in accordance with Article 290(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, by the majority of its component Members. Where the committee responsible considers that it is appropriate to extend the deadline for raising objections to the delegated act in accordance with the basic legislative act, the committee chair shall notify the Council and the Commission, on behalf of Parliament, of that extension. Where the committee responsible considers that it is appropriate to extend the deadline for raising objections to the delegated act in accordance with the provisions of the basic legislative act, the committee chair shall notify the Council and the Commission, on behalf of Parliament, of that extension. 6.  If the committee responsible recommends that, prior to the expiry of the deadline set in the basic legislative act, Parliament should declare that it has no objections to the delegated act: 6.  If the committee responsible recommends that, prior to the expiry of the deadline set in the basic legislative act, Parliament should declare that it has no objections to the delegated act: –  it shall inform the Chair of the Conference of Committee Chairs by means of a letter setting out its reasons and table a recommendation to that effect; –  it shall inform the Chair of the Conference of Committee Chairs by means of a letter setting out its reasons and table a recommendation to that effect; –  if no objections are raised at the next meeting of the Conference of Committee Chairs, or, on grounds of urgency, by written procedure, the Chair of that body shall inform the President of Parliament, who shall in turn inform the plenary as soon as possible; –  if no objections are raised at the next meeting of the Conference of Committee Chairs, or, on grounds of urgency, by written procedure, the Chair of that body shall inform the President of Parliament, who shall in turn inform the plenary as soon as possible; –  if, within 24 hours following the announcement in plenary, a political group or at least 40 Members object to the recommendation, it shall be put to the vote; –  if, within 24 hours following the announcement in plenary, a political group or at least 40 Members object to the recommendation, it shall be put to the vote; –  if, within the same period, no objections are raised, the proposed recommendation shall be deemed to have been approved; –  if, within the same period, no objections are raised, the proposed recommendation shall be deemed to have been approved; –  the adoption of such a recommendation shall render inadmissible any subsequent proposal objecting to the delegated act. –  the adoption of such a recommendation shall render inadmissible any subsequent proposal objecting to the delegated act. 7.  The committee responsible may, in accordance with the provisions of the basic legislative act, submit to Parliament a reasoned motion for a resolution revoking, in full or in part, the delegation of powers provided for by that act. Parliament shall take a decision by the majority stipulated in Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. 7.  The committee responsible may, in accordance with the provisions of the basic legislative act, submit to Parliament a motion for a resolution revoking, in full or in part, the delegation of powers or opposing the tacit extension of the delegation of powers provided for by that act. In accordance with Article 290(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, a decision to revoke the delegation of powers shall require the votes of a majority of Parliament’s component Members. 8.  The President shall inform the Council and Commission of the positions taken under this Rule. 8.  The President shall inform the Council and Commission of the positions taken under this Rule. Amendment 127 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 106 Rule 106 Rule 106 Implementing acts and measures Implementing acts and measures 1.  When the Commission forwards a draft implementing act or measure to Parliament, the President shall refer it to the committee responsible for the basic legislative act, which may decide to appoint a rapporteur to consider one or more draft implementing acts. 1.  When the Commission forwards a draft implementing act or measure to Parliament, the President shall refer it to the committee responsible for the basic legislative act, which may decide to designate one of its members to consider one or more draft implementing acts or measures. 2.  The committee responsible may table a reasoned motion for a resolution stating that a draft implementing act or measure goes beyond the implementing powers provided for in the basic legislative act or is not consistent with Union law in other respects. 2.  The committee responsible may table a reasoned motion for a resolution stating that a draft implementing act or measure goes beyond the implementing powers provided for in the basic legislative act or is not consistent with Union law in other respects. 3.  The motion for a resolution may incorporate a request to the Commission to withdraw the act, the measure or the draft act or measure, to amend it in keeping with the objections raised by Parliament, or to submit a new legislative proposal. The President shall inform the Council and the Commission of the decision taken. 3.  The motion for a resolution may incorporate a request to the Commission to withdraw the draft implementing act or measure, to amend it in keeping with the objections raised by Parliament, or to submit a new legislative proposal. The President shall inform the Council and the Commission of the decision taken. 4.  If the implementing acts envisaged by the Commission fall under the regulatory procedure with scrutiny provided for by Council Decision 1999/468/EC laying down procedures for the exercise of the implementing powers conferred on the Commission, the following additional provisions shall apply: 4.  If the implementing acts envisaged by the Commission fall under the regulatory procedure with scrutiny provided for by Council Decision 1999/468/EC laying down procedures for the exercise of the implementing powers conferred on the Commission, the following additional provisions shall apply: (a)  the time for scrutiny shall start to run when the draft of measures has been submitted to Parliament in all the official languages. Where the shorter time limit for scrutiny provided for in Article 5a(5)(b) of Council Decision 1999/468/EC applies, and in the urgent cases provided for in Article 5a(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC, the time for scrutiny shall, unless the Chair of the committee responsible objects, start to run from the date of receipt by Parliament of the final draft implementing measures in the language versions submitted to the members of the committee set up in accordance with Decision 1999/468/EC. Rule 158 shall not apply in this case; (a)  the time for scrutiny shall start to run when the draft implementing measure has been submitted to Parliament in all the official languages. Where the shorter time limit for scrutiny provided for in Article 5a(5)(b) of Council Decision 1999/468/EC applies, and in the urgent cases provided for in Article 5a(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC, the time for scrutiny shall, unless the Chair of the committee responsible objects, start to run from the date of receipt by Parliament of the final draft implementing measure in the language versions submitted to the members of the committee set up in accordance with Decision 1999/468/EC. Rule 158 shall not apply in the two instances mentioned in the previous sentence; (b)  if the draft implementing measure is based on paragraph 5 or 6 of Article 5a of Decision 1999/468/EC, which prescribes curtailed time limits for opposition by Parliament, a motion for a resolution opposing the adoption of the draft measure may be tabled by the chair of the committee responsible if that committee has not been able to meet in the time available; (b)  if the draft implementing measure is based on paragraph 5 or 6 of Article 5a of Decision 1999/468/EC, which prescribes curtailed time limits for opposition by Parliament, a motion for a resolution opposing the adoption of the draft measure may be tabled by the chair of the committee responsible if that committee has not been able to meet in the time available; (c)  Parliament, acting by a majority of its component Members, may oppose the adoption of the draft implementing measure by indicating that the draft exceeds the implementing powers provided for in the basic act, is not compatible with the aim or the content of the basic act or does not respect the principles of subsidiarity or proportionality; (c)  Parliament, acting by a majority of its component Members, may adopt a resolution opposing the adoption of the draft implementing measure and indicating that the draft exceeds the implementing powers provided for in the basic act, is not compatible with the aim or the content of the basic act or does not respect the principles of subsidiarity or proportionality; If, 10 working days prior to the start of the part-session of which the Wednesday falls before and closest to the day of expiry of the deadline for opposing the adoption of the draft implementing measure, the committee responsible has not tabled a motion for such a resolution, a political group or at least 40 Members may table a motion for a resolution on the matter for inclusion on the agenda for the part-session referred to above. (d)  if the committee responsible, in response to a duly substantiated request from the Commission, recommends, by means of a letter to the Chair of the Conference of Committee Chairs setting out its reasons, that Parliament should declare that it has no objections to the proposed measure prior to the expiry of the normal time limit laid down in Article 5a(3)(c) and/or Article 5a(4)(e) of Decision 1999/468/EC, the procedure provided for in Rule 105(6) shall apply. (d)  if the committee responsible recommends, by means of a letter to the Chair of the Conference of Committee Chairs setting out its reasons, that Parliament should declare that it has no objections to the proposed measure prior to the expiry of the normal time limit laid down in Article 5a(3)(c) and/or Article 5a(4)(e) of Decision 1999/468/EC, the procedure provided for in Rule 105(6) shall apply. Amendment 128 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 108 Rule 108 Rule 108 International agreements International agreements 1.  When it is intended to open negotiations on the conclusion, renewal or amendment of an international agreement, the committee responsible may decide to draw up a report or otherwise monitor the procedure and inform the Conference of Committee Chairs of that decision. Where appropriate, other committees may be asked for an opinion pursuant to Rule 53(1). Rules 201(2), 54 or 55 shall apply where appropriate. 1.  When it is intended to open negotiations on the conclusion, renewal or amendment of an international agreement, the committee responsible may decide to draw up a report or otherwise monitor this preparatory phase. It shall inform the Conference of Committee Chairs of that decision. The Chairs and rapporteurs of the committee responsible and of any associated committees shall jointly take appropriate action to ensure that Parliament is provided with immediate, regular and full information, if necessary on a confidential basis, at all stages of the negotiation and conclusion of international agreements, including the draft and the finally adopted text of negotiating directives, and with the information referred to in paragraph 3, –  by the Commission in accordance with its obligations under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and its commitments under the Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission, and –  by the Council in accordance with its obligations under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. 1a.  The committee responsible shall, as soon as possible, ascertain from the Commission, the chosen legal basis for concluding the international agreements referred to in paragraph 1. The committee responsible shall verify that chosen legal basis in accordance with Rule 39. 2.  Parliament may, on a proposal from the committee responsible, a political group or at least 40 Members, ask the Council not to authorise the opening of negotiations until Parliament has stated its position on the proposed negotiating mandate on the basis of a report from the committee responsible. 2.  Parliament may, on a proposal from the committee responsible, a political group or at least 40 Members, ask the Council not to authorise the opening of negotiations until Parliament has stated its position on the proposed negotiating mandate on the basis of a report from the committee responsible. 3.  The committee responsible shall ascertain from the Commission, at the time when the negotiations are scheduled to start, the chosen legal basis for concluding the international agreements referred to in paragraph 1. The committee responsible shall verify the chosen legal basis in accordance with Rule 39. Where the Commission fails to designate a legal basis, or where there is doubt about its appropriateness, Rule 39 shall apply. 4.  At any stage of the negotiations and from the end of the negotiations to the conclusion of the international agreement, Parliament may, on the basis of a report from the committee responsible, and after considering any relevant proposal tabled pursuant to Rule 134, adopt recommendations and require them to be taken into account before the conclusion of that agreement. 4.  At any stage of the negotiations and from the end of the negotiations to the conclusion of the international agreement, Parliament may, on the basis of a report from the committee responsible, drawn up on its own initiative or after considering any relevant proposal tabled by a political group or at least 40 Members, adopt recommendations to the Council, the Commission or the Vice President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and require them to be taken into account before the conclusion of that agreement. 5.  Requests by the Council for Parliament's consent or opinion shall be referred by the President to the committee responsible for consideration in accordance with Rule 99 or Rule 47(1). 5.  Requests by the Council for Parliament's consent or opinion shall be referred by the President to the committee responsible for consideration in accordance with Rule 99 or Rule 47(1). 6.  Before the vote is taken, the committee responsible, a political group or at least one-tenth of the Members may propose that Parliament seek an opinion from the Court of Justice on the compatibility of an international agreement with the Treaties. If Parliament approves such a proposal, the vote shall be adjourned until the Court has delivered its opinion14. 6.  At any time before Parliament votes on a request for consent or opinion, the committee responsible or at least one-tenth of Parliament’s component Members may propose that Parliament seek an opinion from the Court of Justice on the compatibility of an international agreement with the Treaties. Before Parliament votes on that proposal, the President may request the opinion of the committee responsible for legal affairs, which shall report its conclusions to Parliament. If Parliament approves the proposal to seek an opinion from the Court of Justice, the vote on a request for consent or opinion shall be adjourned until the Court has delivered its opinion. 7.  Parliament shall give its opinion on, or its consent to, the conclusion, renewal or amendment of an international agreement or a financial protocol concluded by the European Union in a single vote by a majority of the votes cast. No amendments to the text of the agreement or protocol shall be admissible. 7.  Where Parliament is requested to give its consent to the conclusion, renewal or amendment of an international agreement, it shall decide by a single vote in accordance with Rule 99. If Parliament declines to give its consent, the President shall inform the Council that the agreement in question cannot be concluded, renewed or amended. Without prejudice to Rule 99(1b), Parliament may decide, on the basis of a recommendation from the committee responsible, to postpone its decision on the consent procedure for no longer than one year. 8.  If the opinion adopted by Parliament is unfavourable, the President shall ask the Council not to conclude the agreement in question. 8.  Where Parliament is requested to give its opinion on the conclusion, renewal or amendment of an international agreement, no amendments to the text of the agreement shall be admissible. Without prejudice to Rule 170(1), amendments to the draft Council decision shall be admissible. If the opinion adopted by Parliament is unfavourable, the President shall ask the Council not to conclude the agreement in question. 9.  If Parliament declines to consent to an international agreement, the President shall inform the Council that the agreement in question cannot be concluded. 9a.  The Chairs and rapporteurs of the committee responsible and of any associated committees shall jointly check that, in accordance with Article 218(10) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of theCommission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy provide Parliament with immediate, regular and full information, if necessary on a confidential basis, at all stages of the preparations for the negotiation, the negotiation and the conclusion of international agreements, including information on the draft and the finally adopted text of negotiating directives, as well as information relating to the implementation of those agreements. __________________ 14 See also interpretation of Rule 141. Amendment 129 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 109 Rule 109 Rule 109 Procedures based on Article 218 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union in the case of the provisional application or suspension of international agreements or establishment of the Union's position in a body set up by an international agreement Provisional application or suspension of the application of international agreements or establishment of the Union's position in a body set up by an international agreement Where the Commission, in accordance with its obligations under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and the Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission, informs Parliament and the Council of its intention to propose the provisional application or suspension of an international agreement, a statement shall be made in Parliament, followed by a debate. Parliament may issue recommendations pursuant to Rule 108 or 113. Where the Commission or the Vice-President/High Representative informs Parliament and the Council of its intention to propose the provisional application or suspension of an international agreement, Parliament may invite the Council, the Commission or the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to make a statement, following which there shall be a debate. Parliament may issue recommendations on the basis of a report by the committee responsible or pursuant to Rule 113, which may include, in particular, the request to the Council not to provisionally apply an agreement until the Parliament has given consent. The same procedure shall apply when the Commission informs Parliament of a proposal concerning the positions to be adopted on the Union's behalf in a body set up by an international agreement. The same procedure shall apply when the Commission or the Vice-President/High Representative proposes positions to be adopted on the Union's behalf in a body set up by an international agreement. Amendment 130 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 110 Rule 110 Rule 110 Special representatives Special representatives 1.  Where the Council intends to appoint a special representative under Article 33 of the Treaty on European Union, the President, at the request of the committee responsible, shall invite the Council to make a statement and answer questions concerning the mandate, the objectives and other relevant matters relating to the tasks and role to be performed by the special representative. 1.  Where the Council intends to appoint a special representative under Article 33 of the Treaty on European Union, the President, at the request of the committee responsible, shall invite the Council to make a statement and answer questions concerning the mandate, the objectives and other relevant matters relating to the tasks and role to be performed by the special representative. 2.  Once the special representative has been appointed, but prior to taking up the position, the appointee may be invited to appear before the committee responsible to make a statement and answer questions. 2.  Once the special representative has been appointed, but prior to taking up the position, the appointee may be invited to appear before the committee responsible to make a statement and answer questions. 3.  Within three months of the hearing, the committee may propose a recommendation pursuant to Rule 134 relating directly to the statement made and answers provided. 3.  Within two months of the hearing, the committee responsible may make recommendations to the Council, the Commission or the Vice President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy relating directly to the appointment. 4.  The special representative shall be invited to keep Parliament fully and regularly informed as to the practical implementation of the mandate. 4.  The special representative shall be invited to keep Parliament fully and regularly informed as to the practical implementation of the mandate. 5.  A special representative appointed by the Council with a mandate in relation to particular policy issues may be invited by Parliament, or may ask to be invited, to make a statement to the committee responsible. Amendment 131 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 111 Rule 111 Rule 111 International representation International representation 1.  When the head of a Union external delegation is to be appointed, the nominee may be invited to appear before the relevant body of Parliament to make a statement and answer questions. 1.  When the head of a Union external delegation is to be appointed, the nominee may be invited to appear before the committee responsible to make a statement and answer questions. 2.  Within three months of the hearing provided for in paragraph 1, the committee responsible may adopt a resolution or make a recommendation, as appropriate, relating directly to the statement made and the answers provided. 2.  Within two months of the hearing provided for in paragraph 1, the committee responsible may adopt a resolution or make a recommendation, as appropriate, relating directly to the appointment. Amendment 132 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 112 Rule 112 Rule 113a Consultation of, and provision of information to, Parliament within the framework of the common foreign and security policy Consultation of, and provision of information to, Parliament within the framework of the common foreign and security policy 1.  When Parliament is consulted pursuant to Article 36 of the Treaty on European Union, the matter shall be referred to the committee responsible which may make recommendations pursuant to Rule 113. 1.  When Parliament is consulted pursuant to Article 36 of the Treaty on European Union, the matter shall be referred to the committee responsible, which may draw up draft recommendations pursuant to Rule 113. 2.  The committees concerned shall seek to ensure that the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy provides them with regular and timely information on the development and implementation of the Union's common foreign and security policy, on the costs envisaged each time that a decision entailing expenditure is adopted under that policy and on any other financial considerations relating to the implementation of actions under that policy. Exceptionally, at the request of the Vice-President/High Representative, a committee may decide to hold its proceedings in camera. 2.  The committees concerned shall seek to ensure that the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy provides them with regular and timely information on the development and implementation of the Union's common foreign and security policy, on the costs envisaged each time that a decision entailing expenditure is adopted under that policy and on any other financial considerations relating to the implementation of actions under that policy. Exceptionally, at the request of the Vice-President/High Representative, a committee may decide to hold its proceedings in camera. 3.  Twice a year, a debate shall be held on the consultative document drawn up by the Vice-President/High Representative on the main aspects and basic choices of the common foreign and security policy, including the common security and defence policy and the financial implications for the Union budget. The procedures laid down in Rule 123 shall apply. 3.  Twice a year, a debate shall be held on the consultative document drawn up by the Vice-President/High Representative on the main aspects and basic choices of the common foreign and security policy, including the common security and defence policy and the financial implications for the Union budget. The procedures laid down in Rule 123 shall apply. (See also interpretation under Rule 134.) 4.  The Vice-President/High Representative shall be invited to every plenary debate that involves either foreign, security or defence policy. 4.  The Vice-President/High Representative shall be invited to every plenary debate that involves either foreign, security or defence policy. (This Rule as amended shall be moved after Rule 113 and consequently included in the newly created Chapter 2a.) Amendment 133 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title III – chapter 2 a – title (new) CHAPTER 2A RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE UNION’S EXTERNAL ACTION (To be introduced before Rule 113) Amendment 134 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 113 Rule 113 Rule 113 Recommendations within the framework of the common foreign and security policy Recommendations on the Union's external policies 1.  The committee responsible for the common foreign and security policy may draw up recommendations to the Council in its areas of responsibility after obtaining authorisation from the Conference of Presidents or on a proposal under Rule 134. 1.  The committee responsible may draw up draft recommendations to the Council, the Commission or the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on subjects under Title V of the Treaty on European Union (the Union's external action) or in cases where an international agreement falling within the scope of Rule 108 has not been referred to Parliament or Parliament has not been informed thereof under Rule 109. 2.  In urgent cases the authorisation referred to in paragraph 1 may be granted by the President, who may likewise authorise an emergency meeting of the committee concerned. 2.  In urgent cases, the President may authorise an emergency meeting of the committee concerned. 3.  During the procedure for adopting these recommendations, which must be put to the vote in the form of a written text, Rule 158 shall not apply and oral amendments shall be admissible. 3.  During the procedure for adopting these draft recommendations at committee stage, it shall be necessary for a written text to be put to the vote. The non-application of Rule 158 is possible only in committee and only in urgent cases. There may be no departure from the provisions of Rule 158 either in committee meetings not declared to be urgent or in plenary sitting. The provision stating that oral amendments are admissible means that Members may not object to oral amendments being put to the vote in committee. 3a.  In the urgent cases referred to in paragraph 2, Rule 158 shall not apply at committee stage and oral amendments shall be admissible. Members may not object to oral amendments being put to the vote in committee. 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 for a current part-session. Recommendations shall be deemed adopted unless, before the beginning of the part-session, at least 40 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 40 Members may table amendments. 4.  The draft recommendations drawn up by the committee 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 for a current part-session. 4a.  Recommendations shall be deemed to have been adopted unless, before the beginning of the part-session, at least 40 Members submit a written objection. Where such an objection is submitted, the committee's draft recommendations shall be included on the agenda of the same part-session. Such recommendations shall be the subject of a debate, and any amendment tabled by a political group or at least 40 Members shall be put to the vote. Amendment 135 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 114 Rule 114 Rule 114 Breach of human rights Breach 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 113(4) concerning cases of breaches 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 113(4) and (4a) concerning cases of breaches of human rights. Amendment 136 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 115 Rule 115 Rule 115 Transparency of Parliament's activities Transparency of Parliament's activities 1.  Parliament shall ensure that its activities are conducted with the utmost transparency, in accordance with the second paragraph of Article 1 of the Treaty on European Union, Article 15 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 42 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. 1.  Parliament shall ensure that its activities are conducted with the utmost transparency, in accordance with the second paragraph of Article 1 of the Treaty on European Union, Article 15 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 42 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. 2.  Debates in Parliament shall be public. 2.  Debates in Parliament shall be public. 3.  Committees shall normally meet in public. They may, however, decide, at the latest when the agenda for a meeting is adopted, to divide that agenda into items open to the public and items closed to the public. However, if a meeting is held in camera, the committee may, subject to Article 4(1) to (4) of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council, open documents and minutes from the meeting to public access. Rule 166 shall apply in the event of any breach of the rules governing confidentiality. 3.  Committees shall normally meet in public. They may, however, decide, at the latest when the agenda for a meeting is adopted, to divide that agenda into items open to the public and items closed to the public. However, if a meeting is held in camera, the committee may decide to make documents from the meeting available for public access. 4.  Consideration by the committee responsible of requests relating to procedures on immunity under Rule 9 shall always take place in camera. Amendment 137 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 116 Rule 116 Rule 116 Public access to documents Public access to documents 1.  Any citizen of the Union and any natural or legal person residing or having its registered office in a Member State has a right of access to Parliament documents in accordance with Article 15 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, subject to the principles, conditions and limits laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council and pursuant to the specific provisions contained in these Rules of Procedure. 1.  Any citizen of the Union and any natural or legal person residing or having its registered office in a Member State has a right of access to Parliament documents in accordance with Article 15 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, subject to the principles, conditions and limits laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Access to Parliament documents shall as far as possible be granted to other natural or legal persons in the same way. Access to Parliament documents shall as far as possible be granted to other natural or legal persons in the same way. Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 shall be published for information alongside the Rules of Procedure15 . 2.  For the purposes of access to documents, the term 'Parliament documents' means any content within the meaning of Article 3(a) of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 which has been drawn up or received by officers of Parliament within the meaning of Title I, Chapter 2, of these Rules, by Parliament's governing bodies, committees or interparliamentary delegations, or by Parliament's Secretariat. 2.  For the purposes of access to documents, the term 'Parliament documents' means any content within the meaning of Article 3(a) of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 which has been drawn up or received by officers of Parliament within the meaning of Title I, Chapter 2, of these Rules, by Parliament's governing bodies, committees or interparliamentary delegations, or by Parliament's Secretariat. Documents drawn up by individual Members or political groups are Parliament documents for the purposes of access to documents if they are tabled under the Rules of Procedure. In accordance with Article 4 of the Statute for Members of the European Parliament, documents drawn up by individual Members or political groups are Parliament documents for the purposes of access to documents only if they are tabled in accordance with the Rules of Procedure. The Bureau shall lay down rules to ensure that all Parliament documents are registered. The Bureau shall lay down rules to ensure that all Parliament documents are registered. 3.  Parliament shall establish a register of Parliament documents. Legislative documents and certain other categories of documents shall, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001, be made directly accessible through the register. References to other Parliament documents shall as far as possible be included in the register. 3.  Parliament shall establish a public register website of Parliament documents. Legislative documents and certain other categories of documents shall, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001, be made directly accessible through Parliament's public register website. References to other Parliament documents shall as far as possible be included in the public register website. Categories of documents which are directly accessible shall be set out in a list adopted by the Bureau and published on Parliament's website. This list shall not restrict the right of access to documents not falling within the categories listed; those documents shall be made available on written application. Categories of documents which are directly accessible through Parliament's public register website shall be set out in a list adopted by the Bureau and published on Parliament's public register website. This list shall not restrict the right of access to documents not falling within the categories listed; those documents may be made available on written application in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001. The Bureau may adopt rules, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001, laying down arrangements for access which shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The Bureau shall adopt rules for access to documents, pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001, which shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. 4.  The Bureau shall designate the bodies responsible for handling initial applications (Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001) and shall adopt decisions on confirmatory applications (Article 8 of the Regulation) and applications for sensitive documents (Article 9 of the Regulation). 4.  The Bureau shall designate the bodies responsible for the handling of initial applications (Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001) and for the adoption of decisions on confirmatory applications (Article 8 of the Regulation) and on applications for access to sensitive documents (Article 9 of the Regulation). 5.  The Conference of Presidents shall designate Parliament's representatives on the interinstitutional committee established pursuant to Article 15(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001. 6.  One of the Vice-Presidents shall be responsible for supervising the handling of applications for access to documents. 6.  One of the Vice-Presidents shall be responsible for supervising the handling of applications for access to documents. 6a.  The Bureau shall adopt the annual report referred to in Article 17(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001. 7.  Parliament's committee responsible shall, on the basis of information provided by the Bureau and drawn from other sources, prepare the annual report referred to in Article 17 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 and submit it to the plenary. 7.  Parliament's committee responsible shall regularly examine the transparency of Parliament's activities and submit a report with its conclusions and recommendations to the plenary. The committee responsible shall also examine and evaluate the reports adopted by the other institutions and agencies in accordance with Article 17 of the Regulation. The committee responsible may also examine and evaluate the reports adopted by the other institutions and agencies in accordance with Article 17 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001. 7a.  The Conference of Presidents shall designate Parliament's representatives on the interinstitutional committee established pursuant to Article 15(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001. __________________ 15 See Annex XIV. Amendment 138 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 116 a (new) Rule 116a Access to Parliament 1.  Access badges for Members, Members' assistants and third persons shall be issued on the basis of the rules laid down by the Bureau. Those rules shall also govern the use and withdrawal of access badges. 2.  Badges shall not be issued to individuals within a Member’s entourage who fall within the scope of the Agreement between the European Parliament and the European Commission on the transparency register for organisations and self-employed individuals engaged in EU policy-making and policy implementation1a. 3.  Entities listed in the transparency register, and their representatives who have been issued with long-term access badges to the European Parliament must respect: –  the Code of Conduct for Registrants annexed to the agreement; –  the procedures and other obligations laid down by the agreement; and –  the provisions implementing this Rule. Without prejudice to the applicability of the general rules governing the withdrawal or temporary de-activation of long-term access badges, and unless there are significant arguments to the contrary, the Secretary-General shall, with the authorisation of the Quaestors, withdraw or de-activate a long-term access badge where its holder has been disbarred from the transparency register for a breach of the Code of Conduct for Registrants, has been guilty of a serious breach of the obligations laid down in this paragraph, or has refused to comply with a formal summons to attend a hearing or committee meeting or to cooperate with a committee of inquiry, without offering a sufficient justification. 4.  The Quaestors may determine to what extent the Code of Conduct referred to in paragraph 2 is applicable to persons who, whilst in possession of a long-term access badge, do not fall within the scope of the agreement. 5.  The Bureau, acting on a proposal from the Secretary-General, shall lay down the measures needed to implement the transparency register, in accordance with the provisions of the agreement on the establishment of that register. __________________ 1a OJ L 277, 19.9.2014, p. 11. Amendment 139 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 117 Rule 117 Rule 117 Election of the President of the Commission Election of the President of the Commission 1 When the European Council proposes a candidate for President of the Commission, the President shall request the candidate to make a statement and present his or her political guidelines to Parliament. The statement shall be followed by a debate. 1.  When the European Council proposes a candidate for President of the Commission, the President shall request the candidate to make a statement and present his or her political guidelines to Parliament. The statement shall be followed by a debate. The European Council shall be invited to take part in the debate. The European Council shall be invited to take part in the debate. 2.  Parliament shall elect the President of the Commission by a majority of its component Members. 2.   In accordance with Article 17(7) of the Treaty on European Union, Parliament shall elect the President of the Commission by a majority of its component Members. The vote shall be taken by secret ballot. The vote shall be taken by secret ballot. 3.  If the candidate is elected, the President shall inform the Council accordingly, asking it and the President-elect of the Commission to propose by common accord the nominees for the various posts of Commissioners. 3.  If the candidate is elected, the President shall inform the Council accordingly, asking it and the President-elect of the Commission to propose by common accord the nominees for the various posts of Commissioners. 4.  If the candidate does not obtain the required majority, the President shall invite the European Council to propose a new candidate within one month for election in accordance with the same procedure. 4.  If the candidate does not obtain the required majority, the President shall invite the European Council to propose a new candidate within one month for election in accordance with the same procedure. Amendment 140 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 118 Rule 118 Rule 118 Election of the Commission Election of the Commission —  1. The President shall invite the President-elect of the Commission to inform Parliament about the allocation of portfolio responsibilities in the proposed College of Commissioners in accordance with the political guidelines of the President-elect. 1.  The President shall, after consulting the President-elect of the Commission, request the nominees proposed by the President-elect of the Commission and by the Council for the various posts of Commissioner 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 by the Council for the various posts of Commissioner to appear before the appropriate committees or bodies according to their prospective fields of responsibility. 1a.  The hearings shall be conducted by the committees. Exceptionally, a hearing may be carried out in a different format when a Commissioner-designate has responsibilities which are primarily horizontal, provided that such a hearing involves the committees responsible. The hearings shall be held in public. 2.   The President may invite the President-elect of the Commission to inform Parliament about the allocation of portfolio responsibilities in the proposed College of Commissioners in accordance with his or her political guidelines. 3.  The appropriate committee or committees shall invite the Commissioner-designate to make a statement and answer questions. The hearings shall be organised in such a way as to enable Commissioners-designate to disclose to Parliament all relevant information. Provisions relating to the organisation of the hearings shall be laid down in an annex to these Rules of Procedure16 . 3.   The appropriate committee or committees shall invite the Commissioner-designate to make a statement and answer questions. The hearings shall be organised in such a way as to enable Commissioners-designate to disclose to Parliament all relevant information. Provisions relating to the organisation of the hearings shall be laid down in an annex to these Rules of Procedure16 . 4.  The President-elect shall present the college of Commissioners and their programme at a sitting of Parliament which the President of the European Council and the President of the Council shall be invited to attend. The statement shall be followed by a debate. 4.  The President-elect shall be invited to present the college of Commissioners and their programme at a sitting of Parliament which the President of the European Council and the President of the Council shall be invited to attend. The statement shall be followed by a debate. 5.  In order to wind up the debate, any political group or at least 40 Members may table a motion for a resolution. Rule 123(3), (4) and (5) shall apply. 5.  In order to wind up the debate, any political group or at least 40 Members may table a motion for a resolution. Rule 123(3) to (5b) shall apply. Following the vote on the motion for a resolution, Parliament shall elect or reject the Commission by a majority of the votes cast. The vote shall be taken by roll call. Parliament may defer the vote until the next sitting. 5a.  Following the vote on the motion for a resolution, Parliament shall elect or reject the Commission by a majority of the votes cast, by roll call. Parliament may defer the vote until the next sitting. 6.  The President shall inform the Council of the election or rejection of the Commission. 6.  The President shall inform the Council of the election or rejection of the Commission. 7.  In the event of a substantial portfolio change during the Commission’s term of office, the filling of a vacancy or the appointment of a new Commissioner following the accession of a new Member State, the Commissioners concerned shall be invited to appear before the committees responsible for the areas of responsibility in question in accordance with paragraph 3. 7.  In the event of a substantial portfolio change or a change in the composition of the Commission during the Commission’s term of office, the Commissioners concerned or any other Commissioners designate shall be invited to participate in a hearing held in accordance with paragraphs 1a and 3. 7a.  In the event of a change in the Commissioner’s portfolio or in the financial interests of a Commissioner during her or his term of office, this situation shall be subject to scrutiny by Parliament in accordance with Annex XVI. If a conflict of interests is identified during a Commissioner’s term of office and the President of the Commission fails to implement Parliament’s recommendations for resolving that conflict of interests, Parliament may ask the President of the Commission to withdraw confidence in the Commissioner in question, pursuant to paragraph 5 of the Framework agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission and, where appropriate, to take action with a view to depriving the Commissioner in question of his right to a pension or other benefits in lieu of pension in accordance with the second paragraph of Article 245 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.. _______________ 16 See Annex XVI. Amendment 141 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 118 a (new) Rule 118a Multiannual programming Upon the appointment of a new Commission, the Parliament, the Council and the Commission will, pursuant to paragraph 5 of the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making, exchange views and agree on joint conclusions on multiannual programming. To that effect, and before negotiating with the Council and the Commission on the joint conclusions on multiannual programming, the President shall hold an exchange of views with the Conference of Presidents regarding the principal policy objectives and priorities for the new legislative term. This exchange of views will take into consideration, inter alia, the priorities presented by the President-elect of the Commission, as well as the replies given by Commissioners-designate during the hearings provided for in Rule 118. Before signing the joint conclusions, the President shall seek the approval of the Conference of Presidents. Amendment 142 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 119 Rule 119 Rule 119 Motion of censure on the Commission Motion of censure on the Commission 1.  A motion of censure on the Commission may be submitted to the President by one tenth of the component Members of Parliament. 1.  A motion of censure on the Commission may be submitted to the President by one tenth of the component Members of Parliament. If a motion of censure has been voted on in the preceding two months, a new one may be tabled only by one fifth of the component Members of Parliament. 2.  The motion shall be called 'motion of censure' and supported by reasons. It shall be forwarded to the Commission. 2.  The motion shall be called 'motion of censure' and shall state reasons. It shall be forwarded to the Commission. 3.  The President shall announce to Members that a motion of censure has been tabled immediately after receiving it. 3.  The President shall announce to Members that a motion of censure has been tabled immediately after receiving it. 4.  The debate on censure shall not take place until at least 24 hours after the receipt of a motion of censure is announced to Members. 4.  The debate on censure shall not take place until at least 24 hours after the receipt of a motion of censure is announced to Members. 5.  The vote on the motion shall be by roll call and shall not be taken until at least 48 hours after the beginning of the debate. 5.  The vote on the motion shall be by roll call and shall not be taken until at least 48 hours after the beginning of the debate. 6.  The debate and the vote shall take place, at the latest, during the part-session following the submission of the motion. 6.  Without prejudice to paragraphs 4 and 5, the debate and the vote shall take place, at the latest, during the part-session following the submission of the motion 7.  The motion of censure shall be adopted if it secures a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority of the component Members of Parliament. The President of the Council and the President of the Commission shall be notified of the result of the vote. 7.  In accordance with Article 234 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the motion of censure shall be adopted if it secures a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority of the component Members of Parliament. The President of the Council and the President of the Commission shall be notified of the result of the vote. Amendment 143 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 120 Rule 120 Rule 120 Nomination of Judges and Advocates-General at the Court of Justice of the European Union Nomination of Judges and Advocates-General at the Court of Justice of the European Union On a proposal of its committee responsible, Parliament shall appoint its nominee to the panel of seven persons charged with scrutinising the suitability of candidates to hold the office of Judge or Advocate-General of the Court of Justice and the General Court. On a proposal of its committee responsible, Parliament shall appoint its nominee to the panel of seven persons charged with scrutinising the suitability of candidates to hold the office of Judge or Advocate-General of the Court of Justice and the General Court. The committee responsible shall select the nominee it wishes to propose by holding a vote by simple majority. For that purpose, the coordinators of that committee shall establish a shortlist of candidates. Amendment 144 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 121 Rule 121 Rule 121 Appointment of the Members of the Court of Auditors Appointment of the Members of the Court of Auditors 1.  Candidates nominated as Members of the Court of Auditors shall be invited to make a statement before the committee responsible and to answer questions put by members. The committee shall vote on each nomination separately by secret ballot. 1.  Candidates nominated as Members of the Court of Auditors shall be invited to make a statement before the committee responsible and to answer questions put by members. The committee shall vote on each nomination separately by secret ballot. 2.  The committee responsible shall make a recommendation to Parliament, in the form of a report containing a separate proposal for a decision on each nomination 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. 3.  The vote in plenary shall take place within two months of receipt of the nomination unless Parliament, at the request of the committee responsible, a political group or at least 40 Members, decides otherwise. Parliament shall vote on each nomination separately by secret ballot and shall take its decision by a majority of the votes cast. 3.  The vote in plenary shall take place within two months of receipt of the nomination unless Parliament, at the request of the committee responsible, a political group or at least 40 Members, decides otherwise. Parliament shall vote on each nomination separately by secret ballot. 4.  If the opinion adopted by Parliament on an individual nomination is unfavourable, the President shall ask the Council to withdraw its nomination and to submit a new nomination to Parliament. 4.  If the opinion adopted by Parliament on an individual nomination is unfavourable, the President shall ask the Council to withdraw its nomination and to submit a new nomination to Parliament. Amendment 145 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 122 Rule 122 Rule 122 Appointment of the Members of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank Appointment of the Members of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank 1.  The candidate nominated as President of the European Central Bank shall be invited to make a statement before the committee responsible and to answer questions put by members. 1.  The candidate nominated as President, Vice-President or Member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank shall be invited to make a statement before the committee responsible and to answer questions put by members. 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. 3.  The vote shall take place within two months of receipt of the nomination unless Parliament, at the request of the committee responsible, a political group or at least 40 Members, decides otherwise. 3.  The vote shall take place within two months of receipt of the nomination unless Parliament, at the request of the committee responsible, a political group or at least 40 Members, decides otherwise. Parliament shall vote on each nomination separately by secret ballot. 4.  If the opinion adopted by Parliament is unfavourable, the President shall ask the Council to withdraw its nomination and to submit a new nomination to Parliament. 4.  If the opinion adopted by Parliament on a nomination is unfavourable, the President shall ask for the withdrawal of the nomination and for the submission of a new nomination to Parliament. 5.  The same procedure shall apply for nominations for Vice-President and other Executive Board Members of the European Central Bank. Amendment 146 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 122 a (new) Rule 122 a Appointments to the economic governance bodies 1.  This Rule shall apply to the appointment of: –  the Chair and the Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Single Supervisory Mechanism; –  the Chair, the Vice-Chair and the full-time members of the Single Resolution Board of the Single Resolution Mechanism; –  the Chairs and Executive Directors of the European Supervisory Authority ( European Banking Authority, European Securities and Markets Authority, European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority) ; and –  the Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director of the European Fund for Strategic Investments. 2.  Each candidate shall be invited to make a statement before the committee responsible and to answer questions put by Members. 3.  The committee responsible shall make a recommendation to Parliament on each proposal for appointment. 4.  The vote shall take place within two months of receipt of the proposal for appointment unless Parliament, at the request of the committee responsible, a political group or at least 40 Members, decides otherwise. Parliament shall vote on each appointment separately by secret ballot. 5.  If the decision adopted by Parliament on a proposal for appointment is unfavourable, the President shall ask for its withdrawal and for the submission of a new proposal to Parliament. Amendment 147 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 123 Rule 123 Rule 123 Statements by the Commission, Council and European Council Statements by the Commission, Council and European Council 1.  Members of the Commission, the Council and the European Council may at any time ask the President of Parliament for permission to make a statement. The President of the European Council shall make a statement after each of its meetings. The President of Parliament shall decide when the statement may be made and whether it is to be followed by a full debate or by 30 minutes of brief and concise questions from Members. 1.  Members of the Commission, the Council and the European Council may at any time ask the President of Parliament for permission to make a statement. The President of the European Council shall make a statement after each of its meetings. The President of Parliament shall decide when the statement may be made and whether it is to be followed by a full debate or by 30 minutes of brief and concise questions from Members. 2.  When placing a statement with debate on its agenda, Parliament shall decide whether or not to wind up the debate with a resolution. It shall not do so if a report on the same matter is scheduled for the same or the next part-session, unless the President, for exceptional reasons, proposes otherwise. If Parliament decides to wind up a debate with a resolution, a committee, a political group or at least 40 Members may table a motion for a resolution. 2.  When placing a statement with debate on its agenda, Parliament shall decide whether or not to wind up the debate with a resolution. It shall not do so if a report on the same matter is scheduled for the same or the next part-session, unless the President, for exceptional reasons, proposes otherwise. If Parliament decides to wind up a debate with a resolution, a committee, a political group or at least 40 Members may table a motion for a resolution. 3.  Motions for resolutions shall be put to the vote on the same day. The President shall decide on any exceptions. Explanations of vote shall be admissible. 3.  Motions for resolutions shall be put to the vote at the earliest possible voting time. The President shall decide on any exceptions. Explanations of vote shall be admissible. 4.  A joint motion for a resolution shall replace the motions for resolutions tabled previously by its signatories, but not those tabled by other committees, political groups or Members. 4.  A joint motion for a resolution shall replace the motions for resolutions tabled previously by its signatories, but not those tabled by other committees, political groups or Members. 4a.  If a joint motion for a resolution is tabled by political groups representing a clear majority, the President may put that motion to the vote first. 5.  After a resolution has been adopted, no further motions may be put to the vote unless the President, exceptionally, decides otherwise. 5.  After a resolution has been adopted, no further motions may be put to the vote unless the President, exceptionally, decides otherwise. 5a.  The author or authors of a motion for a resolution tabled under paragraph 2 or Rule 135(2) shall be entitled to withdraw it before the final vote. 5b.  A withdrawn motion for a resolution may be taken over and retabled immediately by a group, a committee or the same number of Members as is entitled to table it. Paragraphs 5a and this paragraph shall apply also to resolutions tabled under Rules 105 and 106. Amendment 148 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 124 Rule 124 Rule 124 Statements explaining Commission decisions Statements explaining Commission decisions After consulting the Conference of Presidents, the President may invite the President of the Commission, the Commissioner responsible for relations with the European Parliament or, by agreement, another Commissioner, to make a statement to Parliament after each meeting of the Commission, explaining the main decisions taken. The statement shall be followed by a debate of at least 30 minutes in which Members may put brief and concise questions. The President shall invite the President of the Commission, the Commissioner responsible for relations with the European Parliament or, by agreement, another Commissioner, to make a statement to Parliament after each meeting of the Commission, explaining the main decisions taken, unless, for timetabling reasons or because of the relative political relevance of the subject-matter, the Conference of Presidents decides that this is not necessary. The statement shall be followed by a debate of at least 30 minutes in which Members may put brief and concise questions. Amendment 149 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 125 Rule 125 Rule 125 Statements by the Court of Auditors Statements by the Court of Auditors 1.  In the context of the discharge procedure or of Parliament's activities in the sphere of budgetary control, the President of the Court of Auditors may be invited to take the floor in order to present the comments contained in the Annual Report, special reports or opinions of the Court, or in order to explain the Court's work programme. 1.  In the context of the discharge procedure or of Parliament's activities in the sphere of budgetary control, the President of the Court of Auditors may be invited to make a statement in order to present the comments contained in the Annual Report, special reports or opinions of the Court, or in order to explain the Court's work programme. 2.  Parliament may decide to hold a separate debate on any questions raised in such statements with the participation of the Commission and Council, in particular when irregularities in financial management have been reported. 2.  Parliament may decide to hold a separate debate on any questions raised in such statements with the participation of the Commission and Council, in particular when irregularities in financial management have been reported. Amendment 150 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 126 Rule 126 Rule 126 Statements by the European Central Bank Statements by the European Central Bank 1.  The President of the European Central Bank shall present to Parliament the Bank's Annual Report on the activities of the European System of Central Banks and on the monetary policy of both the previous and the current year. 1.  The President of the European Central Bank shall be invited to present to Parliament the Bank's Annual Report on the activities of the European System of Central Banks and on the monetary policy of both the previous and the current year. 2.  This presentation shall be followed by a general debate. 2.  This presentation shall be followed by a general debate. 3.  The President of the European Central Bank shall be invited to attend meetings of the committee responsible at least four times a year in order to make a statement and to answer questions. 3.  The President of the European Central Bank shall be invited to attend meetings of the committee responsible at least four times a year in order to make a statement and to answer questions. 4.  If they or Parliament so request, the President, Vice-President and other Members of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank shall be invited to attend additional meetings. 4.  If they or Parliament so request, the President, Vice-President and other Members of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank shall be invited to attend additional meetings. 5.  A verbatim report of the proceedings under paragraphs 3 and 4 shall be drawn up in the official languages. 5.  A verbatim report of the proceedings under paragraphs 3 and 4 shall be drawn up. Amendment 151 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 127 Rule 127 deleted Recommendation on the broad guidelines of economic policies 1.  The recommendation from the Commission on the broad guidelines of the economic policies of the Member States and the Union shall be presented to the committee responsible which shall submit a report to Parliament. 2.  The Council shall be invited to inform Parliament of the content of its recommendation, and of the position taken by the European Council. Amendment 152 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 128 Rule 128 Rule 128 Questions for oral answer with debate 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 40 Members with a request that they be placed on the agenda of Parliament. 1.  Questions may be put to the Council, the Commission or the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy by a committee, a political group or at least 40 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. Questions not placed on Parliament's agenda within three months of being submitted shall lapse. The Conference of Presidents shall decide whether questions should be placed on the draft agenda in accordance with the procedure provided for in Rule 149. Questions not placed on Parliament's draft agenda within three months of being submitted shall lapse. 2.  Questions to the Commission must be referred to that institution at least one week before the sitting on whose agenda they are to appear and questions to the Council at least three weeks before that date. 2.  Questions to the Commission and to the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy must be referred to the addressee at least one week before the sitting on whose agenda they are to appear and questions to the Council at least three weeks before that date. 3.  Where the questions concern matters referred to in Article 42 of the Treaty on European Union, the time limit provided for in paragraph 2 of this Rule shall not apply, and the Council must reply sufficiently promptly to keep Parliament properly informed. 3.  Where the questions concern the common security and defence policy, the time limits provided for in paragraph 2 shall not apply, and the reply must be given sufficiently promptly to keep Parliament properly informed. 4.  One of the questioners may move the question for five minutes. One member of the institution concerned shall answer. 4.  One of the questioners may move the question. The addressee shall answer. The author of the question is entitled to use the whole period of speaking time mentioned. 5.  Rule 123(2) to (5) shall apply mutatis mutandis. 5.  Rule 123(2) to (5b) concerning the tabling and voting of motions for resolutions shall apply mutatis mutandis. Amendment 153 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 129 Rule 129 Rule 129 Question Time Question Time 1.  Question Time with the Commission shall be held at each part-session for a duration of 90 minutes on one or more specific horizontal themes to be decided upon by the Conference of Presidents one month in advance of the part-session. 1.  Question Time with the Commission may be held at each part-session for a duration of up to 90 minutes on one or more specific horizontal themes to be decided upon by the Conference of Presidents one month in advance of the part-session. 2.  The Commissioners invited to participate by the Conference of Presidents shall have a portfolio related to the specific horizontal theme or themes on which questions are to be put to them. The number of Commissioners shall be limited to two per part-session, with the possibility of adding a third being dependent on the specific horizontal theme or themes chosen for the Question Time. 2.  The Commissioners invited to participate by the Conference of Presidents shall have a portfolio related to the specific horizontal theme or themes on which questions are to be put to them. The number of Commissioners shall be limited to two per part-session, with the possibility of adding a third being dependent on the specific horizontal theme or themes chosen for the Question Time. 3.  Question time shall be conducted in accordance with a ballot-system the details of which are laid down in an annex to these Rules of Procedure17 . 4.  In accordance with guidelines established by the Conference of Presidents, specific question hours may be held with the Council, with the President of the Commission, with the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and with the President of the Eurogroup. 4.  In accordance with guidelines established by the Conference of Presidents, specific question hours may be held with the Council, with the President of the Commission, with the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and with the President of the Eurogroup. 4a.  Question time shall not be specifically allocated in advance. The President shall ensure, as far as possible, that Members holding different political views and from different Member States are given the opportunity to put a question in turn. 4b.  The Member shall be given one minute in which to formulate the question and the Commissioner two minutes in which to reply. That Member may put a supplementary question, of 30 seconds duration, having a direct bearing on the main question. The Commissioner shall then be given two minutes in which to give a supplementary reply. Questions and supplementary questions must be directly related to the specific horizontal theme decided under paragraph 1. The President may rule on their admissibility. __________________ 17 See Annex II. Amendment 154 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 130 Rule 130 Rule 130 Questions for written answer Questions for written answer 1.  Any Member may put questions for written answer to the President of the European Council, the Council, the Commission or the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in accordance with criteria laid down in an annex to these Rules of Procedure18 .The content of questions shall be the sole responsibility of their authors. 1.  Any Member may put questions for written answer to the President of the European Council, the Council, the Commission or the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in accordance with criteria laid down in an annex to these Rules of Procedure18 .The content of questions shall be the sole responsibility of their authors. 2.  Questions shall be submitted to the President. Doubts concerning the admissibility of a question shall be settled by the President. The President's decision shall be based not exclusively on the provisions of the annex referred to in paragraph 1 but on the provisions of these Rules of Procedure in general. The questioner shall be notified of the President's decision. 2.  Questions shall be submitted to the President. Doubts concerning the admissibility of a question shall be settled by the President. The President's decision shall be based not exclusively on the provisions of the annex referred to in paragraph 1 but on the provisions of these Rules of Procedure in general. The questioner shall be notified of the President's reasoned decision. 3.  Questions shall be submitted in electronic format. Each Member may submit a maximum of five questions per month. 3.  Questions shall be submitted in electronic format. Each Member may submit a maximum of twenty questions over a rolling period of three months. By way of exception, additional questions may be submitted in the form of a paper document tabled and signed personally by the Member concerned in the relevant service of the Secretariat. After a period expiring one year from the beginning of the eighth parliamentary term, the Conference of Presidents shall carry out an assessment of the regime in respect of additional questions. The expression "by way of exception" is to be interpreted as meaning that the additional question concerns a matter of urgency and that the submission of that question cannot wait until the following month. Furthermore, the number of questions tabled under the second subparagraph of paragraph 3 must be smaller than the norm of five questions per month. 3a.  A question may be supported by Members other than the author. Such questions shall only count towards the author’s and not the supporter’s maximum number of questions under paragraph 3. 4.  If a question cannot be answered within the time limit set it shall, at the request of the author, be placed on the agenda for the next meeting of the committee responsible. Rule 129 shall apply mutatis mutandis. 4.  If a question cannot be answered by the addressee within three weeks (priority question) or of six weeks (non-priority question) of being forwarded to the addressee, it may, at the request of the author, be placed on the agenda for the next meeting of the committee responsible. Since the chair of a committee is empowered by Rule 206(1) to convene a meeting of that committee, it is up to him, in the interest of the proper organisation of proceedings, to determine the draft agenda of the meeting he has convened. This prerogative is without prejudice to his obligation under Rule 130(4) to place a written question, at the request of its author, on the draft agenda for the next meeting of the committee. However, the chair has the discretionary power to propose, in the light of political priorities, the agenda and procedural arrangements for the meeting (e.g. a procedure without debate, possibly with the adoption of a decision on action to be taken, or, where appropriate, a recommendation to carry over the item to a subsequent meeting). 5.  Questions which require an immediate answer but not detailed research (priority questions) shall be answered within three weeks of being forwarded to the addressees. Each Member may table one priority question each month. 5.  Each Member may table one priority question each month. Other questions (non-priority questions) shall be answered within six weeks of being forwarded to the addressees. 6.  Questions and answers shall be published on Parliament’s website. 6.  Questions and answers including any related annexes shall be published on Parliament’s website. __________________ __________________ 18 See Annex III. 18 See Annex III. Amendment 295 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 130 a (new) Rule 130a Minor interpellations for written answer 1.  In minor interpellations, consisting in questions for written answer, the Council, the Commission or the Vice-President of the Commission/High-Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy may be asked by a committee, a political group or at least five per cent of Parliament’s component Members to furnish information on specifically designated issues. Such questions shall be submitted to the President who, provided that the questions are in accordance with these Rules of Procedure generally and that they fulfil the criteria laid down in an annex to these Rules of Procedure1a, shall ask the addressee to reply within two weeks; the President may extend this time limit in consultation with the questioners. 2.  Questions and answers shall be published on Parliament's website. ____________________________ 1a See Annex III. Amendment 296 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 130 b (new) Rule 130b Major interpellations for written answer with debate 1.  In major interpellations, consisting in questions for written answer with debate, those questions may be put to the Council, the Commission or the Vice-President of the Commission/High-Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy by a committee, a political group or at least five percent of Parliament’s component Members. Questions may include a brief explanatory memorandum. Such questions shall be submitted in writing to the President who, provided that they are in accordance with these Rules of Procedure generally and that they fulfil the criteria laid down in an annex to these Rules of Procedure1a, shall immediately inform the addressee of the question and ask the addressee to state whether it will be answered and, if so, when. 2.  On receipt of the written reply, the major interpellation shall be placed on the draft agenda of Parliament in accordance with the procedure provided for in Rule 149. A debate must be held if a committee, a political group or at least five per cent of Parliament’s component Members so demand. 3.  If the addressee refuses to answer the question or fails to do so within three weeks, the question shall be placed on the draft agenda. A debate must be held if a committee, a political group or at least five per cent of Parliament’s component Members so demand. Prior to the debate one of the questioners may be given leave to state supplementary reasons for the question. 4.  One of the questioners may move the question. One member of the institution concerned shall answer. Rule 123(2) to (5) concerning the tabling of, and voting on, motions for resolutions shall apply mutatis mutandis. 5.  Questions and answers shall be published on Parliament's website. ____________________________ 1a See Annex III. Amendment 155 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 131 Rule 131 Rule 131 Questions for written answer to the European Central Bank Questions for written answer to the European Central Bank 1.  Any Member may put a maximum of six questions per month for written answer to the European Central Bank in accordance with criteria laid down in an annex to these Rules of Procedure19 . The content of questions shall be the sole responsibility of their authors. 1.  Any Member may put a maximum of six questions per month for written answer to the European Central Bank in accordance with criteria laid down in an annex to these Rules of Procedure19 . The content of questions shall be the sole responsibility of their authors. 2.  Such questions shall be submitted in writing to the Chair of the committee responsible, who shall notify them to the European Central Bank. Doubts concerning the admissibility of a question shall be settled by the Chair. The questioner shall be notified of the Chair's decision. 2.  Such questions shall be submitted in writing to the Chair of the committee responsible, who shall notify them to the European Central Bank. Doubts concerning the admissibility of a question shall be settled by the Chair. The questioner shall be notified of the Chair's decision. 3.  Questions and answers shall be published on Parliament’s website 3.  Questions and answers shall be published on Parliament’s website 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. 4.  If a question has not received a reply within six weeks, it may 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. __________________ _________________ 19 See Annex III. 19 See Annex III. Amendment 156 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 131 a (new) Rule 131 a Questions for written answer concerning the Single Supervisory Mechanism and the Single Resolution Mechanism 1.  Rule 131 (1), (2) and (3) shall apply mutatis mutandis with regard to questions for written answer concerning the Single Supervisory Mechanism and the Single Resolution Mechanism. The number of such questions shall be subtracted from the maximum of six provided for in Rule 131(1). 2.  If a question has not received a reply within 5 weeks, it may be included, at the request of its author, on the agenda for the next meeting of the committee responsible with the Chair of the Board of the addressee. Amendment 157 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title V – chapter 4 – title REPORTS OF OTHER INSTITUTIONS REPORTS OF OTHER INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES Amendment 158 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 132 Rule 132 Rule 132 Annual and other reports of other institutions Annual and other reports of other institutions or bodies 1.  Annual and other reports of other institutions on which the Treaties provide for consultation of the European Parliament or other legal provisions require an opinion by the European Parliament shall be dealt with in a report submitted to the plenary. 1.  Annual and other reports of other institutions or bodies on which the Treaties provide for consultation of the European Parliament or other legal provisions require an opinion by the European Parliament shall be dealt with in a report submitted to the plenary. 2.  Annual and other reports of other institutions not covered by paragraph 1 shall be referred to the committee responsible, which may propose drawing up a report under Rule 52. 2.  Annual and other reports of other institutions or bodies not covered by paragraph 1 shall be referred to the committee responsible, which shall examine them, and which may submit a short motion for resolution to Parliament or propose the drawing up of a report under Rule 52 if it considers that Parliament should take a position on an important matter covered in the reports. Amendment 159 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 133 Rule 133 Rule 133 Motions for resolutions Motions for resolutions 1.  Any Member may table a motion for a resolution on a matter falling within the spheres of activity of the European Union. 1.  Any Member may table a motion for a resolution on a matter falling within the spheres of activity of the European Union. The motion may not comprise more than 200 words. The motion may not comprise more than 200 words. 1a.  The content of such a motion may not: –  contain any decision on matters for which other specific procedures and competences are laid down in these Rules of Procedure, in particular Rule 46, or –  deal with the subject of ongoing proceedings in Parliament. 1b.  Each Member may table no more than one such motion per month. 1c.  The motion for a resolution shall be submitted to the President, who shall verify whether it fulfils the applicable criteria. If the President declares the motion to b e admissible, he or she shall announce it in plenary and refer it to the committee responsible. 2.  The committee responsible shall decide what procedure is to be adopted. 2.  The committee responsible shall decide what procedure is to be adopted, including the combination of the motion for a resolution with other motions for resolutions or reports, the adoption of an opinion, which may take the form of a letter, or the drawing up of a report under Rule 52. It may also decide not to follow up the motion for a resolution. It may combine the motion for a resolution with other motions for resolutions or reports. It may adopt an opinion, which may take the form of a letter. It may decide to draw up a report under Rule 52. 3.  The authors of a motion for a resolution shall be informed of the decisions of the committee and of the Conference of Presidents. 3.  The authors of a motion for a resolution shall be informed of the decisions of the President, of the committee and of the Conference of Presidents. 4.  The report shall contain the text of the motion for a resolution. 4.  The report shall contain the text of the motion for a resolution. 5.  Opinions in the form of a letter addressed to other institutions of the European Union shall be forwarded by the President. 5.  Opinions in the form of a letter addressed to other institutions of the European Union shall be forwarded by the President. 6.  The author or authors of a motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 123(2), 128(5) or 135(2) shall be entitled to withdraw it before the final vote. 7.  A motion for a resolution tabled in accordance with paragraph 1 may be withdrawn by its author, authors or first signatory before the committee responsible has decided, in accordance with paragraph 2, to draw up a report on it. 7.  A motion for a resolution tabled in accordance with paragraph 1 may be withdrawn by its author, authors or first signatory before the committee responsible has decided, in accordance with paragraph 2, to draw up a report on it. Once the motion has been thus taken over by the committee, only the committee shall be empowered to withdraw it up until the opening of the final vote. Once the motion has been thus taken over by the committee, only the committee shall be empowered to withdraw it up until the opening of the final vote. 8.  A withdrawn motion for a resolution may be taken over and retabled immediately by a group, a committee or the same number of Members as is entitled to table it. Committees have a duty to ensure that motions for resolutions tabled under this Rule which meet the requirements laid down are followed up and duly referred to in the resulting documents. Amendment 160 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 134 Rule 134 deleted Recommendations to the Council 1.  A political group or at least 40 Members may table a proposal for a recommendation to the Council on subjects under Title V of the Treaty on European Union, or in cases where Parliament has not been consulted on an international agreement falling within the scope of Rules 108 or 109. 2.  Such proposals shall be referred to the committee responsible for consideration. Where appropriate, the committee shall refer the matter to Parliament in accordance with the procedures laid down in these Rules. 3.  If it presents a report, the committee responsible shall submit to Parliament a proposal for a recommendation to the Council, together with a brief explanatory statement and, where appropriate, the opinions of the committees consulted. No prior authorisation from the Conference of Presidents is required for the application of this paragraph. 4.  The provisions of Rule 113 shall apply. Amendment 161 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 135 Rule 135 Rule 135 Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law 1.  A committee, an interparliamentary delegation, a political group or at least 40 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 149(3)). 1.  A committee, an interparliamentary delegation, a political group or at least 40 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. 2.  The Conference of Presidents shall draw up a list of subjects to be included in 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 IV. The total number of subjects included in the agenda shall not exceed three, including sub-chapters. 2.  The Conference of Presidents shall draw up a list of subjects to be included in 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 IV. The total number of subjects included in the agenda shall not exceed three, including sub-chapters. In accordance with Rule 152, Parliament may abandon a topic due to be debated and replace it with an unscheduled topic. 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 Rule 152, Parliament may abandon a topic due to be debated and replace it with an unscheduled topic. Motions for resolutions on the subjects chosen may be tabled by a committee, a political group or at least 40 Members 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 Rule 162(4) and (5) within the maximum time for debates of 60 minutes 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 Rule 162(4) and (5) within the maximum time for debates of 60 minutes per part-session. Any time remaining after deducting the time required to introduce and vote on the motions for resolutions and any speaking time allocated to the Commission and Council shall be divided among the political groups and the non-attached Members. Any time remaining after deducting the time required to introduce the motions for resolutions and any speaking time allocated to the Commission and Council shall be divided among the political groups and the non-attached Members. 4.  At the end of the debate there shall be an immediate vote. Rule 183 shall not apply. 4.  At the end of the debate there shall be an immediate vote. Rule 183 concerning explanations of vote shall not apply. Votes taken under this Rule may be organised on a collective basis under the responsibility of the President and the Conference of Presidents. Votes taken under 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 123(4) shall apply. 5.  If two or more motions for resolutions are tabled on the same subject, the procedure set out in Rule 123(4) and (4a) shall apply. 6.  The President and political group Chairs may decide that a motion for a resolution will be put to the vote without debate. Such a decision shall require the unanimous assent of all the political group Chairs. 6.  The President and political group Chairs may decide that a motion for a resolution will be put to the vote without debate. Such a decision shall require the unanimous assent of all the political group Chairs. The provisions of Rules 187, 188 and 190 do 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. The provisions of Rules 187 and 188 do 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 are 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 applies to motions for resolutions in respect of which it is established, following a request under Rule 168(3), that a quorum is not present. Members are entitled to retable such motions either for consideration in committee under Rule 133 or for the debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law at the next part-session. Motions for resolutions are 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 applies to motions for resolutions in respect of which it is established, following a request under Rule 168(3), that a quorum is not present. The authors are entitled to retable such motions either for consideration in committee under Rule 133 or for the debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law at the next part-session. A subject may not 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. A subject may not 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 2, second subparagraph, 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 2, second subparagraph, and a committee report on the same subject. * * * When a request is made under Rule 168(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 under Rule 168(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. Amendment 162 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 136 Rule 136 deleted Written declarations 1.  At least 10 Members from at least three political groups may submit a written declaration of not more than 200 words relating exclusively to a matter falling within the competence of the European Union. The contents of such a declaration may not go beyond the form of a declaration. In particular, it may not call for any legislative action, contain any decision on matters for which specific procedures and competences are laid down in these Rules of Procedure or deal with the subject of ongoing proceedings in Parliament. 2.  The authorisation to proceed further shall be subject to a reasoned decision by the President pursuant to paragraph 1 in any given case. Written declarations shall be published in the official languages on Parliament's website and distributed electronically to all Members. They shall be entered, with the names of the signatories, in an electronic register. This register shall be public and shall be accessible through Parliament's website. Hard copies of written declarations with signatures will be also kept by the President. 3.  The signature of any Member may be added to a declaration entered in the electronic register. It may be withdrawn at any time before the end of a period of three months from the entry of the declaration in the register. In the event of such a withdrawal the Member concerned shall not be permitted to add his or her signature again to the declaration. 4.  Where, at the end of a period of three months from its being entered in the register, a declaration is signed by a majority of Parliament's component Members, the President shall notify Parliament accordingly. Without binding Parliament, the declaration shall be published in the minutes with the names of its signatories. 5.  The procedure shall be closed by the forwarding to the addressees, at the end of the part-session, of the declaration, together with the names of the signatories. 6.  Where the institutions to which the adopted declaration has been addressed do not inform Parliament about the intended follow-up within three months from its receipt, the matter shall, at the request of one of the authors of the declaration, be placed on the agenda of a subsequent meeting of the committee responsible. 7.  A written declaration that has remained in the register for over three months and is not signed by at least one half of the component Members of Parliament shall lapse, without any possibility of that three-month period being extended. Amendment 163 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title V – chapter 5 a (new) CHAPTER 5A CONSULTATION OF OTHER INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES (To be introduced after Rule 136) Amendment 164 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 137 Rule 137 Rule 137 Consultation of the European Economic and Social Committee Consultation of the European Economic and Social Committee 1.  Where the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides for consultation of the Economic and Social Committee, the President shall initiate the consultation procedure and inform Parliament thereof. 1.  Where the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides for consultation of the Economic and Social Committee, the President shall initiate the consultation procedure and inform Parliament thereof. 2.  A committee may request that the European Economic and Social Committee be consulted on matters of a general nature or on specific points. 2.  A committee may request that the European Economic and Social Committee be consulted on matters of a general nature or on specific points. The committee shall indicate the deadline for delivery by the European Economic and Social Committee of its opinion. The committee shall indicate the deadline for delivery by the European Economic and Social Committee of its opinion. A request for consultation of the European Economic and Social Committee shall be approved by Parliament without debate. A request for consultation of the European Economic and Social Committee shall be announced to Parliament at its next part-session and shall be deemed to have been approved, unless, within 24 hours from the announcement, a political group or at least 40 Members request that it be put to the vote. 3.  Opinions forwarded by the Economic and Social Committee shall be referred to the committee responsible. 3.  Opinions forwarded by the Economic and Social Committee shall be referred to the committee responsible. Amendment 165 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 138 Rule 138 Rule 138 Consultation of the Committee of the Regions Consultation of the Committee of the Regions 1.  Where the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides for consultation of the Committee of the Regions, the President shall initiate the consultation procedure and inform Parliament thereof. 1.  Where the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides for consultation of the Committee of the Regions, the President shall initiate the consultation procedure and inform Parliament thereof. 2.  A committee may request that the Committee of the Regions be consulted on matters of a general nature or on specific points. 2.  A committee may request that the Committee of the Regions be consulted on matters of a general nature or on specific points. The committee shall indicate the deadline for delivery by the Committee of the Regions of its opinion. The committee shall indicate the deadline for delivery by the Committee of the Regions of its opinion. A request for consultation of the Committee of the Regions shall be approved by Parliament without debate. A request for consultation of the Committee of the Regions shall be announced to Parliament at its next part-session and shall be deemed to have been approved, unless within 24 hours from the announcement a political group or at least 40 Members request that it be put to the vote. 3.  Opinions forwarded by the Committee of the Regions shall be referred to the committee responsible. 3.  Opinions forwarded by the Committee of the Regions shall be referred to the committee responsible. Amendment 166 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 140 Rule 140 Rule 140 Interinstitutional agreements Interinstitutional agreements 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. 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, 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. Such agreements may take the form of joint declarations, exchanges of letters, 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. 2.  Where such agreements necessitate changes to existing procedural rights or obligations or establish new procedural rights or obligations for Members or bodies of Parliament, or otherwise necessitate amendment or interpretation of the Rules of Procedure, the matter shall be referred to the committee responsible for its consideration in accordance with Rule 226(2) to (6) before the agreement is signed. 2.  Where such agreements necessitate changes to existing procedural rights or obligations or establish new procedural rights or obligations for Members or bodies of Parliament, or otherwise necessitate amendment or interpretation of the Rules of Procedure, the matter shall be referred to the committee responsible for its consideration in accordance with Rule 226(2) to (6) before the agreement is signed. Amendment 167 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 141 Rule 141 Rule 141 Proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Union Proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Union 1.  Parliament shall, within the time limits specified by the Treaties and the Statute of the Court of Justice of the European Union for action by the institutions of the Union and by natural or legal persons, examine Union legislation and its implementing measures in order to ensure that the Treaties have been fully complied with, in particular where Parliament's rights are concerned. 1.  Parliament shall, within the time limits specified by the Treaties and the Statute of the Court of Justice of the European Union for action by the institutions of the Union and by natural or legal persons, examine Union legislation and its implementation in order to ensure that the Treaties have been fully complied with, in particular where Parliament's rights are concerned. 2.  The committee responsible shall report to Parliament, orally if necessary, if it suspects a breach of Union law. 2.  The committee responsible for legal affairs shall report to Parliament, orally if necessary, if it suspects a breach of Union law. Where appropriate, it may hear the views of the committee responsible for the subject matter. 3.  The President shall bring an action on behalf of Parliament in accordance with the recommendation of the committee responsible. 3.  The President shall bring an action on behalf of Parliament in accordance with the recommendation of the committee responsible for legal affairs. At the start of the following part-session, the President may ask the plenary to decide whether the action should be maintained. Should plenary rule against the action by a majority of the votes cast, he shall withdraw it. At the start of the following part-session, the President may ask Parliament to decide whether the action should be maintained. If Parliament rules against the action by a majority of the votes cast, the President shall withdraw the action. Should the President bring an action contrary to the recommendation of the committee responsible, he shall, at the start of the following part-session, ask the plenary to decide whether the action should be maintained. Should the President bring an action contrary to the recommendation of the committee responsible, he shall, at the start of the following part-session, ask Parliament to decide whether the action should be maintained. 4.  The President shall submit observations or intervene in court proceedings on behalf of Parliament after consulting the committee responsible. 4.  The President shall submit observations or intervene in court proceedings on behalf of Parliament after consulting the committee responsible for legal affairs. If the President intends to depart from the recommendation of the committee responsible, he shall inform the committee accordingly and shall refer the matter to the Conference of Presidents, stating his reasons. If the President intends to depart from the recommendation of the committee responsible for legal affairs, he or she shall inform the committee accordingly and shall refer the matter to the Conference of Presidents, stating his or her reasons. If the Conference of Presidents takes the view that Parliament should, exceptionally, not submit observations or intervene before the Court of Justice of the European Union where the legal validity of an act of Parliament is being questioned, the matter shall be submitted to plenary without delay. If the Conference of Presidents takes the view that Parliament should, exceptionally, not submit observations or intervene before the Court of Justice of the European Union where the legal validity of an act of Parliament is being questioned, the matter shall be submitted to Parliament without delay. In urgent cases, the President may take precautionary action in order to comply with the time-limits prescribed by the court concerned. In such cases, the procedure provided for in this paragraph shall be implemented at the earliest opportunity. Nothing in the Rules prevents the committee responsible from deciding on appropriate procedural arrangements for the timely transmission of its recommendation in urgent cases. Nothing in the Rules prevents the committee responsible from deciding on appropriate procedural arrangements for the timely transmission of its recommendation in urgent cases. Rule 108(6) of the Rules of Procedure lays down a specific procedure by means of which Parliament can take a decision on whether to exercise its prerogative, pursuant to Article 218(11) TFEU, to seek an opinion from the Court of Justice on the compatibility of an international agreement with the Treaties; that provision constitutes a “lex specialis” which takes precedence over the general provision laid down in Rule 141 of the Rules of Procedure. When a decision must be taken as to whether Parliament should exercise its rights vis-à-vis the Court of Justice of the European Union, and the act in question is not covered by Rule 141 of the Rules of Procedure, the procedure provided for in this rule should apply, mutatis mutandis. When a decision must be taken as to whether Parliament should exercise its rights vis-à-vis the Court of Justice of the European Union, and the act in question is not covered by Rule 141 of the Rules of Procedure, the procedure provided for in this rule should apply, mutatis mutandis. 4a.  In urgent cases, where possible after consulting the Chair and the rapporteur of the committee responsible for legal affairs, the President may take precautionary action in order to comply with the relevant time-limits. In such cases, the procedure provided for in paragraphs 3 or 4, shall, as applicable, be implemented at the earliest opportunity. 4b.  The committee responsible for legal affairs shall lay down the principles that it will use in its application of this Rule. Amendment 168 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 143 Rule 143 Rule 143 Conference of European Affairs Committees (COSAC) Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs (COSAC) 1.  On a proposal from the President, the Conference of Presidents shall name the members of, and may confer a mandate on, Parliament’s delegation to COSAC. The delegation shall be headed by a Vice-President of the European Parliament responsible for implementation of relations with the national parliaments and by the Chair of the committee responsible for institutional matters. 1.  On a proposal from the President, the Conference of Presidents shall name the members of, and may confer a mandate on, Parliament's delegation to COSAC. The delegation shall be headed by a Vice-President of the European Parliament responsible for implementation of relations with the national parliaments and by the Chair of the committee responsible for constitutional affairs. 2.  The other members of the delegation shall be chosen in the light of the subjects to be discussed at the COSAC meeting and shall comprise, as far as possible, representatives of the committees responsible for those subjects. A report shall be submitted by the delegation after each meeting. 2.  The other members of the delegation shall be chosen in the light of the subjects to be discussed at the COSAC meeting and shall comprise, as far as possible, representatives of the committees responsible for those subjects. 3.  Due account shall be taken of the overall political balance within Parliament. 3.  Due account shall be taken of the overall political balance within Parliament. 3a.  The delegation shall submit a report to the Conference of Presidents after each COSAC meeting. Amendment 169 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 146 Rule 146 Rule 146 Convening of Parliament Convening of Parliament 1.  Parliament shall meet, without requiring to be convened, on the second Tuesday in March each year and shall itself determine the duration of adjournments of the session. 1.  In accordance with the first paragraph of Article 229 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Parliament shall meet, without requiring to be convened, on the second Tuesday in March each year. It shall itself determine the duration of adjournments of the session. 2.  Parliament shall in addition meet, without requiring to be convened on the first Tuesday after expiry of an interval of one month from the end of the period referred to in Article 10(1) of the Act of 20 September 1976. 2.  Parliament shall in addition meet, without requiring to be convened on the first Tuesday after expiry of an interval of one month from the end of the period referred to in Article 10(1) of the Act of 20 September 1976. 3.  The Conference of Presidents, stating its reasons, may alter the duration of adjournments decided pursuant to paragraph 1 at least two weeks before the date previously fixed by Parliament for resuming the session; the date of resumption shall not, however, be postponed for more than two weeks. 3.  The Conference of Presidents, stating its reasons, may alter the duration of adjournments decided pursuant to paragraph 1 at least two weeks before the date previously fixed by Parliament for resuming the session; the date of resumption shall not, however, be postponed for more than two weeks. 4.  Exceptionally, after consulting the Conference of Presidents, the President shall convene Parliament at the request of a majority of its component Members or at the request of the Commission or the Council. 4.  Exceptionally, after consulting the Conference of Presidents, the President shall convene Parliament at the request of a majority of its component Members or at the request of the Commission or the Council. Exceptionally, with the approval of the Conference of Presidents, the President may convene Parliament in cases of urgency. Exceptionally, with the approval of the Conference of Presidents, the President may convene Parliament in cases of urgency. Amendment 170 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 148 Rule 148 Rule 148 Attendance of Members at sittings Attendance of Members at sittings 1.  An attendance register shall be open for signature by Members at each sitting. 1.  An attendance register shall be open for signature by Members at each sitting. 2.  The names of the Members present, as shown in the attendance register, shall be recorded in the minutes of each sitting as "present". The names of the Members excused by the President shall be recorded in the minutes of each sitting as "excused". 2.  The names of the Members recorded as being present in the attendance register shall be indicated in the minutes of each sitting as "present". The names of the Members excused by the President shall be indicated in the minutes of each sitting as "excused". Amendment 171 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 149 Rule 149 Rule 149 Draft agenda Draft agenda 1.  Before each part-session the draft agenda shall be drawn up by the Conference of Presidents on the basis of recommendations by the Conference of Committee Chairs taking into account the agreed Commission Work Programme referred to in Rule 37. 1.  Before each part-session the draft agenda shall be drawn up by the Conference of Presidents on the basis of recommendations by the Conference of Committee Chairs. The Commission and the Council may, at the invitation of the President attend the deliberations of the Conference of Presidents on the draft agenda. The Commission and the Council may, at the invitation of the President attend the deliberations of the Conference of Presidents on the draft agenda. 2.  The draft agenda may indicate voting times for certain items down for consideration. 2.  The draft agenda may indicate voting times for certain items down for consideration. 3.  One or two periods, together totalling a maximum of 60 minutes, may be set aside in the draft agenda for debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law pursuant to Rule 135. 4.  The final draft agenda shall be distributed to Members at least three hours before the beginning of the part-session. 4.  The final draft agenda shall be made available to Members at least three hours before the beginning of the part-session. Amendment 172 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 150 Rule 150 Rule 150 Procedure in plenary without amendment and debate Procedure in plenary without amendment and debate 1.  Any proposal for a legislative act (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. 1.   Where a report has been adopted in committee with fewer than one tenth of the members of the committee voting against, it 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 set a deadline for tabling amendments. 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 set 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 from the Conference of Presidents or at the request of a political group or at least 40 Members. 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 from the Conference of Presidents or at the request of a political group or at least 40 Members. 3.  When drawing up the final draft agenda for 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 40 Members have tabled their opposition in writing at least one hour before the opening of the part-session. 3.  When drawing up the final draft agenda for 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 40 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 Chair of the committee responsible may make a statement lasting no more than two minutes immediately prior to the vote. 4.  When an item is taken without debate, the rapporteur or the Chair of the committee responsible may make a statement lasting no more than two minutes immediately prior to the vote. Amendment 173 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 152 Rule 152 Rule 149a Adopting and amending the agenda Adopting and amending the agenda 1.  At the beginning of each part-session, Parliament shall take a decision on the final draft agenda. Amendments may be proposed by a committee, a political group or at least 40 Members. Any such proposals must be received by the President at least one hour before the opening of the part-session. The President may give the floor to the mover, one speaker in favour and one speaker against, in each case for not more than one minute. 1.  At the beginning of each part-session, Parliament shall adopt its agenda. Amendments to the final draft agenda may be proposed by a committee, a political group or at least 40 Members. Any such proposals must be received by the President at least one hour before the opening of the part-session. The President may give the floor to the mover and to one speaker against, in each case for not more than one minute. 2.  Once adopted, the agenda may not be amended, except in pursuance of Rules 154 or 187 to 191 or on a proposal from the President. 2.  Once adopted, the agenda may not be amended, except in pursuance of Rules 154 or 187 to 191 or on a proposal from the President. If a procedural motion to amend the agenda is rejected, it may not be tabled again during the same part-session. If a procedural motion to amend the agenda is rejected, it may not be tabled again during the same part-session. 3.  Before closing the sitting, the President shall announce the date, time and agenda of the next sitting. 3.  Before closing the sitting, the President shall announce the date, time and agenda of the next sitting. This Rule shall be moved immediately after Rule 149 as it concerns the draft agenda. Amendment 174 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 153 a (new) Rule 153 a Topical debate requested by a political group 1.  At each part-session, one or two periods of not less than 60 minutes each shall be set aside in the draft agenda for debates on a topical matter of major interest to European Union policy. 2.  Each political group shall have the right to propose a topical matter of its choice for at least one such debate per year. The Conference of Presidents shall ensure, over a rolling period of one year, a fair distribution among the political groups of the exercise of that right. 3.  The political groups shall transmit the topical matter of their choice to the President in writing before the drawing up of the final draft agenda by the Conference of Presidents. Rule 38(1) concerning the rights, freedoms and principles recognised by Article 6 of the Treaty on European Union and the values enshrined in its Article 2 shall be fully respected. 4.  The Conference of Presidents shall determine the time at which such a debate is to be held. It may decide by a majority representing four-fifths of the Parliament Members to reject a matter put forward by a group. 5.  The debate shall be introduced by a representative of the political group having proposed the topical matter. Speaking time following this introduction shall be allocated in accordance with Rule 162 (4) and (5). 6.  The debate shall be wound up without the adoption of a resolution. Amendment 175 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 154 Rule 154 Rule 154 Urgent procedure Urgent procedure 1.  A request that a debate on a proposal on which Parliament has been consulted pursuant to Rule 47(1) be treated as urgent may be made to Parliament by the President, a committee, a political group, at least 40 Members, the Commission or the Council. This request shall be made in writing and supported by reasons. 1.  A request that a debate on a proposal submitted to Parliament pursuant to Rule 47(1) be treated as urgent may be made to Parliament by the President, a committee, a political group, at least 40 Members, the Commission or the Council. This request shall be made in writing and supported by reasons. 2.  As soon as the President has received a request for urgent debate this shall be announced to Parliament. The vote on the request shall be taken at the beginning of the sitting following that during which the announcement was made, provided that the proposal to which the request relates has been distributed in the official languages. Where there are several requests for urgent debate on the same subject, the approval or rejection of the request for urgent debate shall apply to all the requests on the same subject. 2.  As soon as the President has received a request for urgent debate this shall be announced to Parliament. The vote on the request shall be taken at the beginning of the sitting following that during which the announcement was made, provided that the proposal to which the request relates has been distributed in the official languages. Where there are several requests for urgent debate on the same subject, the approval or rejection of the request for urgent debate shall apply to all the requests on the same subject. 3.  Before the vote, only the mover, one speaker in favour, one speaker against, and the Chair and/or rapporteur of the committee responsible may be heard, in each case for no more than three minutes. 3.  Before the vote, only the mover, one speaker against, and the Chair and/or rapporteur of the committee responsible may be heard, and in each case for no more than three minutes. 4.  Questions to be dealt with by urgent procedure shall be given priority over other items on the agenda. The President shall determine the time of the debate and vote. 4.  Questions to be dealt with by urgent procedure shall be given priority over other items on the agenda. The President shall determine the time of the debate and vote. 5.  An urgent debate may be held without a report or, exceptionally, on the basis of an oral report by the committee responsible. 5.  An urgent procedure may be held without a report or, exceptionally, on the basis of an oral report by the committee responsible. Where an urgent procedure is used and interinstitutional negotiations take place, Rules 73 and 73a shall not apply. Rule 73d shall apply mutatis mutandis. Amendment 176 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 156 Rule 156 Rule 156 Time limits Time limits Except in the cases of urgency referred to in Rules 135 and 154, a debate and vote shall not be opened on a text unless it has been distributed at least 24 hours earlier. Except in the cases of urgency referred to in Rules 135 and 154, a debate and vote shall not be opened on a text unless it has been made available at least 24 hours earlier. Amendment 177 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 157 Rule 157 Rule 157 Access to the Chamber Access to the Chamber 1.  No person may enter the Chamber except Members of Parliament, Members of the Commission or Council, the Secretary-General of Parliament, members of staff whose duties require their presence there, and experts or officials of the European Union. 1.  No person may enter the Chamber except Members of Parliament, Members of the Commission or Council, the Secretary-General of Parliament, members of staff whose duties require their presence there, and any person invited by the President. 2.  Only holders of an admission card duly issued by the President or Secretary-General of Parliament shall be admitted to the galleries. 2.  Only holders of an admission card duly issued by the President or Secretary-General of Parliament shall be admitted to the galleries. 3.  Members of the public admitted to the galleries shall remain seated and keep silent. Any person expressing approval or disapproval shall immediately be ejected by the ushers. 3.  Members of the public admitted to the galleries shall remain seated and keep silent. Any person expressing approval or disapproval shall immediately be ejected by the ushers. Amendment 178 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 158 Rule 158 Rule 158 Languages Languages 1.  All documents of Parliament shall be drawn up in the official languages. 1.  All documents of Parliament shall be drawn up in the official languages. 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. 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. 3.  Interpretation shall be provided in committee and delegation meetings from and into the official languages used and requested by the members and substitutes of that committee or delegation. 3.  Interpretation shall be provided in committee and delegation meetings from and into the official languages used and requested by the members and substitutes of that committee or delegation. 4.  At committee and delegation meetings away from the usual places of work interpretation shall be provided from and into the languages of those members who have confirmed that they will attend the meeting. These arrangements may exceptionally be made more flexible where the members of the committee or delegation so agree. In the event of disagreement, the Bureau shall decide. 4.  At committee and delegation meetings away from the usual places of work interpretation shall be provided from and into the languages of those members who have confirmed that they will attend the meeting. These arrangements may exceptionally be made more flexible. The Bureau shall adopt the necessary provisions. Where it has been established after the result of a vote has been announced that there are discrepancies between different language versions, the President decides whether the result announced is valid pursuant to Rule 184(5). If he declares the result valid, he must decide which version is to be regarded as having been adopted. However, the original version cannot be taken as the official text as a general rule, since a situation may arise in which all the other languages differ from the original text. 4a.  After the result of a vote has been announced, the President shall rule on any requests concerning alleged discrepancies between the different language versions. Amendment 179 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 159 Rule 159 Rule 159 Transitional arrangement Transitional arrangement 1.  During a transitional period expiring at the end of the eighth parliamentary term20 , derogations from Rule 158 shall be permissible if and to the extent that, despite adequate precautions, interpreters or translators for an official language are not available in sufficient numbers. 1.  During a transitional period expiring at the end of the eighth parliamentary term20 , derogations from Rule 158 shall be permissible if and to the extent that, despite adequate precautions, interpreters or translators for an official language are not available in sufficient numbers. 2.  The Bureau, on a proposal from the Secretary-General, shall ascertain with respect to each of the official languages concerned whether the conditions set out in paragraph 1 are fulfilled, and shall review its decision at six-monthly intervals on the basis of a progress report from the Secretary-General. The Bureau shall adopt the necessary implementing rules. 2.  The Bureau, on a proposal from the Secretary-General and having due regard to the arrangements referred to in paragraph 3, shall ascertain with respect to each of the official languages concerned whether the conditions set out in paragraph 1 are fulfilled, and shall review its decision at six-monthly intervals on the basis of a progress report from the Secretary-General. The Bureau shall adopt the necessary implementing rules. 3.  The temporary special arrangements adopted by the Council on the basis of the Treaties concerning the drafting of legal acts, with the exception of regulations adopted jointly by the European Parliament and the Council, shall apply. 3.  The temporary special arrangements adopted by the Council on the basis of the Treaties concerning the drafting of legal acts shall apply. 4.  On a reasoned recommendation from the Bureau, Parliament may decide at any time to repeal this Rule early or, at the end of the period indicated in paragraph 1, to extend it. 4.  On a reasoned recommendation from the Bureau, Parliament may decide at any time to repeal this Rule early or, at the end of the period indicated in paragraph 1, to extend it. __________________ __________________ 20 Extended by Parliament's decision of 26 February 2014. 20 Extended by Parliament's decision of 26 February 2014. Amendment 180 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 160 Rule 160 Rule 160 Distribution of documents Distribution of documents Documents forming the basis for Parliament's debates and decisions shall be printed and distributed to Members. A list of these documents shall be published in the minutes of Parliament's sittings. Documents forming the basis for Parliament's debates and decisions shall be made available to Members. Without prejudice to the application of the first paragraph, Members and political groups shall have direct access to the European Parliament's internal computer system for the consultation of any non-confidential preparatory document (draft report, draft recommendation, draft opinion, working document, amendments tabled in committee). Without prejudice to the application of the first paragraph, Members and political groups shall have direct access to the European Parliament's internal computer system for the consultation of any non-confidential preparatory document (draft report, draft recommendation, draft opinion, working document, amendments tabled in committee). Amendment 181 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 162 Rule 162 Rule 162 Allocation of speaking time and list of speakers Allocation of speaking time and list of speakers 1.  The Conference of Presidents may propose to Parliament that speaking time be allocated for a particular debate. Parliament shall decide on this proposal without debate. 1.  The Conference of Presidents may propose to Parliament that speaking time be allocated for a particular debate. Parliament shall decide on this proposal without debate. 2.  Members may not speak unless called upon to do so by the President. Members shall speak from their places and shall address the President. If speakers depart from the subject, the President shall call them to order. 2.  Members may not speak unless called upon to do so by the President. Members shall speak from their places and shall address the President. If speakers depart from the subject, the President shall call them to order. 3.  The President may draw up, for the first part of a particular debate, a list of speakers that includes one or more rounds of speakers from each political group wishing to speak, in the order of their size, and one non-attached Member. 3.  The President may draw up, for the first part of a particular debate, a list of speakers that includes one or more rounds of speakers from each political group wishing to speak, in the order of their size. 4.  Speaking time for this part of a debate shall be allocated in accordance with the following criteria: 4.  Speaking time for this part of a debate shall be allocated in accordance with the following criteria: (a)  a first fraction of speaking time shall be divided equally among all the political groups; (a)  a first fraction of speaking time shall be divided equally among all the political groups; (b)  a further fraction shall be divided among the political groups in proportion to the total number of their members; (b)  a further fraction shall be divided among the political groups in proportion to the total number of their members; (c)  the non-attached Members shall be allocated an overall speaking time based on the fractions allocated to each political group under points (a) and (b). (c)  the non-attached Members shall be allocated an overall speaking time based on the fractions allocated to each political group under points (a) and (b); (ca)  the allocation of speaking time in the plenary shall take into consideration the fact that Members with disabilities might need more time. 5.  Where a total speaking time is allocated for several items on the agenda, the political groups shall inform the President of the fraction of their speaking time to be used for each individual item. The President shall ensure that these speaking times are respected. 5.  Where a total speaking time is allocated for several items on the agenda, the political groups shall inform the President of the fraction of their speaking time to be used for each individual item. The President shall ensure that these speaking times are respected. 6.  The remaining part of the time for a debate shall not be specifically allocated in advance. Instead, the President shall call on Members to speak, as a general rule for no more than one minute. The President shall ensure – as far as possible – that speakers holding different political views and from different Member States are heard in turn. 6.  The remaining part of the time for a debate shall not be specifically allocated in advance. Instead, the President may call on Members to speak, as a general rule for no more than one minute. The President shall ensure – as far as possible – that speakers holding different political views and from different Member States are heard in turn. 7.  On request priority may be given to the Chair or rapporteur of the committee responsible and to the Chairs of political groups who wish to speak on their groups' behalf, or to speakers deputising for them. 7.  On request priority may be given by the President to the Chair or rapporteur of the committee responsible and to the presidents of political groups who wish to speak on their groups' behalf, or to speakers deputising for them. 8.  The President may give the floor to Members who indicate, by raising a blue card, their wish to put to another Member, during that Member's speech, a question of no longer than half a minute's duration, if the speaker agrees and if the President is satisfied that this will not lead to a disruption of the debate. 8.  The President may give the floor to Members who indicate, by raising a blue card, their wish to put to another member, during that Member's speech, a question of no longer than half a minute's duration related to what that Member has said, provided that the speaker agrees and the President is satisfied that this will lead neither to disruption of the debate nor, through successive questions put by the raising of blue cards, to a gross imbalance in the political group affinities of Members speaking in it. 9.  No Member may speak for more than one minute on any of the following: the minutes of the sitting, procedural motions, or amendments to the final draft agenda or the agenda. 9.  No Member may speak for more than one minute on any of the following: the minutes of the sitting, procedural motions, or amendments to the final draft agenda or the agenda. 10.  Without prejudice to his other disciplinary powers, the President may cause to be deleted from the verbatim reports of debates of sittings the speeches of Members who have not been called upon to speak or who continue to speak beyond the time allotted to them. 11.  In the debate on a report the Commission and the Council shall as a rule be heard immediately after its presentation by the rapporteur. The Commission, the Council and the rapporteur may be heard again, in particular in order to respond to the statements made by Members. 11.  In the debate on a report the Commission and the Council shall as a rule be heard immediately after its presentation by the rapporteur. The Commission, the Council and the rapporteur may be heard again, in particular in order to respond to the statements made by Members. 12.  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, which shall be appended to the verbatim report of the debate. 12.  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, which shall be appended to the verbatim report of the debate. 13.  Without prejudice to Article 230 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the President shall seek to reach an understanding with the Commission, the Council and the President of the European Council on the appropriate allocation of speaking time for them. 13.  Having due regard to Article 230 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the President shall seek to reach an understanding with the Commission, the Council and the President of the European Council on the appropriate allocation of speaking time for them. Amendment 182 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 164 a (new) Rule 164 a Prevention of obstruction The President shall have the power to put an end to the excessive use of motions such as points of order, procedural motions or explanations of vote, or of requests for separate, split or roll-call votes, where he is convinced that those motions or requests are manifestly intended to cause, and would result in, a prolonged and serious obstruction of the procedures of Parliament or the rights of the Members. (In chapter 3 “General rules for the conduct of sittings”) Amendment 183 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 165 Rule 165 Rule 165 Immediate measures Immediate measures 1.  The President shall call to order any Member who disrupts the smooth conduct of the proceedings or whose conduct fails to comply with the relevant provisions of Rule 11. 1.  The President shall call to order any Member who disrupts the smooth conduct of the proceedings or whose conduct fails to comply with the relevant provisions of Rule 11. 2.  Should the offence be repeated, the President shall again call the Member to order, and the fact shall be recorded in the minutes. 2.  Should the offence be repeated, the President shall again call the Member to order, and the fact shall be recorded in the minutes. 3.  Should the disturbance continue, or if a further offence is committed, the offender may be denied the right to speak and may be excluded from the Chamber by the President for the remainder of the sitting. The President may also resort to the latter measure immediately and without a second call to order in cases of exceptional seriousness. The Secretary-General shall, without delay, see to it that such disciplinary measures are carried out, with the assistance of the ushers and, if necessary, of Parliament's Security Service. 3.  Should the disturbance continue, or if a further offence is committed, the offender may be denied the right to speak and may be excluded from the Chamber by the President for the remainder of the sitting. The President may also resort to the latter measure immediately and without a second call to order in cases of exceptional seriousness. The Secretary-General shall, without delay, see to it that such disciplinary measures are carried out, with the assistance of the ushers and, if necessary, of Parliament's Security Service. 4.  Should disturbances threaten to obstruct the business of the House, the President shall close or suspend the sitting for a specific period to restore order. If the President cannot make himself heard, he shall leave the chair; this shall have the effect of suspending the sitting. The President shall reconvene the sitting. 4.  Should disturbances threaten to obstruct the business of the House, the President shall close or suspend the sitting for a specific period to restore order. If the President cannot make himself heard, he shall leave the chair; this shall have the effect of suspending the sitting. The President shall reconvene the sitting. 4a.  The President may decide to interrupt the live broadcasting of the sitting in the case of defamatory, racist or xenophobic language or behaviour by a Member. 4b.  The President may decide to delete from the audiovisual record of the proceedings those parts of a speech by a Member that contain defamatory, racist or xenophobic language. That decision shall take immediate effect. It shall, however, be subject to confirmation by the Bureau not later than four weeks after it is taken, or, if the Bureau does not meet in that period, at its next meeting. 5.  The powers provided for in paragraphs 1 to 4 shall be vested, mutatis mutandis, in the presiding officers of bodies, committees and delegations as provided for in the Rules of Procedure. 5.  The powers provided for in paragraphs 1 to 4b shall be vested, mutatis mutandis, in the presiding officers of bodies, committees and delegations as provided for in the Rules of Procedure. 6.  Where appropriate, and bearing in mind the seriousness of the breach of the Members' standards of conduct, the Member in the Chair may, no later than the following part-session or the following meeting of the body, committee or delegation concerned, ask the President to apply Rule 166. 6.  Where appropriate, and bearing in mind the seriousness of the breach of the Members' standards of conduct, the Member in the Chair may, no later than the following part-session or the following meeting of the body, committee or delegation concerned, ask the President to apply Rule 166. Amendment 184 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 166 Rule 166 Rule 166 Penalties Penalties 1.  In exceptionally serious cases of disorder or disruption of Parliament in violation of the principles laid down in Rule 11, the President, after hearing the Member concerned, shall adopt a reasoned decision laying down the appropriate penalty, which he shall notify to the Member concerned and to the presiding officers of the bodies, committees and delegations on which the Member serves, before announcing it to plenary. 1.  In serious cases of disorder or disruption of Parliament in violation of the principles laid down in Rule 11, the President shall adopt a reasoned decision laying down the appropriate penalty. The Member concerned shall be invited by the President to submit written observations before the decision is adopted. In exceptional cases, the President may decide to convene an oral hearing of the Member concerned. The decision shall be notified to the Member concerned via registered letter or, in urgent cases, via the ushers. After being notified to the Member concerned, any penalty imposed on a Member shall be announced by the President in Parliament, and the presiding officers of the bodies, committees and delegations on which the Member serves shall be informed. Once the penalty is final, it shall be published prominently on Parliament's website for the remainder of the parliamentary term. 2.  When assessing the conduct observed, account shall be taken of its exceptional, recurrent or permanent nature and of its seriousness, on the basis of the guidelines annexed to these Rules of Procedure21. 2.  When assessing the conduct observed, account shall be taken of its exceptional, recurrent or permanent nature and of its seriousness. A distinction should be drawn between actions of a visual nature, which may be tolerated provided they are not offensive, defamatory, racist or xenophobic, and remain within reasonable bounds, and those which actively disrupt parliamentary activity. 3.  The penalty may consist of one or more of the following measures: 3.  The penalty may consist of one or more of the following measures: (a)  a reprimand; (a)  a reprimand; (b)  forfeiture of entitlement to the daily subsistence allowance for a period of between two and ten days; (b)  forfeiture of entitlement to the daily subsistence allowance for a period of between two and thirty days; (c)  without prejudice to the right to vote in plenary, and subject, in this instance, to strict compliance with the Members' standards of conduct, temporary suspension from participation in all or some of the activities of Parliament for a period of between two and ten consecutive days on which Parliament or any of its bodies, committees or delegations meet; (c)  without prejudice to the right to vote in plenary, and subject, in this instance, to strict compliance with the Members' standards of conduct, temporary suspension from participation in all or some of the activities of Parliament for a period of between two and thirty days on which Parliament or any of its bodies, committees or delegations meet; (d)  submission to the Conference of Presidents, in accordance with Rule 21, of a proposal for the Member’s suspension or removal from one or more of the offices held by the Member in Parliament. (d a)  prohibition of the Member from representing the Parliament on an inter-parliamentary delegation, inter-parliamentary conference or any inter-institutional forum, for up to one year. (d b)  in the case of a breach in the obligations of confidentiality, a limitation in the rights to access confidential or classified information for up to one year. 3a.  The measures laid down in paragraph 3 (b) to (d b) may be doubled in the case of repeated offences, or if the Member refuses to comply with a measure taken under Rule 165(3), 3b.  The President may additionally submit a proposal to the Conference of Presidents for the suspension or removal of the Member from one or more of the offices held by the Member in Parliament, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Rule 21. __________________ 21 See Annex XV. Amendment 185 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 167 Rule 167 Rule 167 Internal appeal procedures Internal appeal procedures The Member concerned may lodge an internal appeal with the Bureau within two weeks of notification of the penalty imposed by the President. Such an appeal shall have the effect of suspending the application of that penalty. The Bureau may, not later than four weeks after the lodging of the appeal, annul, confirm or reduce the penalty imposed, without prejudice to the external rights of appeal open to the Member concerned. Should the Bureau fail to take a decision within the time limit laid down, the penalty shall be declared null and void. The Member concerned may lodge an internal appeal with the Bureau within two weeks of notification of the penalty imposed by the President by virtue of Rule 166(1) to (3a). Such an appeal shall have the effect of suspending the application of that penalty. The Bureau may, not later than four weeks after the lodging of the appeal or, if it does not meet in that period, at its next meeting, annul, confirm or modify the penalty imposed, without prejudice to the external rights of appeal open to the Member concerned. Should the Bureau fail to take a decision within the time limit laid down, the penalty shall be deemed to be null and void. Amendment 186 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title VII – chapter 5 – title QUORUM AND VOTING QUORUM, AMENDMENTS AND VOTING Amendment 187 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 168 Rule 168 Rule 168 Quorum Quorum 1.  Parliament may deliberate, settle its agenda and approve the minutes, whatever the number of Members present. 1.  Parliament may deliberate, settle its agenda and approve the minutes, whatever the number of Members present. 2.  A quorum shall exist when one third of the component Members of Parliament are present in the Chamber. 2.  A quorum shall exist when one third of the component Members of Parliament are present in the Chamber. 3.  All votes shall be valid whatever the number of voters unless the President, on a request made before voting has begun by at least 40 Members, establishes at the time of voting that the quorum is not present. If the vote shows that the quorum is not present, the vote shall be placed on the agenda for the next sitting. 3.  All votes shall be valid whatever the number of voters unless the President, on a request made before voting has begun by at least 40 Members, establishes that the quorum is not present. If the number of Members required to make up the quorum is not present, the President shall declare that the quorum is not present, and the vote shall be placed on the agenda for the next sitting. A request for the quorum to be established must be made by at least 40 Members. A request on behalf of a political group is not admissible. When establishing the result of the vote, account must be taken, in accordance with paragraph 2, of all the Members present in the Chamber and, in accordance with paragraph 4, of all the Members who asked for the quorum to be established. The electronic voting system cannot be used for this purpose. The doors of the Chamber may not be closed. The electronic voting system may be used in order to check the threshold of 40 Members, but it cannot be used for checking the quorum. The doors of the Chamber may not be closed. If the number of Members required to make up the quorum is not present, the President shall not announce the result of the vote but shall declare that the quorum is not present. The last sentence of paragraph 3 shall not apply to votes on procedural motions but only to votes on the subject-matter itself. 4.  Members who have asked for the quorum to be established shall be counted as being present within the meaning of paragraph 2, even if they are no longer in the Chamber. 4.  Members who ask for the quorum to be established must be present in the Chamber when the request is made, and shall be counted as being present within the meaning of paragraphs 2 and 3, even if they then leave the Chamber. Members who have asked for the quorum to be established must be present in the Chamber when the request is made. 5.  If fewer than 40 Members are present, the President may rule that there is no quorum. 5.  If fewer than 40 Members are present, the President may rule that there is no quorum. Amendment 188 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 168 a (new) Rule 168a Thresholds 1.  For the purposes of these Rules, and unless specified otherwise, the following definitions shall apply: (a)  “low threshold” means one-twentieth of Parliament’s component Members or a political group; (b)  “medium threshold” means one-tenth of Parliament’s component Members, made up of one or more political groups or individual Members, or a combination of the two; (c)  “high threshold” means one-fifth of Parliament’s component Members made up of one or more political groups or individual Members, or a combination of the two. 2.  Where, for the purpose of determining whether an applicable threshold has been attained, a Member’s signature is required, that signature may be either handwritten or in electronic form, produced by the electronic signature system of Parliament. Within the relevant time-limits, a Member may withdraw, but may not subsequently renew, his or her signature. 3.  Where the support of a political group is necessary in order for a threshold to be attained, the group shall act through its chair or through a person duly designated by him or her for that purpose. 4.  The support of a political group shall be counted as follows for the application of the medium and high thresholds: —  where a Rule laying down such a threshold is invoked in the course of a sitting or meeting: all Members who belong to the supporting group and are physically present; —  in the other cases: all Members who belong to the supporting group. Amendment 189 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Horizontal alignment Present text Horizontal alignment   Horizontal alignment of Rules and amendments to the new definitions of the thresholds laid down in Rule 168a   A.  In the following Rules or amendments concerning the following Rules, the words « a political group or at least 40 Members», in any grammatically inflected form, shall be replaced by "a political group or Members reaching at least the low threshold", with any necessary grammatical changes being made:   Rule 15(1)   Rule 38(2)   Rule 38a (1) (new)   Rule 59(1) subparagraph 1   Rule 59(1) subparagraph 4 (new)   Rule 59 (1a) subparagraph 1 (new)   Rule 59(1b) subparagraph 4 (new)   Rule 59(1b) subparagraph 5 (new)   Rule 63(4) and Rule 78e (2)   Rule 67a (1) subparagraph 1 (new) and Rule 68(1)   Rule 67a (2) subparagraph 1 (new)   Rule 67a (4) subparagraph 1 (new)   Rule 69(1)   Rule 81(2)   Rule 88(1) subparagraph 2   Rule 105(3) and (4)   Rule 105(6) third indent   Rule 106(4)(c) subparagraph 2 (new)   Rule 108(2)   Rule 108(4)   Rule 113(4a) (new)   Rule 118(5) subparagraph 1   Rule 121(3)   Rule 122(3)   Rule 122a (4) (new)   Rule 123(2)   Rule 128(1) subparagraph 1   Rule 135(1)   Rule 135(2)   Rule 137(2) subparagraph 3   Rule 138(2) subparagraph 3   Rule 150(2)   Rule 150(3) Rule 152(1) Rule 153(1)   Rule 154(1)   Rule 169(1) subparagraph 1   Rule 170(4) subparagraph 1 Rule 174(5)   Rule 174(6) Rule 176(1)   Rule 180 (1)   Rule 187(1) subparagraph 1   Rule 188(1) subparagraph 1 and (2)   Rule 189(1) subparagraph 1   Rule 190(1) subparagraph 1   Rule 190(4)   Rule 226(4) Rule 231(4) Annex XVI paragraph 1 c, subparagraph 7 In Rules 88(4) and 113(4a), the words "at least 40 Members", in any grammatically inflected form, shall be replaced by "a political group or Members reaching at least the low threshold", with any necessary grammatical changes being made.   B.  In Rules 50(1) and 50(2) subparagraph 1, the words "at least one-tenth of the members of the committee", in any grammatically inflected form, shall be replaced by "members or political group(s) reaching at least the medium threshold in the committee" with any necessary grammatical changes being made.   In Rule 73a (2) and Rule 150(1), subparagraph 2, the words « political groups or individual Members who together constitute one-tenth of the members of Parliament" , in any grammatically inflected form, shall be replaced by "Members or political group(s) reaching at least the medium threshold" with any necessary grammatical changes being made.   In Rule 210a (4), the words "three members of a committee" shall be replaced by "members or political group(s) reaching at least the medium threshold in the committee" with any necessary grammatical changes being made.   C.  In Rule 15(1), the words "one-fifth of Parliament's component Members " shall be replaced by "Members or political group(s) reaching at least the high threshold" with any necessary grammatical changes being made.   In Rule 182(2) and Rule 180a (2), the words "at least one-fifth of the component Members of Parliament" shall be replaced by "Members or political group(s) reaching at least the high threshold" with any necessary grammatical changes being made.   In Rule 191(1), the words "a political group or at least 40 Members" shall be replaced by "Members or political group(s) reaching at least the high threshold" with any necessary grammatical changes being made.   In Rule 204(2), subparagraph 1 and Rule 208(2) the words " at least one-sixth of the committee members" or "one sixth of its members", in any grammatically inflected form, shall be replaced by "members or political group(s) reaching at least the high threshold in the committee" with any necessary grammatical changes being made.   In Rule 208(3), the words "a quarter of the committee members" shall be replaced by "members or political group(s) reaching at least the high threshold in the committee" with any necessary grammatical changes being made.   D.  This horizontal alignment of the thresholds does not prejudice the adoption, rejection or modification of the above listed Rules and amendments on aspects which are different from the thresholds.   (This amendment applies throughout the text. Adopting it will necessitate corresponding changes throughout.) Amendment 190 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 169 Rule 169 Rule 169 Tabling and moving amendments Tabling and moving amendments 1.  Amendments for consideration in Parliament may be tabled by the committee responsible, a political group or at least 40 Members. 1.  Amendments for consideration in Parliament may be tabled by the committee responsible, a political group or at least 40 Members. The names of all co-signatories shall be published. Amendments shall be tabled in writing and signed by their authors. Amendments shall be tabled in writing and signed by their authors. Amendments to documents of a legislative nature within the meaning of Rule 47(1) may be accompanied by a short justification. Such justifications shall be the responsibility of the author and shall not be put to the vote. Amendments to proposals for legally binding acts may be accompanied by a short justification. Such justifications shall be the responsibility of the author and shall not be put to the vote. 2.  Subject to the limitations laid down in Rule 170, an amendment may seek to change any part of a text, and may be directed to deleting, adding or replacing words or figures. 2.  Subject to the limitations laid down in Rule 170, an amendment may seek to change any part of a text, and may be directed to deleting, adding or replacing words or figures. In this Rule and Rule 170 the term "text" means the whole of a motion for a resolution/draft legislative resolution, of a proposal for a decision or of a proposal for a legislative act. In this Rule and Rule 170 the term "text" means the whole of a motion for a resolution/draft legislative resolution, of a proposal for a decision or of a proposal for a legally binding act. 3.  The President shall set a deadline for the tabling of amendments. 3.  The President shall set a deadline for the tabling of amendments. 4.  An amendment may be moved during the debate by its author or by any other Member appointed by the author to replace him or her. 4.  An amendment may be moved during the debate by its author or by any other Member appointed by the author to replace him or her. 5.  Where an amendment is withdrawn by its author, it shall fall unless immediately taken over by another Member. 5.  Where an amendment is withdrawn by its author, it shall fall unless immediately taken over by another Member. 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 40 Members object. Parliament shall avoid taking decisions which would place Members who use a particular language at an unacceptable disadvantage. 6.  Amendments shall be put to the vote only after they have been made available in all the official languages, unless Parliament decides otherwise. Parliament may not decide otherwise if at least 40 Members object. Parliament shall avoid taking decisions which would place Members who use a particular language at an unacceptable disadvantage. Where fewer than 100 Members are present, Parliament may not decide otherwise if at least one tenth of the Members present object. Where fewer than 100 Members are present, Parliament may not decide otherwise if at least one tenth of the Members present object. On a proposal from the President, an oral amendment, or any other oral modification, shall be treated in the same way as an amendment not distributed in all the official languages. If the President considers it admissible under Rule 170(3), and save in the case of objection under Rule 169(6), it shall be put to the vote in accordance with the order of voting established. On a proposal from the President, an oral amendment, or any other oral modification, shall be treated in the same way as an amendment not made available in all the official languages. If the President considers it admissible under Rule 170(3), and save in the case of objection under Rule 169(6), it shall be put to the vote in accordance with the order of voting established. In committee, the number of votes needed to object to such an amendment or such a modification is established on the basis of Rule 209 proportionally to that applicable in plenary, rounded up where necessary to the nearest complete number. In committee, the number of votes needed to object to such an amendment or such a modification is established on the basis of Rule 209 proportionally to that applicable in plenary, rounded up where necessary to the nearest complete number. Amendment 191 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 170 Rule 170 Rule 170 Admissibility of amendments Admissibility of amendments 1.  No amendment shall be admissible if: 1.  Without prejudice to the additional conditions laid down in Rule 52(2) concerning own initiative reports and Rule 69 (2) concerning amendments to the Council's position, no amendment shall be admissible if: (a)  it does not directly relate to the text which it seeks to amend; (a)  it does not directly relate to the text which it seeks to amend; (b)  it seeks to delete or replace the whole of a text; (b)  it seeks to delete or replace the whole of a text; (c)  it seeks to amend more than one of the individual articles or paragraphs of the text to which it relates. This provision shall not apply to compromise amendments nor to amendments which seek to make identical changes to a particular form of words throughout the text; (c)  it seeks to amend more than one of the individual articles or paragraphs of the text to which it relates. This provision shall not apply to compromise amendments nor to amendments which seek to make identical changes to a particular form of words throughout the text; (c a)  it seeks to amend a proposal for codification of Union legislation; however, the second subparagraph of Rule 103(3) shall apply mutatis mutandis; (c b)  it seeks to amend those parts of a proposal recasting Union legislation which remain unchanged in such proposal; however, the second subparagraph of Rule 104(2) and the third subparagraph of Rule 104(3) shall apply mutatis mutandis; (d)  it is established that the wording in at least one of the official languages of the text that the amendment is seeking to change does not require amendment; in this case, the President shall seek out a suitable linguistic remedy together with those concerned. (d)  it only seeks to ensure the linguistic correctness or address the terminological consistency of the text in the language in which the amendment is tabled; in this case, the President shall seek a suitable linguistic remedy together with those concerned. 2.  An amendment shall fall if it is inconsistent with decisions previously taken on the text during the same vote. 3.  The President shall decide whether amendments are admissible. 3.  The President shall decide whether amendments are admissible. The President's decision under paragraph 3 concerning the admissibility of amendments is not based exclusively on the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Rule but on the provisions of the Rules in general. The President's decision under paragraph 3 concerning the admissibility of amendments is not based exclusively on the provisions of paragraph 1 of this Rule but on the provisions of the Rules in general. 4.  A political group or at least 40 members may table an alternative motion for a resolution seeking to replace a non-legislative motion for a resolution contained in a committee report. 4.  A political group or at least 40 members may table an alternative motion for a resolution seeking to replace a non-legislative motion for a resolution contained in a committee report. In such a case, the group or the Members concerned may not table amendments to the motion for a resolution by the committee responsible. The alternative 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. In such a case, the group or the Members concerned may not table amendments to the motion for a resolution by the committee responsible. The alternative 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. Rule 123(4) shall apply mutatis mutandis. Rule 123(4) and (4a) concerning joint motions for resolutions shall apply mutatis mutandis. 4a.  With the agreement of the President, amendments may exceptionally be tabled after the close of the deadline for amendments if they are compromise amendments, or if there are technical problems. The President shall decide on the admissibility of such amendments. The President shall obtain the agreement of Parliament to do so before putting such amendments to the vote. The following general criteria for admissibility of compromise amendments may be applied: –  as a general rule, the compromise amendments relate to parts of the text which have been the subject of amendments prior to the deadline for tabling amendments; –  as a general rule, the compromise amendments are tabled by political groups representing a majority in Parliament, the Chairs or rapporteurs of the committees concerned or the authors of other amendments; –  as a general rule, the compromise amendments entail the withdrawal of other amendments to the same passage. Only the President may propose that a compromise amendment be considered. In order for a compromise amendment to be put to the vote, the President must obtain the agreement of Parliament by asking whether there are any objections to such a vote being held. If an objection is raised, Parliament shall decide on the matter by a majority of the votes cast. Amendment 192 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 171 Rule 171 Rule 171 Voting procedure Voting procedure 1.  The following voting procedure shall apply to reports: 1.  Save where specifically provided otherwise in these Rules, the following voting procedure shall apply to texts submitted to Parliament: (a)  first, voting on any amendments to the text with which the report of the committee responsible is concerned, (a)  first, where applicable, voting any amendment to the proposal for a legally binding act, (b)  second, voting on that text as a whole, amended or otherwise, (b)  second, where applicable, voting on that proposal as a whole, amended or otherwise, (c)  third, voting on amendments to the motion for a resolution/draft legislative resolution, (c)  third, voting on any amendment to the motion for a resolution/draft legislative resolution, (d)  finally, voting on the motion for a resolution/draft legislative resolution as a whole (final vote). (d)  finally, voting on the motion for a resolution as a whole (final vote). Parliament shall not vote on the explanatory statement contained in the report. Parliament shall not vote on any explanatory statement contained in a report. 2.  The following procedure shall apply to second readings: (a)  where no proposal to reject or amend the Council's position has been tabled, it shall be deemed to have been approved in accordance with Rule 76; (b)  a proposal to reject the Council's position shall be voted upon before voting on any amendments (see Rule 68(1)); (c)  where several amendments to the Council's position have been tabled they shall be put to the vote in the order set out in Rule 174; (d)  where Parliament has held a vote with a view to amending the Council's position, a further vote on the text as a whole may only be taken in accordance with Rule 68(2). 3.  The procedure set out in Rule 72 shall apply to third readings. 4.  In voting on legislative texts and on non-legislative motions for resolutions, votes relating to substantive parts shall be taken first, followed by votes relating to citations and recitals. Amendments shall fall if they are inconsistent with a prior vote. 4.  In voting on proposals for legally binding acts and on non-legislative motions for resolutions, votes relating to substantive parts shall be taken first, followed by votes relating to citations and recitals. 4a.  An amendment shall fall if it is inconsistent with decisions previously taken on the text during the same vote. 5.  The only Member permitted to speak during the vote shall be the rapporteur, who shall have the opportunity of expressing briefly the views of the committee responsible on the amendments put to the vote. 5.  The only Member permitted to speak during the vote shall be the rapporteur, or, in his or her place, the chair of the committee. He or she shall have the opportunity of expressing briefly the views of the committee responsible on the amendments put to the vote. Amendment 193 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 172 Rule 172 deleted Tied votes 1.  In the event of a tied vote under Rule 171(1)(b) or (d), the text as a whole shall be referred back to committee. This shall also apply to votes under Rules 3 and 9 and to final votes under Rules 199 and 212, on the understanding that, in the case of these two Rules, the matter is referred back to the Conference of Presidents. 2.  In the event of a tied vote on the agenda as a whole (Rule 152) or the minutes as a whole (Rule 192), or on a text put to a split vote under Rule 176, the text shall be deemed adopted. 3.  In all other cases where there is a tied vote, without prejudice to those Rules which require qualified majorities, the text or proposal shall be deemed rejected. Rule 172(3) is to be interpreted as meaning that, where there is a tied vote on a draft recommendation under Rule 141(4) not to intervene in proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Union, such a tie does not signify the adoption of a recommendation that Parliament should intervene in those proceedings. In such a case, the committee responsible is to be deemed not to have expressed any recommendation. Amendment 194 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 173 Rule 173 deleted Principles governing voting 1.  Voting on a report shall take place on the basis of a recommendation from the committee responsible. The committee may delegate this task to its Chair and rapporteur. 2.  The committee may recommend that all or several amendments be put to the vote collectively, that they be accepted or rejected or declared void. It may also propose compromise amendments. 3.  Where the committee recommends that amendments be put to the vote collectively, the collective vote on these amendments shall be taken first. 4.  Where the committee proposes a compromise amendment, that compromise amendment shall be given priority in voting. 5.  Amendments for which a roll-call vote has been requested shall be put to the vote individually. 6.  A split vote shall not be admissible in the case of a collective vote or a vote on a compromise amendment. Amendment 195 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 174 Rule 174 Rule 174 Order of voting on amendments Order of voting on amendments 1.  Amendments shall have priority over the text to which they relate and shall be put to the vote before that text. 1.  Amendments shall have priority over the text to which they relate and shall be put to the vote before that text. 2.  If two or more mutually exclusive amendments have been tabled to the same part of a text, the amendment that departs furthest from the original text shall have priority and shall be put to the vote first. If it is adopted the other amendments shall be deemed rejected; if it is rejected, the amendment next in priority shall be put to the vote and similarly for each of the remaining amendments. Where there is doubt as to priority, the President shall decide. If all amendments are rejected, the original text shall be deemed adopted unless a separate vote has been requested within the specified deadline. 2.  If two or more mutually exclusive amendments have been tabled to the same part of a text, the amendment that departs furthest from the original text shall have priority and shall be put to the vote first. If it is adopted the other amendments shall be deemed rejected; if it is rejected, the amendment next in priority shall be put to the vote and similarly for each of the remaining amendments. Where there is doubt as to priority, the President shall decide. If all amendments are rejected, the original text shall be deemed adopted unless a separate vote has been requested within the specified deadline. 3.  The President may put the original text to the vote first, or put an amendment that is closer to the original text to the vote before the amendment that departs furthest from the original text. 3.  However, where the President considers that this will facilitate the vote, he or she may put the original text to the vote first, or put an amendment that is closer to the original text to the vote before the amendment that departs furthest from the original text. If either of these secures a majority, all other amendments tabled to the same text shall fall. If either of these secures a majority, all other amendments tabled to the same part of the text shall fall. 4.  Exceptionally, on a proposal from the President, amendments tabled after the close of the debate may be put to the vote if they are compromise amendments, or if there are technical problems. The President shall obtain the agreement of Parliament to putting such amendments to the vote. Under Rule 170(3), the President decides whether amendments are admissible. In the case of compromise amendments tabled after the close of a debate, under this paragraph, the President decides on their admissibility on a case-by-case basis, having regard to the compromise nature of the amendments. Only the President may propose that a compromise amendment be considered. In order for a compromise amendment to be put to the vote, the President must obtain the agreement of Parliament by asking whether there are any objections to such a vote being held. If an objection is raised, Parliament decides on the matter by a majority of the votes cast. 4a.  Where compromise amendments are put to the vote, they shall be given priority in voting. 4b.  A split vote shall not be admissible in the case of a vote on a compromise amendment. 5.  Where the committee responsible has tabled a set of amendments to the text with which the report is concerned, the President shall put them to the vote collectively, unless a political group or at least 40 Members have requested separate votes or unless other amendments have been tabled. 5.  Where the committee responsible has tabled a set of amendments to the text with which the report is concerned, the President shall put them to the vote collectively, unless on particular points a political group or at least 40 Members have requested separate or split votes or unless other competing amendments have been tabled. 6.  The President may put other amendments to the vote collectively where 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 where their amendments are complementary. 6.  The President may put other amendments to the vote collectively where they are complementary, unless a political group or at least 40 Members have requested separate or split votes. Authors of amendments may also propose such collective votes where their amendments are complementary. 7.  The President may decide, following the adoption or rejection of a particular amendment, that several other amendments of similar content or with similar objectives shall be put to the vote collectively. The President may seek the agreement of Parliament before doing so. 7.  The President may decide, following the adoption or rejection of a particular amendment, that several other amendments of similar content or with similar objectives shall be put to the vote collectively. The President may seek the agreement of Parliament before doing so. Such a set of amendments may relate to different parts of the original text. Such a set of amendments may relate to different parts of the original text. 8.  Where two or more identical amendments are tabled by different authors, they shall be put to the vote as one. 8.  Where two or more identical amendments are tabled by different authors, they shall be put to the vote as one. 8a.  Amendments for which a roll-call vote has been requested shall be put to the vote individually. Amendment 196 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 175 Rule 175 Rule 175 Committee consideration of plenary amendments Committee filter of plenary amendments When more than 50 amendments and requests for a split or separate vote have been tabled to a report for consideration in Parliament, the President may, after consulting its Chair, ask the committee responsible to meet to consider those amendments or requests. Any amendment or request for a split or separate vote not receiving favourable votes at this stage from at least one-tenth of the members of the committee shall not be put to the vote in Parliament. When more than 50 amendments or requests for a split or separate vote have been tabled concerning a text tabled by a committee for consideration in Parliament, the President may, after consulting its Chair, ask that committee to meet to vote on each of those amendments or requests. Any amendment or request for a split or separate vote not receiving favourable votes at this stage from at least one-third of the members of the committee shall not be put to the vote in Parliament. Amendment 197 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 176 Rule 176 Rule 176 Split voting Split voting 1.  Where the text to be put to the vote contains two or more provisions or references to two or more points or lends itself to division into two or more parts having a distinct meaning and/or normative value, a split vote may be requested by a political group or at least 40 Members. 1.  Where the text to be put to the vote contains two or more provisions or references to two or more points or lends itself to division into two or more parts having a distinct meaning and/or normative value, a split vote may be requested by a political group or at least 40 Members. 2.  The request shall be made the evening before the vote, unless the President sets a different deadline. The President shall decide on the request. 2.  The request shall be made at the latest on the evening before the vote, unless the President sets a different deadline. The President shall decide on the request. Amendments 198 and 347 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 178 Rule 178 Rule 178 Voting Voting 1.  As a general rule Parliament shall vote by show of hands. 1.  As a general rule Parliament shall vote by show of hands. However, the President may at any time decide that the voting operations will be carried out by means of the electronic voting system. 1a.   The President shall declare votes open and closed. Once the President has declared a vote open, no-one except the President shall be allowed to speak until the vote is declared to be closed. 1b.   In calculating whether a text has been adopted or rejected account shall be taken only of votes cast for and against, except where a specific majority is laid down by the Treaties. 2.  If the President decides that the result is doubtful, a fresh vote shall be taken using the electronic voting system and, if the latter is not working, by sitting and standing. 2.  If the President decides that the result of a vote by show of hands is doubtful, a fresh vote shall be taken using the electronic voting system and, if the latter is not working, by sitting and standing. 2a.  The President shall establish the result of the vote and announce it. 3.  The result of the vote shall be recorded. 3.  The result of the vote shall be recorded. Amendment 199 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 179 Rule 179 Rule 179 Final vote Final vote When deciding on the basis of a report, Parliament shall take any single and/or final vote by roll call in accordance with Rule 180(2). The vote on amendments shall be taken by roll call only upon request made pursuant to Rule 180. When deciding on the basis of a report, Parliament shall take any single and/or final vote by roll call in accordance with Rule 180(2). The provisions of Rule 179 on voting by roll call do not apply to the reports provided for in Rule 8(2) and Rule 9(3), (6) and (8) in the context of procedures relating to the immunity of a Member. The provisions of Rule 179 on voting by roll call do not apply to the reports provided for in Rule 8(2) and Rule 9(3), (6) and (8) in the context of procedures relating to the immunity of a Member. Amendment 200 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 179 a (new) Rule 179a Tied votes 1.  In the event of a tied vote under Rule 171(1)(b) or (d), the text as a whole shall be referred back to committee. This shall also apply to votes under Rules 3 and 9. 2.  In the event of a tied vote on a text put to a split vote under Rule 176, the text shall be deemed to have been adopted. 3.  In all other cases where there is a tied vote, without prejudice to those Rules which require qualified majorities, the text or proposal shall be deemed to have been rejected. Rule 179a(3) is to be interpreted as meaning that, where there is a tied vote on a draft recommendation under Rule 141(4) not to intervene in proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Union, such a tie does not signify the adoption of a recommendation according to which Parliament should intervene in those proceedings. In such a case, the committee responsible is to be deemed not to have expressed any recommendation. The President may vote, but shall not have a casting vote. (The last two subparagraphs shall be inserted as interpretations.) Amendment 201 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 180 Rule 180 Rule 180 Voting by roll call Voting by roll call 1.  In addition to the cases provided for under Rules 118(5), 119(5) and 179, the vote shall be taken by roll call if this is requested in writing by a political group or at least 40 Members the evening before the vote unless the President sets a different deadline. 1.  In addition to the cases provided for in these Rules, the vote shall be taken by roll call if this is requested in writing by a political group or at least 40 Members at the latest the evening before the vote unless the President sets a different deadline. The provisions of Rule 180(1) on voting by roll call do not apply to the reports provided for in Rule 8(2) and Rule 9(3), (6) and (8) in the context of procedures relating to the immunity of a Member. The provisions of Rule 180 on voting by roll call do not apply to the reports provided for in Rule 8(2) and Rule 9(3), (6) and (8) in the context of procedures relating to the immunity of a Member. 1a.  Each political group may table no more than one hundred requests for roll call votes per part-session. 2.  The roll call vote shall be taken using the electronic voting system. Where the latter cannot be used for technical reasons, the roll shall be called in alphabetical order, beginning with the name of a Member drawn by lot. The President shall be the last to be called to vote. 2.  The roll call vote shall be taken using the electronic voting system. Where the latter cannot be used for technical reasons, the roll may be called in alphabetical order, beginning with the name of a Member drawn by lot. The President shall be the last to be called to vote. Voting shall be oral and shall be expressed by "Yes", "No", or "I abstain". Voting shall be by word of mouth and shall be expressed by "Yes", "No", or "I abstain". In calculating whether a motion has been adopted or rejected account shall be taken only of votes cast for and against. The President shall establish the result of the vote and announce it. Votes shall be recorded in the minutes of the sitting by political group in the alphabetical order of Members' names, with an indication of how they voted. 2a.   Votes shall be recorded in the minutes of the sitting by political group in the alphabetical order of Members' names, with an indication of how they voted. Amendment 202 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 180 a (new) Rule 180a Voting by secret ballot 1.  In the case of appointments, voting shall be by secret ballot without prejudice to Rules 15(1) and 204(2), second subparagraph. Only ballot papers bearing the names of candidates who have been nominated shall be taken into account in calculating the number of votes cast. 2.  Voting shall also be by secret ballot if this is requested by at least one-fifth of the component Members of Parliament. Such requests must be made before voting begins. 3.  A request for a secret ballot shall take priority over a request for a vote by roll call. 4.  Between two and eight Members chosen by lot shall count the votes cast in a secret ballot, unless an electronic vote is taken. In the case of votes under paragraph 1, candidates shall not act as tellers. The names of Members who have taken part in a secret ballot shall be recorded in the minutes of the sitting at which the ballot was held. Amendment 203 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 181 Rule 181 Rule 181 Electronic voting Use of electronic voting system 1.   The President may at any time decide that the voting operations indicated in Rules 178, 180 and 182 will be carried out by means of the electronic voting system. Where the electronic voting system cannot be used for technical reasons, voting shall take place in accordance with Rules 178, 180(2) or 182. The technical arrangements for using the electronic voting system shall be governed by instructions from the Bureau. 1.  The technical arrangements for using the electronic voting system shall be governed by instructions from the Bureau. 2.  Where an electronic vote is taken, only the numerical result of the vote shall be recorded. 2.  Where an electronic vote is taken, unless it concerns a roll call vote, only the numerical result of the vote shall be recorded. However, if a vote by roll call has been requested in accordance with Rule 180(1), the votes shall be recorded in the minutes of the sitting by political group in the alphabetical order of Members' names. 3.  The vote by roll call shall be taken in accordance with Rule 180(2) if a majority of the Members present so request. The system indicated in paragraph 1 of this Rule may be used to determine whether a majority exists. 3a.  The President may at any time decide to use the electronic voting system in order to check a threshold. Amendment 204 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 182 Rule 182 deleted Voting by secret ballot 1.  In the case of appointments, voting shall be by secret ballot without prejudice to Rules 15(1), 199(1) and 204(2), second subparagraph. Only ballot papers bearing the names of Members who have been nominated shall be taken into account in calculating the number of votes cast. 2.  Voting may also be by secret ballot if this is requested by at least one-fifth of the component Members of Parliament. Such requests must be made before voting begins. When a request for a secret ballot is submitted by at least one fifth of the component Members of Parliament before voting begins, Parliament must hold such a vote. 3.  A request for a secret ballot shall take priority over a request for a vote by roll call. 4.  Between two and eight Members chosen by lot shall count the votes cast in a secret ballot, unless an electronic vote is taken. In the case of votes under paragraph 1, candidates shall not act as tellers. The names of Members who have taken part in a secret ballot shall be recorded in the minutes of the sitting at which the ballot was held. Amendment 205 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 182 a (new) Rule 182 a Disputes on voting 1.  Points of order concerning the validity of a vote may be raised after the President has declared it closed. 2.  After the result of a vote by show of hands has been announced, a Member may request that this result be checked using the electronic voting system. 3.  The President shall decide whether the result announced is valid. His decision shall be final. Amendment 206 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 183 Rule 183 Rule 183 Explanations of vote Explanations of vote 1.  Once the general debate has been concluded, any Member may give an oral explanation on the final vote for not longer than one minute or give a written explanation of no more than 200 words, which shall be included in the verbatim report of proceedings. 1.  Once the voting session has been concluded, any Member may give an oral explanation on the single and/or final vote on an item submitted to Parliament for not longer than one minute. Each Member may give a maximum of three oral explanations of vote per part-session. Any Member may give on such vote a written explanation of vote of no more than 200 words which shall be included on the Member’s page on Parliament's website. Any political group may give an explanation of vote lasting not more than two minutes. Any political group may give an explanation of vote lasting not more than two minutes. No further requests to give explanations of vote shall be accepted once the first explanation of vote has begun. No further requests to give explanations of vote shall be accepted once the first explanation of vote on the first item has begun. Explanations of vote are admissible on the final vote on any subject submitted to Parliament. For the purposes of this Rule the term "final vote" does not refer to the type of vote, but means the last vote on any item. Explanations of vote are admissible on the single and/or final vote on any item submitted to Parliament. For the purposes of this Rule the term "final vote" does not refer to the type of vote, but means the last vote on any item. 2.  Explanations of vote shall not be admissible in the case of votes on procedural matters. 2.  Explanations of vote shall not be admissible in the case of secret ballot or votes on procedural matters. 3.  Where a proposal for a legislative act or a report has been included on the agenda of Parliament pursuant to Rule 150, Members may submit written explanations of vote in accordance with paragraph 1. 3.  Where an item has been included on the agenda of Parliament without amendments or without debate, Members may only submit written explanations of vote in accordance with paragraph 1. Explanations of vote given either orally or in writing must have a direct bearing on the text being put to the vote. Explanations of vote given either orally or in writing must have a direct bearing on the item submitted to Parliament. Amendment 207 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 184 Rule 184 deleted Disputes on voting 1.  The President shall declare votes open and closed. 2.  Once the President has declared a vote open, no-one except the President shall be allowed to speak until the vote is declared closed. 3.  Points of order concerning the validity of a vote may be raised after the President has declared it closed. 4.  After the result of a vote by show of hands has been announced, a Member may request that this result be checked using the electronic voting system. 5.  The President shall decide whether the result announced is valid. The decision shall be final. Amendment 208 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title VII – chapter 6 – title CHAPTER 6 CHAPTER 6 INTERRUPTIVE AND PROCEDURAL MOTIONS POINTS OF ORDER AND PROCEDURAL MOTIONS Amendment 209 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 185 Rule 185 Rule 185 Procedural motions Procedural motions 1.  Requests to move a procedural motion, namely: 1.  Requests to move a procedural motion, namely: (a)  the inadmissibility of a matter (Rule 187); (a)the inadmissibility of a matter (Rule 187); (b)  referral back to committee (Rule 188); (b)  referral back to committee (Rule 188); (c)  the closure of a debate (Rule 189); (c)  the closure of a debate (Rule 189); (d)  the adjournment of a debate and vote (Rule 190); or (d)  the adjournment of a debate and vote (Rule 190); or (e)  the suspension or closure of the sitting (Rule 191) (e)  the suspension or closure of the sitting (Rule 191) shall take precedence over other requests to speak. shall take precedence over other requests to speak. Only the following shall be heard on these motions in addition to the mover: one speaker in favour and one against and the Chair or rapporteur of the committee responsible. Only the following shall be heard on these motions in addition to the mover: one speaker against and the Chair or rapporteur of the committee responsible. 2.  Speaking time shall not exceed one minute. 2.  Speaking time shall not exceed one minute. Amendment 210 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 186 Rule 186 Rule 184a Points of order Points of order 1.  Members may be allowed to speak in order to draw the attention of the President to any failure to comply with Parliament's Rules of Procedure. They shall first specify to which Rule they are referring. 1.  Members may be allowed to speak in order to draw the attention of the President to any failure to comply with Parliament's Rules of Procedure. They shall first specify to which Rule they are referring. 2.  A request to raise a point of order shall take precedence over all other requests to speak. 2.  A request to raise a point of order shall take precedence over all other requests to speak or procedural motions. 3.  Speaking time shall not exceed one minute. 3.  Speaking time shall not exceed one minute. 4.  The President shall take an immediate decision on points of order in accordance with the Rules of Procedure and shall announce it immediately after the point of order has been raised. No vote shall be taken on the President's decision. 4.  The President shall take an immediate decision on points of order in accordance with the Rules of Procedure and shall announce it immediately after the point of order has been raised. No vote shall be taken on the President's decision. 5.  Exceptionally, the President may state that he will announce the decision later, but not more than 24 hours after the point of order was raised. Postponement of the ruling shall not entail the adjournment of the debate. The President may refer the matter to the committee responsible. 5.  Exceptionally, the President may state that he will announce the decision later, but not more than 24 hours after the point of order was raised. Postponement of the ruling shall not entail the adjournment of the debate. The President may refer the matter to the committee responsible. A request to raise a point of order must relate to the agenda item under discussion. The President may take a point of order concerning a different matter at an appropriate time, e.g., after the discussion of the agenda item in question is closed or before the sitting is suspended. A request to raise a point of order must relate to the agenda item under discussion. The President may take a point of order concerning a different matter at an appropriate time, e.g., after the discussion of the agenda item in question is closed or before the sitting is suspended. (This Rule as amended shall be moved before Rule 185.) Amendment 211 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 187 Rule 187 Rule 187 Moving the inadmissibility of a matter Moving the inadmissibility of a matter 1.  At the beginning of the debate on a specific item on the agenda, its inadmissibility may be moved. Such a motion shall be put to the vote immediately. 1.  At the beginning of the debate on a specific item on the agenda, its inadmissibility may be moved by a political group or 40 Members. Such a motion shall be put to the vote immediately. The intention to move inadmissibility shall be notified at least 24 hours in advance to the President who shall inform Parliament immediately. The intention to move inadmissibility 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 immediately proceed to the next item on the agenda. 2.  If the motion is carried, Parliament shall immediately proceed to the next item on the agenda. Amendment 212 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 188 Rule 188 Rule 188 Referral back to committee Referral back to committee 1.  Referral back to committee may be requested by a political group or at least 40 Members when the agenda is fixed or before the start of the debate. 1.  Referral back to committee may be requested by a political group or at least 40 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. 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. 2.  Referral back to committee may also be requested by a political group or at least 40 Members before or during a vote. Such a motion shall be put to the vote immediately. 2.  Referral back to committee may also be requested by a political group or at least 40 Members before or during a vote. Such a motion shall be put to the vote immediately. 3.  A request may be made only once at each of these procedural stages. 3.  A request may be made only once at each of these procedural stages. 4.  Referral back to committee shall entail suspension of the discussion of the item. 4.  Referral back to committee shall entail suspension of the consideration of the item. 5.  Parliament may set a time limit within which the committee must report its conclusions. 5.  Parliament may set a time limit within which the committee must report its conclusions. Amendment 213 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 190 Rule 190 Rule 190 Adjournment of a debate and vote Adjournment of a debate or vote 1.  At the start of a debate on an item on the agenda, a political group or at least 40 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 40 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. 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 the same part-session. 3.  If the motion is rejected, it may not be tabled again during the same part-session. 4.  Before or during a vote, a political group or at least 40 Members may move that the vote be adjourned. Such a motion shall be put to the vote immediately. 4.  Before or during a vote, a political group or at least 40 Members may move that the vote be adjourned. Such a motion shall be put to the vote immediately. Any decision by Parliament to adjourn a debate to a subsequent part-session shall specify the part-session on the agenda of which the debate is to be included, on the understanding that the agenda for that part-session is drawn up in accordance with Rules 149 and 152. Amendment 214 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 191 Rule 191 Rule 191 Suspension or closure of the sitting Suspension or closure of the sitting The sitting may be suspended or closed during a debate or a vote if Parliament so decides on a proposal from the President or at the request of a political group or at least 40 Members. Such a proposal or request shall be put to the vote immediately. The sitting may be suspended or closed during a debate or a vote if Parliament so decides on a proposal from the President or at the request of a political group or at least 40 Members. Such a proposal or request shall be put to the vote immediately. If a request to suspend or close the sitting is presented, the procedure to vote on that request is to be initiated without undue delay. The usual means of announcing plenary votes should be used and, in line with existing practice, sufficient time should be given for Members to reach the Chamber. If a request to suspend or close the sitting is presented, the procedure to vote on that request is to be initiated without undue delay. The usual means of announcing plenary votes should be used and, in line with existing practice, sufficient time should be given for Members to reach the Chamber. By analogy with the second subparagraph of Rule 152(2), if such a request has been rejected, a similar request cannot be tabled again during the same day. In accordance with the interpretation to Rule 22(1), the President has the right to put an end to excessive use of requests presented under this Rule. By analogy with the second subparagraph of Rule 149a(2), if such a request has been rejected, a similar request cannot be tabled again during the same day. In accordance with Rule 164a, the President has the right to put an end to excessive use of requests presented under this Rule. Amendment 215 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 192 Rule 192 Rule 192 Minutes Minutes 1.  The minutes of each sitting, detailing the proceedings and 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. 1.  The minutes of each sitting, detailing the proceedings, the names of speakers and the decisions of Parliament, including the result of any vote on any amendment, shall be made available at least half an hour before the beginning of the afternoon period of the next sitting. In the context of legislative proceedings, any amendments adopted by Parliament are also deemed to be decisions within the meaning of this provision, even if the relevant Commission proposal or the Council's position is ultimately rejected, in accordance with Rule 60(1) or Rule 68(3) respectively. 1a.  A list of documents forming the basis for Parliament's debates and decisions shall be published in the minutes. 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. 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. 3.  If any objections are raised to the minutes Parliament shall, if necessary, decide whether the changes requested should be considered. No Member may speak on the subject for more than one minute. 3.  If any objections are raised to the minutes Parliament shall, if necessary, decide whether the changes requested should be taken into account. No Member may speak on the subject for more than one minute. 4.  The minutes shall be signed by the President and the Secretary-General and preserved in the records of Parliament. They shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. 4.  The minutes shall be signed by the President and the Secretary-General and preserved in the records of Parliament. They shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Amendment 216 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 194 Rule 194 Rule 194 Verbatim reports Verbatim reports 1.  A verbatim report of the proceedings of each sitting shall be drawn up as a multilingual document in which all oral contributions appear in their original language. 1.  A verbatim report of the proceedings of each sitting shall be drawn up as a multilingual document in which all oral contributions appear in the original official language. 1a.  Without prejudice to his other disciplinary powers, the President may cause to be deleted from the verbatim reports the speeches of Members who have not been called upon to speak or who continue to speak beyond the time allotted to them. 2.  Speakers may make corrections to typescripts of their oral contributions within five working days. Corrections shall be sent within that deadline to the Secretariat. 2.  Speakers may make corrections to typescripts of their oral contributions within five working days. Corrections shall be sent within that deadline to the Secretariat. 3.  The multilingual verbatim report shall be published as an annex to the Official Journal of the European Union and preserved in the records of Parliament. 3.  The multilingual verbatim report shall be published as an annex to the Official Journal of the European Union and preserved in the records of Parliament. 4.  A translation into any official language of an extract from the verbatim report shall be made on request from a Member. If necessary, the translation shall be provided at short notice. 4.  A translation into any official language of an extract from the verbatim report shall be made on request from a Member. If necessary, the translation shall be provided at short notice. Amendment 217 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 195 Rule 195 Rule 195 Audiovisual record of proceedings Audiovisual record of proceedings 1.  The proceedings of Parliament in the languages in which they are conducted, as well as the multilingual soundtrack from all active interpretation booths, shall be broadcast in real time on its website. 1.  The proceedings of Parliament in the languages in which they are conducted, as well as the multilingual soundtrack from all active interpretation booths, shall be broadcast in real time on its website. 2.  Immediately after the sitting, an indexed audiovisual record of the proceedings in the languages in which they were conducted, as well as the multilingual soundtrack from all active interpretation booths, shall be produced and made available on Parliament's website during the current and the next parliamentary term, after which it shall be preserved in the records of Parliament. That audiovisual record shall be linked to the multilingual verbatim reports of the proceedings as soon as they are available. 2.  Immediately after the sitting, an indexed audiovisual record of the proceedings in the languages in which they were conducted, as well as the multilingual soundtrack from all active interpretation booths, shall be produced and made available on Parliament's website for the remainder of the parliamentary term and during the following parliamentary term, after which it shall be preserved in the records of Parliament. That audiovisual record shall be linked to the multilingual verbatim reports of the proceedings as soon as they are available. Amendment 218 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title VIII – chapter 1 – title COMMITTEES - SETTING-UP AND POWERS COMMITTEES Amendment 219 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 196 Rule 196 Rule 196 Setting-up of standing committees Setting-up of standing committees On a proposal from the Conference of Presidents, Parliament shall set up standing committees whose powers shall be defined in an annex to these Rules of Procedure22 . Their members shall be elected during the first part-session following the re-election of Parliament and again two and a half years thereafter. On a proposal from the Conference of Presidents, Parliament shall set up standing committees. Their responsibilities shall be defined in an annex to these Rules of Procedure22 which shall be adopted by a majority of the votes cast. Their members shall be appointed during the first part-session following the re-election of Parliament and again two and a half years thereafter. The powers of standing committees can be determined at a time other than that at which the committee is set up. The responsibilities of standing committees can be defined at a time other than that at which the committee is set up. __________________ __________________ 22 See Annex VI. 22 See Annex VI. Amendment 220 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 197 Rule 197 Rule 197 Setting-up of special committees Special committees On a proposal from the Conference of Presidents, Parliament may at any time set up special committees, whose powers, composition and term of office shall be defined at the same time as the decision to set them up is taken; their term of office may not exceed 12 months, except where Parliament extends that term on its expiry. 1.  On a proposal from the Conference of Presidents, Parliament may at any time set up special committees, whose responsibilities, numerical strength and term of office shall be defined at the same time as the decision to set them up is taken. As the powers, composition and term of office of special committees are decided at the same time as those committees are set up, Parliament cannot subsequently decide to alter their powers by either increasing or reducing them. 1a.  The term of office of special committees may not exceed 12 months except where Parliament extends that term on its expiry. Unless otherwise decided in the Parliament's decision setting up the special committee, its term of office shall start running from the date of its constituent meeting. 1b.  Special committees shall not be entitled to deliver opinions to other committees. Amendments 221 and 307 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 198 Rule 198 Rule 198 Committees of inquiry Committees of inquiry 1.   Parliament may, at the request of one quarter of its component Members, set up a committee of inquiry to investigate alleged contraventions of Union law or alleged maladministration in the application of Union law which would appear to be the act of an institution or body of the European Union, of a public administrative body of a Member State, or of persons empowered by Union law to implement that law. 1.  In accordance with Article 226 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 2 of Decision 95/167/EC, Euratom, ECSC of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission of 19 April 1995 on the detailed provisions governing the exercise of the European Parliament's right of inquiry , Parliament may, at the request of one quarter of its component Members, set up a committee of inquiry to investigate alleged contraventions or maladministration in the implementation of Union law which would appear to be the act of an institution or body of the European Union, of a public administrative body of a Member State, or of persons empowered by Union law to implement that law. The decision to set up a committee of inquiry shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union within one month. In addition, Parliament shall take all the necessary steps to make this decision as widely known as possible. The subject of the inquiry, as defined by one quarter of Parliament's component Members, and the period laid down in paragraph 10 shall not be open to amendments. 1a.  The decision to set up a committee of inquiry shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union within one month of being taken. 2.  The modus operandi of a committee of inquiry shall be governed by the provisions of these Rules relating to committees, save as otherwise specifically provided for in this Rule and in the Decision of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission of 19 April 1995 on the detailed provisions governing the exercise of the European Parliament's right of inquiry, which is annexed to these Rules23 . 2.  The modus operandi of a committee of inquiry shall be governed by the provisions of the Rules relating to committees, save as otherwise specifically provided for in this Rule and in Decision 95/167/EC, Euratom, ECSC. 3.  The request to set up a committee of inquiry must specify precisely the subject of the inquiry and include a detailed statement of the grounds for it. Parliament, on a proposal from the Conference of Presidents, shall decide whether to set up a committee and, if it decides to do so, on its composition, in accordance with Rule 199. 3.  The request to set up a committee of inquiry must specify precisely the subject of the inquiry and include a detailed statement of the grounds for it. Parliament, on a proposal from the Conference of Presidents, shall decide whether to set up a committee and, if it decides to do so, on its numerical strength. 4.  A committee of inquiry shall conclude its work by submitting a report within not more than 12 months. Parliament may twice decide to extend this period by three months. Only full members or, in their absence, permanent substitutes may vote in a committee of inquiry. 4a.  Committees of inquiry shall not be entitled to deliver opinions to other committees. 4b.  At any stage of its proceedings, only full members or, in their absence, substitutes may vote in a committee of inquiry. 5.  A committee of inquiry shall elect its Chair and two Vice-Chairs and appoint one or more rapporteurs. The committee may also assign responsibilities, duties or specific tasks to its members who must subsequently report to the committee in detail thereon. 5.  A committee of inquiry shall elect its Chair and Vice-Chairs and appoint one or more rapporteurs. The committee may also assign responsibilities, duties or specific tasks to its members who must subsequently report to the committee in detail thereon. In the interval between one meeting and another, the bureau of the committee shall, in cases of urgency or need, exercise the committee's powers, subject to ratification at the next meeting. 5a.  In the interval between one meeting and another, the coordinators of the committee shall, in cases of urgency or need, exercise the committee's powers, subject to ratification at the next meeting. 6.  If a committee of inquiry considers that any of its rights have been infringed, it shall propose that the President take appropriate measures. 7.   A committee of inquiry may contact the institutions or persons referred to in Article 3 of the Decision referred to in paragraph 2 with a view to holding a hearing or obtaining documents. The travel and accommodation expenses of members and officials of Union institutions and bodies shall be borne by those institutions and bodies. Travel and accommodation expenses of other persons who appear before a committee of inquiry shall be reimbursed by the European Parliament in accordance with the rules governing hearings of experts. Persons called to give evidence before a committee of inquiry may claim the rights they would enjoy if appearing as a witness before a tribunal in their country of origin. They must be informed of these rights before they make a statement to the committee. With regard to the languages used, a committee of inquiry shall apply the provisions of Rule 158. However, the bureau of the committee: 7.  With regard to the languages used, a committee of inquiry shall apply the provisions of Rule 158. However, the bureau of the committee: –  may restrict interpretation to the official languages of those taking part in the deliberations, if it deems this necessary for reasons of confidentiality, –  may restrict interpretation to the official languages of those taking part in the deliberations, if it deems this necessary for reasons of confidentiality, –  shall decide about translation of the documents received in such a way as to ensure that the committee can carry out its deliberations efficiently and rapidly and that the necessary secrecy and confidentiality are respected. –  shall decide about translation of the documents received in such a way as to ensure that the committee can carry out its deliberations efficiently and rapidly and that the necessary secrecy and confidentiality are respected. 8.  The Chair of a committee of inquiry shall, together with the bureau, ensure that the secrecy or confidentiality of deliberations are respected and shall give members due notice to this effect. The Chair shall also explicitly refer to the provisions of Article 2(2) of the Decision referred to above. Part A of Annex VII to these Rules of Procedure shall apply. 9.  Secret or confidential documents which have been forwarded shall be examined using technical measures to ensure that only the members responsible for the case have personal access to them. The members in question shall give a solemn undertaking not to allow any other person access to secret or confidential information, in accordance with this Rule, and to use such information exclusively for the purposes of drawing up their report for the committee of inquiry. Meetings shall be held on premises equipped in such a way as to make it impossible for any non-authorised persons to listen to the proceedings. 9a.   Where alleged contraventions or maladministration in the implementation of Union law suggest that a body or authority of a Member State could be responsible, the committee of inquiry may ask the parliament of the Member State concerned to cooperate in the investigation. 10.  After completion of its work a committee of inquiry shall submit to Parliament a report on the results of its work, containing minority opinions if appropriate in accordance with the conditions laid down in Rule 56. The report shall be published. 10.  A committee of inquiry shall conclude its work by presenting to Parliament a report on the results of its work within no more than 12 months from its constituent meeting. Parliament may twice decide to extend this period by three months. If appropriate, the report may contain minority opinions in accordance with the conditions laid down in Rule 56. The report shall be published. At the request of the committee of inquiry Parliament shall hold a debate on the report at the part-session following its submission. At the request of the committee of inquiry Parliament shall hold a debate on the report at the part-session following its submission. The committee may also submit to Parliament a draft recommendation addressed to institutions or bodies of the European Union or the Member States. 10a.  The committee may also submit to Parliament a draft recommendation addressed to institutions or bodies of the European Union or the Member States. 11.  The President shall instruct the committee responsible under Annex VI to monitor the action taken on the results of the work of the committee of inquiry and, if appropriate, to report thereon, and shall take any further steps which are deemed appropriate to ensure that the conclusions of the inquiry are acted upon in practice. 11.  The President shall instruct the committee responsible under Annex VI to monitor the action taken on the results of the work of the committee of inquiry and, if appropriate, to report thereon, and shall take any further steps which are deemed appropriate to ensure that the conclusions of the inquiry are acted upon in practice. Only the proposal from the Conference of Presidents concerning the composition of a committee of inquiry (paragraph 3) is open to amendment, in accordance with Rule 199(2). The subject of the inquiry as defined by one quarter of Parliament's component Members (paragraph 3) and the period laid down in paragraph 4 are not open to amendments. __________________ 23 See Annex VIII. (The second subparagraph of paragraph 1 is inserted as an interpretation.) Amendment 222 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 199 Rule 199 Rule 199 Composition of committees Composition of committees 1.  Members of committees and committees of inquiry shall be elected after nominations have been submitted by the political groups and the non-attached Members. The Conference of Presidents shall submit proposals to Parliament. The composition of the committees shall, as far as possible, reflect the composition of Parliament. 1.  Members of committees, special committees and committees of inquiry shall be appointed by the political groups and the non-attached Members. The Conference of Presidents shall set a deadline by which political groups and the non-attached Members shall communicate their appointments to the President, who shall then announce them to Parliament. When Members change their political group they shall retain, for the remainder of their two-and-a-half year term of office, the seats they hold in parliamentary committees. However, if a Member's change of political group has the effect of disturbing the fair representation of political views in a committee, new proposals for the composition of that committee are made by the Conference of Presidents in accordance with the procedure laid down in paragraph 1, second sentence, so that the individual rights of the Member concerned are guaranteed. The proportionality of the distribution of committee seats among political groups must not depart from the nearest appropriate whole number. If a group decides not to take seats on a committee, the seats in question will remain vacant and the committee will be reduced in size by the corresponding number. Exchange of seats between political groups is not allowed. 1a.  The composition of the committees shall, as far as possible, reflect the composition of Parliament. The distribution of committee seats among political groups must be either the nearest whole number above or the nearest whole number below the proportional calculation. Where there is no agreement among the political groups on their proportional weight within one or more specific committees, the Conference of Presidents shall decide. 1b.  If a political group decides not to take seats on a committee, or fails to appoint its members within the deadline set by the Conference of Presidents, the seats in question shall remain vacant. Exchange of seats between political groups is not allowed. 1c.  Where a Member's change of political group has the effect of disturbing the proportional distribution of committee seats as defined in paragraph 1a, and there is no agreement among political groups to ensure compliance with the principles set out therein, the Conference of Presidents shall take the necessary decisions. 1d.  Any modifications decided in the appointments by political groups and non-attached Members shall be communicated to the President, who shall announce them to Parliament at the latest at the beginning of the next sitting. These decisions shall take effect as from the day of the announcement. 1e.  The political groups and the non-attached Members may appoint a number of substitutes for each committee which shall not exceed the number of full members that the political group or the non-attached Members are entitled to appoint in the committee. The President shall be informed accordingly. These substitutes shall be entitled to attend and to speak at committee meetings and, if the full member is absent, to take part in the vote. 1f.  In the absence of the full member and where substitutes either have not been appointed or are absent, the full member may arrange to be represented at meetings by another member of the same political group, or, where the member is a non-attached Member, by another non-attached Member, who shall be entitled to vote. The Chair of the committee shall be notified at the latest by the beginning of the voting session. The advance notification provided for in the last sentence of paragraph 1f must be given before the end of the debate or before the opening of the vote on the item or items for which the full member is to be replaced. 2.  Amendments to the proposals by the Conference of Presidents shall be admissible only if they are tabled by at least 40 Members. Parliament shall vote on such amendments by secret ballot. 3.  Members shall be deemed to be elected on the basis of the proposals from the Conference of Presidents, as and where amended in accordance with paragraph 2. 4.  If a political group fails to submit nominations for membership of a committee of inquiry in accordance with paragraph 1 within a time limit set by the Conference of Presidents, the Conference of Presidents shall submit to Parliament only the nominations communicated to it within that time-limit. 5.  The Conference of Presidents may provisionally decide to fill any vacancy on a committee with the agreement of the persons to be appointed, having regard to paragraph 1. 6.  Any such changes shall be placed before Parliament for ratification at the next sitting. In accordance with this Rule: –  the status of a full or substitute member of a committee shall depend exclusively on membership of a given political group; –  if the number of a political group's full members in a committee changes, the maximum number of permanent substitutes which it can appoint to that committee shall change accordingly; –  Members who change their political group may not keep the status of full or substitute member of a committee which they had as members of their original group; –  a committee member may not under any circumstances be a substitute for a colleague who belongs to another political group. (The last two unnumbered paragraphs of the Rule are inserted as interpretations.) Amendment 223 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 200 Rule 200 deleted Substitutes 1.  The political groups and the non-attached Members may appoint a number of permanent substitutes for each committee equal to the number of full members representing them on the committee. The President shall be informed accordingly. These permanent substitutes shall be entitled to attend and speak at committee meetings and, if the full member is absent, to take part in the vote. In the event that the seat of a full member of a committee falls vacant, a permanent substitute from the same political group shall be entitled to vote in place of the full member, on a temporary basis pending the provisional replacement of the full member in accordance with Rule 199(5), or, in the absence of such provisional replacement, pending the appointment of a new full member. Such entitlement is based on Parliament's decision concerning the numerical composition of the committee, and aims at ensuring that the number of members of the political group concerned who can take part in the vote is equal to the number entitled to do so before the seat fell vacant. 2.  In addition, in the absence of the full member and where permanent substitutes either have not been appointed or are absent, the full member of the committee may arrange to be represented at meetings by another member of the same political group, who shall be entitled to vote. The Chair of the committee shall be notified of the name of the substitute prior to the beginning of the voting session. Paragraph 2 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the non-attached Members. The advance notification provided for in the last sentence of paragraph 2 must be given before the end of the debate or before the opening of the vote on the item or items for which the full member is to be replaced. * * * The provisions of this Rule encompass two concepts which are clearly defined by this text: –  a political group may not have more permanent substitutes on a committee than it has full members; –  only political groups are entitled to appoint permanent substitutes, on the sole condition that they inform the President. To conclude: –  the status of permanent substitutes depends exclusively on membership of a given political group; –  if the number of a political group's full members in a committee changes, the maximum number of permanent substitutes which it can appoint to that committee changes accordingly; –  Members who change their political group may not keep the status of permanent substitute which they had as members of their original group; –  a committee member may not under any circumstances be a substitute for a colleague who belongs to another political group. Amendment 224 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 201 Rule 201 Rule 201 Duties of committees Duties of committees 1.  Standing committees shall examine questions referred to them by Parliament or, during an adjournment of the session, by the President on behalf of the Conference of Presidents. The responsibilities of special committees and committees of inquiry shall be defined when they are set up; they shall not be entitled to deliver opinions to other committees. 1.  Standing committees shall examine questions referred to them by Parliament or, during an adjournment of the session, by the President on behalf of the Conference of Presidents. (See interpretation under Rule 197.) 2.  If a standing committee declares itself not competent to consider a question, or a conflict arises 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 Presidents shall take a decision within six weeks on the basis of a recommendation from the Conference of Committee Chairs, or, if no such recommendation is forthcoming, from the latter's Chair. If the Conference of Presidents fails to take a decision within that period, the recommendation shall be deemed to have been approved. The committee Chairs may enter into agreements with other committee Chairs concerning the allocation of an item to a particular committee, subject, where necessary, to authorisation of a procedure with associated committees under Rule 54. 3.  Should two or more standing committees be competent to deal with a question, one committee shall be named as the committee responsible and the others as committees asked for opinions. 3.  Should two or more standing committees be competent to deal with a question, one committee shall be named as the committee responsible and the others as committees asked for opinions. A question shall not, however, be referred simultaneously to more than three committees, unless it is decided for sound reasons to depart from this rule under the conditions laid down in paragraph 1. A question shall not, however, be referred simultaneously to more than three committees, unless it is decided to depart from this rule under the conditions laid down in paragraph 1. 4.  Any two or more committees or subcommittees may jointly consider matters falling within their competence, but they may not take a decision. 4.  Any two or more committees or subcommittees may jointly consider matters falling within their competence, but they may not take a decision jointly except where Rule 55 applies. 5.  Any committee may, with the agreement of Parliament's Bureau, instruct one or more of its members to undertake a study or fact-finding mission. 5.  Any committee may, with the agreement of Parliament's relevant bodies, instruct one or more of its members to undertake a study or fact-finding mission. Amendment 225 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 201 a (new) Rule 201 a Questions of competence 1.  If a standing committee declares itself to be not competent to consider an item, or a conflict arises over the competence of two or more standing committees, the question of competence shall be submitted to the Conference of Committee Chairs within four weeks of the announcement in Parliament of the referral to committee. 2.  The Conference of Presidents shall take a decision within six weeks after the submission of the question on the basis of a recommendation from the Conference of Committee Chairs, or, if no such recommendation is forthcoming, from the latter's Chair. If the Conference of Presidents fails to take a decision within that period, the recommendation shall be deemed to have been approved. 3.  The committee Chairs may enter into agreements with other committee Chairs concerning the allocation of an item to a particular committee, subject, where necessary, to authorisation of a procedure with associated committees under Rule 54. Amendment 226 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 202 Rule 202 deleted Committee responsible for the verification of credentials Among the committees set up in accordance with the provisions of these Rules, one committee shall be responsible for the verification of credentials and the preparation of decisions on any objections concerning the validity of elections. Amendment 227 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 203 Rule 203 Rule 203 Subcommittees Subcommittees 1.  Subject to prior authorisation by the Conference of Presidents, a standing or special committee may, in the interests of its work, appoint one or more subcommittees, at the same time determining their composition, in accordance with Rule 199, and their areas of responsibility. Subcommittees shall report to the committee that set them up. 1.  Subcommittees may be set up in accordance with Rule 196. A standing or special committee may also, in the interests of its work and subject to prior authorisation by the Conference of Presidents, appoint one or more subcommittees, at the same time determining their composition, in accordance with the relevant provisions laid down in Rule 199, and their areas of responsibility, which shall fall within the areas of responsibility of the parent committee. Subcommittees shall report to their parent committee. 2.  The procedure for subcommittees shall be the same as for committees. 2.  Unless otherwise specified in these Rules, the procedure for subcommittees shall be the same as for committees. 2a.  Full members of a subcommittee shall be chosen from among the members of the parent committee. 3.  Substitutes shall be allowed to sit on subcommittees under the same conditions as on committees. 3.  Substitutes shall be allowed to sit on subcommittees under the same conditions as on committees. 4.  The application of these provisions must safeguard the interdependence between a subcommittee and the committee within which it is set up. For this purpose all the full members of a subcommittee shall be chosen from among the members of the parent committee. 4a.  The Chair of the parent committee may involve the Chairs of the subcommittees in the work of the coordinators or may allow them to chair debates in the parent committee on issues specifically dealt with by the subcommittees in question, provided that this way of proceeding is submitted to the committee bureau for consideration and approved. Amendment 228 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 204 Rule 204 Rule 204 Committee bureaux Committee bureaux At the first committee meeting after the election of committee members pursuant to Rule 199, the committee shall elect a bureau consisting of a chair and of vice-chairs who shall be elected in separate ballots. The number of vice-chairs to be elected shall be determined by Parliament upon a proposal by the Conference of Presidents. 1.   At the first committee meeting after the appointment of committee members pursuant to Rule 199, the committee shall elect a bureau consisting of a chair and of vice-chairs who shall be elected from among the full members of that committee in separate ballots. The number of vice-chairs to be elected shall be determined by Parliament upon a proposal by the Conference of Presidents. The diversity of Parliament must be reflected in the composition of the bureau of each committee; it shall not be permissible to have an all male or all female bureau or for all of the Vice-Chairs to come from the same Member State. Only full members of a committee who have been elected in accordance with Rule 199 may be elected to the bureau of that committee. Where the number of nominations corresponds to the number of seats to be filled, the election may take place by acclamation. 2.   Where the number of nominations corresponds to the number of seats to be filled, the election shall take place by acclamation. However, if there is more than one candidate on a given ballot, or at least one sixth of the committee members requested a vote, the election shall take place by secret ballot. If this is not the case, or at the request of one-sixth of the members of the committee, the election shall take place by secret ballot. If there is only one candidate, the election shall be won by an absolute majority of the votes cast, these to include votes cast for and against. If there is only one candidate, the election shall be won by an absolute majority of the votes cast, these to include votes cast for and against. If there is more than one candidate at the first ballot, the candidate who obtains an absolute majority of the votes cast, as defined in the preceding subparagraph, shall be elected. At the second ballot, the candidate who obtains the highest number of votes shall be elected. In the event of a tie, the oldest candidate shall be elected. If there is more than one candidate, the candidate who obtains an absolute majority of the votes cast at the first ballot shall be elected. At the second ballot, the candidate who obtains the highest number of votes shall be elected. In the event of a tie, the oldest candidate shall be elected. Where a second ballot is required, new candidates may be nominated. This Rule does not preclude the Chair of the main committee from involving the Chairs of the subcommittees in the work of the bureau or from permitting them to chair debates on issues specifically dealt with by the subcommittees in question – on the contrary, it allows this – provided that this way of proceeding is submitted to the bureau in its entirety for its consideration and that it receives the bureau's agreement. 2a.  The following Rules concerning the Officers of Parliament shall apply mutatis mutandis to committees: Rule 14 (Provisional Chair), Rule 15 (Nominations and general provisions), Rule 16 (Election of President - opening address), Rule 19 (Term of office of Officers) and Rule 20 (Vacancies). Amendment 229 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 205 Rule 205 Rule 205 Committee coordinators and shadow rapporteurs Committee coordinators 1.  The political groups may designate one of their members as coordinator. 1.  The political groups may designate one of their members in each committee as coordinator. 2.  The committee coordinators shall if necessary be convened by their committee Chair to prepare decisions to be taken by the committee, in particular decisions on procedure and the appointment of rapporteurs. The committee may delegate the power to take certain decisions to the coordinators, with the exception of decisions concerning the adoption of reports, opinions or amendments. The Vice-Chairs may be invited to participate in the meetings of committee coordinators in a consultative role. The coordinators shall endeavour to find a consensus. When consensus cannot be reached, they may act only by a majority that clearly represents a large majority of the committee, having regard to the respective strengths of the various groups. 2.  The committee coordinators shall if necessary be convened by the committee Chair to prepare decisions to be taken by the committee, in particular decisions on procedure and on the appointment of rapporteurs. The committee may delegate the power to take certain decisions to the coordinators, with the exception of decisions concerning the adoption of reports, motions for resolutions, opinions or amendments. The Vice-Chairs may be invited to participate in the meetings of committee coordinators in a consultative role. When consensus cannot be reached, the coordinators may act only by a majority that clearly represents a large majority of the committee, having regard to the respective strengths of the various political groups. The Chair shall announce in committee all decisions and recommendations of the coordinators, which shall be deemed to have been adopted if they are not contested and shall be duly mentioned in the minutes of the committee meeting. 3.  The committee coordinators shall be convened by their committee Chair to prepare the organisation of the hearings of Commissioners-designate. Following those hearings, the coordinators shall meet to evaluate the nominees in accordance with the procedure laid down in Annex XVI. 4.  The political groups may designate a shadow rapporteur for each report to follow the progress of the relevant report and find compromises within the committee on behalf of the group. Their names shall be communicated to the committee Chair. The committee, on a proposal from the coordinators, may in particular decide to involve the shadow rapporteurs in seeking an agreement with the Council in ordinary legislative procedures. Non-attached Members do not constitute a political group within the meaning of Rule 32 and they cannot therefore designate coordinators, who are the only Members entitled to attend coordinator meetings. Non-attached Members do not constitute a political group within the meaning of Rule 32 and they cannot therefore designate coordinators, who are the only Members entitled to attend coordinator meetings. The function of coordinator meetings is to prepare committee decisions and they may not replace committee meetings without explicit delegation. Hence ex-ante delegation is required for decisions taken at coordinator meetings. In the absence of such delegation, coordinators may only adopt recommendations requiring formal ex-post approval by the committee. In all cases, non-attached Members must be guaranteed access to information, in accordance with the principle of non-discrimination, through the supply of information and the presence of a member of the non-attached Members’ secretariat at coordinator meetings. In all cases, non-attached Members must be guaranteed access to information, in accordance with the principle of non-discrimination, through the supply of information and the presence of a member of the non-attached Members’ secretariat at coordinator meetings. Amendment 230 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 205 a (new) Rule 205 a Shadow Rapporteurs The political groups may designate a shadow rapporteur for each report to follow the progress of the relevant report and find compromises within the committee on behalf of the group. Their names shall be communicated to the committee Chair. Amendment 231 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Title VIII – chapter 2 – title CHAPTER 2 deleted COMMITTEES - FUNCTIONING Amendment 232 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 206 Rule 206 Rule 206 Committee meetings Committee meetings 1.  A committee shall meet when convened by its Chair or at the request of the President. 1.  A committee shall meet when convened by its Chair or at the request of the President. When convening the meeting, the Chair shall submit its draft agenda. The committee shall take a decision on the agenda at the beginning of the meeting. 2.  The Commission and the Council may take part in committee meetings if invited to do so on behalf of a committee by its Chair. 2.  The Commission, the Council and other Union institutions may take the floor in committee meetings if invited to do so on behalf of a committee by its Chair. By special decision of a committee, any other person may be invited to attend and to speak at a meeting. By decision of a committee, any other person may be invited to attend and to take the floor at a meeting. By analogy, the decision on whether to allow Members' assistants to be present at committee meetings is left to the discretion of each committee. The committee responsible may, subject to approval by the Bureau, organise a hearing of experts if it considers such a hearing essential to the effective conduct of its work on a particular subject. The committee responsible may, subject to approval by the Bureau, organise a hearing of experts if it considers such a hearing essential to the effective conduct of its work on a particular subject. Committees asked for opinions may attend the hearing if they so wish. Provisions of this paragraph shall be interpreted in accordance with the point 50 of the Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission24. 3.  Without prejudice to Rule 53(6) and unless the committee concerned decides otherwise, Members may attend meetings of committees to which they do not belong but may not take part in their deliberations. 3.  Without prejudice to Rule 53(6) and unless the committee concerned decides otherwise, Members who attend meetings of committees to which they do not belong, may not take part in their deliberations. Such Members may, however, be allowed by the committee to take part in its proceedings in an advisory capacity. They may, however, be allowed by the committee to take part in its meetings in an advisory capacity. 3a.  Rule 162(2) on allocation of speaking time shall apply mutatis mutandis to committees. 3b.  Where a verbatim report is drawn up, Rule 194 (1a), (2) and (4) shall apply mutatis mutandis. ___________________________ 24 See Annex XIII. Amendment 233 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 207 Rule 207 Rule 207 Minutes of committee meetings Minutes of committee meetings The minutes of each meeting of a committee shall be distributed to all its members and submitted to the committee for its approval. The minutes of each meeting of a committee shall be made available to all its members and submitted to the committee for its approval. Amendment 234 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 208 Rule 208 Rule 208 Voting in committee Voting in committee 1.  Any Member may table amendments for consideration in committee. 1.  Without prejudice to Rule 66(4) on second readings, amendments or draft proposals for rejection tabled for consideration in committee shall always be signed by a full or substitute member of the committee concerned or co-signed by at least one such member. 2.  A committee may validly vote when one quarter of its members are actually present. However, if so requested by one sixth of its members before voting begins, the vote shall be valid only if the majority of the component members of the committee have taken part in it. 2.  A committee may validly vote when one quarter of its members are actually present. However, if so requested by one sixth of its members before voting begins, the vote shall be valid only if the majority of its members have taken part in it. 3.  Any single and/or final vote in committee on a report shall be taken by roll call in accordance with Rule 180(2). The vote on amendments and other votes shall be taken by a show of hands, unless the Chair decides to proceed to an electronic vote or a quarter of the committee members request a vote by roll call. 3.  Any single and/or final vote in committee on a report or opinion shall be taken by roll call in accordance with Rule 180(2) and (2a). The vote on amendments and other votes shall be taken by a show of hands, unless the Chair decides to proceed to an electronic vote or a quarter of the committee members request a vote by roll call. The provisions of Rule 208(3) on voting by roll call do not apply to the reports provided for in Rule 8(2) and Rule 9(3), (6) and (8) in the context of procedures relating to the immunity of a Member. The provisions of Rule 208(3) on voting by roll call do not apply to the reports provided for in Rule 8(2) and Rule 9(3), (6) and (8) in the context of procedures relating to the immunity of a Member. 4.  The Chair may take part in discussions and may vote, but without having a casting vote. 5.  In the light of the amendments tabled, the committee may, instead of proceeding to a vote, ask the rapporteur to submit a new draft taking account of as many of the amendments as possible. A new deadline shall then be set for amendments to this draft. 5.  In the light of the amendments tabled, the committee may, instead of proceeding to a vote, ask the rapporteur to submit a new draft taking account of as many of the amendments as possible. A new deadline shall then be set for amendments. Amendment 235 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 209 Rule 209 Rule 209 Provisions concerning plenary sittings applicable in committee Provisions concerning plenary sittings applicable in committee Rules 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 38 to 48, 160, 162(2) and (10), 165, 167, 169 to 172, 174, 176(1), 177, 178, 181, 182, 184 to 187, 190 and 191 shall apply mutatis mutandis to committee meetings. The following Rules concerning voting, interruptive and procedural motions shall apply mutatis mutandis to committees: Rule 164a (Prevention of obstruction), 168a (Thresholds), Rule 169 (Tabling and moving amendments), Rule 170 (Admissibility of amendments), Rule 171 (Voting procedure), Rule 174 (Order of voting on amendments), Rule 176 (1) (Split voting), Rule 177 (Right to vote), Rule 178 (Voting), Rule 179a (Tied votes), Rule 180(2) and (2a) (Vote by roll call), Rule 180a (Voting by secret ballot), Rule 181 (Use of electronic voting system), Rule 182a (Disputes on voting), Rule 184a (Points of order), Rule 190 (Adjournment of a debate or vote) and Rule 191 (Suspension or closure of the sitting). Amendment 236 Parliament's Rules of Procedure Rule 210 a (new) Rule 210a Procedure for the consultation by a committee of confidential information received by Parliament 1.  When Parliament is under a legal obligation to treat information received as confidential information, the chair of the committee responsible shall automatically apply the confidential procedure laid down in paragraph 3. 2.  Without prejudice to paragraph 1, in the absence of any legal obligation to treat the information received as confidential information, any committee may apply the confidential procedure laid down in paragraph 3 on its own motion to an item of inform